While most users only need binoculars that give them a better view, there are specific uses such as hunting, security, marine and adventure where knowing how far away the object you are looking for is beneficial and even vital.
This is where a good set of rangefinding binoculars comes in handy. However, as with most things, there are many options available, and the option that best suits you and your specific requirements will depend on many of the factors I will cover in this section so hopefully that points you in the right direction.
Laser rangefinding binoculars work by sending a brief flash of light at the target object. The distance to the object can then be calculated almost immediately by returning to the binocular receiver for the time required.
The effective range is less than the marker and is affected by a number of factors, most of which depend on the size and reflectivity of the object you are viewing.
Under perfect conditions (cloud cover actually improves performance) and when viewing large reflective objects, you can take measurements from about 1600 yards away. For hunting deer-sized animals, most laser ranging binoculars work out to about 1000 yards.
The improved accuracy and the fact that you can get instant ballistic information often makes lasers the best rangefinding binoculars for hunting, target shooting or general wildlife observation.
Since using lasers for ranging on the water can sometimes result in false readings caused by reflections, these are usually not ideal marine binoculars.
Binoculars are one of the main pieces of hunting equipment. With them, it is possible to spot and identify the animals that are observed. Since hunting usually requires some physical strength, it is always welcome to carry as little equipment as possible. For this reason, many hunters prefer to use binoculars with rangefinders instead of standard binoculars and LRF monoculars. The weight is reduced, it takes up less space, and it is inherently easier to combine two devices into one. In addition, two important search processes – identification and ranging – can be performed with a single device. Binocular viewing is much more comfortable, and the monocular eyepiece is much narrower than the binocular, further affecting the comfort of use. The image quality of monoculars is at a lower level, and it is difficult to use them at dusk due to the small objective lens (narrow beam through the device).
Nevertheless, combining standard binoculars with ranging monoculars does offer some advantages. Because we want to be completely honest in this article, we will point them out. One of the advantages is price. The combination mentioned above is usually cheaper than a rangefinder telescope. If we compare standard binoculars and laser rangefinder binoculars in the same price range, the standard binoculars will be brighter at dusk because the laser system integrated into one of the barrels of the LRF binoculars will weaken the light transmission, usually resulting in a certain hue. Only the best LRF binoculars do not have a certain color evident in one of the barrels. In addition, standard binoculars in the same price range as rangefinder binoculars provide sharper images, more vibrant colors, wider fields of view and fewer optical errors.
Choose high quality lenses
Choosing binoculars with larger lenses is important because they collect more light and thus give you sharper images.
In poor light conditions, you will need a lens diameter of about 50 mm to improve your field of view, so use this as a guide. The lenses also need to have a good coating, such as an anti-reflective coating, to reduce glare that may obstruct your view.
Consider magnification
Obviously, if you want to take advantage of the long-distance view, you need to have higher magnification.
However, keep in mind that the more magnification you get, the smaller the field of view you have, so if you are focusing on an object rather than needing to track its movement, then it is best to choose a higher magnification.
Select autofocus
This feature will make your life easier because you won’t have to focus on the target manually.
That said, if you prefer to focus manually, for example because the autofocus feature of binoculars can sometimes focus on targets you don’t want to focus on, then this is something to look for in rangefinder binoculars.
Don’t forget eye relief
Eye relief is important in rangefinder binoculars because it will make viewing more comfortable. It will also open up your field of view because the eye relief is the distance from the outer surface of the eyepiece to the position where the eye point is formed.
Basically, if your eyes are outside this distance, you will not get a full field of view. Look for an eye relief of about 15 mm.
Choose a sturdy construction
You will be using rangefinder binoculars outdoors, so you want to make sure they are made of a durable material, such as a rubber case. They should also be waterproof to handle harsh conditions.
