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Help Me Pick Rangefinding Binos (2024/2025)

#51
@Secant I went through this hole escaped about 6 months ago.

I started off with the Vortex Fury's and while I liked that I could have 3 profile's loaded I felt that there was a lot missing for ballistics and glass for the cost of an RF Bino. I didnt feel that I really upgraded from my Viper's. I returned them and turned to the Leica Geovid Pro's.

The Leica's were amazing glass compared to the Vortex but there were a couple things that really bothered me.
  • A good way to mount for a tripod
  • Size and weight
  • 1 profile loading
  • Couldn't find a way to adjust the laser
  • Additional free for AB Elite. (comes with the lower AB software)
  • Button sequence was kind of a pain. Never did figure out how to re-zero the wind once I increased it.
Needless to say, sol these and moved on the Sig Kilo Gen 2's. Now I'm no glass snob, but I can generally tell good glass from bad glass and I couldn't tell a difference between the Leica's and the Gen 2's. I was able to see dragon flies at 100-150 yards with the Sig's, that was good enough for me. I haven't noticed the tint at all except one night when glassing in idaho at dusk. The sun was 90degrees to might right and the last few moments of light I felt like I was getting a tint. That being said it could have been me adjusting with my glasses, or something funky. 19 days in the field and I only experienced it once. Other than the I have been very happy with the glass and lack of tint.
The size is much smaller and as for the ballistics software is comes with AB elite on board. If you want to run a Kestrel it's a matter of swapping the setting from on board to external in the settings. Super easy. As for the onboard, my buddy is not technologically savy bought the Gen 2's after using mine and dropped a bull at 740 yards his first time using them in the field.

Some of the things I noticed, that i really like about the Gen 2's.
  • Can adjust your laser
  • 30 something profiles can be loaded
    • When you range, it also names the profile you ranged with.
  • Multiple duplex's
  • Ease of navigation
  • Size and clarity
  • Manual up and down arrows for wind adjustment
  • Possibility for Calypso wind meter
  • I'm probably forgetting some stuff.
Now the only reason I came across this thread is I have been interested in the Revic. I'm a long distance hunter first, and would like to get into NRL eventually. I've been listening to the LRP podcasts and a lot of what they say just makes sense to me. I'm new to AB as I've been using Hornady 4dof and I need to figure some stuff out about creating my own CDM. I like what REVIC does with their engine and app, but that's me. From my research I did 6 months ago the order is...

  1. REVIC
  2. Sig Gen 2
  3. Leica
  4. Vortex
I cant really vouch for the REVIC's but I would have to agree with the rest.

Oh! and to answer a question you asked earlier, the Gen 2's do not need your phone for a calculator. It's on board the glass and VERY fast.
 
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#52
Chukwithak said:
@Secant I went through this hole escaped about 6 months ago.

I started off with the Vortex Fury's and while I liked that I could have 3 profile's loaded I felt that there was a lot missing for ballistics and glass for the cost of an RF Bino. I didnt feel that I really upgraded from my Viper's. I returned them and turned to the Leica Geovid Pro's.

The Leica's were amazing glass compared to the Vortex but there were a couple things that really bothered me.
  • A good way to mount for a tripod
  • Size and weight
  • 1 profile loading
  • Couldn't find a way to adjust the laser
  • Additional free for AB Elite. (comes with the lower AB software)
  • Button sequence was kind of a pain. Never did figure out how to re-zero the wind once I increased it.
Needless to say, sol these and moved on the Sig Kilo Gen 2's. Now I'm no glass snob, but I can generally tell good glass from bad glass and I couldn't tell a difference between the Leica's and the Gen 2's. I was able to see dragon flies at 100-150 yards with the Sig's, that was good enough for me. I haven't noticed the tint at all except one night when glassing in idaho at dusk. The sun was 90degrees to might right and the last few moments of light I felt like I was getting a tint. That being said it could have been me adjusting with my glasses, or something funky. 19 days in the field and I only experienced it once. Other than the I have been very happy with the glass and lack of tint.
The size is much smaller and as for the ballistics software is comes with AB elite on board. If you want to run a Kestrel it's a matter of swapping the setting from on board to external in the settings. Super easy. As for the onboard, my buddy is not technologically savy bought the Gen 2's after using mine and dropped a bull at 740 yards his first time using them in the field.

