Rifle Scopes (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

[threetrees]

I'd like to hear your opinions:

bino+rangefinder:
+ you have all possible magnifications + rangefinders to choose from
+ you keep the (usually) long warranty on the binos, and the short (electronic) warranty on the rangefinder ...
+ if one of the devices breaks, you still have the other one
- more to carry, more volume, usually more weight

bino with included rangefinder:
+ one less device to carry/forget
+ usually higher magnification for the range finder
+ higher visibility in low light due to the larger objective diameter of the binos
- significantly fewer articles around
- when something breaks, 'both' items are gone

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd like to hear your opinions:

bino+rangefinder:
+ you have all possible magnifications + rangefinders to choose from
+ you keep the (usually) long warranty on the binos, and the short (electronic) warranty on the rangefinder ...<span style="color: #FF0000">If you buy the good ones, it wont matter.</span>
+ if one of the devices breaks, you still have the other one
- more to carry, more volume, usually more weight

bino with included rangefinder:
+ one less device to carry/forget
+ usually higher magnification for the range finder
+ higher visibility in low light due to the larger objective diameter of the binos
- significantly fewer articles around
- when something breaks, 'both' items are gone<span style="color: #FF0000">not necessarily, just because the RF part breaks doesn't mean you cant look through them as just binos </span> </div></div>

I use a Swarovsky range guide, mainly because its the best I can afford. I'd love to have a Vectronics, or a pair of Leica Geovids, but I cant. I haven't had any problems using my Swaro as a bino though, always been able to find and identify what I'm looking for. I rarely carry binos into the field when I have it on me.

 

[jolofree]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

Zeiss Victory RF 10x45mm Laser Rangefinder Binoculars,
enough said

 

[Windbags]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

10 x 42 Leica HD Geovids can't ask for anymore

 

[JSF]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

I have the Swaro range finder binos and would not trade them for anything. Having both in one unit saves a lot trying to dig one out of the bag and put the other up not to mention the weight savings. The glass in the Swaros is something you just have to see. Words don't do it justice. My only knock on it is the ranging circle is a little big for my liking. It still works great though.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

The Swarovski and the Zeiss rock as as LRF. They LRF Binos are some of the best on the market if not the best.

Mike CST

 

[threetrees]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

well. the problem that i (possibly) see is:

LRF-binos:
- Swaro
- Zeiss
- Leica
- Bushnell

and that's pretty much it.

But binos: steiner, leica, swaro, zeiss, ddoptics, ...
rangefinder: leica, swaro, gunwerks, vektronix, ...

so you can combine the best of one sort with the best of the other sort ... for instance the leica geovid didn't change/improve in the last couple of years (i heard rumours that the new ballistic version in the rangefinders, like the 1600b, might make it into the geovids soon, though). or in other words. there might still be lots of development on rangefinders, while binos just stay where they are. if i'd go for a combined model, it's notably harder (or more expensive) to do an upgrade.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

I'd like to hear more info from the guys that have the Swaro and Ziess LR/Bino combos. How well do they actually range game at distance as opposed to steel targets?
What model/brand is better than the other?
In the $3000 and less price range, what is the absolute best LR/Bino combo you can get?

 

[Fletcher/AAC]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

I've ranged whitetail out to 700 plus yards wih the zeiss bino, I think it could go further.

When hunting, all I have to do is bring my rifle, water, and my binos, it significantly cuts down on my load. I can't say enough great things about having some sort of combo unit.

For me the biggest selling point is the speed that I can go from scanning to sending a round downrange.

 

[Fisky]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

I'd really like to go with a combo unit to cut down on crap hanging around my neck, but as a bow hunter also, the right combo unit has not been made yet.

As a long range shooter, I also need RF capabilities for said ranges. I've thought about buying a Terrapin for rifle hunting and shooting, and a cheap pocket RF with angle comp for archery, but again, I'm stuck carrying two devices instead of one as I need binos as well.

If I was a rifle hunter and shooter only, I'd probably go with the Swaro unit. I've read that the RF is a tad better than the Zeiss. I currently have a PRF RF though, and I have no complaints with that. Also, the Swaro's are quite a bit less bulky than the Zeiss.

At this point though, I'd wait to see what comes out at SHOT. I believe both Leica and Zeiss are working on something new, however when they will be released is unknown.

 

[PullinTriggers]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

I have owned the ZEISS Victory 10x45 RF for a little over 2 years now. They are a spectacular observation piece, with many refined features over the Geovid.

I have ranged game size animals beyond 1000 yards, and have registered a max range of 1722 yards. The most notable feature of the ZEISS RF compared to the other European rf's is that the ranging button on the ZEISS is on the right hand side of the unit opposed to the left hand side. Somewhat significant since the majority of the population is right handed. ZEISS has also built in 26 ballistic modes to cover holdovers in both meters and yards.

IMO, you are hard pressed to find a better unit for a broad range of application.

 

[Bradu]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: barrelburner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">10 x 42 Leica HD Geovids can't ask for anymore</div></div>

+1 I picked up a pair of these a few months ago and they are the best of both worlds.

 

[ajwcotton]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

I have a pair of zeiss victory RF 10x45 binos and they are amazing. As normal binos the glass is fantastic and as a rangefinder they have ranged everything I have pointed them at out to 1300 which is all I could ask for in a hunting tool or for tactical matches. I also have a set of zeiss conquest 10x40 binos and a bushnell arc 1600 rangefinder. I used the combo in Afghanistan and it has a seperate puropse. I think that the combo is a better choice if you need something more rugged. I would have been scared to brake the RF binos in such a harsh envirnment. Also the bushnell arc1600 can range a little farther than the zeiss RF and was easier to carry than a vector IV. The only problem with the bushnells is that you have to try harder and be more stable to get a good number.
Hope this helps.

 

[BobD]

Re: (bino+rangefinder) vs (combined bino-rangefinder)

Was just in this same boat. Debated Zeiss' PRF, a low model Leica among a few others.

After much headache I ordered a pair of Bushnell's 1600 Arc Fusion Binos in the larger 12x50mm (about two hours ago). It's a compromise to both, but I found a fairly good deal (a little over 6) and figured I would grab them and give them a shot.

The binocular aspect is more of a bonus to me. I won't likely buy them both if it doesn't pan out, just a rangefinder. The zeiss will have better glass for sure and will probably be what I pick up if that's the case, and at 8x should have enough magnification for my comfort.

From my perspective, I feel it would be easier for me to range a distant object on 12x opposed to say 6x. However, keeping them steady might be more frustrating.

That's the route I decided to start with. They're coming Tuesday, so always have the option to return and get the solo rangefinder while everything is still on sale.

Good luck with your choice-