Help with Bino / Ballistic Rangefinder options.

[Styer22]

Ok I am starting to consider new options for myself in reguards to Binos and ballistic rangefinders.
I currently have some Athlon Midas 8x42 UHD Binos and an older Sig Kilo2000 6x22 LRF monocular. I am mostly a target shooter but with occasional hunt here in the east and dreaming of going west at some point. This gear has sufficed for me in my limited scope. But I’m a gearaholoc and wouldn’t mind trying new stuff in the pursuit of combining items into one or getting advanced tech into my kit.
I’ve also always used Strelok with very good success but being on an IOS device and without updates for a long time due to sanctions I’m starting to consider switching to something like GB or AB that is actually continually supported. Maybe still in conjunction with Strelok for some features.

The real question here is with a roughly $2k budget(this could be stretched a little if needed) what would you go with?

Option 1: a LRF Bino with Ballistic Solver like AB or GB
I’ve been looking at the Vortex Talon 10x42 with GB. It seems like a really good option I’m just unsure of picking GB over AB and being stuck in the Vortex ecosystem since I don’t run their scopes. Love the warranty though for the Binos.

Option 2: Image Stabilized Bino + Mono LRF w/ AB or GB built in.
I’ve looked at the Sig Zulu6 12x42 here as a good option. Don’t know what other options to look at. Also not sure what LRF monocular with a ballistic solver built in like AB or GB would pair well with that.

Option 3: Replace just my Mono LRF with one with a ballistic solver built in.
Anything from less expensive options all the way up to the new Garmin Zero LRF.


My biggest hurdle is I wear glasses and struggle with eye relief on these devices. the absolute minimum eye relief I can get by with is 17mm but really prefer in the 18.5-20mm+ range.

Thanks for the help!

 

[PredatorX]

I am currently using option #2. To me the zulu6 are game changers. Just the other day I was spotting shots on steel at 600 yards no problem. I was spotting shots with the same consistency as someone on a spotter. Maybe that can be done also with normal binos as well but the main thing I’ve found with image stabilized binos is that you can be in the glass for a MUCH longer period of time before needing to pull away to give your eyes a break.

All of the micro jitters from handholding any binocular causes strain and fatigue. The zulu6 greatly helps to reduce that.

Ive been real pleased with the sig sauer kilo 3k. Ballistics solver has been great! Im not an sig fanboy as I’ve used many different combos and they do all work. Tradeoffs all around.

 

[BamaSE]

The challenge with #3 is going to be finding something with your required eye relief. And I understand the issue well as until a couple years ago (Lasik) wore glasses and eye relief was always a problem. Especially with rangefinders. Like you I found 18mm the low end of what worked for me and my binocular shopping was always contingent upon that.

All that being said, I have been living in this rabbit hole for a bit and have settled on going with the Leica Rangemaster CRF Pro. Runs $1000 on Europtic. Had thought hard about LRF binos, but already have a good pair of regular binos and not looking to replace those. And I am in the eastern woodlands too and no longer a bow hunter. So my use is limited to occasional ranging of game or targets in larger fields 300 yards plus. I just need a quick calculation for range and holdover. The Leica seems to check this box.

Back to eye relief. The problem with the Leica’s is they have a 15mm eye relief. I have not researched other brands with similar capabilities. But a LRF with ballistic calculation ability does seem like a good option based on your needs. And more budget friendly as well over binos.

 

[rumblefunk]

I love my Fury ABs. They work great and once you figure it out, I think they are hard to beat.

 

[gtriple]

Are you an archery hunter?

 

[Styer22]

Are you an archery hunter?

not in the least.

 

[Styer22]

Thanks for the input so far everyone. I got to look through some 10X Talons yesterday and was pretty impressed. Their 18.5mm eye relief was completely acceptable. Still dont know if I wanna switch to GB and it is a steep check of change especially considering my current set up is getting it done adequately for the time being. though the older sig range finder is def showing its age.