Best Hunting Binoculars Under $100 Plus Informative Guide On Picking the Best

Finding the best hunting binoculars under $100 can be a challenging task.

If you are learning the ropes about the hunting game, getting a decent but cheap binocular can put your ahead.

You don’t have to get the expensive stuff especially if you are on a budget.

For under $100 there are not many really quality binoculars.

So without further ado let’s get to check out 5 of the best options out there. Plus we also have an in-depth guide to help you pick the best.

Check also: best binoculars under $200

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[wpsm_highlight color=”blue”]Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8×42

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• Phase Coated BaK-4 Prisms
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• Close Focus of 6.5 Feet
• Sturdy, Twist-Up Eyecups with Multiple Stops
• Eyeglass Friendly with 17.5 mm of Eye Relief
• Waterproof & Fully Rubber Armored

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We’ve tested 5 hunting binoculars under 100$ and the winner is above!
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Hunting Binoculars Under 100$ Comparison Chart

5 Best Hunting Binoculars Under 100$ (as of April, 2024):

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1. Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8×42 Hunting Binocular Under $100 – Top Pick Review

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• Phase Coated BaK-4 Prisms
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• Close Focus of 6.5 Feet
• Sturdy, Twist-Up Eyecups with Multiple Stops
• Eyeglass Friendly with 17.5 mm of Eye Relief
• Waterproof & Fully Rubber Armored

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Let’s kick off our list with a binocular that is designed for the ultimate hunter in mind. The Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8×42 speaks for itself even with its compact but rugged build quality.

It is a waterproof binocular with a fully rubber armored and an 8 x 42 magnification by objective lens size. The Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8×42 is designed for the bird watchers.

It has a unique combination of magnification and optics that enable bird watchers to establish the right focus and field of view for their needs. It boasts of a fully-multicoated lens design that delivers high levels of light transmission.

The prism glasses are made of BaK4 glass giving you sharp and lifelike viewing from a high refractive index glass.

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For those who wear glasses, this binocular comes with twist-up eyecups that are not only comfortable but ideal for positioning your eye to the right eye relief for perfect viewing.
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Thanks to a tripod adaptable design, you can carry your tripod along to use it with the Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8×42 whenever you need to establish steady viewing and aiming.

In the package, this binocular comes with a set of accessories including a cleaning cloth for your lens, and eyepiece rain guard and a neck strap to mention just a few.

In case you plan to use it for extended periods you will be glad to know that it has a tripod adapter that you can use for support during bird watching.

Performance

Apart from bird watching and hunting, the Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8×42 makes a compelling choice for bird watching and hiking.

It is an eyeglass friendly binocular that comes with multiple accessories in the package including a rain guard, a neck strap and a carrying case for your convenience.

In addition to the waterproof housing, this binocular comes with a nitrogen gas-filled housing that keeps it fog-free in harsh weather.

Thanks to its ample exit pupil size, this binocular can also work great for star and moon gazing or other low light conditions. It comes in a lightweight body that is fairly portable as well and at an affordable price tag.

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• Magnification:8x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm (1.65″)
• Angular Field of View: 7.4°
• Linear Field of View (@1000 yds) / @1000 m): 388 ft (129 m)
• Exit Pupil: 5.25mm (.20″)
• Eye Relief: 17.5mm (.69″)
• Close Focus: 6.5 ft (2 m)
• Interpupillary Distance (max): 74mm (2.91″)
• Interpupillary Distance (min): 56mm (2.2″)
• Diopter Adjustment Range: ± 3
• Twilight Factor: 18.33
• Relative Brightness: 27.56
• Lens Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
• Prism Glass (Type): Bak-4
• Prism Coatings: Phase Coated
• Weight: 22.2 oz (629 g)
• Environmental Protection: Waterproof
• Nitrogen Filled: Yes
• Tripod Adaptable: Yes
• Dimensions: 135mm x 126mm x 52mm (5.3″ x 4.9″ x 2″)

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• Celestron 71332 Nature DX
• Neck Strap
• Objective Lens Caps
• Rainguard
• Lens Cloth
• Carrying Case Padded Nylon Canvas

