Rangefinding Binoculars

[mustelid_master]

Yes

Man, I am glad you got em for 40% off, but if 250$ is make or break on a pair of binos that are almost 4k, you can't afford em.

 

[schmidty3]

Man, I am glad you got em for 40% off, but if 250$ is make or break on a pair of binos that are almost 4k, you can't afford em.

Lol. Cool story bro.

 

[Mike D Texas]

I recently picked up a pair of the Vectronix Vector X 10x42 DMRs.

I spent 3 days behind them shooting out to 2000 yards at NRA Whittington.

Initial impressions:

Glass is good to very good for me, much better than the Revics I had, definitely not as good as Swaro or Leica glass. But shooting at rock formations at 2000 yards, I could pick out pretty fine details in the rocks with them. Spotting hits was easy at that distance.

Ranging was quick, the HUD is large and gives plenty of info. The 4way pad is not as intuitive as you’d think and the small ranging button can be difficult to find at times. I could see it being an issue under pressure to get a quick range and make a shot.

Wind is not difficult to adjust but it is menu based rather than on a quick button like the Revics.

I really like that multiple rifle profiles can be stored in the binos and changed on the fly. Also the ability to have target cards saved in the binos is a nice feature. If they could be accessed from the HUD rather than the menu would be a very nice touch.

Solutions lined up with both the Shooter app that I normally use as well as previous data.

That are large and heavy for a hunting bino. I have not tried them in my Stone Glacier chest pouch, but I currently have Vortex UHD 10x42 that I carry in there and they are a pretty large bino.

 

[TX_Diver]

How do RF binos do in weather? Rain, snow, etc? More with regards to durability than RF functionality?

 

[handwerk]

I've been using RF binos ( Geovids) for nearly 20 years and never had an issue with weather or the RF function, but I know others have.

 

[jerm8352]

I had problems with Leica Geovid R ranging in the elements. I also had problems with the battery cover breaking rendering them useless. Leica made it right in both instances but never the less when this happens during hunting season it makes them useless. I sold them. The glass was way better than the Vortex and Sig Sauer kilo 1st gens I use now but I have never had any issues ranging with these. I am looking to upgrade though to better glass. Just need the laser to always work

 

[Titanmoose]

Lol. Cool story bro.

how you get them 40% off? just a lucky find?

 

[schmidty3]

how you get them 40% off? just a lucky find?

A successful NRL hunter showing. Probably didn't hurt that the coupin was tiny and probably looked over

 

[philcox]

Thanks to this thread Geovid Rs showed up on my doorstep. First step up into good glass from diamondbacks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How did you end up liking them?

 

[wsemonchuk]

I currently have, or have used extensively- including seeing a couple hundred people using; these from memory:

1). Swarovski EL ranges- all generations

2). Zeiss RF

3). Meopta Meorange

4) Leica Geovid and R, HD-B, 3200.com, Pro 32mm and a bit of 42mm

5) Vortex 5000HD and AB

6). Sig 10k and some Gen 2. A bit on the 6k.

7). Bushnell- all RF binos

8). Some GPO 32mm

9). Revic BLR10b

10). Vectronix Vector X

Probably more.


The Revics have no real competition in accessing pure shooting capabilities, while having usable to decent glass. If ballistics are not required, I (and a whole bunch of people I have seen) prefer the Geovid R’s over all others. The Geovid Pro’s were the first Leica’s that I could actually say have observably better glass- usually observed as better color rendition by most.
The Swaro EL Range’s have excellent glass, but I don’t prefer glassing with them over the Geovid R’s- many others I have been around prefer them as well- there is just something comfortable about glassing with them.

My personal view is that of those above, the ones really worth looking at are-

1). Swarovski EL ranges. Excellent glass, ballistics are returned quickly; the laser is weak often beyond 900’ish yards and in fog/rain/snow.

2) Leica Geovid and R and Pro’s.
The Geovid R’s: are the “easiest” or “most comfortable” to glass with- very good laser to 1600 yards +/-, good in all weather.

Pro’s: Excellent glass- I prefer them to Swaro, very good RF to +/- 1600 yards. Relatively slow return on ballistics.


3) Vortex 5000HD and AB: Good to really good laser in most/all weather. Glass is usable, not great- as stated about like decent $300 binos. Return of ballistics is glacially slow (relatively). Their main draw is lifetime warranty on electronics and reliability of laser.

4). Sig 10k and some Gen 2. A bit on the 6k.

Wouldn’t use a Gen 1. Gen 2 is about like Vortex 5000HD’s. Laser is good. Reliability is better than most Sigs. Their main draw is the ability for ballistic profiles, and ranging. They are slow to return ballistics as well.

5). Revic BLR10b. Best laser in all weather conditions, best ballistics data speed, easy wind vector changes, simple, reliable. Glass is usably good- about in the middle between Vortex 5000hd and the alphas- good resolution, soft on color rendition compared to Leica/Zeiss/Swaro. When the app needs an update, you have to update it before swapping or making a new profile for the binos- can’t do it on a mountain without service.


