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Turkeys are the most active birds and they can easily hear your breathing and run away. So, having a pair of binoculars is not a luxury – but it is a necessity. But many people don’t understand the specification of binos, So, I’ve decided to write this guide to give you insight into turkey hunting binoculars.
Before I take you into depth, bear in mind that I have got my team who is working behind to collect and analyze data to make our guide possible. Shoot out to them as their efforts are making me able to write this masterpiece on turkey hunting. Let’s find out the pair of binoculars to make your next hunting trip a success, and eliminate the frustration of squinting and straining to spot your target.
Related Article: Best Tactical Binoculars for Field Use
Detailed Comparison Table of Best Turkey Hunting Binoculars
| Image | Product | Our Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Celestron – DX 8×42 Binoculars | 9/10 | Check Price |
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NIKON Monarch M5 8×42 Binoculars | 10/10 | Check Price |
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Athlon Optics Midas Binoculars | 9/10 | Check Price |
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Vortex Optics Diamondback Roof Prism Binoculars | 8/10 | Check Price |
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ZEISS Terra ED Binoculars | 7/10 | Check Price |
 |
Canon Image Stabilization Binoculars | 8/10 | Check Price |
 |
Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD Binoculars | 9/10 | Check Price |
What Factors Should You Look for in the Best Turkey Hunting Binoculars?
Keep in mind multiple factors make binoculars fit for different outdoor activities. For example, for hunting, you’ll need a wider field of view, whereas for bird watching, you’ll need more magnification power.
But unfortunately, no one understands the value of these factors and makes decisions without caring about these optics. So, in the section below, I’ll give you complete information about those factors that make binoculars good for turkey hunting.
1- Magnification Power
When it comes to turkey hunting, having a good pair of binoculars can make all the difference in spotting the elusive bird in its natural habitat. One of the most important factors that should never be ignored is the magnification of binoculars.
Magnification power refers to how much closer an object appears through the binoculars than with the naked eye. A good magnification range for turkey hunting is between 8x and 10x. The reason is that with this range, you will be able to get good details of Turkey without compromising on the field of view.
Higher magnification may seem tempting, but it can make it more difficult to spot and track the turkey. With higher magnification, even the slightest hand movement can cause the image to shake, making it challenging to maintain focus on the target.
Lower magnification can also be problematic as it may not provide enough detail to accurately identify the turkey and its surroundings. So, I recommend you to go with 8x or a maximum of 10x and get a perfect turkey viewing experience.
2- Field of View
Another important factor that makes binoculars ideal for turkey hunting is the field of view. The field of view refers to the width of the image visible through the binoculars, and it plays a significant role in finding and tracking turkeys.
A wider field of view allows you to look at a larger area and locate turkeys more easily. It also allows you to track moving birds more effectively, making it easier to follow them as they move.
A narrow field of view, on the other hand, can make it challenging to spot turkeys, and you may miss out on opportunities. So, I suggest you go with a wider field of view of 350+ feet so that you don’t miss any chance of banging the buck.
3- Optical Performance
Optical performance usually refers to the clarity, brightness, and color accuracy of the image seen through the binoculars. All of these three factors must be considered when you’re looking for binoculars for turkey hunting. Compromising on any of them can cause you regret.
The quality of the lenses and coatings plays a significant role in determining the clarity and brightness of the visuals. I recommend you look for turkey hunting binoculars with high-quality lenses that are coated to reduce glare and increase contrast and light transmission.
4- Weight & Size
Turkey hunting involves a lot of movement, whether it’s hiking to your hunting spot or stalking your prey. So, when you carry bigger-sized or heavyweight binoculars, it puts an extra burden on you.
This becomes more frustrating especially when you’re carrying other gear like a shotgun, calls, and decoys. Lightweight binoculars, on the other hand, are easy to carry and won’t weigh you down. I suggest you look for binoculars that weigh less than 25 ounces, which is the ideal weight for turkey hunting.
5- Durability
When it comes to turkey hunting, having durable equipment is a must. Choosing binos that are not very durable is like putting your money at risk with your money. Below are the reasons why I stress choosing durable and reliable binoculars:
- Turkey hunting typically involves long hours in the field, which can expose your binoculars to harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
- Don’t forget that turkey hunting requires a lot of movement and can be physically demanding. Durable binoculars with a sturdy body and rubber coating offer a better grip and can withstand rough handling.
- Durability also affects the lifespan of your binoculars. A high-quality pair of durable binoculars can last for years without requiring frequent repairs or replacements, making them a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter.
