As bowhunters, we live for the last 100 yards of the stalk. Dropping all of our gear and pitting our skills against our quarry combines all of the money spent, miles hiked and mountains glassed into one heart-thumping moment. However, there are two things we as bowhunters should never close the distance without: an accurate rangefinder and a dependable binocular. Utilizing optics to keep an eye on your target in thick cover can mean the difference between a punched tag and a blown stalk.

What is the best size/magnification for your bowhunting binocular? Hands down, the most popular all-around bino configuration is the 10x42 — and for good reason. A 10-power binocular provides a wide field of view, as well as adequate magnification in most glassing scenarios. The issue with this magnification range is once the adrenaline starts pumping and your heart starts racing, holding them steady poses a challenge. In addition, 10x42s can be a bit heavy on a harness.

I think an 8x32 bino is a bowhunter’s best choice for closing-the-distance glass. Lightweight and compact, the binos in this category are the perfect choice for those last 100 yards. With their lower magnification and decent light transmission, these optics shine when carried on a bino harness. The majority of optics companies offer an 8x32 bino configuration with price points to fit every bowhunter’s budget.