How to Choose the Best Optics for Your Next Big Game Hunt
Quality optics can make or break a hunt. Whether you’re glassing distant elk herds, judging a whitetail buck at last light, or lining up a precise shot across a canyon, the right binoculars and rifle scope dramatically improve your success. With so many options on the market, knowing what truly matters helps you invest wisely—and avoid gear that falls short when conditions get tough.
If you're gearing up for your next hunt, you can compare outfitters and plan your trip through Find A Hunt.
Key Optics You’ll Need for Big Game Hunting
Most hunters rely on three essential tools:
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Binoculars – for glassing, scouting, and evaluating animals
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Rifle scope – for accurate, ethical shot placement
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Spotting scope (optional) – for long-range glassing, trophy judging, and open-country hunts
Choosing the right combination depends on terrain, species, and your personal hunting style.
Choosing Binoculars for Big Game: Magnification & Objective Size
Best All-Around Binocular Sizes
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8x42 – Great for timber, Midwest whitetails, shorter ranges, and handheld use.
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10x42 – The most common choice for western big game and versatile across habitats.
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12x50 – Ideal for long-range spotting in open country, especially with a tripod.
What to Look For
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ED / HD glass for clarity and contrast
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Wide field of view for easier scanning
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Fogproof and waterproof construction
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Light transmission for early-morning and late-evening glassing
Higher magnification isn’t always better—shaky images and narrow fields of view can make prolonged glassing difficult without a tripod.
Selecting the Right Rifle Scope
A high-quality rifle scope is critical for ethical shooting. The best choice depends on your typical shot distances, species, and terrain.
Common Magnification Ranges
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3–9x40 – Classic, reliable, ideal for whitetail and general big game hunting
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2.5–10x42 – Versatile for both timber and longer shots
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4–16x44 or 50 – Great for western long-range opportunities
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1–6x or 1–8x – Excellent for close-range hunting, thick brush, or dangerous game
Essential Rifle Scope Features
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Durable, shockproof construction
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Consistent, repeatable tracking
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Generous eye relief
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Clear glass in low light
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Simple reticle (duplex or BDC for most hunters)
Do You Need an Adjustable Objective or Side Parallax?
For shots beyond 300 yards or high-magnification scopes, yes. For typical 100–200 yard whitetail shots, it’s optional.
When a Spotting Scope Makes Sense
Spotting scopes shine in wide-open landscapes or for hunters who need to judge animals accurately from long distances.
Ideal For:
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Elk, mule deer, and antelope on western hunts
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Mountain hunts requiring ridge-to-ridge glassing
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Hunters interested in trophy evaluation
What to Look For:
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Tripod compatibility
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Angled vs. straight eyepiece (angled for glassing uphill, straight for fast target acquisition)
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60–80mm objective lenses for balanced clarity and weight
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High-quality coatings for reduced glare
If you hunt Midwest whitetails or dense brush, you may not need a spotting scope at all.
Understanding Glass Quality: What Really Matters
All optics look similar on paper, but true performance comes down to the quality of the glass and coatings.
Key Factors:
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ED/HD glass improves color fidelity and reduces chromatic aberration
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Fully multicoated lenses enhance brightness and contrast
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High-end prisms reduce internal light loss
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Build quality impacts durability, fogproofing, and lifetime performance
Invest where it counts: a good pair of binoculars often improves your hunting success more than any other piece of gear.
Terrain Matters: Matching Optics to Your Hunt
Timber & Thick Cover
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Binoculars: 8x42
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Rifle Scope: 1–6x, 2–7x, or 3–9x
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Spotting Scope: Rarely needed
Mixed Habitat / Rolling Hills
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Binoculars: 10x42
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Rifle Scope: 3–9x or 4–12x
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Spotting Scope: Optional
Open Country / Mountains
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Binoculars: 10x42 or 12x50
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Rifle Scope: 4–16x or similar
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Spotting Scope: Highly recommended
Long-Range or Trophy-Focused Hunts
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High-magnification optics
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High-quality glass
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Tripod setups for stability
Weight vs. Performance: Finding the Balance
Mountain hunters may prioritize lightweight gear, while stand hunters can afford heavier, higher-magnification options. The best optics are the ones you’re willing to carry all day.
Tips for Buying Optics That Last
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Choose brands with strong warranties
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Prioritize clarity over magnification
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Test ergonomics—fit and feel matter
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Consider tripod compatibility
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Avoid ultracheap glass that fails in low light
Good optics are a long-term investment. Many hunters use the same glass for decades.
FAQs: Optics for Big Game Hunting
What magnification is best for binoculars when hunting elk?
10x42 is the most versatile, but 12x50 works well for high-country or long-distance glassing.
Is a spotting scope necessary for whitetail hunting?
Not usually—most whitetail hunters rely solely on binoculars.
What size rifle scope do most hunters use?
A 3–9x or 4–12x scope covers most big game scenarios.
Are expensive optics worth it?
Yes. Better glass performs better in low light, offers clearer images, and holds zero longer.
Should I buy binoculars or a spotting scope first?
Binoculars. They’re used constantly, while spotting scopes are more situational.
If you want, I can also create a more tailored version for a specific species (elk, whitetail, mule deer), region, or outfitter style.
