6 Best Binoculars for Coyote Hunting        

  • By: Michaela King

Based on my extensive research, I have carefully curated this list to make you understand how a good hunting binocular can change your game and help you pick up the best hunting binoculars for varmint and coyote.

Hunting is an exciting activity enjoyed by many people since time immemorial. If you are a hunter, you cannot just sit inert on your couch in hunting season and miss all the adventure that is awaiting you in the wild forest.

It is often said “Shoot a coyote, save a deer” but to successfully shot a coyote, you need visibility which is why hunting binoculars are a crucial part of any hunting trip.

With good hunting binoculars by your side, your chances of having a good shot at coyotes get improved and that too from safe proximity without exposing yourself to danger.

I am going to review the 6 best hunting binoculars for coyote and varmint hunting but before that, here are the top 3 quick recommendations for you.

Best Coyote Hunting Binoculars Recommendations

1. Vortex Optics Razor Binoculars: Vortex Razor 10×42 binocular is a personal favourite because of the high-quality build and how lightweight it is compared to similar models. HD glass is used for extra sharp images and clarity.

Vortex Optics Razor HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10×42
  • 10x magnification and 42mm objectives lenses, the Razor HD features hand selected prisms and premium high density glass, delivering unparalled resolution and color, creating stunning high def images.
  • State of the art anti-reflective coatings with cutting edge plasma tech application guarantee the highest level of brightness during critical low light periods.

2. Bushnell Falcon Binoculars: Wide field of view, dirt cheap price, and enhanced image quality make it one of our favourite binoculars. With Bushnell, quality is never compromised even at the price this low.

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Bushnell Falcon 7×35 Binoculars with Case, Easy…
  • Fully coated optics for superior light transmission
  • Instafocus System for fast focus on moving targets

3. Steiner Optics Predator Series Binoculars: The most outstanding feature of Steiner is the CAT lens coatings that make the wildlife stand out by filtering out the foliage and haze. It is an extra little perk to have when hunting for coyotes and varmints.

Sale
Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars, 10×42…
  • HUNTING ESSENTIALS – Steiner’s unique Color Adjusted Transmission (CAT) technology lets you see game that are hiding in foliage and shade
  • HIGH-TECH BINOCULARS – Keep prey in focus at any speed, any distance with Steiner’s advanced technology

Related: Don’t miss out this amazing article on elk and deer hunting.

Now let’s get on with the detailed reviews of the top 6 best binoculars for coyote and varmint hunting.

Reviews of Best Coyote and Varmint Hunting Binoculars

1. Bushnell Falcon binoculars

Bushnell is an industry leader when it comes to binoculars and rightly so because Bushnell binoculars offer you clarity, versatility, and bang for your buck. Bushnell Falcon series features binoculars that are versatile and are designed keeping in mind your outdoor requirements.

Bushnell Falcon is binocular with wide lenses and that is what makes it stand out from other hunting binoculars. This might be the reason why it is so popular among hunters as well as other outdoor enthusiasts.

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Bushnell Falcon 7×35 Binoculars with Case, Easy…
  • Fully coated optics for superior light transmission
  • Instafocus System for fast focus on moving targets

One thing that a hunter prefers in a hunting binocular is a wide field of view. It is understandable because while hunting, having an expanded view of your hunting terrain offers many opportunities to successfully hunt down those “deer killers”. Bushnell Falcon gives you 420ft FOV at 1000 yards which is amazing for a 7×35 hunting binocular.

From the magnification aspect, it has powerful 35x magnification which lets you spot your game without any hindrance. Coyotes are especially very hard to spot because they are pretty alert to human company so you have to be pretty stealthy and sneaky to target them.

Powerful magnification makes this binocular versatile and dynamic hence making it an ideal choice for other outdoor activities like sports, bird watching, concerts, etc.

Insta-focus mechanism of this binocular means the focusing mechanism is pretty smooth so you can effortlessly arrange the focus to your preference.

Bushnell Falcon 7×35 is a Porro prism binocular that generates sharp and clear images which will help you spot coyotes easily. In addition to that, you will know where to shoot exactly, so your hunting game is bound to improve with this amazing pair of optics.

