The best tactical binoculars are invaluable for spotting at the range and scouting in the backcountry.
The consensus is that 10X42 is the best all-around binocular “size.” If you are constantly on the move, then go for 8X42.
The best field binos come with a rugged design, are weatherproof, and offer crystal clear views. Here are our favorites.
We Recommend
Best Tactical Binoculars
1. Vortex Viper HD 10X42mm Roof Prism Binoculars
The Vortex Viper HD binoculars have an FoV of 341 feet at 1000 yards. So, you are going to get a wide view of objects. The Viper HD binoculars also come with a long eye relief of 17mm, and you will feel pretty comfortable using them with your eyeglasses on.
The exit pupil of these soldier binoculars is large enough to feel comfortable looking around during low light. The binoculars also have roof prism construction so that they can withstand an impact too. Their fully multi-coated finish is going to make your viewing experience pretty nice because they guarantee sharpness and clarity at their best.
These binoculars are pretty lightweight, and they weigh under 25 oz, so you can conveniently use them on the go without any fatigue. Carry them or hang them; these binoculars are designed to be used for longer sessions.
What we liked
- Unbeatable VIP warranty
- Rubber armor design
- Great low light performance
- Center focus designs
- Roof prism construction
- Lightweight binoculars
- Long eye relief
What we didn’t like
- Diopter is not lockable
- Slight color fringing in low light with a bright background
- Not made for tolerating high temperatures
Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view: 341 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 17mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 24.9 oz
Best for: Hunting, shooting, birding, traveling
2. Vortex Fury HD 5000 10X42mm Roof Prism Rangefinder Binoculars
The Vortex Fury HD 5000 binoculars are exceptional for tactical applications as they come with an inbuilt rangefinder. This rangefinder will help you in spotting and scanning larger plains of the field in no time.
Due to their high-end 10x magnification, you can conveniently focus on distant objects with clarity. These military rangefinder binoculars also feature 43mm objective lenses to bring the best view regardless of the weather conditions.
These lenses come with a fully multi-coated finish to ensure better light transmission and true-to-life colors. These gun range binoculars come with a pretty decent eye relief of 16mm, so you will feel pretty convenient when using them with your glasses on.
These shooting binoculars come with a wide field of view of 321 feet @ 1000 yards, so they are pretty convenient to use for focusing on your target. With a central knob focusing on your target becomes very easy, and you won’t have to do it separately for both your lens and waste any time.
What we liked
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Rubber armored body
- Inbuilt rangefinder
- Powered by CR2 battery with 4000 ranging cycles
- Tripod adaptable
- Best binoculars for long-range shooting
- Roof prism construction
What we didn’t like
- They are slightly heavy
- Higher price tag
- No automatic shut-off feature
Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view: 321 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 16mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 32.3 oz
Best for: Long-range shooting, hunting
3. Steiner HX Series 10X42mm Roof Prism Tactical Binoculars
The Steiner HX 10x42mm binoculars have durable roof prisms. These binoculars come with a robust construction with NBR rubber armoring and an N2 injection system. Therefore, you can comfortably use your binoculars in any weather condition.
These rugged binoculars come with nitrogen purging to guarantee fog-proof clarity. The Makrolon housing is a durable polycarbonate body along with NBR rubber armoring. So despite being lightweight, these binoculars can easily hold themselves well against an impact of 11 Gs.
The eyecups have a very ergonomic design. They will prevent any light from entering into your view from the sides so you can enjoy crisp views with great comfort.
These binoculars also come with a large exit pupil to ensure better viewing in dim light situations. You won’t have to deal with any washed-out color due to the high-definition optical coatings.