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• Affordable
• Weather resistant housing
• Water and fog resistant design
• Easily adjustable knobs
• Decent clarity performance

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• It has a smaller exit pupil than other high-end options

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Celestron Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars – Walk Around Video:

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2. Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8×42 Hunting Binocular Under $100 – Best Pick for User’s Who Wear Glasses Review

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• Aspheric Lens Design
• Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
• BAK4 Traditional Porro Prism Design
• Anti-Reflection Multi-Coated Optics
• Turn-and-Slide Rubber Eyecups
• Smooth Central Focus Knob

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If you need a light binocular with the right ergonomics to get you through a hunting trip, the Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8×42 is by far one of the best options you will find out there.

At its price range, the Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8×42 presents a compelling option for hiking enthusiasts as well especially with its non-slip armored coating that keeps it durable and rugged enough for moderately harsh environments.

And it boasts of a multicoated Eco-Glass lens that makes it an environmentally friendly option in case you ever need to replace them.

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Unlike most budget options that come with stiff central focus knobs, the Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8×42 boasts of a smooth central focus and an eyepiece zoom that works well to give you clear and comfortable viewing.
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As if that is not enough, this binocular features a no-fault, repair and replacement policy that once again proves Nikon’s commitment to producing quality products even for their low budget options.

Performance

From the reviews on the Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8×42 it is clear that it is one of the easiest Porro prism binoculars to operate. In fact, the fact that it’s light weight makes it a solid choice for hunters looking for a lightweight Porro prism binocular with superior clarity and image magnification.

However, at its price range, you should expect some drawbacks. For instance, if you zoom past 14 mm you might end up with an image out of focus. Plus some users complain it’s not rugged enough.

But, considering its features, most optics enthusiasts will agree that these are a small price to pay for the convenience this binocular can afford you.

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• Focusing System: Central Focus
• Magnification: 8x
• Objective Diameter: 42mm
• Angular Field of View (Real): 8°
• Angular Field of View (Apparent): 58.4°
• FOV at 1000 yds: 420 ft
• Close Focus Distance: 16.4 ft
• Exit Pupil: 5.3mm
• Relative Brightness: 12
• Eye Relief: 12mm
• Size (Length x Width): 5.7 x 7.3 in
• Weight: 26.8 oz
• Prism: Porro

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• Nikon 8245 ACULON A211
• Comfort neck strap
• Rainguard
• Objective Lens Caps
• Carrying Case

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• Easy to use with a smooth focus knob
• Pocket-friendly price
• Multicoated design
• Adjustable eyecups

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• It’s not rugged enough for extreme conditions

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Nikon ACULON A211 8×42 Binoculars – Product Review Video:

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3. Bushnell 334211 Trophy 10×42 Hunting Binocular Under $100 – Best Pick for Clear Viewing on a Budget Review

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• Eco-Friendly Lead-Free Glass
• BAK4 Roof Prisms
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• Large Center Focus Knob
• 2-Step Twist-Up Eyecups
• Waterproof and Fogproof

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When it comes to producing amazing optics most manufacturers will admit that there is only so much you can do in terms of features when your budget is under $100.

But, every time, Bushnell proves itself over and over again with killer optics even for entry-level binoculars such as the Bushnell 334211 Trophy 10×42.

And a trophy it is. This binocular outshines its rivals, especially if what you need is a rugged product with crystal clear viewing capacity.

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It features a close focus of 10ft, a roof prism system that enables its compact body design and with a 4.2mm exit pupil and a 15.2mm eye relief.
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You can rest assured of comfort and powerful optics performance with this binocular.

Performance

Granted, the Bushnell 334211 Trophy 10×42 does not give you fog resistance as you would find on a pricier option. But, it’s a waterproof binocular which is nothing to sneeze at especially at its price range.

This binocular is practically a steal for hunters looking for a vivid view of their targets from a distance. It delivers a powerful magnification capacity and retains enough light for bright image viewing.

