Range finder binoculars are mostly used by hunters to get the co-ordinates of their quarry. They also give a measurement of the distance between the viewer and what they are looking at, so these might well be useful and fun to use for non hunters too. Some of these are more accurate than others and it is not always reflected in the price. So, if you are in the market for range finding binoculars you need to do some pretty thorough research and ask around in forums on the internet to see what others say about the model you intend to purchase. There is a huge range and although price is often a usual guide to quality, that is not the case every time.
Where excellent optical quality and not just range finding ability is an important factor in the range finder binoculars you want to buy, there are a number of choices but three in particular seem to be mentioned quite often. Take a look at the Burris Signature which is a 7 x 40 lens, or perhaps a pair of Leupold Wind River 8 by 32’s, or even some Yardage Pro Quests which are 8 by 36’s. Many experts recommend Leica Duovid, or Swaravski if you are looking for real quality. You should expect to pay $500 upwards for middle quality range finder binocular sets, although there are cheaper bargains around.
At the top end of the scale is the Leica Geovid 10 x 42 range finder binoculars come in at $2400 but is available for a little as $2000 if you can find a store with bargains. The maximum magnification level of these is ten, so that’s what the 10x means. This doesn’t have night vision facilities and it has no zoom lens. The closest distance at which these can focus is five and a half feet and the whole thing weighs 32 ounces.
What a top of the line set of binoculars with range finder offers is a combination of the best features of monocular range finding devices and high quality binoculars. The Leica Geovid ones give great accuracy and excellent visual quality, hence the price. These are very hard wearing and easy to use if you are wearing gloves. The quality is everything you would expect for that kind of price.
When it comes to choosing and buying rangefinder binoculars it is best to think carefully what you want to do with them before buying. Price is a very important factor here. In general, the higher the price the better the lens, but of course, like everything else there are exceptions. What suits one user will not necessarily be the best option for another. Asking around and trying out various lenses if at all possible is the easiest way to buy. The feel of your range finder binoculars is equally important and they need to feel firm in your hand and comfortable to use, as well as being up to the job you bought them for.