$1500 budget RF binos versus older SLC glass

[Adam Gibbs]

I currently have a pair of older SLCs. Probably made around 2007 if I had to guess. They're super clear to me and a purchase I've never regretted after getting them second hand 4 years ago.

I'm considering getting a pair of range finding binos now though. I'd have a budget of about $1500. Am I going to be disappointed in the glass quality of the RF binos in that price range though? I'm sure bino technology has gotten better since 2007 when mine were made. But I don't want to feel like I stepped down in glass to get the rangefinder feature. If I need to up my budget, by how much am I looking at? Any suggestions for RF binos I need to be looking at and waiting for a sale on?

Thanks for any help.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

With the Leica Geovid R 10x42 Binocular on sale for only $1,199.99 you should consider those

 

[Beendare]

Yep, those Leicas are a steal at that price- great glass

 

[Doc Holliday]

I currently have a pair of older SLCs. Probably made around 2007 if I had to guess. They're super clear to me and a purchase I've never regretted after getting them second hand 4 years ago.

I'm considering getting a pair of range finding binos now though. I'd have a budget of about $1500. Am I going to be disappointed in the glass quality of the RF binos in that price range though? I'm sure bino technology has gotten better since 2007 when mine were made. But I don't want to feel like I stepped down in glass to get the rangefinder feature. If I need to up my budget, by how much am I looking at? Any suggestions for RF binos I need to be looking at and waiting for a sale on?

Thanks for any help.

You can confirm the year of manufacture by following these instructions:

My Service

myservice.swarovskioptik.com

And yes, generally RF binos do not have as great of glass as a standalone bino. Plus RF technology is constantly changing. I’m a fan of separate

 

[JGRaider]

If you don't need ballistic solutions, a GPO Rangeguide is a no brainer.

 

[nagibson1]

Are you guys ok with the weight of these binos? They seem to all be north of 32oz. IS that normal for better glass/RF tech?

I run Vortex UHD's and a leupold rangefinder. 3 days ago I couldn't get a shot on a 5x5 after my buddy dropped the 6x6 in a bull group because I couldn't find the bull, range it, and get it in my scope fast enough. I know that is a low probability situation, but it was still a disappointment. RF binos might have made a difference. However, 24oz binos seem heavy to me since I moved up from HD Vipers.

 

[AndrewMT34]

Are you guys ok with the weight of these binos? They seem to all be north of 32oz. IS that normal for better glass/RF tech?

I run Vortex UHD's and a leupold rangefinder. 3 days ago I couldn't get a shot on a 5x5 after my buddy dropped the 6x6 in a bull group because I couldn't find the bull, range it, and get it in my scope fast enough. I know that is a low probability situation, but it was still a disappointment. RF binos might have made a difference. However, 24oz binos seem heavy to me since I moved up from HD Vipers.

I have 10x42 Victory RF’s, I absolutely love them and wouldn’t go back to standard bino’s. I can upload like 6 different ballistic profiles into the zeiss app on my phone, so the binocular will show distance, horizontal distance, then what my mil dial is for that distance. They are still super clear when used for glassing. I honestly didn’t notice the extra weight.