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• Magnification: 10 x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
• Angle of View: 6.3° (Actual), 63° (Apparent)
• Field of View: 330.7′ @ 1000 yd / 110.2 m @ 1000 m
• Minimum Focus Distance: 9.8′ / 3 m
• Lens Coatings: Fully Multi-coated
• Exit Pupil Diameter: 4.2 mm
• Eye Relief: 15.2 mm
• Prism Type: Roof
• Prism Glass: BAK-4
• Close Focus: 10/3
• Focus Type: Center
• Eye Cups: Twist-Up
• Lead-free Glass: Yes
• Tripod Mount: Yes (Adapter Optional)
• Waterproofing: Yes
• Weight: 25.3 oz / 717.3 g
• Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 9.6 x 6.7 x 3.3″

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• Bushnell 334211 Trophy
• Twist-up Eyecups
• Carrying Case

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• Feature a lightweight compact design
• Remarkable image clarity
• Reliable magnification
• Affordable

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• Fogs up in the cold
• Tends to have an eye pull effect with long-term use

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4. Vortex Optics Raptor 10×32 – Best Pick for Family or Group Hunting Adventures Review

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• Fully Multi-Coated
• Porro Prism Optical Design
• Adjustable Eyecups & Rubber Armor
• Center Focus Wheel & Diopter
• Nitrogen Filled Fogproof, Waterproof

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Sometimes getting the right binocular means considering your facial structure and looking for an option that easily works for your needs.

Well if that is the case, the Vortex Optics Raptor 10×32 is the right pick for the simple reason that it has a wide and flexible viewing angle that can fit anyone’s idea of comfort.

It’s designed with a fully–multicoated lens mechanism that guarantees “excellent color fidelity and clarity” plus with its twist-up eye cups you can achieve comfortable viewing even with your glasses on.

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If you need wide angle viewing binoculars, this is the one for you as it has a Porro prism design that works to achieve a wide field of view.
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Performance

If you are planning to get binocular that can be used by everyone in the entire family while on your vacation trip or while on a hunting expedition with a group of friends, this here makes a solid choice.

It is flexible to any kind of facial structure and even though it’s a Porro prism design, it comes with a waterproof and fog resistant construct which is hard to come by.

You also get increased light transmission thanks to its fully multi-coated optics plus a lifetime warranty which is great at its price range.

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• Magnification: 10x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
• Eye Relief: 13 mm
• Exit Pupil: 3.2 mm
• Linear Field of View: 339 ft /1000 yd
• Angular Field of View: 6.3 degrees
• Close Focus: 15 ft
• Interpupillary Distance: 50-70 mm
• Height: 4.5 in
• Width: 5.7 in
• Weight: 17.6 oz

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• Vortex Optics Raptor
• Rainguard Eyepiece Cover
• Tethered Objective Lens Covers
• Comfort Neck Strap
• Soft Carry Case

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• Fully multicoated design
• Lightweight and flexible
• Ideal for family vacations
• Features a lifetime warranty

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• Does not have a built-in rangefinder

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Vortex Raptor Binoculars:

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5. Olympus Trooper 8×40 DPS1 – Best Value for Money Review

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• Wide-Angle Field of View
• Traditional BK7 Porro Prisms
• Anti-Reflection Coated Lenses
• Ultraviolet-Radiation Protection
• Built-in Dioptric Correction
• Large Center Focus Knob

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Lastly on our list is the Olympus Trooper 8×40 DPS1. This here is a size 8×40 binocular that has an exit pupil of 4mm and an eye relief of 12mm.

With a BaK7 lens system, this binocular offer high-quality optics similar to what you would find with high-end options.

It is capable of sharp and bright image viewing with excellent depth of field which is what most hunting enthusiasts go for.

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In fact, its built-in dioptric correction is designed with a capacity to adjust to your specific eyesight which is remarkable.
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It also boasts of a sure grip rugged housing and the focus knobs adjust easily and smoothly for your convenience.