What we liked
- BAK4 roof prism construction
- Good low light performance
- Quick close focus
- Fog and waterproofing
- Rubber armoring for protection
- Ergonomic eyecups
- Makrolon housing
What we didn’t like
- Lens caps are loose
- Higher price tag
- The carrying case is a bit flimsy
Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view: 326 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 16mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 28 oz
Best for: Hunting, wildlife, and long-range shooting
4. Steiner T1042 10X42mm Roof Prism Tactical Binoculars
The Steiner T104 binoculars come with a long eye relief of 16mm, so you can comfortably use them with your eyeglasses on. These binoculars also come with an exit pupil of 4.2mm for better light transmission. So, you will get a pretty decent low-light performance from these binoculars.
The standard quick close focus is there, so you won’t have to spend too much time getting the focus right. You will find this pretty handy in fast-paced environments where you will have to focus on a hyperactive target.
These binoculars also come with Stener’s signature NBR rubber coating to ensure an anti-slip grip and protection from any impact up to 11 Gs.
The FoV of 317 feet @ 1000 yards is slightly short. It could have been better, but you still get a wide view wherever you point your binoculars.
What we liked
- Superior quality imaging
- Rubber armoring
- Fully waterproof construction
- Quick to focus at any range
- Roof prism construction
- High-definition optical coating
- Multiple accessories included
What we didn’t like
- FoV is a bit narrow
- No lockable diopter
Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view: 317 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 16mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 26.7 oz
Best for: Hunting and all around
5. Steiner 10X50 MM1050 Military-Marine Binoculars
The Steiner 10×50 military-marine binoculars ensure that you will get superior optical performance. These army issue binoculars come with high-quality NBR rubber coating. So, they are going to handle any impact pretty well.
These military grade binoculars feature large objective lenses and perform pretty well in low-light conditions. You can also use them for long-distance viewing, long-range shooting, and stargazing.
These tactical binos have an auto-focus. Therefore, you won’t even have to waste your time adjusting your focus and get to the action right away.
However, these are pretty heavy binoculars (36oz). You should have steady hands to use these military issue binoculars at high magnification, or you’ll end up losing your target in no time.
What we liked
- Powerful objective lenses
- Binoculars used by military
- BAK4 Porro prism construction
- A decent eye relief
- Large exit pupil
- Auto-focus features
- Multiple accessories
What we didn’t like
- Heavy to hold for a long session
Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 50mm
Field of view: 327 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 17mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 36 oz
Best for: Long-range shooting, hunting, surveillance, military applications
6. Zeiss Conquest HD 8X42mm Waterproof Binoculars
The Zeiss Conquest HD binoculars are great when it comes to light transmission. They will make it extremely comfortable for you to spot your target even in low-light conditions.
Due to the high-definition extra-low dispersion glass lenses, these binoculars ensure natural colors and clarity. These binoculars also come with rotating and lockable eyecups so you can use them comfortably with your eyeglasses.
Their focus wheel is larger and has an ergonomic construction. Therefore, you can comfortably use it to focus with your one finger and even with your gloves on and in wet conditions.
The Zeiss military binoculars boast T* multilayer coating, and it is customized for each lens separately to provide excellent low light performance, optimal brightness, and clarity. Spotting your target and scanning the area is a pretty easy job with these binoculars.
Their construction is also fog, shock, and waterproof to ensure that they last on all your hunts for a long time to come.
What we liked
- Long eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Large exit pupil
- Excellent low-light performance
- Huge central focus knobs
- Shock, fog, and waterproof
- Excellent close focus
What we didn’t like
- Higher price tag
Magnification: 8x
Lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view: 420 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 18mm
Weatherproof: fog and waterproof
Weight: 28 oz
Best for: All wildlife and shooting
7. Vortex Razor HD 10X42mm Binoculars
The Vortex Razor HD Binoculars come with extraordinary optics and a durable body to handle outdoor conditions. A rainguard will keep the prism dry in the rain, so it can be used in a variety of tactical applications.
The dielectric coating on the lens gives color correction, and a phase-correction coating improves contrast and resolution.
With an exit pupil of 4.2mm, they allow a good amount of light to pass through. But they also come with a wide field of view of 362 feet @ 1000 yards. It allows you to have a large view and cover more area while panning across the scene.
