Rangefinders have been around for some time, some even dating to the beginning of the 20th. They've been used as tactical tools in warfare, hunting, and observation drills. However, as technology progressed, the standard rangefinder device had become obsolete when rangefinder binoculars were first introduced. Why?
Well, rangefinder binoculars are practically the best of both worlds - they allow the user the ability to observe and precisely calculate the distance between the observer and the target.
Nowadays, rangefinder binoculars are easy to find, but it's not an easy task to find the best rangefinder binoculars. Therefore, we've compiled the following list and reviewed the very best ones we could find. Stick around, and we'll even go into a detailed buyer's guide to help you learn more about these devices.
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Before we drill you with a lot of info, here are our picks of the day.
The Best Rangefinder Binoculars - Top 7 List
Best Feature | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
The Best Laser Rangefinder Binoculars | Steiner M1050 LRF Porro Prism Rangefinder Binoculars | |
Runner-Up | Nikon LaserForce Rangefinding Binoculars | |
The Best Night Vision Rangefinder Binoculars | ATN BinoX Binoculars | |
The Best Compact Unit | Bushnell 10x42 Fusion ARC Laser Rangefinder Binoculars | |
Maximum Range | Sig Sauer Kilo 3000 10x42 Rangefinder Binoculars | |
Premium Rangefinders | Zeiss Victory RF 10x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Rangefinder Binoculars | |
LED Display | Leica Geovid-R 15x56mm Rangefinder Binoculars |
If finding the right binoculars seems like a tricky task for you, it's always the safe choice to go for the best. You will invest a bit, but it'll pay off in time. Therefore, here are the best pair of laser rangefinding binoculars, the Steiner M1050 LRF Porro Prism Rangefinder Binoculars.
Even if you're a layman when it comes to judging and evaluating optics, a glance at the specifications of Steiner LRF will blow you away. In general, devices with a 10x magnification will offer a linear field of view of around 250-300 ft at 1,000 yards. However, this Steiner LRF product's technology bypasses the standard and offers you a 348-ft at 1000 yards linear field of view, which is astounding.
There's no mistaking it in terms of the build and design - this is one durable unit. Primarily built for military purposes, this Steiner LRF pair of binoculars are waterproof and submersible. Aside from this, they're also relatively lightweight even though NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is one of the main components of its build.
If you haven't heard about the Porro-Prism System, the main thing you need to know is that the reflection prism inside the optics creates a three-dimensional image with increased light transmission. Most quality binoculars will have the Porro-Prism System, as does the Steiner LRF.
To sum - this is a long-range pair of quality binoculars with almost perfect accuracy. It's durable, comes with an abundance of accessories, including straps and a case. It's designed for the long-term with its rubber armor design. The only question is - what's not to like?
- Porro-Prism System
- Rubber armor rugged design
- Excellent precision
- The combination of field of view and magnification
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Next up is another fantastic product, and it was honestly a close call between this one and the previous product. However, you won't be mistaken if you purchase the Nikon LaserForce Rangefinding Binoculars as your next hunting unit. Now, let's see why.
Firstly, an important mention has to go to Nikon. They've been in the optics industry for decades, and they've constantly produced magnificent products, whether it was cameras, binoculars, or monoculars.
Nikon Laserforce excels at a couple of things. Number one - the maximum range you'll get from this laser rangefinder is set at 1900 yards with a 10x magnification. Now, you'd probably assume that the image quality would suffer in return, but that's not the case with this model. Thanks to Nikon's technology, this Nikon Laserforce unit is one of the best solutions for both experienced and novice hunters.
You won't have to trouble yourself about breaking or damaging it since it's made from highly durable materials. Nikon Laserforce has a multi-layer coating and rubber armor with a rugged design. Surprisingly, this unit's official weight is only 1.93 lb, even lower than the Steiner LRF.
Another essential thing we should mention is that this unit is very user-friendly. We say this because of a couple of things. Firstly, it features a low-dispersion glass without any arsenic or lead. Secondly, the eyecups have a rubber coating, so you won't have any red rings around your eyes after extensive use. Also, it helps decrease any pain from prolonged use.
Overall, the only downside is the price, but that's something you'd expect from a verified manufacturer such as Nikon. Still, this Nikon Laserforce is a beauty and will be a valuable addition to your equipment.