Fully coated lenses are imperative for excellent light transmission which in return makes your pictures brighter and sharper. Bushnell Falcon has fully coated lenses so you are covered from that side too.

Hunting means exposing your binoculars to extreme weather conditions so you will need a binocular that can stand rough and tough conditions. Unsurprisingly, this great binocular is equipped with rubber armour which means safety during wet conditions.

Usually, in coyote and varmint hunting, you have to wait for an extended period of time for the varmints to show up. A lightweight binocular will be easy to carry around in extended hunting trip which is why this binocular is an ideal choice for your hunting endeavours.

For eyeglass wearers, it has roll down eyecups so you won’t end up scratching your eyeglasses or sunglasses. Still not convinced? Well, you will be, once you get to know how unbelievably cheap this binocular is.

This Amazon’s choice Bushnell binocular comes with a storage case too so don’t worry about dust and damage when you are tucking it away after hunting season is over.

Features

  • Bushnell Falcon binocular is lightweight and easy to carry around. It weighs only 1.31 pounds.
  • The item dimensions are 8 x 6.2 x 3 inches.
  • For eyeglass wearers, eye relief is 12 millimetres and the exit pupil is 5 mm.
  • FOV is 442 ft at 100 yards.

Bottom Line

If you want a binocular that is competitive and sturdy but won’t cost you a fortune then go ahead and do yourself favour buying Bushnell falcon binocular. With Bushnell, there is no compromise on quality and the customer service is great too. What more could you ask for especially at this rate?

Check out top turkey hunting binoculars if you are into turkey hunting.

2. Vortex Optics Razor 10×42 Binoculars

Hold your horses here hunters, because the next binocular I am going to review is something you don’t want to miss out. It is razor HD binocular by vortex optics. Of course, Vortex is well known for manufacturing top of the line binoculars in the industry and the Razor HD is no exception.

Vortex Optics Razor HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10×42
  • 10x magnification and 42mm objectives lenses, the Razor HD features hand selected prisms and premium high density glass, delivering unparalled resolution and color, creating stunning high def images.
  • State of the art anti-reflective coatings with cutting edge plasma tech application guarantee the highest level of brightness during critical low light periods.

Ok, I know you must be thinking I am exaggerating here but just keep reading and you will know what I am talking about.

For starters, the razor by Vortex is a 10×42 binocular but it is very lightweight compared to other binoculars of the same magnification. How, you might ask? The game changer here is the use of magnesium chassis in construction material which makes it not only extra lightweight but also gives it the durability and sturdiness which is a very welcome feature to have especially in hunting binocular.

Another great feature to consider is how comfortable it is to hold because of its rubber armoured body that has high quality feeling to it. You know the same feeling you get when you hold something that has outstanding quality. For coyote hunting, long hunting sessions are something you cannot shy away from which is why the Razor HD is ideal hunting binocular for you.

Let’s talk about design and overall look here. The razor 10×42 binocular is a roof prism binocular with singular bridge design. It looks very sleek and trendy because the outer body material has a greenish shade which is a welcome change.

A hunting binocular must be ergonomic and easy to hold, and the razor HD meets all these requirements fully. It has a rubberized texture which makes it easy to grip and non-slip in wet and humid conditions. Also, there are handy little thumb pads beside barrels that come in handy during an extended coyote hunting trip.

Sounds good? But there is more. The Razor HD is vacuum sealed and argon purged which means full water and fog resistance. A valuable feature to have I must say when you are sure to encounter tough weather conditions while hunting.

Fully multi-coated and phase coated lenses combined with HD glass will totally revolutionize your hunting trips. Through the eyes of the Razor HD, you will see a world that is uber sharp and crystal clear with no colour abrasion whatsoever.

Most users love how effective close focus is and how it is better than even some expensive models. The focusing wheel is quite big so it will be no hassle focusing your binoculars when spotting those varmints.

VORTEX takes it one step further with amortized coatings that make this binocular oil, salt and dust resistant which makes it easy to maintain.