These military style binoculars’ lenses come with Vortex’s signature XR Plus coating that ensures quality color products and bright view.
These binoculars come with rubber armor for protection against any impacts and give you an anti-slip grip. These binoculars also have twist-up eyecups so that you can use them with eyeglasses comfortably.
What we liked
- Extra low dispersion glass
- Wide field of view
- XR Plus lens coating
- Lightweight design
- No color fringing
- Fully multi-coating
- Phase coated prisms
What we didn’t like
- Average eye relief
- Higher price tag
Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view: 362 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 16.5mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof
Weight: 24.8 oz
Best for: Hunting and birding
8. Steiner Predator 10X42mm Roof Prism Binoculars
The Steiner Predator binoculars come with Steiner’s signature N2 injection system. That means the binoculars are sealed with pressurized nitrogen gas. This treatment makes them completely fog proof, and you can conveniently use these army binoculars in rainy and foggy conditions.
Their Makloron housing involves a polycarbonate body covered with NBR rubber armor. The rubber coating armoring with the rugged chassis of this military binocular set won’t break on taking an impact.
The Clicloc System allows you to attach and detach these binoculars with a harness and or neck strap in a push-button manner. It means that your binoculars will keep hanging straight and ready for action.
These survival binoculars also come with a quick close focus feature, which involves minimal rotation of the central knob for focusing. No matter how active your target is, it will always be in your sight.
These binoculars come with roof prism construction, so they are lightweight and robust. They ensure optimal light transmission due to their fully multi-coated lenses with color-adjusted transmission (CAT). It amplifies contrast in your vision to make sure you can conveniently spot your game.
What we liked
- ClicLoc system for easy detachment
- N2 injection system
- Makrolon housing
- Quick to focus
- Robust and lightweight roof prism construction
- Optimized light transmission with CAT
- Rubber armor body
What we didn’t like
- Eye relief could have been longer
Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view: 328 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 16mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 28.4 oz
Best for: Hunting and shooting
9. Steiner Navigator Pro 7X50 Tactical Binoculars
The Steiner Navigator Pro binoculars come with a compass on them, and you can conveniently use them for navigation. It comes with a 7x magnification (marine standard). You enjoy seeing a comfortable and stable image for bridge numbers buoys tracking boats. With a stable image, you can comfortably use these binoculars in rough waters.
The Steiner military binocular set comes with a high contrast optical system that will provide you with sharply contoured images with accurate brightness and colors. Therefore, you can use them in various light conditions.
These Steiner tactical binoculars come with floating prism systems and use flexible silicone mounts so that they can comfortably absorb any shock caused by an impact. With an autofocus system, you can conveniently focus on each lens price according to your needs.
What we liked
- 7x magnification is the marine standard
- Floating prism system
- High contrast optical system
- Auto-focus features
- Marrolong housing design
- N2 injection for fog and waterproofing
- Comes with a compass
What we didn’t like
- Doesn’t have an image stabilizer
- No floating strap is included in the package
Magnification: 7x
Lens diameter: 50mm
Field of view: 371 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 20.2mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 39.2 oz
Best for: Marine applications
10. Redfield Battlefield 10X42 Tactical Binoculars
The Redfield Battlefield binoculars come with a camo rubber armor finish, so you use them to take on your target without alerting them. Due to the use of roof prism construction, these binoculars are durable and can withstand impacts.
With a wide FoV of 341 feet at 1000 yards, you can pan around a wide area effortlessly. These MIL spec binoculars are rain-resistant. Plus, these binoculars come with flexible twist-up eyecups so that you can use them without or without your glasses.
You also won’t have to fumble around with the focus knob because it has an ergonomic design that makes it pretty comfortable to use on the go. The TAC-MOA reticle crosshair with 2 MOA increments makes them the best binoculars for shooting range.