So, never make the mistake of falling for lower-quality binoculars whose durability can be questioned. If you do so, mind it that your binos won’t be your loyal friends for an extended duration.
6- Affordability and Budget
I’ve never been in favor of buying expensive binoculars. It is a fact that when you spend more, you buy premium binoculars that offer more features. But the question is: Are those premium features a must for turkey hunting?
No, they are not. This is why I highly recommend you not to put any extra burden on your pocket. Instead, consider mid-range turkey hunting binoculars that offer optimal visual experience. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars in search of premium features.
So, what should be the ideal budget to buy binoculars for turkey hunting? I believe the budget of 200 to 300 dollars would buy a fine pair and you won’t regret using them. So, don’t buy very expensive binoculars considering that they will offer ideal features that are not needed for turkey hunting.
Are you an older person but want to do turkey hunting efficiently then read our previous guide named Best Binoculars for the Elderly.
List and Reviews of Our Picked Binoculars for Turkey Hunting
I always believe in giving you information on the topic that I start. Although the factors that have been discussed above are very important and if you understand, chances are rare that you’ll make the wrong decision.
However, my team has picked some very good pairs of binoculars as a result of extensive research and testing. In the section below, I will be reviewing and giving you some of our favorite options for turkey hunting.
- Celestron – DX 8×42 Binoculars
- NIKON Monarch M5 8×42 Binoculars
- Athlon Optics Midas Binoculars
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Roof Prism Binoculars
- ZEISS Terra ED Binoculars
- Canon Image Stabilization Binoculars
- Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD Binoculars
Our Top Picks
| Best Budget-Friendly Option | Check Price |
| Best Performing Binoculars | Check Price |
| Premium & High-End Option | Check Price |
1- Celestron – DX 8×42 Binoculars
Many people make their buying decisions by keeping the price of products in mind. If you’re one of them, then these Celestron binos are going to be a perfect fit for you.
They have ED glasses and their lenses are coated which increases the transmission of light and makes you able to enjoy brighter and sharper visuals with zero color imbalance and glare production.
Ghosting and flaring can occur when light bounces around inside a prism and creates unwanted reflections. But these Celestron binoculars come with phase-coated prisms, which reduce the flare and make the visuals more appealing to the eyes.
Are you one of those who wear glasses due to glasses? If yes, then smile as these binoculars are going to give you decent viewing comfort because of their ideal field of view.
In the above section, I have guided you about the durability and reliability of binoculars. These binos are very strong and they are very much capable of withstanding the harsh environment.
Water and fogproofing are also something that will give you the confidence to stay outside and hunt the turkey in bad weather like fog and rain. A lifetime warranty is also available making these binos a more practical option for turkey hunters.
Our Honest Verdict
I rank them highly for those people who are on a limited budget. However, they are not as good as premium and end binoculars.
2- NIKON Monarch M5 8×42 Binoculars for Turkey Hunting
Nikon is a famous brand and their products are very good and meet the needs of customers. These Monarch M5 binoculars are one of my favorite binoculars and their optical performance is something that will blow your mind.
The ED glass which is eco-friendly is used in making the lenses. Special coating layers present on these lenses help them increase the transmission of light and ensure that they offer perfect visuals in low-light conditions.
In the start, I mentioned that field of view is a very important factor when you purchase binoculars for turkey hunting. A wider field of view is always recommended for the type of hunting activity.
These binoculars offer a field of view of 335 feet so you won’t face any problems while locating the buck. The ease of usability is another important aspect of binoculars that you should always take into consideration.
The weight and size are the most important factors that determine whether a binocular will be easy to use or not. These optics are lightweight and their size is compact so using them won’t put you in any sort of comfort.
Although they are made with rubber armor material, the quality of these rubber materials is very good and makes them robust to bear shocks and sudden falls from a height. So don’t worry about the durability and reliability of these binos.
Our Honest Verdict
These binoculars are slightly more expensive than previous products but offer a lot more value for money. You will get a smooth focus system and the lowlight usability is also perfect.
3- Athlon Optics Midas Binoculars
Athlon’s binos are part of this guide due to two major features they offer. First of all, their protection against moisture and other contaminants. The argon gas is used for the purging process.
Almost all binoculars come with nitrogen gas purging. But in contrast, these binoculars consist of argon which is a premium, offers better protection, and is more expensive than nitrogen gas.
So, you can easily use them in the rain and their performance won’t disappoint you. The second feature is durability which is related to the lightweight. They have magnesium chassis which makes them durable and lightweight.