The cherry on top is the unbelievable warranty offered by the vortex. If you have damaged or dropped your binoculars accidentally, Vortex is going to replace or repair it without any questions asked. And the warranty is for a lifetime. Does it get any better than this?

Features

  • This product dimensions are 8 x 9.5 x 4.2 inches.
  • Vortex Razor HD binocular weighs 55 pounds.
  • Field of view is 362 feet @1000 yards.
  • The close focus distance is 6 feet.
  • The Adjustable eyecups with soft rubber coatings make it comfortable against the face.
  • The Diopter ring is lockable.
  • The extended eye relief is 16.5 mm.

Bottom line

It won’t be entirely wrong to say that Vortex razor is the best hunting binocular in the market that can give some high-end brands run for their money. It is quite economical when compared to other expensive models but includes all the excellent feature a high-quality binocular has to offer.

Related: Top Rated Budget Binoculars for Hunting

3. CELESTRON 12×50 Binoculars Review

Celestron Binoculars are high-quality binoculars and comes in 8×42, 10×42, 10×50, 12×50 configurations but here I am going to review 12×50 binoculars and why it is considered best for coyote hunting.

Equipped with extra-low dispersion and high-density glass, the images produced by this binocular are far superior compared to your regular binoculars. While coyote hunting, you have to be sure about the target and with granite black binocular image details and colour correction is on point.

Even in low light and poor weather condition, the image quality is not compromised which is a huge bonus, especially in coyote hunting because they usually make an appearance at night. Moreover, fully multi-coated lenses along with phase coated BAK4 prisms gives it an edge compared to many expensive models. Image clarity and exceptional light transmission make your viewing experience brighter and sharper.

The construction material is of high quality without any texture. It is comfortable to grip with thumb pads on the underside of barrels. Twist-up eyecups are fairly easy to adjust for eyeglass wearers and feel comfortable against the face.

The focusing mechanism is also up to the standard and you can easily adjust your focus however you want.

Compared to most 12×50 binocular, this one feels comparatively light but for an extended period of use, you are better off buying a tripod. And guess what, it is tripod adaptable too.

Like most roof prism binoculars, it is water and fog proof which means you will have peace of mind while it unexpectedly starts raining during your hunting trip. Also no fear of fungus accumulation inside the lenses which means this pair is going to last you for a long time.

There are a lot of accessories accompanying Celestron black granite 12×50 binoculars such as Lens caps, rain guards, padded neck strap, storage case and cleaning cloth along with an instruction manual. Rain guard and eye caps are of good quality and don’t come off easily which is a problem with some cheap models.

Features

  • The product dimensions are 5.2 x 2.4 x 6.6 inches.
  • This product weighs 1.73 pounds.
  • It comes with a binocular harness strap which makes it easier to carry around.
  • It is a tripod adaptable binocular.

Bottom Line

The price tag of this granite black 12×50 Binocular by Celestron is quite reasonable and it is definitely worth the money especially considering the ED glass which is quite an expensive feature to have. All in all, this product is recommended if you want sturdy, long lasting binoculars that can withstand rough and tough conditions while giving you super quality images.

Related: Tips and Best Western Hunting Binoculars

4. Vortex Optics Crossfire Binoculars

Crossfire series by vortex offers excellent quality binoculars in the reasonable price range with different magnification. Here we are reviewing 10×42 binocular crossfire series and what makes it a suitable binocular for coyote hunting so keep reading, folks.

10×42 binocular is quite popular among hunters because of their performance and portability. Vortex crossfire is an ideal companion for your coyote hunting missions because of its performance and efficiency. Still confused? You won’t be if you bear with me for a while.

When I say it is an ideal binocular for hunting, I am talking about superior light transmission and clarity of vision which is offered by vortex crossfire. Fully multi-coated lenses ensure there is minimal loss of light so you are provided a picture that is bright and helps you spot your prey easily.

With a wide field of view, (325 feet @ 1000 yards) and image details, you can easily scout the terrain while hunting for coyotes. This is going to help you greatly when you are hunting for fast moving animals like varmints who are stealthy.

