Get ready to explore the best rangefinder binoculars for hunting. Pros in the hunting world recognize how important it is to get an optic with range-finding capabilities. Rangefinder binoculars are for the hunter that wants a taste of both without having them on different devices.
Binoculars are great for magnifying objects while rangefinders are mainly involved in angle and range calculations. Getting to see distant targets and at the same time getting to know how far you are from each other is what hunters love about the rangefinder binocular idea.
Rangefinders on their own are cool but will never cover the range a binocular can. That explains why combining the two is a brilliant idea.
8 Best Rangefinder Binoculars for Hunting
Acquiring the best rangefinder binoculars can be an onerous task but this should not always be the case. Our lineup will help you know where to direct your attention when getting a pair as we sample some of the best the market has to offer.
Before we go get into detail on this, it is worth noting that rangefinder binoculars are certainly not very cheap. Be ready to pay up a little more than you do for the other types. Also, these binoculars are mostly recommended for skilled or intermediate hunters.
#1) Vortex Fury HD 5000 10x42mm Laser Rangefinding Binocular
Vortex Fury HD 5000 10x42mm Laser Rangefinding Binocular is a top-tier optic made with the inclusion of a primary HCD mode to provide angle compensation. The accuracy delivers in ranging for targets 5000yards out is why it is much preferred by rifle and bow hunters.
You also get LOS mode which as the name suggests gives an actual line of sight range. When sighting a moving animal, you see a continued display of distance readings that keep you in the know of the range as it changes in response to the animal’s motion.
The range is expressed in yards. On top of that, there is a dual target mode detailing the shortest- and longest-range distance when viewing through the binoculars. The longest is best for hidden targets.
For unlimited convenience, there are multi-position eyecups twistable to achieve comfortable scanning. The diopter adjustment knob is located on the right eyepiece to correct vision imbalances. The focus system comes in the form of a central focus wheel.
All dials are well placed in easy-to-reach places on the binoculars. HD optical system is employed, and it comes loaded with fully multi-coated surfaces and dielectric coating on all prisms all geared towards delivering color fidelity, high resolution, and clarity of images.
Vortex laser range finding binoculars is compact since it has roof prism technology that consumes less space. The housing is rubberized for better grip and durability.
To enhance durability, all exterior lenses have scratch-resistant Armortek coating. The binoculars are nitrogen purged for anti-fogging and O-ring sealed to shut moisture out.
Specifications
Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Eye relief: 16mm
FOV: 322ft@1000yds (linear), 6.1degrees (angle)
Weight: 32oz
Close focus distance: 19ft
Exit pupil: 4.2mm
Pros
- Rugged construction for long use
- HD optical system with multi-layer coatings for improved image appearance
- Multiple ranging modes for accuracy
- Easy-to-reach dials/focus knobs
- Generous eye relief from the multi-position eyecups
- Diopter present for vision imbalance correction
- Simple menu display
- Compact size
- Water, fog proof
Cons
- May require the use of batteries
#2) Nikon LASERFORCE RANGEFINDER Binocular
If you want accuracy in 10 to 1900 yards, Nikon LASERFORCE RANGEFINDER Binocular is an excellent option. It shows remarkable visibility in all lighting conditions. This rangefinder binocular has an OLED display with a 4-step intensity adjustment for an easy view of the range readings in different light settings.
The display requires a battery to run but auto-shuts if there is no activity for 8 seconds. Incline/decline technology gives an accurate horizontal range whether you assume a vertical ranging angle or not. ED glass is engaged to correct chromatic aberrations that mess with image color and resolution.
The binocular has roof prisms that carry an anti-reflective coating to give brighter sharper images. Extensive eye relief is offered to accommodate eyeglass wearers.
All buttons are conveniently located for quick adjustments. Despite its aluminum-alloy construct, the binocular is lightweight and has rubber armoring for a firm grip for both dry and wet conditions.
Specifications
Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Eye relief: 15.5mm
FOV: 6.1degrees (real), 56.1degrees (apparent)
Weight: 30.9oz
Diopter adjustment: +/-4 degrees
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Tough aluminum-alloy construction
- Durable armoring that gives a tight grip
- Flip-down lens covers are available
- ED glass that corrects chromatic aberrations
- ID technology for an accurate horizontal range calculation despite the viewing angle
- Wide field of view
- Eye relief that can accommodate the use of eyeglasses
- OLED rangefinder display with 4-step intensity adjustment
Cons
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Need for batteries
#3) LEICA Geovid Robust 10×42 Rangefinding Binocular
LEICA Geovid Robust 10×42 Rangefinding Binocular boasts precise measurements in the shortest time for distances up to 1200 yards. Unlike other rangefinder binoculars that major on roof prisms, LEICA uses Porro prisms in its construction which involves a combination of technology and quality glasses to ensure the light transmission is at its peak.