Some of the things I noticed, that i really like about the Gen 2's.
  • Can adjust your laser
  • 30 something profiles can be loaded
    • When you range, it also names the profile you ranged with.
  • Multiple duplex's
  • Ease of navigation
  • Size and clarity
  • Manual up and down arrows for wind adjustment
  • Possibility for Calypso wind meter
  • I'm probably forgetting some stuff.
Now the only reason I came across this thread is I have been interested in the Revic. I'm a long distance hunter first, and would like to get into NRL eventually. I've been listening to the LRP podcasts and a lot of what they say just makes sense to me. I'm new to AB as I've been using Hornady 4dof and I need to figure some stuff out about creating my own CDM. I like what REVIC does with their engine and app, but that's me. From my research I did 6 months ago the order is...

  1. REVIC
  2. Sig Gen 2
  3. Leica
  4. Vortex
I cant really vouch for the REVIC's but I would have to agree with the rest.

Oh! and to answer a question you asked earlier, the Gen 2's do not need your phone for a calculator. It's on board the glass and VERY fast.
Click to expand...
Cool! Nice reviews. Very helpful hands-on perspective.

I don’t think the Revic has a very long warranty. Maybe 3 years.

The more I think about it, since I already own a LRF bino (Fury Gen II, non-AB), saving cash now for a smaller (future) Vortex diving board-mounted WMLRF makes more sense for my use.

The current Impact 4000 is such a tall boy I don’t think I could get my rifle with it attached into soft case! I wish it was half the height. More svelte options are absurdly expensive.
1727743545484.jpeg

1727743918012.jpeg

The fellow above also seems to use a really tall diving board.

The way I currently shoot varmints is with a my son spotting on a 15x LRF bino. He calls out where the pdog is and how far. I find it in my scope and shoot.

Where a WMLRF would then shine is for quick subsequent shots of targets closer or further away that I see in the scope after the first shot.

I use my Furys to scan and range while not on the gun as it’s more comfortable.

I know that’s not @Secant ’s use, but just talking out loud.

I don’t really need ballistics or wind holds as I use a dope card on the scope and a wind rose taped to my rotating table. Would be nice, though…

Sorry for the internal monologue lol
 
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#56
SD3Gunner said:
what about the use of a handheld RF like the vortex razor?
Click to expand...
Going fully down the rabbit hole, I've considered NL Pures + handheld RF. But after switching to bino RF years and years ago, I couldn't go back. Especially for hunting, the workflow is so much more streamlined & efficient for me.

Chukwithak said:
The Leica's were amazing glass compared to the Vortex but there were a couple things that really bothered me.
  • A good way to mount for a tripod
  • Size and weight
  • 1 profile loading
  • Couldn't find a way to adjust the laser
  • Additional free for AB Elite. (comes with the lower AB software)
  • Button sequence was kind of a pain. Never did figure out how to re-zero the wind once I increased it.
Click to expand...
I appreciate your thoughts.
  • A good way to mount for a tripod I've been using the RRS cinch since it was originally released, and it works great with my HD-Bs. No issues in/out of bino harness. No slippage or any issues at all.
  • Size and weight: I've used them so long that I don't mind the size/weight, but would gladly take smaller/lighter that perform as well or better.
  • 1 profile loading: Agreed, the single profile loading is retarded.
  • Couldn't find a way to adjust the laser: I'm lucky that my Leica's laser is very close to centered, but I agree that in today's market we should be able to calibrate the reticle to the laser (this is a hit to most BLRF, except Sigs).
  • Additional free for AB Elite. (comes with the lower AB software): I'm fine with paying extra for full AB. I get the gripe, but I'll pay to play. Does this solve the 1 profile issue?
  • Button sequence was kind of a pain. Never did figure out how to re-zero the wind once I increased it. The D-pad on the vectors sounds interesting and sounds like it solves this issue.
 
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#58
Secant said:
Additional free for AB Elite. (comes with the lower AB software): I'm fine with paying extra for full AB. I get the gripe, but I'll pay to play. Does this solve the 1 profile issue?
Click to expand...
From what I was able to gather in reading, no it does not solve that issue. But, I chose to switch over to the Sig Gen 2’s before buying elite and testing my self.

I bought and used in the field the Weiser Precision Sparrow. Similar to the RRS clamp but lower profile and weight. It held up surprisingly very well for its size. I will be sticking with it and sent the RRS clamp back.
 
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#61
The Revic sale has me leaning a little bit in that direction currently.

I was able to get a small amount of time behind the Vectors on a recent hunt. Based on my limited time, I think they are pretty good. However, I don't like the etched reticle for glassing, and my eyes would wander to the ranging "L" which would make me notice some of the edge distortion. The focus wheel lash is pretty lame for a bino at this price point. The laser seemed good, and readout is lightyears ahead of my current HD-Bs. Lighting conditions were good, so it was hard to really say, but I think the Vector glass was good.

