In brief, rangefinder binoculars perform as a combination of: a regular binoculars with ability to view distant objects, a rangefinder estimating the distance. Not all users have to pick a rangefinder binoculars instead of a regular binoculars. However, there are certain groups of users or purposes which having one is necessary. 

In this article, we will present all the concepts and explanations in the most digestible way, with bullet points of when you have to use rangefinder binoculars. Moreover, a suggestion list with thorough review of each option is shown below. So, if you’re too familiar with all the fundamentals, or basically just want to skip the explanation section, just click the suggestion list in the menu bar to jump right into it.

Overview of rangefinder binoculars 

Basically, when you look through a rangefinder binoculars, you will be able to see both objects and their distance range number. 

Types of rangefinder binoculars 

Reticle rangefinder binoculars

Basic explanation

Reticle is the net of 2 lines (horizontal and vertical) in the eyepieces of binoculars. Those 2 lines are arranged as a coordinate axis, with each unit is called a mil. For more information, mil (milliradian) is an angular measurement equaling 1/1000th of a radian. Our picture below will better illustrate the things:

According to Vortex official instruction, this is the formula that presents relationship between mil and distance:

Range = [(Real Width of target)*27.8] / (Width observed in mil) (yard)

*Note: This formula applies for width measured in inches

For example: you know in advance an object is 30 inches wide, you look through the eyepiece and the objects is 1.5 mil wide in the eyepiece, then:

Range = 30*27.8/1.5 

There is a lot more in terms of math to talk about the reticle ranging system. However, let’s leave them in another article.

Last but not least, there’s a common misperception about the reticle rangefinder binoculars type. Since it’s cheaper, many people consider them inferior. Actually, it’s cheaper because of the system itself, not because of quality. There are certain circumstances when you would prefer it. 

Pros 

• Cheaper
• More optimal for longer range estimation
• No batteries require for most cases
• Rangefinding system not affected by weather

Cons 

• Require calculations from users
• Due to the above characteristic, they are not the most accurate option

Laser rangefinder binoculars

Basic explanation

For this type, the rangefinding system fires a laser beam, then the mechanics behind would estimate the range based on the time of the laser beam reaching the object. In terms of physics, it’s very logical and straightforward. Most likely, you would see the result number appearing on the eyepiece.

Pros 

• A lot simpler to use: no calculation require, immediate results shown up
• High accuracy
• Some rangefinder binoculars provide additional information: ballistic information

Cons 

• Usually more expensive
• Not able to estimate as high range as reticle rangefinder binoculars
• Require batteries
• Can be affected by some conditions (bad weather, water)

Use cases of rangefinder binoculars

In general, all activities that MUST include range number would require rangefinder binoculars. They could be:

• Military 
• Marine 
• Hunting (if hunters prefer)

For activities like birdwatching or nature sightseeing, it’s OK if you want to use rangefinder binoculars, although we find it not necessary.

Rangefinder binoculars suggestion list

Swarovski EL Range 10×42

This is our all time rangefinder binoculars favorite. It’s worth every penny that we paid. We had a more focused review of it right over here.

Basic specs

Optics aspects

 

Magnification	10x
Objective diameter	42 mm
Field of view	330 feet
Eye relief	17.3 mm
Weight	31 oz (without batteries)
Size (L*W*H)	6.3*5.4*3.2
Prism	Roof
Optics	BAK-4 prism Fully Multi-coated prism
Waterproof	Yes
Price	Around $2900

Rangefinding aspects

 

Rangefinder binoculars type	Laser
Measuring range	33 – 1500 yard (~1370m)
Measuring time	1 second or less
Unit	Yard/ meter
Battery	CR2
Lifecycle	1000 measurement
Angular measurement	90 degree
Laser	Class 1 EN/ FDA

 

Pros 

• Field of view

The 330 feet field of view from Swarovski EL Range 10×42 is among the highest options. In fact, it is also the field of view of Vortex Diamondback 10×42.

• Optics quality

Of course, with this price tag, you get a fully multi-coated rangefinder binoculars. It is very close to the performance of the Swarovski EL 10×42. Which means, we got a very bright, clear, sharp and clean image. 

• Low-light performance 

Just like the Swarovski EL 10×42, we’re very pleased with the performance on cloudy days. This proves why it is top class. In fact, there is even a mechanism to adopt environmental light. You can control that by program 4 of the menu button.

• Image quality

Contrast and high resolution are what we really like about it. Besides, the flat image made the experience very pleasing. For the Swarovski EL Range 10×42, color fringing is absolutely not a problem. Again, this is the top quality factor.