All of that to say- if the RF and ballistics are critical= Revics. If glass is critical (not many it really is), with decent laser and ballistics= Swaro EL Range or Leica Pro’s. If great all-around performance is desired, but if ballistics are not critical= Geovid R’s. If warranty is the only, or most critical aspect, with usable glass and usable ballistics- the Vortex 5000 AB.

Do you think the tech on Leica makes up for the slight downgrade in glass from the Swaro? Actively considering both, thanks for sharing!

 

[HuntHarder]

Knowing that i really appreciate high end optics in bino's, what would you guys recommend with top notch ballistics as well. I am thinking the Leica pro AB+'s, but if there is something else I should look into, I am all ears. It's been a while since I've owned range finding bino's, but I am thinking I need another pair.

I owned the 2nd generation El rangers. They were great, but ultimately decided on NL's and a seperate range finder. I currently am still using the NL's for my glassing needs but I am thinking about upgrading my rangefinder to include accurate ballistics. I may even just get a high end range finder, but those Leica's have me thinking. Any insights would be nice.

 

[Howler65]

I’ve got a couple pairs of NLs along with the AB+s…the Leicas are dang near as good as the NLs to my eye. I’d take a hard look at them…

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I'm tempted by the sale on the 8x40 gpo guiderange but worry if I'll be displeased with routine glassing or if the improvements in "non-alpha" binos has closed the gap on older alpha optics. Right now I'm running some older swaro ELs (2002 build with new lenses 8ish years ago).

 

[JDMBEND]

My view on the current offering of RF Binoculars.
Ideally we want NL Pure type glass, extremely accurate ballistics, and instant Dope. Are you using for hunting, competition, or both? Does price play a factor your decision?
Currently you cannot have the best of all 4 in one binocular. You have to pick 3 and compromise on the 4th.
I use RF binos for hunting and competing. The Sig 10k Gen 2’s were my choice for the following reasons: Applied Ballistic software. Very accurate information and extremely user friendly. Near instantaneous data retrieval. Reasonably good ergonomics. The ability to store multiple guns. Being able to give my hunting partner his dope is pretty cool, even if he is a moa guy.
They are reasonably affordable compared to the Leica’s and Swaro’s.
The compromise is the glass. Far from the best, but good enough.
Hope this helps someone.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

My view on the current offering of RF Binoculars.
Ideally we want NL Pure type glass, extremely accurate ballistics, and instant Dope. Are you using for hunting, competition, or both? Does price play a factor your decision?
Currently you cannot have the best of all 4 in one binocular. You have to pick 3 and compromise on the 4th.
I use RF binos for hunting and competing. The Sig 10k Gen 2’s were my choice for the following reasons: Applied Ballistic software. Very accurate information and extremely user friendly. Near instantaneous data retrieval. Reasonably good ergonomics. The ability to store multiple guns. Being able to give my hunting partner his dope is pretty cool, even if he is a moa guy.
They are reasonably affordable compared to the Leica’s and Swaro’s.
The compromise is the glass. Far from the best, but good enough.
Hope this helps someone.

Depends, on use for sure.

I currently don't prioritize wanting ballistics for my hunting needs versus budget. At the distances I'm hunting a range alone is suitable, I don't need a dope read out. If I was hunting longer distances regularly or shooting comp it would absolutely change things.

BUT compromising on glass quality is a no go. I don't need NL pure level (don't have that now) but something I can comfortably sit behind for hours without eye strain is a mandatory (not just quickly taking a range).

For me it sounds like the lieca geovid r are a solid suggestion. I'm trying to figure out if the gpo guiderange 8x40 would also be a suitable option or if I'd be left wanting in the glass clarity.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Depends, on use for sure.

I currently don't prioritize wanting ballistics for my hunting needs versus budget. At the distances I'm hunting a range alone is suitable, I don't need a dope read out. If I was hunting longer distances regularly or shooting comp it would absolutely change things.

BUT compromising on glass quality is a no go. I don't need NL pure level (don't have that now) but something I can comfortably sit behind for hours without eye strain is a mandatory (not just quickly taking a range).

For me it sounds like the lieca geovid r are a solid suggestion. I'm trying to figure out if the gpo guiderange 8x40 would also be a suitable option or if I'd be left wanting in the glass clarity.

My opinion ...

The biggest drawback with RF binoculars is you need more than one.

Some of my hunting partners have sold their SLC 15s and replaced them with the Geovid R 15s. If you go from SLC 15s to Geovid R 15s you won't miss a beat. Nice being able to actually range the critter and not the general area.

But those same Geovid R 15s are too much for closer in work which means another RF binocular. So now you need to pick up a pair of 8x or 10x, for example. But those 8-10x aren't going to necessarily work too well for ranging critters at distance; something in the general area yes but no guarantee it is the critter.

See if the GPO are still on sale. If so, you should be able to buy and test them. If they work for you, awesome. If not, you should be able to sell them for less than new (regular price) but more than the sale price.

