Best range finder binos?

[mxgsfmdpx]

Another one to consider are the Meopta Optika LR's. They make an 8x50 which has the widest FOV of any range finding bino and they come in at a really attractive price point. I got a deal on them from Doug at Cameraland and have been really happy with them.

Like all RF binos they are heavier, and require a larger sized bino harness. Just something else to consider.

Meoptas glass and build quality is up there with the big names in my opinion, and after owning every brand they are my go to for all of my optics.

 

[Larry Bartlett]

Swarovski EL exclamation point

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

Right, but not without increasing the side profile of the binos substantially to the point where they don't fit in a normal sized pouch.

Even without the fitment issues, I really dislike the big ol knobs protruding from either side of the binos. Surely there is a better way.

They're 0.5" wider at the knobs than at the objectives. What harness are you using that they don't fit?

 

[ColeyG]

Sitka. Three different versions. And to clarify, they do fit in that I can get them in and out, but the knobs make that quite cumbersome. It seems like a small thing until you pull them out and put them away a hundred + times in a day.

 

[bpurtz]

Optically the current version of the Zeiss Victory RF is based on the Victory HT design with Abbe Koenig Prisms - they are not a flat-field design but are incredibly crisp center-field. I also really like their App - very easy and precise.

Hey Spiral - just curious - you posted this comment, but I see that you have a set for sale. Is there something new that you are going to try?

 

[Spiral Horn]

Hey Spiral - just curious - you posted this comment, but I see that you have a set for sale. Is there something new that you are going to try?

No, I’m still of the opinion the latest version Zeiss Victory is the best RF binocular system currently available. Very experienced folks like Schaaf, Kotaman and Matt Cashell appear to share that opinion. So, I’m not really looking for a replacement. The optics are crisp, the rangefinder is very accurate, and the App is a gem. However, the majority of my hunting is still with a bow and arrow. Been using a full sized bino and compact rangefinder forever, to the point of it being muscle-memory. Old habits are hard to break and a CRF still works better with a bow IMO. But the dedicated rifle guys and long-range shooters I know are all transitioning to RF Binos.

Received the RF as a gift in 2020 and it is still quite cherry/mint. They perform flawlessly. Since they are still in pristine condition I’m at a decision point, either really start using them on my rifle hunts or sell them. Since I already have a massive stable of optics, I decided to sell them. If they don’t sell (cannot imagine that will happen as they are a great value) I’ll start using them on my hunts this coming fall.

 

[Longleaf]

It might be worth the wait and see how the Sig Kilo10k stacks up when they are released.

 

[Noblet]

Anyone had real life experience with the Steiner 10x42 LRF? Was comparing these to the new Fury and felt the Steiner were definitely a better glass...just not sure on the RF portion.

 

[MTNHUNTER76]

I ran the swaro 10x42 el range untill they were stolen, great binos decent range finder. I currently own the sig kilo 3k, glass is great for price point and rangefinder is excellent. Just bought a pair of el 12x50's. Best glass ive looked through and ive looked through quite a bit. Planning to buy a stand alone vortex range finder. Electronics will go down eventually and I won't be without my glass. Vortex offers lifetime even on rangefinders.

 

[AKPA18]

Swarovski EL exclamation point

All day long.
I just traded up to the TA from EL range. I don’t think I’ll ever use TA function but good god they are

I had multiple sets of new Leica not range when cold. Not -20 cold…. Like 30 cold. FWIW

 

[jherald]

Swarovski EL Range 10x42 and don't look back. One post mentioned these are the gold standard, and it's 100% spot on. For a dedicated rifle hunting bino, these simply cannot be beat. I've run these since 2012 and they are solid money. I've had no need or desire to upgrade and have only sent them in for regular service/cleaning from normal wear use, never had any issues with the internal components or ranging.

As far as fit in a bino harness, mine will fit in a 10x42 sized AK Guide Creations, a 10x42 sized FHF Gear, 10x42 sized Kuiu harness or the SG bino harness.

