Laser rangefinder binoculars are an invaluable tool for hikers, hunters, birdwatchers and campers. The binoculars allow you to see things at a distance.
However, it is combined with a laser rangefinder. This allows you to measure the distance while you’re looking at it. You’ll know if the deer is 100 feet or 100 meters, and you can tell how tall the hill is before you start to climb the slope.
However, these products vary wildly in quality. That’s why we’ll talk about what to look for in a laser rangefinder binocular as well as share our list of the top models on the market right now.
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How To Choose The Perfect Laser Rangefinder Binoculars?
Laser rangefinder binoculars combine two different functions: long-distance viewing and rangefinding. There are many other value-added features they might build in like night-vision, a compass or flashlight.
But what should you look for in the rangefinder binoculars? Here are the factors you should consider first and foremost when making your decision.
Purpose
Rangefinder binoculars are technologically advanced range-finding devices. It helps in measuring distant objects. It can effectively identify the distance between the binoculars user and target as well.
If your purpose is to measure distance in outdoor fields, then rangefinder binoculars are best for you.
Optics
Good rangefinder binoculars should have effective optics or optic lenses. It should be able to reduce light reflection and increase the transmission of light. With this feature, you can get a clearer and brighter image of your field.
Durability
Investing in durable products can certainly ensure longevity and more value for the money spent.
Binoculars are considered outdoor equipment that should be used in different weather conditions such as rain and different extreme environment. Hence, you will need a pair of binoculars that can work well despite unfavorable weather and environment.
It needs to be waterproof and fog proof. The outer shell should be exceptionally strong to protect the important components of the binoculars inside.
Material
Rangefinder binoculars are made with different materials like aluminum, steel, plastic, and more.
Aluminum, magnesium, and steel shells are excellent material choices for binoculars. They are durable and are guaranteed to last a long time.
Some binoculars are also made with plastic. While cheaper than others, plastic binoculars do not guarantee the same durability as the other materials. Plastic is susceptible to cracking, and bending that may allow water to get in the binoculars.
When it comes to the lenses and prisms, they are often made with the same material which is glass. The glass should be coated with an anti-reflective coating.
Binocular Prism
A binocular prism is responsible for putting an upside-down image in the right position for the user’s perspective. They can also play a role in magnification as they can lengthen the distance of light travel between the objective and eyepiece lenses.
There are two prisms to choose from when shopping for binoculars namely Porro prisms and roof prisms. Both prisms offer incredible benefits. However, when it comes to quality, roof prism is always the safest bet.
Eye relief
People who wear eyeglasses often have trouble using binoculars. If you use eyeglasses, you definitely need to consider this feature.
The eye relief feature provides a space between the eye of the user and the lenses. This space can fit different types of eyewear.
The eye relief also helps anyone to see through binoculars comfortably even for long hours.
Focus type
The binoculars focus system is basically the feature that allows users to estimate or identify the specific location of their target.
Some modern binoculars feature auto-focus so users can skip the process of manually computing the location of their target. This will save them energy and time. However, since it is automatic, it may also focus on things other than the target.
Battery life
Battery life isn’t really an issue for plain binoculars, but it will matter with rangefinder binoculars. If the batteries die, you won’t be able to find the range.
If the unit consumes power at a rapid pace, you may have to take extra batteries with you on your campout. If the batteries are dying, the unit may not read accurately, though this depends on the unit.
Note that this issue is independent of the type of battery the rangefinder uses. Some rely on common AA or AAA batteries, while some may require exotic batteries that are hard to replace when you’re on the road.
Weatherproofing
Most rangefinder binoculars will be used outside. The question is: do you need something water-resistant or water-proof? Water-resistant is fine if you’ll be out in the rain once in a while, whereas water-proof is essential if you’re wading through deep puddles or canoeing.
Another variation of this is cold tolerance. Some binoculars do fine when it is above freezing but become blurry or difficult to use when it gets below freezing.
Brand
Just like any device, different binocular brands offer various features and different qualities. There is no way to distinguish the best binocular brand as it all comes down to distinct preferences or need.
However, essentially, known binocular brands offer better features and quality than nameless brands. Branded items often have a reputation to maintain making their products at their consistent premium quality.
Warranty
A warranty is very important because it protects your rights as a buyer.