Can almost do the Geovid R 10s and Geovid R 15s for the cost of a single EL Range. If the GPO RF works, then that's some more cash in the pocket.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

My opinion ...

The biggest drawback with RF binoculars is you need more than one.

Some of my hunting partners have sold their SLC 15s and replaced them with the Geovid R 15s. If you go from SLC 15s to Geovid R 15s you won't miss a beat. Nice being able to actually range the critter and not the general area.

But those same Geovid R 15s are too much for closer in work which means another RF binocular. So now you need to pick up a pair of 8x or 10x, for example. But those 8-10x aren't going to necessarily work too well for ranging critters at distance; something in the general area yes but no guarantee it is the critter.

See if the GPO are still on sale. If so, you should be able to buy and test them. If they work for you, awesome. If not, you should be able to sell them for less than new (regular price) but more than the sale price.

Can almost do the Geovid R 10s and Geovid R 15s for the cost of a single EL Range. If the GPO RF works, then that's some more cash in the pocket.

Yes if you run small and bigger eyes (I do) the ideal world would be having both being able to range but realistically just having the smaller pair range is an improvement over having smaller binos, bigger binos, and a traditional range finder.

I carry EL 10x42 all the time and sometimes also carry SLC 15s, I can't hardly ever think of cases where I have 15s and not my chest set too.

Being I go back/forth with 10s and 15s a lot I struggle to think there would be trouble ranging a target with 8s that I could with the 15s. Have you ran into coes or such you just could not see with 8x/10x binos once you knew they were there?

The benefit with the 15s is locating and looking closer at things. Once something is spotted its rare you can't see it with 10s. Yes if you had 15 SLC you'd need to switch to a range finding 8/10x bino (but that's more stable than a 6x range finder).

 

[ChrisAU]

While I love my BLR10bs I do wish they were a touch more compact/lighter. Hoping the Gen2 cuts a touch of weight and size.

 

[cuerro viejo]

I'm tempted by the sale on the 8x40 gpo guiderange but worry if I'll be displeased with routine glassing or if the improvements in "non-alpha" binos has closed the gap on older alpha optics. Right now I'm running some older swaro ELs (2002 build with new lenses 8ish years ago).

10x 40 GPO glass matches Lecia 2200’s, and touch under Revic.

Ranging distance and speed, matches the Revic but a touch faster, with that said it’s not running a solution. I haven’t pushed it really past 2k but 2k and under is easy

One thing to note about the 40mm GPO’s they are tiny. As in palm sized, noticeably smaller then Revic’s

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Yes if you run small and bigger eyes (I do) the ideal world would be having both being able to range but realistically just having the smaller pair range is an improvement over having smaller binos, bigger binos, and a traditional range finder.

I carry EL 10x42 all the time and sometimes also carry SLC 15s, I can't hardly ever think of cases where I have 15s and not my chest set too.

Being I go back/forth with 10s and 15s a lot I struggle to think there would be trouble ranging a target with 8s that I could with the 15s. Have you ran into coes or such you just could not see with 8x/10x binos once you knew they were there?

The benefit with the 15s is locating and looking closer at things. Once something is spotted its rare you can't see it with 10s. Yes if you had 15 SLC you'd need to switch to a range finding 8/10x bino (but that's more stable than a 6x range finder).

A long time ago I stopped taking multiple binoculars when Coues hunting. Just not enough "what is that right there" instances where I need to look with my Sig 7X RF, Viper HD 8, or SLC 10s to make it worth carrying them (binoculars - still need my RF). Just about everyone I hunt Coues with only take their 15s and maybe a spotting scope. For big country it just makes sense to take a single optic with RF to handle the glassing needs.

My SLC 15s and Sig 7x RF are 54 ounces. The Geovid R 15 is 46 ounces. Not much weight saved going with just the Geovid R 15s; realistically the Sig 7X RF would stay in my back in case of emergency as 8 ounces isn't a back breaker so it'd be a wash. My SLC 15s and the Geovid R 10 would be 80 ounces. Big increase in weight for marginal gains in ranging over my current Sig (can go on a tripod for stability). This excludes the tripod, head, and spotting scope.

We'll often see a Coues buck clear as day in the 15s and not be able to see it in other optics (typically an out-of-state friend with 8-10x). This can be due to lower magnification and/or clarity of glass. The deer I usually want to shoot are not standing broadside with a neon sign say "Here I am". The buggers tend to be bedded and/or mostly obscured. Problem is worse with some rifle scopes but that is another conversation.

My Sig 7x RF has served me well overall as I typically can get a good enough reading to make a reasonably accurate shot. I've also been burned by unknowingly ranging the wrong thing. My friends' Geovid R 15s has saved my butt a couple of times in wonky terrain and crazy vegetation scenarios.

If I was starting out from scratch I'd just grab Geovid R 10s and Geovid R 15s and call it a day. Bit more complicated now that I already have SLC 10s and 15s and replacing them is a tall order (emotional attachment).

8-10x RF binoculars are fine for this:


You want 15x RF: