There is an old saying that good binoculars are expensive and very good binoculars are very expensive. It's true and you can easily spend more for a set of top-end binos that you spent on your bow. Except that is, for this set of amazingly sharp binos from TruGlo, one of the most innovative companies in the sports-optics field. The TruGlo Tru-Brite 8X32 Binoculars compare very favourably to the finest from Swarovski and Steiner in all indices of clarity, sharpness, ocular alignment, weather proofing and warranty coverage. All this at half the price for a comparable pair from the big-name companies.
The Tru-Brite binos feature a compact and lightweight with extra-long eye relief for ease of focus and to accommodate eyeglass wearers. The twist-up eye cups with click stops and the removable/winged eye cups make the Tru-Brite binos quick to use and comfortable for hours of glassing gar slopes in search of game. Multi-coated lenses and high-light-transmitting sliver-coating prisms make for the brightest and sharpest image you will find in any optic. While the textured synthetic covering provides waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant protection for use in all the rough environmental conditions that bowhunters are likely to encounter in either Australia or New Zealand. the exterior features a green non-slip grip with a tough matte finish on all metal parts. A Tru-Glo Bino/Bivy-Harness carry system in APG Camo is also included.
The Trailblazer 8X25 ATB Binoculars from Nikon are roof-prism-type bino designed to be a rugged and compact all-purpose optic, just the thing that Kiwi and Australian bowhunters need when they want to keep the weight down and the quality up. The fog-proof and waterproof design of the Trailblazer is enclosed in a rubber-armored case that will stand up to rough treatment without losing alignment.
Nikon is recognised as the world leader in precision optics and Trailblazer reflects this commitment to no-compromise quality. The turn-and-slide eye cups extra protection to the front optical element,and the 8X25 field of view provides viewing convenience while keeping weight and cost down. The nitrogen-filled case is sealed with O-rings making the Trailblazer totally waterproof and fog proof under the worst of conditions.
Nikon also backs their commitment to designing durable and reliable binoculars with an amazing twenty-five year limited warranty along with the standard Nikon no-fault policy. This means that even if you break your binos while using them to hammer in a tent peg, Nikon will fix them for you--no questions asked. You can't really got a better warranty than that.
These little binoculars from Bushnell/Tasco are very inexpensive but they aren't cheap. The Tasco 8X21 Pocket binos are built to Bushnell's exacting standards of clarity and sharpness with results that are amazing when the low price is considered.
These little binos have a double hinges to fold into a compact package small enough to fit into a shirt pocket or the lightest bowhunting kit. The though rubberised external shell makes these camouflaged compacts an excellent choice for tramping or hunting in the New Zealand mountains or Australian Outback when light weight and low cost are the primary considerations. A good-quality case and a neck strap are included.
the Bino-Bivy Harness System from TruGlo is a great way to carry your binoculars with maximum protection while keeping them accessible and instantly available, and it works just as well with rangefinders and digital cameras. It is the best system we have seen yet to give bowhunters fast access to binoculars while keeping them securely out of the way when they're not needed.
The Bino-Bivy has a simple magnetic seal on the cover flap that can be opened without making the ripping sound that you (and every animal within earshot)associates with Velcro closures. The magnet is soundless while allowing fast and convenient deployment of binos or other accessories while protecting expensive optics from the dirt and abuse associated with using precision equipment in the field.
Don't purchase this item if you are buying the TruGlo Tru-Brite binoculars listed above as the complete Bino-Bivy system is included with all TruGlo binos. Naturally, the binoculars on the photo are there for illustrative purposes only and are not included in the price.
This simple and lightweight binocular harness from Vista is a great way to carry your binos or digital camera while you are bowhunting. Even lightweight binos can feel like they weigh the kilos after wearing them around your neck for a few hours, and they tend to flop around and get in the way when you aren't using them.
The Bino Toter takes all the weight of your binos or camera off your neck and distributes it evenly on your shoulders where it won't cause fatigue even on the longest day in the bush. The Bino Toter also keeps your expensive binoculars safe and secure while keeping them always handy and out of the way of your bowstring, plus it is easy to use and inexpensive. This is a must-have item for every bowhunter who uses binoculars or carries a camera.
The most important piece of gear that a bowhunter carries into the bush that is not a bow, an arrow, or a pair of shoes is a good dependable pair of binoculars. Bowhunters in Australia and especially in New Zealand often face a long tramp to get into their selected hunting blocks, and they need a lightweight, compact set of binoculars that won't let them down and are of high enough quality to do the job. We all know the frustration of stalking for hours on a animal that ends up not worth taking. Or, as in one very embarrassing case, stalking for an hour to get down wind of a fallen ponga stump that from a distance looked just like a bedded stag.
In selecting just the right pair of binos, most experienced bowhunters agree that a large magnification isn't necessary and can actually be a liability, 8X is considered about right for the majority of situations. What bowhunters need most is a wide field of view and a bright image that stays bright in low-light conditions. Light gathering and brightness are functions of many things (glass quality, lens coatings, and prism configuration to name a few) but the most important consideration for the buyer is the diameter of the objective lens (the big end of the bino), but there is a trade off here. As the objective lens gets bigger the weight increases in proportion and the cost increases substantially.
NZAP have selected the TruGlo Tru-Brite binoculars in 8X32 as the best combination of price, reasonable carry weight, and ocular clarity. These are excellent binoculars with an appropriate configuration for bowhunting and a great value. The other binos listed on this page will also do the job in many situations, but with the smaller objective lenses, you shouldn't expect great low-light performance. The tiny pocket binos from Tasco do a very good job when size and price are considered. These are the ones to take along as a backup or when a long tramp precludes taking a larger and heavier pair.