Performance

While you are out there chasing down that turkey the last thing you need is binocular with a stiff focus knob or awkward focus capabilities. Gladly the Olympus Trooper 8×40 DPS1 is built to prevent just that. It’s a decent pick with a nice sharp image quality.

However, prepare to be disappointed with its eye relief which some users have reported it to be a bit hard to adjust especially for those wearing glasses.

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• Magnification: 8x
• Objective lens diameter: 40mm
• Optical coating: Monolayer coating
• Optics Type: Porro prism series
• Eye interval adjustment range: 60 ‑ 70mm
• Diopter adjustment range: over +/‑ 21/m
• Lens configuration: 6 elements / 4 groups
• Exit pupil diameter: 5mm
• Actual field of view: 8.2°
• Apparent field of view: 65.6°
• Field of view at 100m: 14.3m
• Relative brightness: 25 ‑ 6.3
• Eye relief: 10 ‑ 12mm
• Closest focal point: 4m
• Dimensions HxWxD: 182 x 139 x 58mm (fully extended)
• Weight: 710g

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• Olympus Trooper DPS1
• Neckstrap
• Protective Lens Covers
• Case

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• Sharp clear optics
• Good value for money
• Robust construction
• Tripod adaptability

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• Not ideal for those wearing glasses

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Buyers Guide: How to pick the best hunting binoculars under $100

Even though binoculars have become quite popular among hiking enthusiasts, hunters, and other outdoor adventure seekers, very few people actually understand how they work.

If you get to know the mechanisms that make up the best binoculars you will know what to look out for when picking the best binocular for your next hunting trip.

We have made it easy for you with this buyer’s guide that shows you the main features to consider before a purchase.

Magnification and objective lens diameter

In the optics world, binoculars are identified by their magnification and objective lens diameter.  That is why you will see a number such as 10×42, 8×32 and so on with every model.

The first number represents the magnification capacity of that particular binocular meaning you can use it to determine the magnification capacity of the binocular you are going for. For instance, a 10x would mean that the image will be magnified ten times.

The other number in the equation represents the objective lens diameter which is basically the diameter of the front lens. With a larger objective lens diameter, a binocular will be able to let in more light and therefore present a shaper, brighter and clearer image.

Smaller lenses, on the other hand, will compromise on image clarity and brightness however since they have a small lens they tend to be more portable than their larger counterparts.

Since you will be in the search for a hunting binocular, we recommend you go with a larger objective lens diameter that will give you more image clarity and better magnification.

Variable magnification

Some binoculars come with variable magnification and instead of the two numbers; you will see something like this, 8-30×50. In such a case the binocular is a zoom binocular that is capable of variable magnification.

A zoom binocular will feature a focus wheel that lets you adjust the magnification levels even while your eyes are on the eyepiece. However, even though they offer more in terms of versatility, working with it may require a bit of a learning curve for beginners.

Exit pupil

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The exit pupil is the size of focused light that gets to your eye when you view through the eyepiece of the binocular. You can determine the size of the exit pupil by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification.
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Basically, if your exit pupil is smaller than the size of your pupil, the image you see will seem to appear from a peephole. What you need here is to go for an exit pupil that is larger than your pupil’s dilation so as to boost the clarity of your viewing even in dark surroundings.

We recommend you go with an exit pupil in the range of 6mm and above for brighter and sharper images that are good for hunting. If you have a zoom binocular, you can adjust the focus to get an exit pupil that delivers more clarity.

Eye relief

This here is the number that represents the distance between your eye and the eyepiece.

Some binoculars come with an eyecup that positions your eyes at the right distance however if you are wearing glasses, your ability to achieve a sharp focus might be reduced as your eyes are placed past the binoculars eye relief distance.

Luckily, some binoculars feature adjustable eyecups that fold back to enable you to view from the right eye relief distance.

For hunting purposes, we recommend you go with a longer eye relief which will offer a smaller field of view but give you more in terms of magnification for viewing animals from a distance at a close range.

On the other hand, a shorter eye relief will give you a larger field of view but with limited magnification.

Prism system

There are two types of prism systems i.e. Porro prism system and a Roof prism system. These determine the size, shape, and quality of viewing the binocular provides.