You can rotate it easily according to your situation. These military binoculars with rangefinder are great for surveillance and long-range shooting.
What we liked
- Best survival binoculars
- TAC-MOA reticle features
- Aluminum construction
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- BAK4 prism systems
- Edge-to-edge clarity
- Quick to focus
What we didn’t like
- Twilight performance is weak
Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view: 341 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 16.3mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 26.4 oz
Best for: Long range shooting, hunting, surveillance
11. Nikon Action Extreme 10X50 Waterproof Binoculars
The Nikon Action Extreme binoculars have a rugged construction that is water and fog-proof. They also come with multi-coated optics that can produce bright images in any condition. The Porro prisms used in constructing these military zoom binoculars come with phase-correction coating to ensure high-quality images with excellent light transmission.
The lenses have a fully multi-coated finish on them to bring clarity and sharpness to the views. These binoculars have a central focus knob, so you don’t need to adjust the focus on both your lenses separately.
The eyecups of these best range binoculars have a turn-and-slide design, so they are pretty comfortable to use and adjust. However, they have a slightly flimsy construction, and they end up losing their grip. So, you need to be careful with them or get your replacement as soon as possible.
What we liked
- BAK4 Porro prisms
- Excellent diopter control
- A decent eye relief
- Excellent light transmission
- Multi-coated optics that are bright
- Water and fog proof for all-weather performance
- Large objective lenses and exit pupil
What we didn’t like
- Somewhat heavy
- Not suitable on the go
- Flimsy eyecups
Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 50mm
Field of view: 374 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 17.2mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 36 oz
Best for: Long-range shooting, hunting, birding
12. Steiner T24 Tactical 8X24 Binoculars
The Steiner T24 tactical binoculars come with rugged coatings, ergonomic and lightweight design that makes them easy to carry on the go.
These binoculars come with BAK4 roof prism construction, which makes them durable and allows the extra light transmission to produce bright images. They might not come with a larger exit pupil, but they come with a high-definition optical coating that allows you to see brighter images even in low-light conditions.
The lenses come with a fully multi-coating finish to ensure everything remains bright and clear, and true to its colors. They have an FoV 344 ft @ 1000 yards that allow you to cover more ground no matter where you point your binoculars.
These binoculars also have a fast close focus which also makes them tactically good, as you get to focus on your target instantly. These binoculars also come with NBR rubber armor to prevent any slippage. Steiner has made them waterproof to make sure that they can conveniently take on any weather conditions.
What we liked
- Wide field of view
- Robust construction
- High-definition optical coating
- Quick close focus
- Shock, fog, and waterproof design
- Best compact tactical binoculars
- Fully multi-coated lenses
What we didn’t like
- Not made for long-distance viewing
- Short eye relief
- The carry case is noisy
Magnification: 8x
Lens diameter: 24mm
Field of view: 344 feet @ 1000 yards
Eye relief: 13mm
Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
Weight: 12.6 oz
Best for: Short range hunting
FAQ
What binoculars do Navy SEALs use?
US Navy SEALs use Steiner M22 7×50 binoculars for various operations other than marine or land. They are also the best police binoculars.
What are the best military binoculars?
The best military binoculars are the Steiner T24 Tactical 8×24 Binoculars. These are also great for a variety of other tactical operations.
What binoculars do snipers use?
The Steiner M22 7×50 binoculars are the primary binoculars military, especially for the snipers belonging to the Marine Corps and Army.
What binoculars do the military use?
The Steiner M22 7×50 binoculars are US military binoculars. These are the primary field binocular for both the Marine corps and the Army.
Thanks so much for sharing! I have no complaint about your article. I love it!
Vortex is an outstanding pair of binoculars. Crystal clear, easy to use, and light weight. This by far the best pair I have ever used. Can’t tell how impressed I am with these. I have owned a lot of good to average binoculars but these are in another class. These binos are awesome! Image is clear and high definition and for the price it’s perfect.