RF Chest Binos, ballistics apps - thoughts?

[RockAndSage]

Looking at getting into some range-finding binos for my chest setup, but it's a pretty new field for me. Especially anything with ballistics apps inside.

Who has the best RF binos like this out there right now? Anything to stay away from, or watch out for?

 

[Tmac]

I think you need to decide on needing a ballistic app or not. The better choices would flow from there.

I am not an app user, so Leica Geovid R in 10x42 was my pick when I bought. Been a few new/upgraded models since I bought, but as far as I know the Leica’s remain a solid choice for that use case.

 

[RockAndSage]

I think you need to decide on needing a ballistic app or not. The better choices would flow from there.

I am not an app user, so Leica Geovid R in 10x42 was my pick when I bought. Been a few new/upgraded models since I bought, but as far as I know the Leica’s remain a solid choice for that use case.

Leica's range finders seem to be highly recommended here for their long-term durability. What do you think of the glass in your RF Binos? Could you be behind them for hours without eyestrain?

 

[bojangles808]

Leica's range finders seem to be highly recommended here for their long-term durability. What do you think of the glass in your RF Binos? Could you be behind them for hours without eyestrain?

I also have geovid Rs. I am very happy with glass. I had furys before and although the furys were serviceable the geovids were definitely better glass. I have my dope saved as my phones locked screen when I hunt and also on the flip up scope cover. Range. Check phone. dial. shoot.

Leica also drastically improved their warranty too which helped sell me on the Geovid rs

Everything else with ballistics seems to have some sort of flaw. either good laser ballistics/meh glass or excellent glass and meh laser/ballistics

 

[Tmac]

Leica's range finders seem to be highly recommended here for their long-term durability. What do you think of the glass in your RF Binos? Could you be behind them for hours without eyestrain?

Glass is excellent. I’ve not had eye strain issues to date. I’ve had Leica RF’s for years, zero issues and so far they have done well in very cold temps, where others in camp had issues. Someplace on here there are threads where various models of RF Bino’s were compared and one where they were cold tested. Be worth searching them out imo.

Edited to add I should have mentioned the RF function uses the center of the hinge, so no place for a stud. Need to use a clamp like the Aziak for tripod attachment.

 

[mike464]

I ran Leica 10x40 and Swarovski 8x30 binos for 30 years, along with a stand alone rangefinder after they came out. A couple years ago I sold my Leicas and bought the Vortex Fury 10x40 rangefinding binos. They worked well for rangefinding, but the glass was not comparable to what I was used to. I just sold the Furys and replaced them with a set of Leica Geovid 10x40 AB+, the glass is much better than the Vortex Fury, I'm getting used to the ballistic app, so far I'm impressed with it, but already very happy I went back to Leica glass.

 

[Shraggs]

I really like my ZEISS rf 8x. I defer to Form and Ryan and their use. I do know I’ve yet to need to range far in inclement weather but the ballistics have spot on for several rifles. I committed to this system and I appreciate the great glass as it’s my main bino.

 

[Montucky]

I switched from 10x42 swaros to SIG Kilo 10ks gen2. SIG laser technology is superb. Their app is really easy to use & sync each profile that’s uploaded. I cut 6oz of total weight ditching my stand alone RF. For me the convenience of not switching back & forth between optics in a hunting situation is priceless….However I miss my Swaro glass so much especially at low light conditions.

 

[Weldor]

Don't know which brand is best, that's another topic. As far as RF bino's w/ball. app. Like Carl Malden for american express used to say. Don't leave home without them.

 

[WKR]

The stay away list:

1st gen sig has blue tint glass

Vortex fury AB has bad glass and takes 4 seconds to display dope

Zeiss victory RF have really good glass but the ballistic software interface sucks, the app is pretty bad, and no wind dope

Good to go list:

Swaro El range

Vectronix vector x

SIG gen 2

Leica

 

[madcalfe]

i use geovids and no complaints.

 

[Weldor]

I have the Ziess and the can say the app is a pain sometimes. Otherwise glass and ranging is excellent.

 

[RockAndSage]

The stay away list:

1st gen sig has blue tint glass

Vortex fury AB has bad glass and takes 4 seconds to display dope

Zeiss victory RF have really good glass but the ballistic software interface sucks, the app is pretty bad, and no wind dope

Good to go list:

Swaro El range

Vectronix vector x

SIG gen 2

Leica

Thanks for putting that together, was exactly what I was hoping someone would have some good comparative knowledge on.

 

[bayoublaster7527]

Hard to beat Leica when it comes to rangefinding and quality glass.

 

[WKR]

Thanks for putting that together, was exactly what I was hoping someone would have some good comparative knowledge on.

No problem, I forgot to list the Revics
I'm my limited experience the ballistic software is good, but my eyes didn't like the glass.

Also, if you plan on pairing to a kestrel, that limits your options a bit. Swaro, Zeiss, revics do not interface with a kestrel.

 

[Longranger81]

I’ve got the new sigs and really like them

 

[RockAndSage]

No problem, I forgot to list the Revics
I'm my limited experience the ballistic software is good, but my eyes didn't like the glass.

Also, if you plan on pairing to a kestrel, that limits your options a bit. Swaro, Zeiss, revics do not interface with a kestrel.

Sounds like Leica may be the best all-around, between glass, RF, ballistics, and digital integration, but Swaros and new Sigs would be good options too...