Avoid unnecesary movements

It’s important to be as comfortable as possible in every way to make glassing more enjoyable and to minimize fatigue. You don’t know long your journey will be, so always better to avoid unnecesary efforts.

Keep your binoculars steady.

Having a stable platform will increase your ability to pick up game and reduce eye fatigue.

If you’re not glassing from a tripod, you’re missing out. Glassing with hunting binoculars on a tripod is game-changing, especially in a big hunting game. The steadiness from a tripod is unmatched, but not practical in every field.

If you can’t use a tripod, resting your binoculars on the top wheel of your bow, on a trekking pole or simply placing your elbows on your knees while sitting are great alternatives.

A good Tripod Set-up is a must

If you’re glassing from a tripod in the standing position to get a better view, the same tripod set-up concept applies, avoid fully extending the center post and lower leg section. Always use the tripod in its stiffest and sturdiest position. If you’re having to max out the center post, to reach eye-height, you need a taller tripod.

In windy conditions, it’s also a good idea to hang some weight to the center post of the tripod to minimize shake and possible movement.

Utilize the terrain to your advantage.

The highest and steepest peak will offer the best vantage point and allow you to see 360 degrees around you. Keep an eye out for cliff edges, long ridges, rocky outcroppings, knobs and high points to glass from, but remember to stay concealed while getting into position. Before going into a new area, scout for ideal vantage points on topo maps or Google Earth and know their location before you get there. Plan a route to your vantage point that will keep you concealed and from getting busted.

If it’s windy, position yourself so you’re glassing into the wind. Glassing into the wind will put you in a favorable position to spot them.

When you first get into position, glass the obvious or likely areas to hold game first. After you’ve glassed the hot spots, use a grid-search technique, sweeping horizontally and vertically.

Glass with the sun at your back.

By keeping the sun at your back, you’ll be able to glass further and clearer. This isn’t practical in the afternoons when animals are typically bedded in the shade. But in the early mornings and late evenings will give you an upper hand. For the times you’re looking into the sun, you’ll appreciate having clean lenses.

Be aware of the temperature to avoid fog

Keep your binos warm to avoid fogging up when you’re glassing in cold weather, 40 degrees or less. If your binoculars are cold, your breath and warmth from your face will fog them up almost immediately. It’s a good idea to keep them under your shirt or coat. When camping overnight, keep them wrapped up in your tent or sleeping bag.

Keep your binoculars clean.

Today’s binoculars feature multi-layer lens coatings to enhance clarity, reduce glair and minimize fogging. Improper cleaning or wiping and using materials like your shirt sleeve may cause microscopic scratching. Over time, this will wear through the lens coating and into the glass lenses themselves, decreasing clarity and performance.

Select the right size

Large objective and ocular lenses allow more light to enter your eyes—the more light your optics allow into your eyes, the easier it will be for you to see at dawn and dusk conditions.

• Free hand & Ideal for up close in open country: 8×42 | 10×42 | 10×50
• Ideal on a tripod & ideal for long distance glassing or spotting minor details: 12×50 | 15×56