The prisms work to elongate the distance through which light from the image travels and therefore enables the binocular to have higher image magnification without increasing the length of the binocular. As a result, the two prism systems use different prism arrangements to achieve this.

Porro prism

With this system, you will notice that the objective lens tube is offset from the eyepiece. This is because the prism arrangement her e is at an angle to the eyepiece.

This enables a higher quality image with more light transmission and clearer viewing. The drawback with these systems is that they make the binocular much larger and expensive.

Roof prisms

These type of system is where the prisms are placed in a somewhat straight pattern, therefore, the tubes on these types of binoculars tend to have a compact straight body than their Porro prism counterparts.

However, as you gain in terms of portability and compact build, you get reduced magnification and image clarity when compared to a Porro prism design.

Lens coating

Lens coating refers to the anti-reflective layers on your lens. The anti-reflective layers are meant to increase light transmission for clear brighter viewing. There are different levels of lens coating, they include:

• Coating – this refers to the lens that only has a single layer of coating. This is a common feature with cheaper hunting binoculars.
• Multi-coating – with multi-coated lenses you get basic image clarity thanks to a lens with multiple coated surfaces.
• Fully multi-coating – a fully multi-coated lens has all surfaces i.e. both inside and outside, coated with anti-reflection layers. This is a common feature with high-end binoculars and as a result, such binoculars produce a high-quality color rendition of images with clarity and contrast.

Type of Glass

If you want a binocular that will serve you well with clear vivid images, picking the right glass that makes up the lens of your binoculars’ lens as well as the prisms matters a lot.

You will want to go with a binocular whose lenses and prisms are made of specialized glass that features extra-low dispersion with little to no distortion not to mention high light transmission.

That way you will be able to achieve more clarity and sharpness with your viewing. Some of the most popular options you will encounter include:

• BAK4 – this type of glass is common in high-end binoculars and the reason is simple. It has a high refractive index than other glass materials meaning it beats the rest when it comes to light transmission.
• BK7 – while it’s the most popular glass make you will find out there, it features one downside, especially when compared to the superior BAK4. It’s a bit slower however it still packs excellent light transmission.
• SK15 – this one strikes a balance between the BK7 and the BAK4 such that it has a high refractive index with a slight dispersion measure.

Build quality

Build quality is one of the qualities that are more of a catch-all category for binoculars. Different models come with different enhancements for a quality housing of their binoculars

However, there are some main features that you should pay attention to no matter the brand.

Waterproof

The best binoculars come with an O-ring seal that keeps moisture and water beads from getting into the binoculars’ lens. In fact, some are so robust that they can be submerged to certain depths under water and still work fine.

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If you are going to use your binocular in extreme environments we recommend you go with one that has a waterproof capacity.
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Fog resistant

What if you want to make a trip to cold areas with lots of fog? Well, you can pick a binocular with a fog proof design. This is a must-have feature especially if you are planning to visit a cold environment when you are from a warm climate.

Some of the best fog proof binoculars come with a nitrogen filled chassis that enhances the fog prevention of the binocular with a firm o-ring in place.

How does the gas work to prevent the binocular from fogging inside?

Well, since the inside of the binocular is mostly empty, the gas fills up the vacuum and therefore prevents air pressure from pushing fog into the binocular. The O-ring also helps a lot by keeping the seal airtight.

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In most cases, you will find out that most fog proof binoculars are waterproof but surprisingly not all waterproof binoculars are capable of a fog proof design.
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When it comes to build quality, going with a binocular built with the strongest housing will ensure you get durable options. Some of the main materials for quality binoculars are aluminum, polycarbonate, and magnesium.

Manufacturers prefer these materials since they are light, easy to work with but most importantly they are corrosion free and resistant to temperature change.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Now, with a budget under $100, you can still get a high quality binocular for your hunting needs.

If you follow our buying guide, you will be able to distinguish the good and the bad of budget-friendly hunting binoculars plus be sure to check out our list if you need to pick one for your next hunting trip.