How to Choose the Best Hunting Binoculars in NZ

Men hunting in NZ

Choosing binoculars for hunting

If you’re heading out on a hunt, a good pair of hunting binoculars is just as essential as your firearm. Whether you’re glassing hillsides or scanning through thick bush, binoculars help you spot game, assess its size and species, and plan your approach without disturbing your target.

Hunting binoculars let you get a clearer view of your surroundings, identify animals at a distance, and gather important details like body size and antler shape, all of which help you make ethical, informed decisions.

Before you buy your next pair of binoculars for hunting, use our hunting binoculars buying guide to help you choose the best binoculars for the job. Need some help understanding the basics of binoculars? Read our generic information about binoculars first, or read more about hunting binocular requirements here.

What’s the best magnification for hunting binoculars?

While it’s tempting to go for the highest magnification, bigger isn’t always better. The most popular and practical magnifications for hunting are 8x and 10x.

Why lower magnification is better for hunting:

  • A more stable image, as higher magnification exaggerates hand shake
  • A wider field of view, making it easier to spot moving animals
  • Brighter images, especially helpful in low light conditions like dawn and dusk
  • Better eye relief, which is more comfortable, especially if you wear glasses

When higher magnification works:

If you’re hunting in wide open spaces, you might prefer 10x or even 12x binoculars to pick out distant animals. But for bush hunting or thick scrub, 8x42s often give the best all-round performance.

What size binocular lenses are best for hunting?

Hunting often happens in low light during early mornings and late evenings, so binoculars with good light-gathering ability are essential.

As a general rule:

  • Larger lenses mean a brighter image
  • Smaller lenses mean lighter weight

The most popular size for hunting is 42mm (e.g. 8x42 or 10x42), offering a great balance between brightness and portability. If you’re hunting on foot all day and want something lighter, 30mm–32mm binoculars can be a good compromise. Just be aware they won’t perform as well in poor light.

Additional features that are important for hunting binoculars

When shopping for binoculars for hunting in NZ, make sure they’re built for the outdoors. Look for:

  • Waterproof and fog-proof construction to handle changing weather
  • Rubber armour coating to protect against drops and bumps
  • Good grip and durability for wet, muddy, or rough conditions
  • Lens coatings and quality optics to improve clarity, brightness, and contrast

You might also consider rangefinder binoculars if you want to measure distance as well as spot your target.

Not sure where to start?

Check out our full range of hunting binoculars to find models with the features and specs you need. We’ve handpicked the best options for New Zealand conditions, whether you’re stalking deer in dense forest or scanning hillsides from afar.

Need help? Get in touch — we're always happy to help you find the right pair.