I'm still waffling a bit, but I'll probably end up ordering the Revics. Maybe 🤣
 
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#62
The optical systems are designed differently between the top brands, each with their idiosyncrasies (eg. Abe König, Schmit-Pechan and Perger-Porro prisms) . Therefore do strive to get to try the binoculars for a little while before you buy.

For a couple years I have used a pair of Zeiss Victory RF for hunting.

They are surprisingly sleek and compact, Zeiss have succeeded in integrating the rangefinder into the binoculars without adding noticeable bulk.

The rangefinder exceeds my hunting needs. It can reliably range birds on the water at 500 meter when I am standing on the shore. In farmland it will reliably range deer sized animals at 500 meter and haybales at 1000 meter.
 
#64
Secant said:
The Revic sale has me leaning a little bit in that direction currently.

I was able to get a small amount of time behind the Vectors on a recent hunt. Based on my limited time, I think they are pretty good. However, I don't like the etched reticle for glassing, and my eyes would wander to the ranging "L" which would make me notice some of the edge distortion. The focus wheel lash is pretty lame for a bino at this price point. The laser seemed good, and readout is lightyears ahead of my current HD-Bs. Lighting conditions were good, so it was hard to really say, but I think the Vector glass was good.

I'm still waffling a bit, but I'll probably end up ordering the Revics. Maybe 🤣
Click to expand...
I pulled the trigger on the Revic deal. Highly recommend camera land ny @gr8fuldoug.

I like them a lot. Laser / solution is lightning fast. Was hitting a water tower @ 2338 that was partially blocked by a tree at 350y. It was pretty easy to hit the tower vs the tree off hand. I like the glass resolution as I’ll be using them for Elk western hunting and steel. I’m happy so far. I have to get them out on the range and true to my Kestrel which I currently use for solutions. I had a Revic BR4 which was nice, but I didn’t like having to glass with binos / spotter and then range / solution with BR4. All in one unit with Kestrel backup is faster and requires me to carry less equipment. Hope this helps. Nick-
 
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#66
carbonbased said:
Did you get anything, @Secant?
Click to expand...
Short answer, no.

I’ve liked the Vectors in the range/match conditions that I’ve used them, but I don’t really like them for hunting/glassing.

My geovids are good for hunting, but not good for matches.

More recently, I’m thinking I might just need a couple sets.
 
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#67
Secant said:
Short answer, no.

I’ve liked the Vectors in the range/match conditions that I’ve used them, but I don’t really like them for hunting/glassing.

My geovids are good for hunting, but not good for matches.

More recently, I’m thinking I might just need a couple sets.
Click to expand...
Care to elaborate on why you don't like the Vectors for hunting/glassing?
 
#70
Glassaholic said:
Care to elaborate on why you don't like the Vectors for hunting/glassing?
Click to expand...
I find the reticle and ranging L to be distracting. The ranging L causes me to notice more edge distortion that I don’t think I’d notice as much without. Focus knob of the sample I used has a bit of lash. The d pad isn’t as positive as I’d like.

The vectors are good. I might still get a set maybe, but they aren’t what I hoped they would be.

gr8fuldoug said:
Quality optics as well as advanced electronics look at the Revic Acura BLR10b Binocular Laser Rangefinder 10x42 with Ballistics
Click to expand...
Their recent $1,000 off sale almost got me, but I’m definitely not interested at $2700.

MikeMiller said:
I have been using the Vortex with AB for two years. They do everything I need and more.
Click to expand...
Most places are showing these as discontinued. I bet vortex is finally going to release a BLRF with razor glass…..and then replace AB with geoballistics 🤣
 
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#71
Secant said:
I find the reticle and ranging L to be distracting. The ranging L causes me to notice more edge distortion that I don’t think I’d notice as much without. Focus knob of the sample I used has a bit of lash. The d pad isn’t as positive as I’d like.
Click to expand...
Roger that, that's the feedback I was hoping for, appreciate it...
Secant said:
Their recent $1,000 off sale almost got me, but I’m definitely not interested at $2700.
Click to expand...
$1000 off sale??? That usually means they're not selling as well as the mfr hoped.
Secant said:
Most places are showing these as discontinued. I bet vortex is finally going to release a BLRF with razor glass…..and then replace AB with geoballistics 🤣
Click to expand...
Man, I've been asking for that basically since the Fury's came out, I am really hoping they do this!!!
 
