You will agree with me that hunting turkeys is fun and having the best binoculars for turkey hunting can even help you kill more. It’s a proven fantastic tool to spot turkeys many yards away.
But you may be wondering, binoculars for turkey hunting?. When I can easily shoot those birds just about a few yards away?. Well, It makes sense for hunters to think of binoculars in terms of big games. Having binoculars for Western hunting is crucial to your hunting success and winning trophies. Go hunting west without one, and you might as well be a blind man.
However, when it comes to turkey hunting, not every hunter desires to carry binoculars with them on their turkey hunting sports but there are some good reasons that might let you think otherwise after reading this article.
The Best Binoculars for Turkey Hunting
Here are some reasons you need to carry binoculars along with you.
Turkey hunting binoculars will allow you to see through those thick brush much better than you would with your naked eyes. You can use them to check the corners of the road ahead of you to see if there are any turkeys hiding.
Binoculars allow you to check field edges for gobblers who are loafing in the shade before you actually walk, or crawl to the edge of that field. Those shade loafers are turkeys that most of us never know are there because we don’t, or can’t, look 5 or 10 yards beyond a field edge into the woods.
When you see birds ahead over 300 yards, how do you know whether they are hen turkeys, gobblers, buzzards or just jakes?. Binoculars will allow you to identify your target and take the appropriate shot or movement. Binoculars will also allow you to see what that turkey stuck at 100 yards from you is up to and why it’s not coming close to you.
Binoculars also allow you to better see roosted turkeys in low light conditions so that you don’t bust up the whole flock of birds and ruin your hunt for the day after you bump a bird from the roost.
Related Read: Best Hunting Binoculars for Elk
Best Compact Binoculars for Turkey Hunting
If you are a lightweight hunter and don’t want to carry your full-size binoculars along with this turkey hunting, you might like the compact pair because these can easily fit into your pocket or if they are hanging on your neck they are not cumbersome.
Below are the 3 best compact binoculars for turkey hunting with the renowned brands.
1.Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×32 Roof Prism Binoculars
Vortex Optics is one of America’s popular brands that have served millions of binoculars lovers with their high-quality products. This is the mini version of the full-size Diamondback model. This is one of Vortex first-generation products that set the standard for optical clarity and quality which subsequently set Vortex into the powerhouse it is today.
The Vortex Diamondback is made with superior quality optics at a very affordable price. This is very lightweight and is easy to take on any hunting or scouting trek and features a wide field of view for quick scanning of terrains.
This Diamondback series like many binoculars today is O-ring sealed and argon purged for 100% waterproof and fog proof. This makes them good for hunting in even harsh weather conditions. Their lenses are also fully multi-coated, surfaces are coated with anti-reflective coatings and the prisms are phase-corrected. These features help you get great resolution and contrast of the image.
Included in this package are; Rainguard eyepiece cover, tethered objective lens covers, comfort neck strap, and a deluxe custom-molded carry case. Covered by the VIP Unconditional warranty.
Pros
- Fully weatherproof
- High-quality optics at an affordable price
- Lightweight and easy to grip with hands
- Compact and durable
Cons
- Not major complaints
2. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×25 Binoculars
Every hunter knows high-quality binoculars when they see them. Bushnell has been in the optics spaces for many decades now and is a popular American brand as well. Well respected for its quality performance. In fact, you won’t take the right Bushell binoculars to the bush and get disappointed.
The Legend HD 10×25 from Bushnell is a high-performance compact roof prism binocular with outstanding optics. Its lightweight yet rugged magnesium chassis and double hinged closed bridge afford this fine optic a trim profile while ensuring years of dependable use.
The Bushnell Legend HD Ultra which comes in different sizes; compact, midsize and full-size features fully multi-coated low dispersion(ED) lenses for high optical performance. Each lens is custom-coated with Bushnell proprietary ultra wideband coating system for maximum light transmission across the entire spectrum.
This Bushnell Legend HD Ultra Compact waterproof binoculars model is also coated with anti-reflective to optimize each lens brightness and contrast levels. The prisms are also Bak4 and PC-3 phase correction coated to help scatter less light and create maximum clarity, resolution and precision viewing.