Most of the binoculars that have a strong body are usually heavy as they consist of strong building material which adds extra weight to binoculars. But due to magnesium chassis, they are super lightweight yet very strong to be used in harsh conditions.
Eye relief is another important thing that you should always look at. However, you will get just decent eye relief and if you wear glasses, then chances are high that these binoculars will cause slight discomfort especially if you use 10×42 Athlon binos.
Our Honest Verdict
These binoculars are unique due to their magnesium chassis and proofing against water and fog which make them stand out in this guide.
4- Vortex Optics Diamondback Roof Prism Binoculars
Vortex is a popular product and their performance has impressed me (keep in mind that I own one Vortex diamondback for my usage). To be honest, I would be happy to give you information about these optics.
High-quality lenses have been used which are coated with multiple layers to ensure maximum transmission of light. You won’t notice any distortion or imbalance of colors. The resolution will be decent even if you use them in lowlight conditions. This feature makes them the best turkey-hunting binoculars to be used before dawn or after dusk.
These binos come with adjustable eyecups and IPD which means that you can adjust them according to the shape of your face. Keep in mind that IPD is the distance between the centers of the pupils in both eyes, typically measured in millimeters (mm).
Just like Athlon binoculars, these optics offer argon gas purging which makes them a superior option if you’re planning to do turkey hunting in rainy seasons. So, in terms of protection against fog and moisture, these binos get full marks.
One of the most important features that I love in these binoculars is their special type of coating present on the lenses which protects them against dust, oil drops, and scratches. This is a very useful and practical feature that saves optics in daily routine.
Our Honest Verdict
These vortex diamondback binoculars come with a special coating on the lens which protects them from dust and scratches. No other binoculars reviewed in this guide are scratchproof apart from them.
5- ZEISS Terra ED Binoculars
The ZEISS Terra ED binoculars are an outstanding example of precision engineering and thoughtful design. The clarity and precision of these binoculars are unparalleled.
The reason behind their top-notch visual clarity is their 88% light transmission and usage of advanced optical systems. These binoculars consist special type of coating (T* type) on the lenses which reduces glare production and offers brighter and shaper visuals.
One of the standout features of the Terra ED binoculars that I actually love is their large, smooth, and easy-to-grip focus wheel. You will be able to zoom in and out quite easily which makes them the hot pick for turkey hunting.
The design makes focusing incredibly easy and quick, so you can spend more time in the field and hunt the turkeys with confidence and comfort. Your index finger will have all the control over the focus of these binos.
Despite their impressive optical capabilities, the Terra ED binoculars are surprisingly compact, lightweight, and robust. They’re easy to fit into any bag and won’t weigh you down, so you can take them with you wherever your adventures take you.
The waterproof casing is reinforced with glass fibers, making these binoculars nearly indestructible and able to withstand the high standards of turkey hunters. The performance in low light conditions will also impress you.
Our Honest Verdict
These are high-end binoculars and optical performance, especially in lowlight conditions is something that separates them from all other products reviewed in this guide.
6- Canon Image Stabilization Binoculars
I believe that turkey hunting is not limited to people of any specific age. From young lads to older people, everyone can participate in turkey hunting. But if you are an older person and have shaky hands, then chances are high that you won’t be able to get stable visuals through binoculars.
But don’t worry as I have got your back. I have picked these Canon image stabilization binoculars because they come with special sensors that act in a way that the shakiness of your hands does not have any bad impact on visual stability.
One thing that helps these turkey-hunting binoculars stand out is their ergonomics. Carrying them won’t be an issue. These binoculars are slightly heavier which could have been an issue if they had bad body ergonomics.
One thing that I don’t like in these binoculars is the awkward positioning of the focus knob. If you find a fast-running turkey in front of you, then focusing on that fast-moving turkey won’t be easy due to its slightly compromised focus system
They are durable and reliable. Even if you use them harshly, they won’t show any wear and tear at all. One thing that I must mention is these binoculars have a lifetime warranty which ensures that if your binoculars show any issue, you will get them fixed without spending a single.
Our Honest Verdict
I consider these binoculars suitable for the elderly who want to hunt turkeys. Their image stabilization feature makes them stand out. You will be able to get perfect stable visuals and won’t see the impact of the shakiness of your hands.
7- Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD Binoculars
Leupold binoculars can never be written off as they offer top-notch features that are a must for a successful turkey hunting experience. I’ve picked these BK-2 Alpine HD binoculars due to the fact they offer durability and ease of usability.
