rangefinding bino or two separate tools

[midwest_gearhead]

What's everyone's opinion? Personally I'm not a fan of the rf in the bino unless we're talking about ranges 500 yds or beyond. For archery I much prefer to have my rf as a separate instrument. If I was to own a rf bino it would be the new leica hands down. Currently use a vortex ranger 1000 as my rf.

 

[WRO]

For rifle hunting I have used the EL range pretty extensively. I like it a lot, for archery hunting I use a cheapo nikon thats small and hand held.

I've played with the new Leica quite a bit and am still on the fence about it.

 

[cuerro viejo]

For rifle hunting I have used the EL range pretty extensively. I like it a lot, for archery hunting I use a cheapo nikon thats small and hand held.

I've played with the new Leica quite a bit and am still on the fence about it.

I'm about to upgrade to the EL Range, What do you like and dislike about new lecia?

 

[WRO]

I'm about to upgrade to the EL Range, What do you like and dislike about new lecia?

Don't particularly care for the ergonomics and I'm not a huge fan of the glass, but I'm pretty jaded to be fair.

 

[Ross]

Been using the Geovids since this prior edition came out 8ish years ago and have zero complaints...love the all in one unit for rifle hunting and has served me well on many harvests. These types of purchases are pricey but man they are nice when using them.

 

[KMD]

I kinda don't mind having binos & LRF separate. Sometimes only need one, or the other and actually feel there is a benefit to that simplicity.
Got a Nikon LRF w/ angle compensation for bowhunting, and have Leica 1600-b LRF for rifle. Can take my Leica 10-42 binos, as necessary.

That said, if I have a couple-3 grand+ in play money layin' around, it would be nice to have the new Leica combo unit!!!

 

[hunt_or_bust]

I like the RF separate as well, for archery. easier to range something quick and for target acquisition at super close ranges. The Swarovski EL Range is a nice pair of binos, excellent light transmission and crystal clear. I'm usually on the swaro side of the fence but in this case I think Leica takes the cake. It's a porro prism binocular which is unique for it's housing being more like a roof prism. Porro prism usually gives better depth in your image and is usually better in light transmission. Although, I'm not sure if the Leica is better than the EL ranges 91%. Also, in my experience, leica just makes better electronics for range finding. Seems like their Range finders always range quicker and more reliably and at lower ranges, but maybe that's just me.

 

[WRO]

I had the non HD geovids and liked them, my only complaint is that they had pretty bad light transmission. (78% if I remember right)

 

[huntaholic123]

I have separate units but the main factor for that is the price tag. I do enjoy having the small RF around the neck when in the stand. Easier to use and less movement when I have deer around.

 

[sanchomaes]

I thought the Zeiss rf10x56 would be the ticket. I carried them for one season. At 40.6 oz they were a little to big and in heavy for my liking. I ended up going to a Leica rf and some vortex razor hd 10x42. Combined weight of separate units weighs 32.5. I definitely like the 2 unit set up much better.

 

[jzeblaz]

Would y'all think a 12x50 RF bino would be nice? I am not likely the separate units. I carry a Bushnell RF for archery and a BR2 for rifle along with a 10x42 set of Meoptas. Looking to upgrade.

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

I like the separate units for a couple reasons. For bow hunting, a small hand held is easier to use, shows less movement, and the lower magnification makes it easier to spot stuff. It’s also likely that even a quality rangefinder built into binos may not work in 7-10 years, while the binoculars will still be fine.

The down side to my handheld rangefinder (Sig Kilo 2000), is that the glass is awful compared to my binos, so it can be hard to pick stuff up with it at longer distances.

For a guide or hunting with kids that are shooting longer ranges, I can see how the combined units would be extremely useful.

 

[E Butler]

Archery hunting with two units I can take a range and just let my range finder slide back down under. I don’t have to try to put it back in a harness the way I have it connected to my bino harness. Extremely fast with no worries of dropping it.