Best New Hunting Binoculars From SHOT Show 2018
Russ Chastain 02.13.18
SHOT Show 2018 was, as always, loaded with great new stuff for hunters. Here are some of the best new hunting binoculars for 2018
Steiner ShadowQuest
If you demand quality and your pockets are deep enough, Steiner makes some of the best hunting glass there is. And for low-light glassing, the new ShadowQuest looks pretty dang good, rated at 96%+ light transmission.
Available in 8×56 (MSRP $1090) or 10×56 (MSRP $1150), they are sizable and impressive. Steiner even calls it “the ultimate optic for low-light hunting.” And once you focus each eyepiece to each of your eyes, the “Sports-Auto-Focus” system automagically focuses anything from 20 yards out to infinity
The new Shadowquest binoculars deliver the industry’s highest light gathering optics to find and identify game in low light. Steiner’s Diamond Night™ lens coatings increase your odds for success.
Swarovski CL Companion
Available in 8×30 ($1,343.00) or 10×30 ($1,398.00), the new Swarovski CL Companion is a more compact option while still offering high-end performance and 90% light transmission.
The new CL Companion 8×30 has a 132 m (144 yd) field of view to give you the perfect overview. Its impressive optics with 8x magnification ensure your viewing is smooth and jitter-free. The ergonomic design of these compact, lightweight (490 g/17.2 oz) binoculars makes them an excellent companion providing you with unique experiences when you’re on the move.
See every crucial detail with the new CL Companion 10×30. Improved optics with 10x magnification bring you closer to nature. The ergonomic design of these compact, lightweight (500 g/17.6 oz) binoculars makes them an excellent companion providing you with unique experiences when you’re on the move.
Lucid Optics B-10
Lucid Optics’ new B-10 also has a lifetime warranty, but comes in considerably lower in price with a $549 MSRP. These 10x42s weigh 24 ounces and include a neoprene cover as well as a hard case. And the best part may be the 94% light transmission; they definitely are worth a look.
The goal was to see if we could develop an optical system that is well balanced in clarity & durability and is lightweight. The B-10 10×42 ED binoculars do this well. Weighing in at 24 ounces with an aluminum-reinforced glass-filled-polymer open frame, high definition ED Fluoride lenses. We also made sure they were waterproof and fogproof.
Generous field of view and creature comforts like twist-up ergonomic eye cups, a nice neoprene cover, and padded neck strap. Includes a rugged waterproof hard-sided carrying case and backed with a lifetime warranty.
Simmons Venture
Simmons introduced its new Venture line of binocs and spotting scopes, which they say are “designed to provide hunters with a line of optics that won’t break the bank.” This is definitely welcome news to those of us with shallower pockets.
Simmons Venture binoculars and spotting scopes are designed with the hunter in mind, and are available in all of the most popular configurations. Offering fully multi-coated lenses packaged in a rugged armor housing, the Venture line delivers maximum light transmission, revealing the finest details even at first and last light.