#72
Glassaholic said:
$1000 off sale??? That usually means they're not selling as well as the mfr hoped.
Click to expand...
Word is that Revic is coming out with a “Gen 2”. I heard upgrade in glass, but that’s a rumor as far as I know.

Glassaholic said:
Man, I've been asking for that basically since the Fury's came out, I am really hoping they do this!!!
Click to expand...
I hope they come out with a Razor BLRF, but I hope they stick with AB, AND keep a high quality laser unit.
 
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#73
Secant said:
Word is that Revic is coming out with a “Gen 2”. I heard upgrade in glass, but that’s a rumor as far as I know.
Click to expand...
Already? Weren't these just released like a year ago, maybe two now at most?
Secant said:
I hope they come out with a Razor BLRF, but I hope they stick with AB, AND keep a high quality laser unit.
Click to expand...
You know they won't, they are committed to GB because they bought them. Hopefully they improve their laser unit as well, would love to see that - improved glass, improved laser unit, intuitive menu...

I had my Razor UHD 8x32's out on the beach this morning, watching some kayaker's about 1500 yards out, image was stunning. Vortex's new glass formula is very impressive.
 
#74
I didn't see the Leica Geovid Pro AB+ mentioned. Not sure if you've considered them. Applied ballistics elite and some other cool tech. Seem to pair with kestrel and other devices quite well. Maybe the best glass of all except the swaro. If I understand the warranty correctly, it's basically 10 years no questions asked, then 30 years on the optical system.

There's not a ton of reviews out there, area 419 compared them in a video (alongside a product they sell which of course won their comparison).

I'd like to hear from people that have compared them side by side with the Vector x. For me it really comes down to those 2. My hangup on the Vector x is that I don't really want the reticle, my most important use will be hunting and for that good glass/clear picture is best.

Very good price on these on guidefitter if you have an account.
 
#76
3rdfocal said:
I didn't see the Leica Geovid Pro AB+ mentioned. Not sure if you've considered them. Applied ballistics elite and some other cool tech. Seem to pair with kestrel and other devices quite well. Maybe the best glass of all except the swaro. If I understand the warranty correctly, it's basically 10 years no questions asked, then 30 years on the optical system.

There's not a ton of reviews out there, area 419 compared them in a video (alongside a product they sell which of course won their comparison).

I'd like to hear from people that have compared them side by side with the Vector x. For me it really comes down to those 2. My hangup on the Vector x is that I don't really want the reticle, my most important use will be hunting and for that good glass/clear picture is best.

Very good price on these on guidefitter if you have an account.
Click to expand...
Yep, I've looked at the Leica Pro AB+. Beam divergence is 1.8 x 0.8 mil. For comparison, 10x42 Vector X is 1.5 x 0.1 mil. My understanding is that they are both oriented horizontally, and the 0.7 mil height difference should matter when trying to range small targets at distance. The Vector's readout is better than Leica's in my opinion, but I agree that the etched reticle is not ideal for long periods of glassing.
 
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#77
Secant said:
Yep, I've looked at the Leica Pro AB+. Beam divergence is 1.8 x 0.8 mil. For comparison, 10x42 Vector X is 1.5 x 0.1 mil. My understanding is that they are both oriented horizontally, and the 0.7 mil height difference should matter when trying to range small targets at distance. The Vector's readout is better than Leica's in my opinion, but I agree that the etched reticle is not ideal for long periods of glassing.
Click to expand...
This is true. I have seen this be a bit challenging when ranging prairie dogs; Very little elevation can equate to quite a disparity in distance. For me, outside of that specific use, I haven't found it to matter much.
 
#78
Here’s some more stuff I’ve discovered by reading various reviews on the Vectors:

www.snipershide.com

Precision Rifle Gear - Looking for a do it all rangefinder/ballistics

Does it exist? Something similar to the vortex fury 5000 ab… I had a pair and wasn’t crazy about their app. I’d like as few pieces of gear if possible. Having the ability to range and get my dope quickly is lore important than magnified optics… so if a kestrel and range finder is best bet, so...
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com

First link in that post goes back to this thread lol, so obv don’t click on that.
 
#79
I have the Vector Xs. At first I didn’t care much for them, but after a couple of days of using them, I’m sold. I was going to trade them for some Geovid Pros, but after comparing them with my Geovid HDR 3000s I didn’t feel there was much difference in glass and the ranging and other capabilities of the Vector X’s far exceeded the Leicas.
 
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