A large view field is given for scanning vast areas in the shortest time. To save time, the powerful rangefinder works to deliver the point-of-impact correction in under 0.3 seconds.
On the lenses is AquaDura coating that repels water and dirt for unobstructed viewing even in bad weather. The coating makes it difficult for the surfaces to get destroyed by scratching. Overall, it has a slim appearance with rubber armoring for a tight clinch and shock absorption.
Specifications
Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Exit pupil:4.2mm
The angle of view: 6.45degrees
Field of view@1000yds: 342ft
Eye relief: 16mm
Close focus distance:5m
Pros
- Short measuring time for all ranges
- Detachable eyecups with 4-click stops
- Lens coatings for quality image form
- LED display with easily readable digits
- Allows switch from meters to yards and vice versa
- Has an eye-friendly invisible laser
Cons
- A few ounces heavier than others in its category.
#4) ATN BinoX 4K 4-16X Smart Day/Night Binoculars
For hunters who demand technologically advanced optics, ATN BinoX 4K 4-16X Smart Day/Night Binoculars are the best rangefinder binoculars to settle for. For a start, it has a dual-core processor that enables you to stream ad record your hunting activities without experiencing any interference in performance.
It goes ahead and avails day and night modes. In day mode images are in color and clearly defined from their surroundings, while in night mode you get a similar experience thanks to the 4K ultra-HD sensor.
Built-in IR illuminator betters range estimation at night. The menu is easily maneuverable for convenience and quick switch between options.
ATN radar makes hunting incredibly better as you can tag laser devices on the targets to get a view of where they are anytime you peer through the binoculars.
The ballistic Information Exchange (BIX) technology allows information sharing between ATN devices eliminating the need to carry additional cables and whatnots during hunting.
Specifications
Magnification: 4-16x
Objective lens: 40mm
Eye relief: 10-30mm
Weight: 1.12kg
Linear FOV: 220ft@1000yds
Angle FOV: 6 degrees
1280×720 Display resolution
1080p Video record resolution
Pros
- Day and night mode for excellence in image resolution at day and night
- Technologically advanced- allows video streaming and recording
- Smart laser range finder to pick out targets and measure how far they are situated
- A long-lasting battery that can be charged using a power bank
- Interpupillary adjustment for relaxed viewing
- Versatile use
- A great performer in extreme temperature
- Supports 4 to 64GB micro SD cards
- IP waterproof rating
Cons
- 2-year warranty
- Issues with picture quality at the highest magnification setting
#5) Sig Sauer KILO10K-ABS HD 10×42 Laser Rangefinding Binocular
Ballistics are extremely vital in hunting and devoid of this, you are likely to miss a shot on target. Sig Sauer KILO10K-ABS HD 10×42 Laser Rangefinding Binocular is your best escape from shooting inaccuracies.
KILO10K range finder binoculars use an active matrix organic light-emitting graphic display to give all necessary calculations to brush up accuracy for the user. 10000 yards is the maximum effective range for this binocular. It has a digital compass alongside environmental sensors to detect and identify the game.
Among the features is a BaseMap that provides waypoints of targets and is configurable with the Sig Sauer BDX app. Bluetooth connection can be done for several devices that support BDX.
The binocular has an IPX-4 waterproof rating not forgetting the fog mode that perfects shots in such conditions. Other modes available include first, best and last target. With every purchase you are supplied with a multi-cam chest carry harness and weather flow Bluetooth wind meter.
Specifications
Magnification:10x
Objective lens diameter:42mm
Weight:32oz
Diopter adjustment: +/-3
Eye relief: 18mm
FOV: 6.1degrees
Pros
- Multiple reticles – circle, duplex, box+, milling grid
- OLED display design
- Range of mode settings to match prevailing conditions
- Supports long-range Bluetooth connection on several devices
- Real-time ballistic estimations
- Environmental sensors and digital compass for quick target acquisition
Cons
- Does not incorporate angle compensation
#6) Srovski Optik EL 10×42 Range Binocular/Laser Rangefinder
Swarovski Optik EL 10×42 ergonomics make it one of the best rangefinder hunting binoculars there is in the market today. Its conveniently placed features make it comfortable for use for all types of hunts.
The central focus knob moves with little resistance and has a click-stop system that ensures it is not freely moving when already set. Bak-4 prisms have antireflective coatings that boost light transmission making image edges sharper and well differentiated from their backgrounds.
