Best range finder binos?

[Gdavis3rd]

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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[Cynoscion]

Swarovski EL range are the gold standard.

 

[Jimss]

Both Leica and Swaros are top choices. I've been using and abusing my Leicas...and love them!

 

[wreckem6]

The new Leica Geovid Pro 32. Best on the cheaper side are the Sig Sauer Binos.


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[Schaaf]

I’ve tried them all and think the Zeiss are the best for all things considered.

 

[Kotaman]

I’ve owned multiple pairs, versions, renditions of all of the big three and the Sigs. Without a doubt, the best rangefinding unit is in the Zeiss. That goes for their previous version and the newest version. Optically the Swaros and Leicas might be a bit better, but they’re all good. I just bought a pair of the Sigs to play around with, and they are great at their price point.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I want them new 32mm Leicas.

 

[Trr15]

I have gen 1 EL ranges and geovid 2200s. Glass in the swaros is noticeably better, but the tech in the geovids is superior to the ELs.

 

[alaska_bou]

I have used the geovid, zeiss and swaros. Currently have the newest Swaro EL Range TA. Optically, I prefer the swaros over the others, especially the edge to edge clarity. As far as the rangefinding and the ballistic program the swaro and zeiss each use an app that downloads your ballistic data via blutooth and is spot on.

 

[Gdavis3rd]

All good stuff guys thank you


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[Spiral Horn]

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.

 

[Rackmastr]

I've got a pair of the original EL Range. They are amazing and continue to impress.

 

[bpurtz]

I'm a Leica fanboy.

The first generation Swaros RF Binos had some crazy sailboat keel looking protrusions on the bottom and a close range spec of like 20 yards. Barf. The first generation Zeiss RF were only slightly smaller and lighter than boat anchors. The first generation Leica's had the range button on the left side, but I was able to deal with that so that was my first top shelf optic.

Fast forward to the current models and they are all optically pretty similar. I've looked through the latest Swaro, Zeiss, and Leica and my eyes still prefer the Leica. (I own the Geovid 3200.com and just ordered some of the 8x32 Geovid Pro). While I've never had to experience the Leica warranty, on paper it seems exceptional. I don't have any experience with Swaro warranty but have heard they will take care of you. My hunting buddy spent $1000 repairing his Zeiss RF binos for an issue I believe should have been covered under warranty.

You really should figure out how to test drive each...

 

[Super tag]

EL Range with the tracking assistant, never thought I’d like or use that feature but it works well, some Don’t like the shape but it doesn’t bother me, excellent choice.

 

[smg]

I'm a Leica fanboy.

The first generation Swaros RF Binos had some crazy sailboat keel looking protrusions on the bottom and a close range spec of like 20 yards. Barf. The first generation Zeiss RF were only slightly smaller and lighter than boat anchors. The first generation Leica's had the range button on the left side, but I was able to deal with that so that was my first top shelf optic.

Fast forward to the current models and they are all optically pretty similar. I've looked through the latest Swaro, Zeiss, and Leica and my eyes still prefer the Leica. (I own the Geovid 3200.com and just ordered some of the 8x32 Geovid Pro). While I've never had to experience the Leica warranty, on paper it seems exceptional. I don't have any experience with Swaro warranty but have heard they will take care of you. My hunting buddy spent $1000 repairing his Zeiss RF binos for an issue I believe should have been covered under warranty.

You really should figure out how to test drive each...

No disrespect to my senior brethren but slightly "lighter than boat anchors" seems to be a stretch - RF come in at 32.3 oz. while the new Leica 8 x 32 comes in at 30.7 w/o battery. However, the warranty for the Zeiss was really disappointing compared to what I've experienced with Swaro. The lenses on the Zeiss got scratched to the point of no return and while I felt it was the coating Zeiss felt it was on me - disappointing. I still think they are a great product to the point that I own two pair just in the event one anchor isn't enough.

 

[buckpro]

Swaro's. I've had two pair of liecas, sent back a total of 3 times, I like them for glassing, but rangefinder is trash.

 

[ColeyG]

I've had both generations of the Swaros and love the optical clarity and range finding/TA functionality.

What I can't stand is the strap attachments and adapters. To use the binos without the factory neck strap on (I use a chest pouch) you have basically two options, put on some very large plastic covers over the sling attachment points, or leave them off and deal with two relatively sharp, exposed metal nipples on each side of the binos. With the covers on the binos won't fit in any standard sized pouch and they are generally unwieldy.

This strap attachment design also isn't easily compatible with the attachment mechanism of most bino pouches, usually some sort of clip or ring at the end of a cord or bungy.

Am I missing something or are others generally unhappy with this design feature as well?

At a lower price point, the Vortex Furys are pretty darn good for the $.

 

[bpurtz]

No disrespect to my senior brethren but slightly "lighter than boat anchors" seems to be a stretch - RF come in at 32.3 oz. while the new Leica 8 x 32 comes in at 30.7 w/o battery. However, the warranty for the Zeiss was really disappointing compared to what I've experienced with Swaro. The lenses on the Zeiss got scratched to the point of no return and while I felt it was the coating Zeiss felt it was on me - disappointing. I still think they are a great product to the point that I own two pair just in the event one anchor isn't enough.

Lol - ok maybe that was a slight exaggeration - the first generation of 10x45 was a hulking beast:

Zeiss Victory RF 10x45 T* Laser Rangefinding Binoculars 524518-0000-000

Zeiss Victory RF 10x45 T* Laser Rangefinding Binoculars 524518-0000-000 For Sale at EuroOptic.com! | Call (570) 368-3920

www.eurooptic.com

 

[alaska_bou]

Am I missing something or are others generally unhappy with this design feature as well?

There are adapters in the box that allow you to convert and use any traditional bino harness or strap.

 

[ColeyG]

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.