Rangefinding Binoculars

[LongWayAround]

I browsed a couple older threads on this but thought I would bring it back up...

I borrowed a buddy's Sig Kilo10k for an NRL shoot recently. It was my first run at using a RF binocular, so I'm completely new to it.

My first impression was that the image color fidelity was pretty terrible. Such that I had to look away and look back to confirm it was so different from my eye. I couldn't imagine them being my sole binocular for long periods of glassing. I think these were an earlier generation than what is currently available. Looking at other people's gear, there were definitely a lot of guys using these.

For identifying and ranging targets they were great. The ballistic correction and DA information in the optic definitely made it faster to make scope adjustments.

Are the new Sig 10k's better?

Any experience with the Sig Canyons? I don't really care about the ability to set waypoints with the fancier options, that's something I'm pretty unlikely to ever use.

How important is density altitude inside of 600 yards? I'm fairly new to long range shooting.

From previous threads, it seems like the Meopta and Leica offerings get good marks. I know Meopta seems to be a bit of a question mark with their recent transitions. Are these options better than the Sig?

How do Burris and Vortex rate in the mix? I do not have Swaro cash...

This isn't an immediate need for me, and I would have to liquidate some other gear to justify the purchase. I'm just trying to get a gauge for where and what to research.

My main sticking point with any options would be that it needs to be fully able to fill the role of both a traditional binocular and rangefinder. Glass has to be good, RF has to be on par with a standalone.

I'm not sure whether I need them to provide corrections in the optic. It's easy enough to check my chart.

Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have an older Swaro combo (I think it was their first) that I've had for about 15 years. The still work great and I am totally satisfied with them.

 

[mikeyvizzle]

I don't have the most nuanced eye in the land, but I can at least perceive a functional optic, a crap optic, and a phenomenal optic. I have owned the Vortex Fury 5000HDs for coming on 5 years now. They're definitely really good to my eye. I know there are better, but I certainly couldn't justify spending so much more money for an improvement I won't truly appreciate. Mind you, I made this determination by looking through my brother's Diamondback HD's side by side. Are my dad's Vipers and my Fury 5000HDs better? (I was told the Vipers and the Fury have the same glass) YES! But for the money? No. I couldn't even justify spending say a hundred more dollars for the difference in glass to what the Diamondback HDs showed me in broad daylight. But the ranging capabilities, that's really the best part. Rangefinder and great Bino in a single package.

Now my Fury 5000HDs are really good. My Burris Signature 15x for PRS matches are even better - but they don't range. Now if the Fury has Viper glass, then what does the Burris Signature LRF glass come with? Not entirely sure. The Signatures were supposed to be the hack into getting value Japanese glass, but the Signature LRF is made in China. Might be taking a risk with the Burris Signature LRF, or could be an absolute steal.

One other option, I also run the Bushnell 1-Mile CONX for range finding. It's a 10x and I like that it connects to my Kestrel and updates my recorded ranges. They're still expensive if you can find them, but you can also consider the Relic BR4 - highly touted optic. They're pricey and they use their own proprietary ballistic model but it's definitely on my radar.

Long story short, I don't know how sensitive your eye is to these optical differences. The Sigs are well known for their blue tint which the latest model seemed to have remedied although comes with a price. I personally think the Vortex Fury HD5000 will be adequate given my experience. The Fury 5000HD AB would cost more, if you require AB. The Burris Signature LRF 10x could be a cheat code if they maintain the Signature line mantra of deploying Japanese glass. I wouldn't fork over the money to get the Kilo 10k personally - I heard the Sig warranties aren't as good either. Hope that rant helps.

 

[mikeyvizzle]

Lies...the Bushnell is a 7x, I'm a dumb.

 

[barrister]

I started with a Vortex Fury several years ago. I moved on to the Leicas because the glass is way better and I really like the ergonomics in hand. The Leica glass is exceptional to my eye and I have preferred it to Swarovski binos I looked through. They have been great for me. I just purchased the newest version that syncs with the app and has elevation compensation output for my specific rifle/cartridge data. I’m excited to use them.

 

[rookieforever33]

I finally got a pair of rf binos. GPO 8x40 for just over $1000 asking price. Brand new. They do not have a ballistic solver. But the glass is better than anything else I've had (no true alpha class). And fit my budget. So far I am digging them.

 

[Wrench]

My buddies vortex will sometimes beat my 3200.com's in the ranging.....but the image difference is huge.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Take a look at the Leica Geovid R.

Only have hands-on experience with the 15s but those go toe-to-toe with Swaro SLC 15s but have the built-in rangefinder.

 

[LongWayAround]

My buddies vortex will sometimes beat my 3200.com's in the ranging.....but the image difference is huge.

The .com is the Leica, correct?

 

[manitou1]

I have the Leica Geovid Pros and they sure don’t have me wanting for better glass.

 

[Wrench]

The .com is the Leica, correct?

Correct.

 

[Wrench]

I have the Leica Geovid Pros and they sure don’t have me wanting for better glass.

I have the 3200.com and noctovids. The nocs are visibly superior.....but the rfs are certainly not a handicap.

 

[Maxhunter]

I bought these last year.

Leupold BX-4 Range HD 10x42 Rangefinding Binoculars​

They work great.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The leica geovid R is a good choice. They replaced zeiss victory SFs, and i really can't tell a difference

 

[Miflatlander91]

I use my Geovid r for everything I give up a little at low light to buddies with better glass but it’s a trade I’ll take for the Rf


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dreamingWest]

I prioritized glass first and ended up with Leica Geovid Pros. They are very nice.

 

[madcalfe]

another vote for geovids

 

[atmat]

Do you require ballistics?

If so, the Revics are probably the best option.

If not, the Geovid R’s are probably the best option.

 

[bps23]

I have a pair of the new model Geovid R 10x42s that I'm going to sell. Don't get me wrong they're great for the money, but they're just a little big for my taste. I'm primarily a midwest treestand hunter and they're overkill for me.

I decided to buy a used pair of the EL Range 10x32s and love them. Yes, they're significantly more expensive, but they're absolutely perfect for my needs and you don't sacrifice anything on the optics with the smaller size.

 

[JGRaider]

No need for ballistics = GPO rangeguide IMO.