Thread: Rangefinder binos

Originally Posted by caberslash

How many people have shot animals out past 1km with data from their RF binos?

I carry a rangefinder (Leica 2700B) and separate binos (Swarovski 10x42 EL).

Don't have ground where I can safely shoot beyond 300m at the moment. So not worried at all.

Shot targets put to 1.5km but I'd say the best binos in the world can't give you a wind call within 2-5mph

Most data stops at 800 on binos I think unless paired with a krestal in which case it’s very reliable

Originally Posted by Kelton

Most data stops at 800 on binos I think unless paired with a krestal in which case it’s very reliable

I get it for LR target/steel shooting

My annoyance comes from the following:

1. RF binos will always have worse glass due to the arrangement of lenses being sub optimal. I've tried every top tier brand (Leica, Swaro, Ziess , the latter being the worst) and none of them have better or 'as good as' glass compared to the same non-LRF version. Leica has the best arrangement out of the three but I have never liked the ergonomics of Leica binoculars, which is more than half the battle as an unsteady hold means it's pointless to try and range/observe. Swarovski still has the best glass but their LRF binos have always possessed tumours on the underside which does nothing to help the hold.

The lower tier Asian sweat shop assembled binos (Vortex, Sig, Kahles) may be better in terms of the software inside, but the glass isn't even on the same planet. Sorry if you think so, because it means your eyes are fucked.

2. Carting a set of binos; or worse still, a scope, with LRF and ballistics built in, is all well and good until it either stops working (electronic circuits will pack up eventually, not a question of IF but WHEN) or the battery goes flat. Easy enough to carry a spare battery, but try getting the electronics fixed on an older pair of LRF binos. You'll either get a bill which is 40% of a new pair, or the person on the other end of the phone will be saying 'Guys, listen to this mug who wants their 10 year old pair of LRF binos repaired! For free! '

Sure, Vortex is 'lifetime warranty' but that's been factored into the dealer cost already. You've paid for 2-3x of what a single product would otherwise cost without that warranty.

3. A separate LRF unit is the only logical way to go. Chop and change at anytime without taking a huge hit on resale. Leupold just released a 5k yards handheld LRF...https://www.leupold.com/rx-5000-tbr-w-rangefinder

Originally Posted by caberslash

I get it for LR target/steel shooting

My annoyance comes from the following:

1. RF binos will always have worse glass due to the arrangement of lenses being sub optimal. I've tried every top tier brand (Leica, Swaro, Ziess , the latter being the worst) and none of them have better or 'as good as' glass compared to the same non-LRF version. Leica has the best arrangement out of the three but I have never liked the ergonomics of Leica binoculars, which is more than half the battle as an unsteady hold means it's pointless to try and range/observe. Swarovski still has the best glass but their LRF binos have always possessed tumours on the underside which does nothing to help the hold.

The lower tier Asian sweat shop assembled binos (Vortex, Sig, Kahles) may be better in terms of the software inside, but the glass isn't even on the same planet. Sorry if you think so, because it means your eyes are fucked.

2. Carting a set of binos; or worse still, a scope, with LRF and ballistics built in, is all well and good until it either stops working (electronic circuits will pack up eventually, not a question of IF but WHEN) or the battery goes flat. Easy enough to carry a spare battery, but try getting the electronics fixed on an older pair of LRF binos. You'll either get a bill which is 40% of a new pair, or the person on the other end of the phone will be saying 'Guys, listen to this mug who wants their 10 year old pair of LRF binos repaired! For free! '

Sure, Vortex is 'lifetime warranty' but that's been factored into the dealer cost already. You've paid for 2-3x of what a single product would otherwise cost without that warranty.

3. A separate LRF unit is the only logical way to go. Chop and change at anytime without taking a huge hit on resale. Leupold just released a 5k yards handheld LRF...https://www.leupold.com/rx-5000-tbr-w-rangefinder

Leupold rangefinders a notoriously shit and what’s the difference of the tech failing in binos vs a hand held . Binos no matter the shape are easier to hold steady given you hold them with to hands it’s a lot easier to get a range when glassing rather than swapping units and trying to find the animal again terrain dependant obviously . Everyone’s held up on warrenty it’s what insurance is for