Any hunter who has used binoculars before knows the worth of fully weatherproofed binoculars and this pair interior is Nitrogen Purged and O-ring sealed for reliable all-weather service.
- This legend HD sports are rugged yet lightweight
- Compact waterproof and fog proof housing with a magnesium chassis.
- RainGuard HD water-repellent lens coating
- good for day hunting
Cons
- Not ideal for low light hunting like dusk or dawn
3. Nikon Prostaff 7s 10×30 Compact Binoculars
Nikon Originates from Japan and has built a name for themselves in the optics space. They make a range of optical equipment such as cameras, binoculars, lenses, etc. The Nikon Prostaff 7s series is a range from compact to full-size binoculars.
These Nikon Prostaff 7s 10×30 binoculars are lightweight and easy to hold in your hands. It also features fully multi-coated Eco-glass lenses and its prisms are phase-corrected to deliver sharper and brighter images accordingly.
This makes it ideal for the lightweight backpack turkey hunter. Its turn and slide eyecups allow you to adjust to the optimal eye relief to prevent fatigue while using them.
Pros
- Fully Waterproof and fog proof
- Clarity is great
- Easy to focus
- Good in low light
Cons
- Lens covers and strap not so great
Best Binoculars for Turkey Hunting- Full-Size Binoculars
Every hunter who owns a pair of full-size binoculars knows they are just as important as owning a gun.
1. Carson 3D Series HD 10×42 Waterproof Binoculars
The Carson binoculars are also made in America like Vortex, Bushnell, Leupold, Wingspan, etc. These 3D series binoculars with ED glass is ideal for use as hunting binoculars or birding binoculars and has one of the best America’s best binocular warranty.
The body is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed making them waterproof and fog proof. The full-sized 3D binoculars are made with high definition coating technology with low dispersion glass to give you a brighter and clearer image possible of the game.
You can take this pair hunting turkeys, deer, elk, moose and other animals that you love hunting. Plus, they are long-lasting and perfect for sporting events and outdoor activities. The housing is rubberized armor coated, rugged and shockproof. There are two colors to choose from namely; Black and Mossy Oak Camouflage. The later is slightly expensive though.
It also features extra-long eye relief with twist down eyecups making it perfect for eyeglass and non-glass wearers alike. These Carson binoculars come with deluxe carry case, neck strap, shoulder harness, lens cloth, and lens covers.
Pros
- Fully weatherproof
- Great optic performance
- Generous eye relief for eyeglass wearers
- tripod mountable
Cons
- No major complaints
2. Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 Binoculars
Zeiss is one of the oldest binoculars companies around. They were there during the early days of binoculars. It is a German brand and they make premium binoculars and with such comes premium price tags as well. The Carl Zeiss brand is well respect around the world.
That been said, let’s look at what the Zeiss Terra ED binoculars have to offer hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. This Zeiss Terra ED is made with maximum optical precision and hydrophobic multi-coating which guarantees you 100% natural image colors and sharp images even under difficult weather conditions.
Purposely designed to be versatile, compact and durable in usage, you can view wildlife with these binoculars. The Terra ED binoculars are ideal for nature observation, whether the object is far across the field or in the tree just above you. Hence, having these with you on your turkey hunting will be a great plus.
Pros
- Very Versatile in use
- Fully weatherproof
- Sharp focus and clear images
- Compact light and robust
- Excellent handling
Cons
- No major complaints
3. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binoculars 8×42
This Bushnell Legend Ultra HD is loved by many. With over 800 verified customer reviews and rated 4.6/5.0 stars, this binoculars is one of the affordable hunting binoculars with high-quality optical performance. With their ultra-wideband anti-reflective lens coating, it has superior light transmission for crystal clear images.
The extra low prime dispersion fluorite glass delivers amazing color resolution and contrast eliminates chromatic aberration and color-fringing to bring out the most distinct details possible in low light conditions.
With its extra-wide field of view, you can capture the full view of moving animals and birds with ease. The long eye relief and locking diopter enable you to use the binoculars without eye fatigue.
Pros
- Rain guard HD water-repellent lens coating
- Lightweight, magnesium chassis
- Waterproof & fog proof
- Great and clear image
Cons
- Few users said they are bit heavy