- Maximum range
- User-friendly
- Verified and trusted manufacturer
- Durable
- Wide field of view
- Expensive
Generally, rangefinder binoculars are designed for daytime hunting, so no additional optical equipment is there to mess with the unit's weight. However, the team behind ATN has developed a lightweight day and night unit with a laser rangefinder. Let's go a bit deeper into the ATN BinoX Binoculars review.
Before we go into the specifics, we have to mention ATN's superiority when it comes to optics equipment. They've supplied the market for years with premium units, starting from your standard binoculars and going to more advanced military equipment. Whatever the device is you have in mind, they'll supply it.
Going back to the ATN Binox, let's talk about the night vision part first. It's equipped with GEN 3 night vision technology, which is far superior and way ahead of the previous versions. It offers excellent clarity and high quality in pitch dark while maintaining a blur-free overall image.
When it comes to laser rangefinder technology, the linear field of view is set at 220 ft. at 1,000 yards with a 4x - 16x magnification. If that's not enough, wait until you hear about the BIX. It's an information exchange technology that allows you to share data with other devices. It's originally meant to work with other ATN devices, but you can download an app and send data directly to your mobile phone or a tablet.
Also, you'll be able to capture videos in high definition thanks to the 1080p recording device inside, and with the dual WiFi streaming, you'll be able to share the video instantly with your friends or family. You haven't heard the best part of it all - it's absolutely affordable.
To conclude, it's a compact and lightweight unit that offers a lot for a completely reasonable price. The overall specifications exceed all the expectations, and if you're not looking for the absolute best device, these are the binoculars with rangefinder technology for you.
- GEN 3 night vision system
- Dual WiFi streaming
- 1080p videos
- Not expensive
- Lesser specifications in comparison with the previous units
If you're not sure what model is right for you, maybe you should focus your attention on the following unit. It's versatile, universal, and such a beauty. Here's the Bushnell 10x42 Fusion ARC Laser Rangefinder Binoculars.
Why is this the best rangefinder optics for you? Firstly, it's accuracy. Tests have shown that the Bushnell Fusion 1 Mile ARC can provide consistent accuracy up to 1300 yards while maintaining a 70% accuracy above 1500 yards. It's not the best we've seen, but it's undoubtedly one of the best among the mid-tier rangefinder binoculars.
Moreover, it is developed with the Porro-Prism System that we've already mentioned with type BAK-4 roof prisms, a fantastic glass that's widely considered to be the best in the class. It produces clear images thanks to the natural light transmission.
You'll also find that it's quite durable for a mid-tier product. The Bushnell Fusion 1 Mile ARC is waterproof, and it has RainGuard HD - a coating usually found in premium optics that protects the glass from environmental factors such as moisture, snow, and even condensation.
It's also quite lightweight, weighing only 1.94 lb, which is surprising considering the unit's overall bulkiness. Another important thing is the linear field of view that holds at 305 feet at 1000 yards - quite astounding for mid-tier rangefinder binoculars for hunting.
What we really don't like about the Bushnell Fusion 1 Mile ARC is the overall brightness. According to tests and experiences from several users, they don't hold up in low light so make sure not to use them at dawn or at the brink of night. Other than that, the Bushnell Fusion 1 Mile ARC should be a go-to pair of rangefinding binoculars for everyone - experienced hunters and beginners.
- Accuracy
- The Porro-Prism System/ BAK 4 roof prisms
- RainGuard HD
- Lightweight and compact
- Fog-proof
- Bad at low light conditions
People believe it's quite hard to find good optics for a fair price, and, usually, that is the case. However, the Sig Sauer Kilo 3000 10x42 Rangefinder Binoculars is a unit that'll put those thoughts at peace.
In general, there are two main proponents of a quality pair of binoculars - ranging distance and accuracy. Mid-range units will usually excel at one and lack in the other, which is not the case with the Sig Sauer Kilo. The maximum ranging distance it can provide is 3200 yards, which is unbelievable for mid-tier ranging binoculars. Despite this, it can still provide a positive accuracy percentage, even above 2000 yards.
Then, it's equipped with a top-of-the-line OLED display that delivers instant data and precise targeting circles with each use. If you own a Sig Sauer riflescope, you'll be happy to know that you can connect the rangefinding binoculars and the scope via BlueTooth. The resulting image will contain a dot on the line of sight with the best aiming point.