• Construction 

With this price, there’s no surprise that it is covered by tough quality rubber and well-textured to avoid slippery. But the thing we enjoy the most is the design. It’s the best combination of being classy, classic and a little bit modern to fit all kinds of tastes. Last but not least, it’s waterproof, so it will last for a very long while.

• Measuring distance

The 1500 yards range is a very large distance. On the other hand, +/- 1 yard of precision is acceptable for rangefinder binoculars. We noticed that the measuring time took max 1 second to show the results, very impressive.

There are 2 modes to range. The first one is the regular laser beam mode. The second one is by scanning the area and keeping updating the measurement. For moving objects, the second one is very helpful.

• Angular compensator

In brief, this is the feature that helps hunters correct shooting distance based on the angular and straight-line distance. The angular measurement is up to 90 degrees, which is great. Be aware that not all rangefinder binoculars have this feature, but the Swarovski EL Range does.

• Controlling system

The measuring button is to the left very near the bridge. Of course, the hand movement for controlling is therefore very well-optimized. There are 4 adjustment mode for this menu: 

• Manual display brightness adjustment
• Activation or deactivation of the angle-of-slope detection and correction 
• Feet or meters unit selection
• Automatic display brightness setting according to environmental light conditions

Pretty awesome right.

Cons 

Of course, the most obvious point is the price tag. Once again, we have to remind you that the performance, brand value, vibe will be worth every penny. However, it doesn’t mean that you must buy this for any reason. If the financial situation is not comfortable at all, then skip it, there are plenty more affordable yet efficient options in the market.

16.4 feet for close focus distance could be considered a weakness. In reality, this criterion is supposed to not matter because rangefinder binoculars are naturally designed to fulfill your long-range observation experience. 

Bushnell Fusion X 10×42

If the above option doesn’t suit your pocket, then you should find the below one very budget-friendly. We also have a more in-depth review of it right over here.

Basic specs

Optics specs

 

Magnification	10x
Objective diameter	42 mm
Field of view	305 feet
Eye relief	16.0 mm
Weight	35 oz
Length	7 inches
Prism	Roof
Optics	BK-7 prism Fully Multi-coated prism
Waterproof	Yes
Price	Around $690

 

Rangefinding aspects

 

Rangefinder binoculars type	Laser
Measuring range	1750 yard (~1600m)
Battery	CR2
Accuracy range	+/- 1 yard
ARC Mode	Regular, Bow, Rifle A-J

Pros 

• Measuring distance

This is one of the most important criteria of a rangefinder binoculars. And yes, the Bushnell Fusion X has done well. The 1750 yard measuring range, with +/-1 yard precision range is already better than lots of other expensive products.

• ActivSync display technology

Surprisingly, we wouldn’t think that such an affordable option would have this technology. Which means, the result numbers would appear differently depending on the brightness of the environment. 

For a dark background, the readout figures would be displayed in light red. Reversely, it would display in black. This would bring a much comfortable tracking experience for viewers, especially hunters.

• Eye relief

16 mm eye relief is more than good enough for eyeglasses wearers.

• Image quality

We have compared these Bushnell binoculars with other rangefinder binoculars from Swarovski and Leupold. The performance was pretty close. Of course, there are some small details that explain why there is a big price gap. But in general, the resolution and contrast, details were absolutely satisfying. 

Interestingly, the Bushnell Fusion X shows quite a bit strong in yellow cast. Others might find it a weakness. But we found it quite comfortable viewing brown leather animals, especially in darker conditions. Hence, we consider it quite a big plus.

• Low-light performance

The light transmission of Bushnell Fusion X in daylight conditions was fine. However, we are more impressed with how it performs at sunset. 

We used it on a hunting trip when we totally didn’t pay attention to the time. Until things got a bit darker did we realize that it was sunset. And yes, the performance was nearly there. The brightness and details retained was a lot more than fine.

• Construction 

Bushnell Fusion X’s outer cover is tough. Plus, being waterproof is another factor that makes it last.

• Price tag

First of all, we have to explain this to folks who are used to regular binoculars already and just start trying rangefinder binoculars. $690 is definitely a worth considering price for regular binoculars, it is the higher mark of the medium segment. 

However, this $690 is not considerably high for laser rangefinder binoculars. In fact, this is one of the best deals in the market, with quality still ensured.

Cons 

The case for eyepieces that we bought officially from the manufacturers were not fit. Later, we solved the problem. But we still think that you might face the same issue. Which means, you have to be more careful with these Bushnell binoculars to protect them against weather factors.

When used in bow mode, it only displays the comparable horizontal distance to only 3000 feet. For professional hunters, you might not like this.