High-end binocular brands can offer up to 10 years of warranty depending on their product flaws.
If your budget is not yet enough for high-end binoculars, make sure that the warranty for your binoculars is valid for more than just one year at least.
Top 7 Best Laser Rangefinder Binoculars Review
Let’s look at some of the best rangefinder binoculars on the market.
01. Vortex Optics Model Fury HD 5000 10×42
These are high-end laser range finding binoculars. You can pay more for a version of these goggles that are designed specifically for ballistics. However, that’s more than what most of our readers need.
The 10X42 in the description refers to the fact that they have 10X magnification. The 44mm is the diameter of the lenses. However, large lenses do not necessarily mean that they are going to give you good visibility.
Why It Stands Out To Us
These laser rangefinder binoculars are made from aluminum, making them relatively lightweight. They come in at roughly two pounds. They’re waterproof and shockproof. That’s understandable given that they are designed for hunters and shooters. The lenses are nitrogen purged to make them fog-proof.
The HCD mode is of great assistance to them. That mode lets them see the angle they need to compensate for when shooting a riffle or arrow. Furthermore, it has an advanced LOS mode to let you calculate the distance and angle for various shots.
How Many Target Modes Has It?
It has two target modes. The Best Mode shows the strongest range result. Last mode shows you the further distance you could likely hit; this lets you determine if a target is realistically in range before you shoot at it.
The Fury gets extra points for being tripod adaptable. That means you can mount it on a tripod or put it on a car window mount. However, the tripods are sold separately.
What We Didn’t Like
The rangefinder display is not as easily read as you would expect given the price of the product. They provide excellent visibility during the day.
They don’t work as well in low-light conditions and are not a good choice for working at night. Pick something else if you’re going hunting at sunrise.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Offers 10X magnification and objective lens diameter of 42 mm
- Features a primary HCD mode that displays an angle compensated distance
- Advanced LOS provides options to calculate long distances
- XR fully multi-coated, HD lenses and dielectric phase-corrected prisms that provide clear and impressive views even with limited light
- Rubber armored housing allows solid grip and long-term use
- Fits with almost all tripod or car window mount
Pros
- Built in tools for archers and shooters
- Water-proof
- Durable
- Can fit with almost any tripod
Cons
- Not suitable for low light or no light conditions
- Poor readability of the display
02. Nikon Brand LASERFORCE RANGEFINDER Binocular
Nikon is better known for its cameras than its binoculars, though they make high-quality versions of both. And the same technology goes into both types of hardware. Let’s take a look at the Nikon Laserforce range finder binoculars.
Why It Stands Out To Us
The range finder has a range of roughly 10 yards to 1900 yards. However, this varies based on the type of target. It can accurately range-find deer at 1000 yards, trees at 1400 yards, and reflective targets at 1900 years. It can measure angles.
It can display the distance in 0.1 increments for up to 100 yards; it then reads in 1 yard increments for distances up to 1900 yards. These are the best laser binoculars for rangefinder applications.
You can read the measurements in a bright, red visual display. You can also adjust the intensity of it. It has four different light levels.
How Do Side cups Help Us?
Furthermore, the binoculars have sidecups to help keep out external light to make it easier to see the target. The field of view or FOV at 1000 yards is 320 feet.
The incline/decline or ID technology can read up to 89 degrees both up and down. That makes this one of the few rangefinder binoculars that can accurately read nearly vertical angles.
The binoculars are water proof and fog proof. They are shock-resistant but not shock-proof. On the other hand, the binoculars come with lens covers to protect them.
The rangefinder has a better than average battery life.
What We Didn’t Like
There are no extra tools to give you advice on the best way to take your shot.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Covers 1000 to 1900 yard range
- Sports a bright and clear red OLED display with a 4-step intensity adjustment
- Features an auto power shut-off after 8 seconds of inactivity
- Equipped with long-lasting battery life
- Offers 10X magnification and objective lens diameter of 42mm
- Constructed with rugged aluminum alloy
- Strong rubber exterior that protects the binoculars from impacts
Pros
- Can read great distances
- High visibility rangefinder display
- Waterproof
Cons
- No built-in computational tools
Also READ:What Should You Look For In The Best Reflex Sights?