Also, it comes with an integrated rechargeable battery that has an approximate lifespan of 20000 hours, which is roughly 830 days. Therefore, you can rest knowing that the battery will last you for more than two years before you have to replace it with a new one.
The laser technology is truly impressive, considering it can constantly provide you with four different ranges with every passed second. It won't suffer from the same problem as the previous binoculars, which were the light conditions. The brightness of the unit is automatically adjusted to fit the current light conditions of the environment.
The only downside to this rangefinder binocular device is that the quality suffers a bit during cold days, even though it's stated it can fully operate at -40°F. If you're not a winter hunter, this is the unit for you!
- HyperScan Technology
- Ranging distance
- Durable battery
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Less operational during winter days
Whether you're an experienced hunter with years of service or a newbie in the hunting world, you've most definitely heard about Carl Zeiss or simply Zeiss. They are one of the top companies in the world when it comes to manufacturing optics, so it shouldn't surprise you that we've included a product from their collection. Here is the Zeiss Victory RF 10x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Rangefinder Binoculars.
When you hear the name Carl Zeiss, the first thing that comes to mind is high quality, and that's exactly what the Zeiss Victory RF has to offer. With the Abbe-Koenig prisms for crisp clarity and powerful technology for laser detection, this unit can precisely measure the distance up to 2500 yards. When you combine that with the center focus, you get one fantastic device.
Moreover, you can download a Carl Zeiss app and connect it with the unit to get all the info you need about the target directly on your mobile device. Forget about the outdated rangefinders used to measure the distance when you can own this piece of equipment.
Also, the Zeiss Victory RF has a wide field of view despite having a 10x magnification. The linear field of view is set to 345 feet at 1000 yards, which is on par with the best binoculars with rangefinder technology. Furthermore, the lens coatings are LotuTec Hydrophobic Coating that is resistant to most liquids you can come in contact with - water, oil, condensation, and even dust.
The Zeiss Victory RF is quite ergonomic and user-friendly. The manufacturers designed it in an ambidextrous way for ease of use, and the controls are quite intuitive, so you won't spend a lot of time learning how to use it.
Of course, the main issue of the Zeiss Victory RF is the price, but that's what you get from a premium unit. If the price was lower, it would surely take a higher spot on our list, but for now, it rests here.
- Zeiss Victory RF optical technology
- Hydrophobic coating
- User-friendly
- Crisp clarity
- Expensive
Finally, we have one more unit to review, and it comes from Leica, a well-known manufacturer of not only binoculars but optics and cameras in general. Here are the Leica Geovid-R 15x56mm Rangefinder Binoculars.
When you make a choice to invest your money in a product that comes from manufacturers such as Nikon, Leica, or Carl Zeiss, you know that it'll pay off in the long run. They will usually offer you a lifetime warranty in combination with terrific customer service for times you need your devices fixed.
When it comes to the Leica Geovid itself, you can count on several things - high image quality and accuracy. The linear field of view is 225 feet at 1000 yards, which is a quite comfortable number. Moreover, it has a 15x magnification, which is why the FoV suffers a bit, so it depends on what you prefer. Overall, this is a perfect pair of binoculars for short to mid-range hunting sessions.
Another fancy addition is the powerful LED display that instantly relays all the target data you need. It'll also adjust automatically to the surrounding light, so you'll be able to hunt in the morning and evening hours.
The digital display of the data is on the right side, which might pose a problem to people that have bad sight in their right eye. Aside from that, you'll be getting a premium product with a 1200 m maximum range that does not disappoint.
- Premium product
- Lifetime warranty
- Mid-range optics
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Digital read-out is on the right side
- Lower specs
Finding the Right Piece of Equipment - Buyer's Guide
There is an abundance of things that goes into consideration when it comes to choosing any new device. Rangefinder binoculars are not that different, and some may claim that it's even harder to find a perfect unit for the appropriate price range.
No worries - we're here to help out as much as we can. We'll go in-depth about these devices, tell you more about them, and luckily, help you make the final decision. Stay tuned!
1. Who to Trust?
As you could see, there are too many developers and manufacturers out there with tons of products. Rangefinding binocular devices come in many shapes and forms, and manufacturers don't make it easy for the buyer's by constantly repeating the same features and characteristics. Therefore, who can you trust?