The body of these binoculars is made with rubber armored material which is decently stronger. But their aluminium chassis gives them additional strength which will allow you to use them in harsh outdoor conditions.
Unfortunately, due to the usage of this heavier, and more robust material, these binoculars are slightly heavier which is not a good thing. However, their better body design and open bridge shape will allow you to hold them easily. Due to their open bridge shape, they won’t make you tired if you use them extended duration despite the fact they are heavier.
Do you wear glasses due to weak vision? If yes, these Leupold turkey hunting binoculars will allow you to keep wearing glasses while scouting for the turkeys. The reason is that they come with long eye relief of 15mm which is quite amazing and you won’t feel eye strain.
Not to forget, these optics offer a wider field of view which makes them a good option for turkey hunting.. You will be able to find or spot the turkeys quite easily with the help of these Leupold binoculars. Overall, they are made to offer pure value to the users.
Our Honest Verdict
What I like about these binoculars is that they are available at affordable prices, yet offer excellent features. So, the green signal from my side, and I am sure that won’t disappoint you on your next turkey hunting experience.
Practical Tips for Successful Turkey Hunting
No doubt that turkey hunting is an exciting and challenging outdoor activity that requires a combination of skills, strategy, and patience. No matter if you are a senior hunter or a newbie, you will need a solid plan and some practical tips to increase your chances of success. In the section below, I will give you some tips that successful hunters follow.
1- Know Your Prey
Before you go out into the field, it’s important to have a basic understanding of turkey behavior. Below are some basic characteristics of turkeys that you always keep in mind:
- Turkeys have excellent vision and hearing
- They’re extremely wary and elusive.
- They have a keen sense of smell
For hunters, it’s important to minimize your scent by using scent-free products and avoiding strong perfumes or colognes. You should also know the different calls and sounds that turkeys make, and how to mimic them effectively.
2- Scouting
One of the keys to a successful turkey hunt is to scout the area where you plan to hunt. You should spend time in the woods, looking for signs of turkey activity, such as tracks, feathers, and droppings. Once you’ve identified a good area, then make sure to set up your hunting blind or position yourself in a strategic location.
3- Master the Art of Calling
Turkeys are very vocal animals, and they use a variety of calls to communicate with each other. As a hunter, it’s important to understand the calling, so you can effectively communicate with the turkeys in your area. There are several different types of turkey calls, including box calls, slate calls, and diaphragm calls. Senior hunters do have command of these calls which makes them hunt successfully.
4- Hunt During the Right Time of Day
Turkeys are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, so it’s important to plan your hunt accordingly. This is when they are most likely to be feeding and moving around. I recommend you avoid hunting during the middle of the day. The reason is that this is the time when turkeys are most likely to be resting and hiding.
5- Be Patient and Persistent
Patience is key when it comes to turkey hunting. As said earlier, turkeys are very elusive, and it will surely take some time before you have an opportunity to take a shot. It’s important to stay still and quiet and to wait for the turkeys to come to you. Avoid moving around or making unnecessary noise, as this can scare the turkeys away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Binoculars are considered very useful for turkey hunting because they help you spot turkeys from a distance. Not to forget that the turkeys have keen eyesight, and spotting them before they spot you is crucial for a successful hunt.
Low-light performance is a must for turkey hunting because turkeys are often active during dawn and dusk. So, you will hunt before the dawn of after dusk. So, you must choose the binos with large objective lenses for better light-gathering capabilities.
Yes, binoculars help identify turkey species and determine gender based on characteristics like beard length and feather patterns. It will help you in ensuring ethical hunting practices.
Yes, indeed, binoculars are excellent tools for scouting and learning turkey habits, roosting spots, and feeding areas, giving you a strategic advantage during the season.
Binoculars are greatly helpful to observe turkey body language, flock dynamics, and feeding patterns. It will surely allow you to adapt your hunting strategy for better success.
Conclusion
So, is there anything that I have not covered in this guide? Guess not! From buying guides to reviews of our picked binoculars and some tips for successful turkey hunting, each and everything has been discussed in detail.
If you’ve any questions about turkey hunting binoculars, then I encourage you to ask in the comment section. I’ll try my level best to answer your queries. Hopefully, my typing fingers will be useful for making your decision process easier.
I’m a passionate outdoor activist who has got special love for optics. The school studies in optical mechanics and the travelling experience has made me an expert in optics like binoculars, scopes, and other devices. Stay connected with us for in-depth knowledge!