03. Sig Sauer Model 5270-1296 Binoculars, Black
The Sig Sauer brand binoculars have a maximum magnification of 3000X. That’s incredibly high given this product class. The glass is very clear, even if you’re looking at something with 10X magnification. But that’s not all the Sig Sauer 5270-1296 rangefinder binoculars have to offer.
Why It Stands Out To Us
The laser range finder or LRF is very fast. You’ll get a reading in a fraction of a second. That means your breathing or the movements of your target won’t impair its accuracy. This unit is almost unheard of for having Bluetooth integration. It works seamlessly with a Kestrel Elite.
The rangefinder display lets you change the brightness manually. There is also an automatic or auto setting. Unfortunately, the display tends to be too dim to be read in low light conditions.
The rangefinder lens is also slightly tinted, causing a blue or green tint that can make it hard to see out of. It has a durable, somewhat flexible rubber shell.
This doesn’t make it shock proof, but it does offer excellent protection for the lenses.
What We Didn’t Like
Its accuracy is great, but it may stop reading distance at 600 to 700 meters. That creates problems if you need a laser rangefinder to work at 800 or 1000 meters.
And it may not work at all in very cold temperatures. They’ll fog up to the point you can’t see anything. It doesn’t come with lens caps. You have to buy those separately.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Features angle compensation capabilities that provide a precise calculation of the angle
- Effectively helps in shooting on longer ranges or on angled terrains
- Covers up to 2000 yards
- Offer 10x magnification
- Comes with a chest binocular case to keep your binoculars safe when not in use
- Equipped with 3R laser
Pros
- Excellent magnification
- Bluetooth integration
- Multiple brightness levels
- Fast readings
Cons
- Lenses have an obvious tint and it may not be even
- Stops working in very low temperatures
04. ATN Brand Binox 4K Day&Night Smart Binoculars, 4-16X
These binoculars are designed for 4X to 16X visibility. That means it isn’t intended for use by people trying to gauge a target a mile away. In this regard, it isn’t underperforming relative to some of the long-distance vision binoculars, because it isn’t designed for them.
It is great for distances of up to 50 yards. That range is reduced in low light conditions. It won’t focus on much past 4X at night. But it will find the range of the golf hole rather quickly.
Why It Stands Out To Us
The ATN smart binoculars are unusual for having built-in cameras for HD video recording and life-streaming. You can capture video of your kill to share online or share the hunt live. The “smart” hardware will capture metadata like the zoom level, distance to target, and orientation.
You won’t have to argue that it was 200 meters versus 120 meters. The device will record that and embed the data in the video. On the other hand, this also means you can use the binoculars with rangefinder as part of a surveillance system.
Note that you’ll have to buy a separate micro SD card and SD adapter to take advantage of the “smart” video streaming feature. But if you already have these, then you can connect it to the binoculars to take digital photos of what it sees.
You can adjust the lenses, though the manual focus ring is hard to turn.
How to Prevent It from Shifting?
On the other hand, that prevents it from shifting while you’re working. This unit has a much lower price tag than the fancier rangefinder binoculars on our list. It isn’t water-proof or shock-proof, but it isn’t designed for hunters and outdoorsmen.
In that regard, not having tripod compatibility or built-in tools for estimating the right shooting angle are not negatives.
What We Didn’t Like
The digital zoom means that the picture gets pixelated as you zoom in. That hurts the image quality, especially in daylight conditions. It is advertised as being good for both daylight and nighttime use, but it has poor performance in low light conditions.
The manufacturer says the battery life is as long as 16 hours. If you have all the features in use, it may last 6 hours. There is a battery extender kit sold by ATN, but you have to buy that separately.
The good news is that it comes with a case. The bad news is that the case doesn’t offer much protection for the binoculars.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Constructed with rubber material providing good grip and protection
- 4K Ultra HD technology that provides bright and crisp images even with limited light
- Versatile rangefinder suitable for hunting, bird watching, and other outdoor activities
- Provides 16+ hours of active use
- Equipped with a powerful dual-core processor that enables video transmission in HD
Pros
- Can use it to capture to stream your hunt
- Captures tons of data as you’re viewing your target
Cons
- Battery life less than advertised
- Blurry on zoom
- Poor visibility in low light conditions
Also READ:13 Best Pistol Range Bags (Reviews and Buying Guide)
05. Leica Brand 10×42 Geovid HD-B 3000, Model 40801
Leica is already known for their wide range of laser distance measuring devices. These are commonly used in the construction industry. They also make point and shoot cameras and DSLR cameras.