Firstly, there are some brand names that have been in the optics industry for years, and they almost never fail when it comes to dishing out fancy and premium products. Companies like ATN, Armasight, and AGM are known for producing military-grade units that are field-tested and approved.
Also, a good indicator is the price of a unit. It might sound ridiculous, but the fact of the matter is that these devices are quite expensive, and you'll rarely find a quality unit that's under $1000. Of course, there are certain exceptions, such as the ATN BinoX Binoculars, but you'll have to cope with the fact that owning rangefinder binoculars will cost you. However, if you make a good purchase, you'll end up with a lifetime warranty and a tested unit that'll never fail you.
2. Optics
When we say optics, we mean to include several topics in this part. Firstly, let's talk about the field of view or FoV. In layman's terms, it is what the name suggests - an observable surface that a person can see through an optical device. For example, humans have a 210-degree horizontal angle.
When it comes to rangefinder binoculars, we'll talk about the linear FoV that is presented through the distance that the unit can observe. In general, you should know that if you're going for long-distance hunting, you should get an optical unit with a larger linear FoV. You'll have lesser magnification, but you'll cover more ground.
If you're more of a mid-distance shooter, the rules change - you'll go for the lesser FoV but a higher magnification like 14x or 16x.
3. Range
Generally, rangefinding binocular devices can give you a front-facing range of around 2000 yards, which is around 1900 meters. As you could see, there is some exception from this rule such as the long-range Sig Sauer Kilo 3000 10x42 Rangefinder Binoculars that can offer you as much as 3200 yards for reflective targets.
On the other hand, some other segments of a unit can suffer if you go for the maximum distance, and that is most often clarity. Our advice is to go for the devices that offer around 2000 yards when it comes to reflective targets and around 1500 yards for the non-reflective targets. That way, you'll get a rangefinder combo of both clarity and precision.
Best Feature | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
The Best Laser Rangefinder Binoculars | Steiner M1050 LRF Porro Prism Rangefinder Binoculars | |
Runner-Up | Nikon LaserForce Rangefinding Binoculars | |
The Best Night Vision Rangefinder Binoculars | ATN BinoX Binoculars | |
The Best Compact Unit | Bushnell 10x42 Fusion ARC Laser Rangefinder Binoculars | |
Maximum Range | Sig Sauer Kilo 3000 10x42 Rangefinder Binoculars | |
Premium Rangefinders | Zeiss Victory RF 10x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Rangefinder Binoculars | |
LED Display | Leica Geovid-R 15x56mm Rangefinder Binoculars |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a rangefinder as binoculars?
You CAN technically do it, but it'll only be effective on short distances. Rangefinding binoculars have much better optical technology that allows for higher magnification, and they can cover more ground. Our advice is to invest a bit into a unit that can do both - offer excellent long-range detection and quality image.
Does owning rangefinding binoculars pay off?
If you're not scared to invest a bit, they'll definitely be worth it. Rangefinder binoculars can offer so much more than your traditional rangefinder, and it's a 2-in-1 device, so you won't have to carry a lot of equipment and burden yourself. After all, all the best hunters own them!
What are laser rangefinding binoculars?
Laser technology is one of the most common principles for detecting long-range objects. When it comes to binoculars, they work by sending out a laser beam and measuring the time it takes to reach the viewed object. When the beam reaches the target and bounces back to the sender, the device calculates it and relays the data to you. It's a quick process due to the speed of light.
How do rangefinder binoculars work?
Aside from laser technology, there are products that utilize different methods of measurement, such as sonar or ultrasonic rangefinding. Still, the most common is the laser technology that you'll encounter.
What are the best rangefinder binoculars?
Based on the current market, our absolute favorite has to be the Steiner M1050 LRF Porro Prism Rangefinder Binoculars. They offer many things that other contenders cannot match, such as the absolute clarity at long-distance combined with the perfect rangefinding mechanisms.
Final Thoughts - Conclusion
When we take everything we've previously said into consideration, we have to pronounce the Steiner M1050 LRF Porro Prism Rangefinder Binocular the absolute crown jewel of this article and the best rangefinder binoculars. The technology behind it and the design outmatch other products by a long shot.
Of course, we have to give a shoutout to some customer favorites such as the Nikon LaserForce Rangefinding Binoculars and the fantastic ATN BinoX Binoculars that have served many night hunters well for a long time. Overall, you won't be wrong to choose any unit from this list because they are the absolute best right now.