Binoculars
Binoculars are essential kit for hunting, tramping, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and any activity where distance vision matters. The right pair depends on where you're using them — a compact 8x25 for tramping is very different from a 10x50 for stationary hunting glassing. Our binocular range is led by Bushnell — one of the most trusted names in sporting optics — and covers hunting, tramping, and general outdoor use. Available online only.
Understanding Binocular Specs
- Magnification x Objective lens (e.g. 10x50): The first number is magnification — 10x means objects appear 10 times closer. The second number is the objective lens diameter in millimetres — larger lenses gather more light, giving better performance in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk hunting.
- 8x vs 10x: 8x provides a wider field of view and is more forgiving of hand shake — better for scanning and moving targets. 10x gives more detail at distance — better for stationary glassing and target identification. For general NZ hunting use, 10x42 or 10x50 is the most popular choice.
- Waterproofing: Essential for NZ conditions. Look for nitrogen-purged, fully waterproof construction — fog-proofing prevents internal fogging when moving between temperature extremes.
- Eye relief: Important for spectacle wearers. Look for at least 15mm of eye relief to see the full field of view with glasses on.
Note: Binoculars are online only — not available in-store. For advice on selecting the right model, get in touch and our team can help. For more guidance, see our binocular buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What binoculars are best for NZ hunting and outdoors use?
For NZ deer hunting — scanning tussock, bush edges, and alpine terrain — a 10x42 or 10x50 is the standard choice. The larger objective lens provides enough light-gathering for dawn and dusk glassing when animals are most active. For tramping and wildlife spotting where you want to travel light, a compact 8x25 or 8x32 is more practical. Bushnell's Spectator Sport range covers both use cases well. For hunters who spend long periods glassing from a fixed position, a tripod adapter adds significant comfort.
What's the difference between 8x and 10x binoculars?
8x binoculars have a wider field of view and are more stable when hand-held — better for scanning moving terrain, birdwatching, and situations where you're looking across a wide area. 10x provides more magnification for target identification at distance — better for stationary hunting glassing and spotting game on open terrain. For most NZ hunting use, 10x is the more popular choice. For tramping and general outdoor use where you're scanning frequently, 8x is often more practical.
Do I need waterproof binoculars for NZ?
Yes — NZ conditions make waterproofing important for any serious outdoor use. Fully waterproof, nitrogen-purged binoculars prevent fogging when moving between temperature extremes (cold morning air into a warm vehicle, for example) and handle rain without damage. Budget binoculars without waterproofing fog internally and degrade quickly in field use. All Bushnell binoculars in our range are waterproof.