That’s why it isn’t surprising they combined these products to come up with a laser rangefinding binocular. These are the best Laser Rangefinder Binoculars for laser accuracy.
Why It Stands Out To Us
The model 40801 rangefinder binoculars have a 42 mm lens diameter. They are supposed to provide 3000 yard distance readings. In reality, it is at most 2000 yards, and in foggy or other less than ideal conditions, it is more like 1200 yards. Yet it is incredibly accurate for this distance.
On the other hand, they provide excellent background separation. It creates a nearly 3D effect that makes it easy to see individual trees and animals around them, rather than letting everything blur together. It focuses a little slow, so it isn’t good for keeping up with moving targets.
How Well It Works in Low-light Conditions?
It performs very well in low-light conditions. It performs about average in bright conditions. There is a slight purple tint when things are very bright, but it isn’t clear if this is intended by the manufacturers to be a type of protection for the viewer.
It’s a lightweight typical. Their 2.2 pound weight is fairly typical. They’re not heavy. The binoculars come with lugs for connecting carry straps, in case that’s needed. These can get in the way, if you hold the binoculars around that point.
Do They Make Any Noise?
They may also make noise when you’re moving the straps. We consider this minor enough not to count it as an issue with the product. On the flipside, You can use other brands of binocular straps with the Leica 10×42 Geovid HD-B 3000.
Another point in favor of this model is that it has been around in various forms for 25 years. It isn’t just reported to be reliable; it has a track record of working well even as it is dragged through the rough ground cover and in bad weather.
What We Didn’t Like
They require CR123A batteries. These are not the easiest batteries to find when you need a replacement. But because they’re used in digital cameras and many other small electronic devices, you may be able to grab a 123A battery out of another device when this one runs low.
The battery life for batteries in this laser range finder is mediocre but not bad. The initial setup is confusing, if you don’t read the manual. Even reading the instructions, it isn’t intuitive. It is somewhat easy to switch between meters and yards.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Offers 10X magnification and objective lens diameter of 42mm
- Features Porro Prism that can deliver clear image and a wider field of view
- Durable and sturdy build that guarantees long term use
- Provides exceptional depth perception and displays a smooth blur for objects in the background
- Delivers precise focus
- Easy to use and beginner-friendly
Pros
- Nearly 3D view of items within visibility range
- Performs well in low light conditions
Cons
- Not easy to set up
06. Athlon Optics Brand Cronus UHD 10×50
The company makes a variety of related items like rifle scopes, spotting scopes, red dots and laser rangefinders. This product simply combines both into a single product.
The Cronus laser rangefinder binoculars by Athlon Optics have the model number 111020. The 10×50 refers to the 10X magnification and 50 millimeter objective lens diameter.
Why It Stands Out To Us
The manufacturer brags about the low dispersion glass that eliminates color fringing, resulting in clear images even of things at the edge of your vision. The lenses also have a dielectric coating to minimize glare.
This results in an ultra-clear image and true color representation of your target. The rangefinder has a range of 5 years to 800 yards, if you’re sighting a deer. It can accurately read reflective targets up to 2000 yards away.
What’s About the Water and Shock Resistant?
It is water-proof. It is shock resistant. The case isn’t too hard, so it is easy to handle. It has loops on the side for use with a carry belt but doesn’t come with one.
It comes with a cleaning cloth. More importantly, it comes with the single CR2 battery required to operate it.
What We Didn’t Like
Unlike some products, the controls are relatively intuitive. The downside is that the display for the rangefinder is not always easy to read.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Features an extra-low dispersion glass that allows the user to see clear and sharp images
- Highlights a multi-layer prism that reflects over 99% of light to the eyes providing clear, bright, and colorful visuals
- Displays better light transmission and accurate color
- Magnifies target up to 10X closer
- Sports a 50mm objective lens diameter
Pros
- Comes with battery and cleaning cloth
- Easy to set up and adjust
Cons
- Readability of the rangefinder is an issue at times
07. Steiner Brand Laser Rangefinding Binoculars
Steiner makes a wide range of optical products. They make battle sights and rifle scopes. These rangefinder binoculars by Steiner are made specifically for hunters looking for game.