USCamel 10×50 UW004

Basic specs

Magnification	10x
Objective diameter	50 mm
Field of view	396 feet
Eye relief	22.0 mm
Weight	43 oz
Size	‎7.36 x 3.15 x 5.75 inches
Prism	Porro
Optics	BAK-4 prism Fully Multi-coated prism
Batteries	LR936/AG9
Waterproof	Yes
Price	Around $110
Rangefinder binoculars type	Reticle

Pros 

• Field of view

396 feet! Wow, for 10x50mm binoculars, we wouldn’t expect it to be this good.

• Optics quality

We’re glad that we owned a $110 rangefinder binoculars, a very affordable price, with a BAK-4 fully multi-coated prism. Light transmission, no problem, it’s so bright and crystal clear.

• Low-light condition

Absolutely amazing. We were always into porro prism in terms of low-light capability. This one proves that it performs no less than expensive rangefinder binoculars in the market. 

Moreover, the rangefinder and the compass included are illuminated for low-light use cases. Very convenient and thoughtful from the manufacturer right? See the picture below to get a clearer idea of what we are mentioning

• Focus 

For more information, this is a sport auto focus binoculars. The USCamel 10×50 UW004 has 2 diopter adjustment to set up the focus. We have a more in-depth article of auto focus binoculars here if you’re not familiar with auto focus binoculars mechanism yet.

And yes, they perform very well as an auto focus binoculars.

• Rangefinder aspects

This is a reticle rangefinder binoculars, definitely the ranging distance is better than laser ones. However, accuracy cannot be as good as laser rangefinder binoculars. 

We want to mention the compass attached to better the experience as well. The number sequence below the reticle stands for degrees (look at the number in the right part of the picture below). North is 360 degrees, East is 90, South is 180 and West is 270. Not only knowing the distance, it fulfills the journey with navigation ability as well. 

• Versatility 

It can view long range distances, good optics, it’s tough and waterproof, so we tried quite a variety of purposes. Specifically, we’re impressed by hunting and marine experience. So yeah, you use this for quite a large category of purposes.

• Price tag

For both the regular and rangefinder binoculars category, $110 is just so affordable.

Cons 

It’s a bit ridiculous but we found the manual instruction quite bad. Nearly no helpful at all, and there were also some typos. Eyelid covers fell apart after we used for a while. 

Nikon LASERFORCE RANGEFINDER Binoculars

Now this is a good balance option in terms of price and quality. Also, Nikon is one of our favorite brands. Let’s see how it goes

Basic specs

Optics specs

Magnification	10x
Objective diameter	42 mm
Field of view	320 feet
Eye relief	15.5 mm
Weight (without batteries)	30.9 oz
Size	5.8 in. x 5.2 in. x 2.8 inches
Prism	Roof
Optics	Fully Multi-coated lens, ED Glass
Waterproof	Yes
Price	Around $1150

Rangefinder specs

 

Range	10-1900 yard
Batteries	1 CR2 Lithium Battery
Angle compensation	Yes, by Nikon ID Technology
Angle compensation range	+/- 89 degree
Type	Laser rangefinder binoculars

Pros 

• Optics 

We always talk about this strength in nearly all Nikon products, and we’ll mention it again. Specifically, we compared this feature to other Swarovski and Leica rangefinder binoculars. The only big gap here is the price gap, where Nikon is more than $1000 cheaper. In terms of optics quality, the gap is just a tiny bit.

In general, light transmission is great along with a very very crispy image. Well, we guess you could expect that from an ED binoculars already.

• Rangefinding distance

Nikon said that the power of their laser beam could range up to 1900 yards. To be honest, we didn’t test that far. But up to 1700 yard, the result shows up within 1 second. That’s worth enough for the money. We also could see deers at a bit larger than 1000-yard distance.

Also, the screen is OLED, which displays very clear number results along with the viewing image.

• Angle compensation

Obviously, this is a big plus for hunters. The angular compensation could cover up to 89 degrees, which is enough for most viewing scenarios. We couldn’t imagine a larger angular view than that. 

• Field of view

320 ft for field of view is definitely among the best of 10×42 binoculars. Combining with the great rangefinding system, you should get a good experience for your hunting trip.

• Ergonomic design

Among the others in the list, this is the most compact option. However, it comes with thick textured rubber coating, being waterproof and fogproof. Therefore, you can feel secure with these Nikon binoculars.

Cons 

Although the outer cover is durable and tough, we found it quite troublesome cleaning them up. Dusks and other environmental dirts resist and are a bit stickier to be fully removed.

Also, there’s a point that maybe difficult customers may find annoying. The button for rangefinding mode is recessed, its size is quite small as well. So if you use these rangefinder binoculars while wearing gloves, you may find it quite hard to successfully press the button.