The interpupillary distance is between 54.6 to 74.1mm which explains the comfy eye relief. The field of view is especially wide with a close focus distance of 1.35m. The laser finder can express distance in meters and yards with an effective range being 33 to 1500 yards.
Animals in the wild are highly mobile which is why this binocular comes with a scan mode to help with the identification of moving targets. SWARO-AIM gadgetry is an added feature for ballistic trajectory estimations. The housing has an appealing black matte finish secured by rubber padding with a coarse feel for a non-slip grip.
Specifications
- 10x magnification
- 42mm lens diameter
- 2mm exit pupil diameter
- 359ft/1000yds field of view
- 61 degrees apparent field of view
- 8degrees field of view
- +/-5 diopter adjustment
- 6 oz (without batteries)
Pros
- High-quality glass and prisms
- Long eye relief
- Scan mode identifies moving targets
- SWARO-AIM technology for ballistic trajectory calculations
- 5 seconds maximum measuring time
- Tripod adaptable
Cons
- Not budget friendly
#7) Zeiss Victory RF 10x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Rangefinder Binoculars
Zeiss Victory RF is another best rangefinder binoculars that also embraces technology in its construction. Through the Zeiss app, you can connect, share, and store data with your phone. The data is customizable for up to nine profiles.
The stored data can be used as a reference for future hunting. At 10x, the effective range of these binoculars is 2500 yards. Lenses have LotuTec coating to let you see objects clearly in every weather state. In unfavorable light conditions, Zeiss T*coating keeps images undistorted.
Zeiss Victory RF 10x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Rangefinder Binoculars have an automatic adjustment for brightness, a time-saving feature. It comfortably affords you a 345-feet at 1000 yards field of view. The only downside of this binocular is its weight. You may want to tag along a tripod for this one.
Specifications
10x magnification
42mm lens diameter
4.2mm exit pupil
20.5 twilight factor
8.2ft close focus distance
-/+ 4diopter adjustment
0.3 measuring time
Pros
- Auto-brightness adjustment
- Bluetooth enabled
- Ballistic information system for accuracy
- Allows saving of up to 9 ballistic profiles
- Multicoated lenses for light transmission
Cons
- Not ideal for nighttime use
- Heavy
#8) Athlon Optics Cronus 10x50mm Laser Rangefinder Binoculars
For long-range shooting Athlon Cronus is the best rangefinder binoculars. Like most in this review, Athlon Optics Cronus 10x50mm Laser Rangefinder Binoculars have different ranging modes that include angle, horizontal and vertical distance.
It offers awesome eye relief for users wearing glasses in form of twist-up eyecups. It is set at 19.3mm. Blurry image edges are not an issue as it they are eliminated using UHD glass, FMC, Bak-4 prism, and phase-corrected prisms. For better visibility at night or in darker conditions, the OLED display is illuminated in red.
The weather varies sometimes so Athlon put that into consideration by Argon purging this binocular to keep its moisture proof and aid thermal stability. The housing is made of magnesium that is crafted to be 35% lighter.
Specifications
Magnification power:10x
Objective lens diameter:50mm
Linear FOV:338ft@1000yds
Angular FOV:6.5degrees
Weight:38oz
Close focus distance:6.6ft
Interpupillary distance:56-73mm
Pros
- Edge to Edge Sharpness system
- Dielectric prism coating for image brightness
- XPL protective coating on exterior lenses
- Twist up eyecups for long relief
- UHD glass for images free of chromatic infringement
- Argon purged for great outdoor performance
- Illuminated display
Cons
- Costly
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How to Choose the Best Rangefinder Binoculars for Hunting
Built-in Rangefinder
The first requirement for this type of binocular is that it should come readily fit with a rangefinder. Without this, the binocular’s functioning remains limited to just bringing things closer to your eye.
In a sport or hunting activity that highly demands the convenience offered by rangefinders, this limitation can be a costly one. It is prudent to always confirm that truly the binocular features a rangefinder.
Read: Best Rangefinder for Western Hunting
Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter
These two features are normally represented in number form, magnification bearing an ‘x’ at its end and lens diameter expressed in millimeters. 8X42mm is a simple example.
The best rangefinder binoculars for hunting should be one that balances both features to bring out the best result. This mostly relies on preferences and how one is planning on using the binoculars.
Extreme magnification for some hunters works well but in others it is chaotic. At high magnification, images become so shaky that even slight movements can cause you to miss your target. How sharp or blurry an image is can also be affected by magnification. Too much magnification can cause a loss of clarity in images.