Why It Stands Out To Us
The laser finder supposedly can read up to 1859 yards. In reality, that is for reflective targets. For game, it is more like 1100 yards. The field of view is 374 feet.
The lenses have a 30 millimeter diameter. Their magnification factor is 8X. While there are laser finder binoculars on our list that have better magnification, the Steiner model gets points for automatically focusing so fast you can keep up with a fast-moving ball.
For example, you could track golf balls and diving birds with it.
Are They Water-resistant?
They are water-proof. They aren’t just going maintain their clear view in the rain. They are water-proof down to 16 feet.
Note that these binoculars by Steiner are not specifically made for use underwater, though Steiner does make binoculars that will work underwater for extended periods of time.
These binoculars are rugged and durable. They’re considered shockproof and fog proof. At 28 ounces, it is about as heavy as other products in this class.
What We Didn’t Like
At first glance, it is easy to say there is nothing wrong with it. The problem is that this model is so new that there is no data on its reliability.
We don’t know if it will leak after a long slog in the rain.
We can’t be sure it won’t fog up at below freezing temperatures, because there isn’t enough customer feedback to know for sure.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Quickly and easily spots target with its built-in rangefinder
- Covers up to 1700 yards
- Effectively performs during day and night when light is limited
- Constructed with shockproof housing making sure that the sensitive components of the binoculars are safe from any damage
- Resistant to water, dust, fog, and dirt allowing long term use
Pros
- Sports grade auto focusing
- Decent range finding
- Water proof to depth
Cons
- Little data on reliability
- Laser range finder range not as great as advertised
FAQs About Laser Rangefinder Binoculars
Q. Are rangefinder binoculars worth it?
Price obviously matters when you’re buying anything. Note that the average pair of rangefinder binoculars costs more than comparable binoculars, but you’re also getting a rangefinder built into it.
Why do we say value matters more than cost? Because it isn’t worth it to buy a cheap version and then have to pay for accessories like a carry strap or batteries compared to a model that costs a little more but has everything out of the box.
Q. How accurate are laser rangefinders?
For some shooters and athletes, accuracy is everything. For others, it is more important that you can see fine detail twice as far away, but you don’t care if it is plus or minus fifty feet.
The best laser binoculars for rangefinder fans will be highly accurate at any distance. In sports, accuracy is the highest consideration. In hunting, it is important but not as much so.
Q. How do distance measuring binoculars work?
Binoculars are by definition intended to help you see better. But how far can the binoculars let you see clearly? Some enhance visibility up to 200 feet, while others promise to make a mountaintop two miles away more clear. And what about low light conditions?
Some binoculars can enhance vision in low light conditions, though they may sacrifice distance in the process. Sometimes binoculars that give you a great view during the day get blurry at night.
And some models won’t provide nighttime vision while doing poor in low light conditions.
Q. How do rangefinder binoculars work?
A rangefinder binocular uses light as a way to measure distance. It gives off a quick light flash towards an object target. The distance is calculated based on the amount of time it takes for the light to return or reflect back to the binocular receiver.
Q. Why are rangefinder binoculars so expensive?
Rangefinder binoculars are expensive due to their incredible features that guarantee accuracy and speed. It offers better and more advanced capabilities compared to other binoculars.
Q. How do you calculate binocular distance?
Calculating binocular distance manually is easy. Here are some steps you can follow according to Physics Calculator.
- Identify the target object height and angular height
- Divide the target object height by angular height
- Multiply the answer by 1000
You can also opt to calculate the distance automatically through Physics Calculator’s Binocular Range Calculator. Simply input the object height in meters and the angular height of the object in miliradians. Finally, click calculate.
Q. Do laser rangefinders work through glass?
The short answer is no. Distance reading is relatively difficult through the glass. This is because the light of the binoculars passes through the glass and is not sent back or reflected in the binocular receiver.
Closing thoughts
The best laser rangefinder binoculars won’t just fit your budget. It will survive the conditions you plan on using it in and perform the tasks you need it to do. Whether you need the best rangefinder binoculars for laser measurements or extended viewing is up to you.
Use our buying guide and list of the 7 best laser rangefinder (LRF) binoculars to find the one that is best for your intended application.
