LRF-Binos, a review by A419, for what it is worth

[RegionRat]

A review of some binos that have the rangefinder integrated.
These are handy when dealing with field shooting critters that don't stand still for long.
Just for what it is worth if you have a passing interest.

 

[dusterdave173]

Just a note here
If you look the Vortex covers Everything on warranty--electronics for Life--
The others I have not checked this year but when I bought my Vortex others were just 2 yr etc on electronics--so research and think it over--will binos go bad? Nope--will electronics go bad? In a heartbeat so which one looks like the value proposition to you? Again I have not checked others warranty this season but last year when I bought mine it was an easy decision.
FWIW I had my doubts about the Vortex for long range PD's The prairie presents a hard job for any rangefinder when shooting PD's But...I was very surprised and pleased --they worked Fantastic! Better than I could have imagined.
I got the plain Fury 5000 and just use my dope card --to me that is easier than more complication
YMMV
If I lost mine I would replace them the next day--one of the best items I have purchased in my shooting saga for doing the Intended Job

 

[powderbrake]

It was a good review, but they chose to not cover the binocular interface to additional instruments. For example, I have an old set of Leicas that does not have bluetooth. I cannot interface to my Kestrel 5700 Elite or my windage/elevation readout. Some binocs (like Leica Pros) can interface to two instruments, and some to just one, and some not at all.
When you are in the up to $3000 price range, be sure that the binoculars will "talk" to the other ballistics devices that you plan on using.
Review the binoc specs, look for the bluetooth interface they have, also review the diameter and angle of the measuring laser spot so it is compatible with your planned target.

 

[Jr solocam]

I also thought it was a good review for a short video. One thing, what about AB? Not having this is a non starter for me. I would guess most of the users of these are long range hunters/shooters.

Swarovski (and Zeiss, Leupold) continue to drop the ball and fall behind. That's why I bought the Leica Pro 10x42.

 

[markT]

Just a note here
If you look the Vortex covers Everything on warranty--electronics for Life--
The others I have not checked this year but when I bought my Vortex others were just 2 yr etc on electronics--so research and think it over--will binos go bad? Nope--will electronics go bad? In a heartbeat so which one looks like the value proposition to you? Again I have not checked others warranty this season but last year when I bought mine it was an easy decision.
FWIW I had my doubts about the Vortex for long range PD's The prairie presents a hard job for any rangefinder when shooting PD's But...I was very surprised and pleased --they worked Fantastic! Better than I could have imagined.
I got the plain Fury 5000 and just use my dope card --to me that is easier than more complication
YMMV
If I lost mine I would replace them the next day--one of the best items I have purchased in my shooting saga for doing the Intended Job

How many years you been hunting prairie dogs?

 

[B23]

Swarovski (and Zeiss, Leupold) continue to drop the ball and fall behind. That's why I bought the Leica Pro 10x42.

I what way/s do you believe they "continue to drop the ball and fall behind"?

IMO, Swaro has always seemed to put their #1 emphasis on optical quality and everything else falls second, third, fourth and for the most part few will argue, particularly when it comes to a bino product, Swaro has outstanding optical quality and is second to none. I tend to think the majority of consumers interested in Swarovski's RF Binos is because of their known fantastic optics first and technical features/options second. As long as they range accurately I think most of their users are ok with the Swaro EL Range maybe have less features and are willing to trade second to none optics with less tech features on the RF part.

 

[Jr solocam]

Swarovski and Zeiss have great glass and build quality, but no AB. $4000 and their proprietary solver that is clearly inferior to AB which is considered the benchmark. If taking an extra step and looking at a drop card isn't important then it's not an issue. I've been using the AB solver since they came out in the Gunwerks RF and I really love it. Good grief even Bushnell has it in a $250 unit. Leupold has neither great glass or AB......

 

[powderbrake]

I use Applied Ballistics when shooting prairie dogs, it is running on the Kestrel 5700 Elite on a mast on my table. It doesn't have to be in your binoculars. Having the 5700 running gives all the atmospheric data to the AB program continuously. The Leica Pro will give range, direction of fire and inclination to the 5700 which are needed for a W & E solution.

In my prior post I suggested reviewing the laser beam angle of the binocs that you desire. It's not so easy. I looked at Leica, Vortex and Swarovski web pages and found nothing for Vortex, and Swarovski said 1.2 mrad, and Leica said 1.2 X 0.5 mrad. ( milliradians)

 

[Jr solocam]

I use Applied Ballistics when shooting prairie dogs, it is running on the Kestrel 5700 Elite on a mast on my table. It doesn't have to be in your binoculars. Having the 5700 running gives all the atmospheric data to the AB program continuously. The Leica Pro will give range, direction of fire and inclination to the 5700 which are needed for a W & E solution.

In my prior post I suggested reviewing the laser beam angle of the binocs that you desire. It's not so easy. I looked at Leica, Vortex and Swarovski web pages and found nothing for Vortex, and Swarovski said 1.2 mrad, and Leica said 1.2 X 0.5 mrad. ( milliradians)

Wind is always the problem, like a feral dog....I use a LRF mostly when deer/antelope hunting. The dialing solution combined with trophy evaluation is pretty quick with the Leica. I live in ND where the wind is legendary. If it's too windy I just limit my shots to under 400 yards. I shot a Mulie at 404 yards and 2 foot wind adjustment, that's my limit.

I thought all the manufacturers displayed the laser specs? Honestly I would have given the Vectronix a look if I hadn't been so focused on the Leica.