These roof prism binoculars are of course water and fog proof which is a bonus in this price range. Rubberized body material is easy to hold and provides a nonslip grip which is necessary for wet and humid conditions that are part and parcel of any hunting trip.

And the amazing thing is that this binocular comes with a Vortex lifetime guarantee, so if there is any accidental damage to your optics, just send the pair back and Vortex is going to take care of the rest.

IPD (interpupillary distance between your right and left eye) and twist-up eyecups are pretty easy to adjust. Central focusing wheel is smooth to operate and easy to focus too.

Accessories include padded neck strap, objective lens caps, a decent quality storage case and a manual. The cleaning cloth is also included.

Features

  • Product dimensions are 14.2 x 4 x 9 inches.
  • This binocular weighs 660g.
  • The close focus distance is 8 feet.
  • Extended eye relief is 15 mm for eyeglass users.
  • The interpupillary distance is 56-67 cm.
  • FOV is 325 @ 1000 yards.

Bottom Line

The overall feel and impression of Vortex crossfire 10×42 binocular are comparable to those of expensive models. With this price range, it is a steal really. You cannot ask for anything better. It covers all the necessary features that a good quality hunting binocular has to offer. We highly recommend this amazing pair of optics if you are a novice hunter and don’t want to break your bank account. Apart from that, you can also gift it to your hunter friends. They will be forever grateful to you, I bet.

5. Bushnell Trophy XLT Binoculars

Bushnell XLT series recent update features an improved version of trophy XLT 10×42 binoculars with a deluxe harness. It comes in a bundle; so you will get a 10×42 binocular (Bone Collector edition) and a high-quality binocular harness.

Bushnell has been introducing high-quality binoculars that serve its purpose for quite a long time which is why it is the most trusted brand among hunters and binocular enthusiasts. Fully-multi-coated lenses and bak-4 prism glass used in this binocular generates a picture that is ultra-bright and sharp.

The ultra-grip rubber housing texture gives it a strong and durable outer body which is excellent for optimal performance in the hunting field. You don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping it because the non-slip grip is there to save you.

XLT trophy binoculars are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged so if you are out in the rain or humid weather, you will have peace of mind knowing that your binoculars are waterproof and fog proof.

The ergonomic design is made better by thumb grooves for strong grip so you don’t have to bother about hand fatigue while hunting for a longer period of time. It also includes lens cover to protect the objective lenses from the damage.

Deluxe Binocular Harness

Binocular harness or binocular suspenders can become very handy especially if you are out for a long hunting session which, let’s face it, is a common occurrence in coyote hunting. The binocular harness will take off the stress of your neck and muscles. With the harness, the binocular is steadily placed on your chest and you can easily draw it back towards the face when you need to scan the terrain. Bushnell XLT trophy comes with a deluxe harness which is an added benefit. Many people love their binocular harnesses and so will you if you give it a try once.

Features

  • This binocular is lightweight and weighs 25g.
  • Field of view is 325@1000 yards.
  • Eye relief for eyeglass users is 15.2 mm.
  • It has an exit pupil of 4.2 mm.

Bottom line

With the extremely reasonable price tag, Bushnell once again surprises us with the value it is offering. The trophy binocular is a durable and effective set of optics that will make a good hunting companion because it also comes with a binocular harness which is going to make your coyote hunting trip more enjoyable.

6. Steiner Optics Predator Series Binoculars

As evident from the name, the predator series by Steiner is specially formulated for hunters. The predator series features 4 binoculars of different magnifications, predator 8×42, predator 8×22, predator 10×42, and predator 10×26. This review is about 10×42 predator binoculars which are most favourable for coyote hunting.

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Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars, 10×42…
  • HUNTING ESSENTIALS – Steiner’s unique Color Adjusted Transmission (CAT) technology lets you see game that are hiding in foliage and shade
  • HIGH-TECH BINOCULARS – Keep prey in focus at any speed, any distance with Steiner’s advanced technology

Steiner has up their game in hunting binoculars by applying green CAT (colour adjustment transmission) lens coating on the objective lenses which filter out the greens and blues(which is the colour of foliage and haze) while making the red and browns more prominent. So with predator 10×42, there will be no hurdle between spotting those coyotes and varmints because they will stand out due to the contrast in colours.