During the season, I haven't had to run more than one battery (but I'm also not ranging everything all day long, only using for legitimate shooting solutions). I've used them during winter here and haven't seen any problems with my unit.

Buy once, cry once. It's an investment in your gear for long term.

 

[Landonm]

I've used both the Zeiss Victory RF 10x42 and the EL Range TA 10x42. If your priority is ranging and ballistics, the Zeiss are hands down the best I've seen in an RF Bino. The only problem with them is I went through 2 pairs in 3 seasons. Zeiss took care of me with both units, but I just lost trust in them after having 2 pairs fail on me. I'd like to hope I was just unlucky and got 2 duds, but I've heard the same story from multiple people on these.

Having switched to the EL Range TA, I'm really liking them. The glass is clearly superior to the Zeiss, but the rangefinder is not nearly as powerful and I don't find the ballistics and app interface quite as good. It's trade-offs in the end, I guess. I like having a RF in my binos and will probably never go back (though the NL Pures sure are calling my name). I'll always have a Revic BR4 in my pack for real ballistics and RF firepower when I need it.

 

[Iddogguy]

I have Swarovski EL Range 10x42, love them! Mark

 

[Jonesry09]

I've used both the Zeiss Victory RF 10x42 and the EL Range TA 10x42. If your priority is ranging and ballistics, the Zeiss are hands down the best I've seen in an RF Bino. The only problem with them is I went through 2 pairs in 3 seasons. Zeiss took care of me with both units, but I just lost trust in them after having 2 pairs fail on me. I'd like to hope I was just unlucky and got 2 duds, but I've heard the same story from multiple people on these.

Having switched to the EL Range TA, I'm really liking them. The glass is clearly superior to the Zeiss, but the rangefinder is not nearly as powerful and I don't find the ballistics and app interface quite as good. It's trade-offs in the end, I guess. I like having a RF in my binos and will probably never go back (though the NL Pures sure are calling my name). I'll always have a Revic BR4 in my pack for real ballistics and RF firepower when I need it.

What exactly failed on them? Considering buying a pair of these very soon.

 

[Landonm]

What exactly failed on them? Considering buying a pair of these very soon.

The first pair worked for about a year until the fire button quit working. It was the mechanics of the button. At first you'd have to push it a couple times to get it to register a push. But after a while it got to where you'd have to push 10 times and might get a reading if pressing extra hard at a weird angle. Unit worked great if I would just register a press.

On the second unit, it worked other than after a couple months it simply wouldn't connect to bluetooth. Tried all the troubleshooting with their support team. Updates, power cycles, different phones and reinstalled apps, bluetooth simply wouldn't connect. The unit worked, but worthless if I couldn't update a profile.

To their credit, they warrantied it both times, but by then I'd simply lost confidence. Just to clarify, I definitely use my optics, but I'm generally very particular about taking care of my gear. Especially high end optics like these. They weren't abused.

 

[HornPorn]

I had Swarovski El Range10x42s, and they worked for years, until they didn't. I was on an elk hunt during archery season and one evening as things were getting right, I had found a perfect park in the midst of a bunch of dark timber at about 10K ft with tons of fresh sign. As I settled into my blind I tried to range different boulders, trees, hillsides, etc. that were anywhere from 30 to 70 yards aways, and was getting nothing from the rangefinder. If an encounter with an elk would have happened I would have been 100% guessing on the range. Brand new batteries....no excuse. The next day it worked as usual.....I sold them when I got back from that trip.

 

[GBHunter]

My vote would be for the Swarovski. Their products and support are superior. You can read about the excellent service and its true. Approx 6 years ago I switched from the 10x40 EL + a separate rangefinder to the 10x42 EL Range and have not been sorry for one day. It is very nice having the rangefinder as one unit. Consistently the 10x42 EL Range have outperformed other brands used by hunting partners, until now they have all switched over to the Swaro's.

 

[BUCKELK]

Ungrading to range finder binos and curious what others have found to be the best. Swaro, zeiss, leika, etc figuring someone here has tried them all and can give a comparison thanks in advance


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Swaro EL Range are the only thing I've ever consistently hit a soft target over 1000 yards with.