The concept of magnification is like that in objective lens diameter, in that, the bigger the diameter, the more difficult it is to handle it. Also, binoculars get heavier as the objective lens size increases. So, if you want binoculars that are easy to handle you should ensure the numbers add up to your convenience during hunting.
Read: Best Burris 450 Bushmaster Scopes
Angle Compensation
The hunting terrain differs from one zone to another which is why you should be equally prepared for hilly areas as you are for flat ones. This is where angle compensation comes in.
It is an important feature that improves accuracy whenever you are aiming at targets located on higher grounds. While it is not a factor included in all rangefinder binoculars, be sure to be on the lookout for it if you are to be involved in such a type of shoot.
Prisms
Porro and roof are the two titans in the optic industry in all matters of prisms each bearing its own set of benefits and limitations. Rangefinder binoculars made with Porro prism are bulky. The objective lens and eyepieces on these are not set on a straight line instead at some point counterpoise each other.
Such a setup requires space which explains their weight. Roof prisms offer the opposite, the lenses are set on a straight path therefore much space is saved causing them to be lighter. in comparison to roof prism designs, Porro prisms are cheaper and easier to make.
The latter’s durability is however a point of concern for many hunters as they tend to get damaged when met with a lot of impact for instance dropping them. All in all, the two do a good job in ensuring the light is well transmitted and images formed correctly.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06 Rifles
Prism Glass Quality
Prism glass quality matters because it is one of the determinants of well-formed images. Usually, in search of the best rangefinder binoculars, you will come across Bak-4 or BK7 which are some of the major glass types.
Bak-4 is considered better than BK7 and costs more too. For hunters that wish to eliminate all reflective distractions from the way of their focus, Bak-4 is the glass. With its high anti-reflective power, it helps form sharp images for accurate shots. BK7 is less dense.
It may produce some inconsistencies in images that are insignificant for someone looking to make a saving and is not bothered by the slight differences. The choice of prism glass will depend on what you need the binos for.
Eye Relief
This is vital to pay attention to especially when you are an eyeglass wearer. Best rangefinder binoculars should allow you to keep them on during hunts.
Even without eyeglasses, your eyes should remain protected from fatigue through the provision of generous eye relief. Most binoculars are made with adjustments that allow for varying eye relief.
Read: Best Nightforce Hunting Scopes
Exit pupil
The larger the exit pupil, the more light enters your eye. In daylight, the exit pupil feature may not count but as you edge toward the darker times of the day, it plays a big role.
If you plan on dusk or dawn hunts, then place great focus on finding rangefinder binoculars that have a big exit pupil.
Durability
Various factors contribute to the durability of binoculars, and they include:
- Coatings: This is done on majorly on the lenses. These coatings keep the light transmission at an optimum which then translates to crisp images. Aside from that, they can help with repelling debris, water, or dust. Others are phase correction coatings that are common in roof prism binocs. These coatings are usually done on one, two, or all surfaces.
- Water and fog proof: Since the use of binoculars is highly an outdoor activity, you want to get one that can weather wet conditions. this is enabled by inert gas filling together with o-seals to keep the binoculars fog resistant and leave no room for water leaks.
- Body/housing: The material used for the body should be tough in all aspects. Go for binoculars manufactured to last a long period. Aluminum and steel are mostly used in making the housing of many optics. Some binoculars have these metals for their body while in some you may get a rubber housing.
Best Rangefinder Binoculars for Hunting FAQs
Q: How Do I Use Rangefinder Binoculars for Hunting?
Ensure eyecups fit by making necessary adjustments. Choose a mode that supports your hunting needs from the menu buttons. Instructions on the menu are a great way to go in case problems arise. Before going for the actual hunt, take some practice shots.
Q: How are Binoculars Different from Rangefinders?
The big difference between the two is that one (the rangefinder) can perform ballistic calculations the other (binoculars) cannot. Also, magnification for binoculars can extend beyond 7x which is usually the maximum in rangefinders.
Q: Can a Rangefinder Take the Place of a Binocular?
Yes, though the results may differ from those of using a rangefinder binocular. The 2-in-1 concept incorporated in the rangefinder binocular helps achieve much brighter and clearer images coupled with distance accuracy.
Conclusion
Choosing the best rangefinder binoculars is certainly no picnic but having one increases your chances of taking a better shot. All models mentioned in this article have several differences and similarities.
However, each is worth buying and going through the specifications keenly will make selection easier. We ranked Vortex first while ATN and Athlon made it for the runners-up position. We hope that you also identified the one you are taking for hunting next.