Steiner Predator series is also well known for its sharp-focus mechanism that can go from a close focus to vastitude in a jiffy. Hunting coyotes involve lots of scouting and scanning because you have to be stealthy to not startle them. The close focus system allows you the liberty to spot your game from any distance without alerting the target.

Steiner Optics is a favourite binocular brand for military purposes because of its excellent durability and endurance. The Makrolon housing material with a high-quality polycarbonate frame along with rubber armouring makes Predator 10×42 a binocular that will outlive you and gives you true value for your money.

Premium lens coating is applied on all air to glass surfaces which makes hunting in low light conditions effortless. Because of brighter and sharper images you can easily spot your game and execute an accurate shot.

Inside of the predator optics is injected with dry nitrogen gas which makes it waterproof and fog proof. A must-have in a good hunting binocular.

Don’t get confused between water-resistant and waterproof binoculars.

Add to all this the exceptional Steiner Heritage warranty which takes care of your binocular in case of any mishap. No need for a warranty card or receipt, Steiner will repair or exchange your optics if necessary.

Steiner Predator series have this unique CLICLOC SYSTEM that enables you to attach and release the harness strap, at your convenience, with just a push of a button. It is a handy little addition to have when you are on a long hunting spree.

Features 

  • The item dimensions are 6.9 x 4.9 x 2.5 inches.
  • Steiner Predator 10×42 binoculars weigh 26.5 oz.
  • FOV is 328 feet @1000 yards.
  • The close focus distance is 6 feet.

Bottom Line

Steiner Predator 10×42 binocular is the best mid-range binocular that is specially tailored for hunters. If you are hunting varmints that are experts at camouflaging themselves, then get this beauty to spot your game easily. And the price tag is also not too steep considering the CAT lens coating that is a premium feature to have in a hunting binocular.

Tips for Coyote Hunting

If you are a beginner coyote hunter and want to improve your hunting game, just keep these few hunting tips in mind I am sharing below.

Spot your target: To hunt a coyote, first, you have to find them. You have to make sure that you spot them first and not the other way around.

Best way to do this is to hunt in an open area where they are easy to spot. After spotting, you have to be very sly and stealthy.

Get within shooting range of the coyotes without alerting them and then take a shot. A good shooting rifle, as well as a decent pair of hunting binocular, will greatly help you in this regard.

Attract your pray: You can experiment by trying to mimic different types of predator calls to attract the coyotes. As they have an exceptional sense of hearing, they tend to respond to the calls of a distressed animal, communication howls and female coyote mating sounds.

Just play around with different sounds to determine what works best for you. You can also purchase electric predator calls in varied price ranges easily. They work really well for the beginner as well as experienced coyote hunters.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much should you spend on hunting binoculars?

Ans: You don’t want to overspend while buying a hunting binocular but you also don’t want to underspend either and end up with a binocular that will add no value to your hunting trips. You should set your budget somewhere between $150 and $300 to get a decent hunting binocular that will help you boost your hunting game.

Q. What magnification binoculars are typically used for varmint hunting?

Ans: It is very tempting to go for higher magnification but “the more, the merrier” doesn’t always apply on binocular magnification. For varmint hunting, binoculars with 8x to 10x magnification are more than enough. Many hunters prefer 10×42 binoculars for hunting because of their compact size and adequate magnification.

Conclusion

A good binocular can serve as the third eye in varmint and coyote hunting so it is in your best interest to make your decision wisely. Bearing in mind all the top requirements of good hunting binoculars, I have written this article to guide you in the best way possible.

My personal recommendation is to go for either Bushnell Falcon or Vortex Optics Razor. Best image quality, wide field of view, dirt cheap price – these binoculars are just perfect for hunting and are worth the money.

If you follow the guide and some tips that I have shared, it will be no hassle for you to choose the best binoculars for varmint and coyote hunting.

Last update on 2024-04-09 at 18:28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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