Pros and Cons of Rangefinders and Range Finding Binoculars

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Pros and Cons of Rangefinders and Range Finding Binoculars

pros cons rangerfinders

The author with a Sitka blacktail from Kodiak Island.

Get ready for an optics face-off like no other! 

In the battle of precision and clarity, we bring to you the ultimate showdown between rangefinders, regular binoculars, and the game-changing rangefinding binoculars. 

Whether you’re seeking long-distance accuracy or simply want to take your viewing capabilities up a notch, this blog will guide you through the aspects of these optical powerhouses. 

Let’s get to it!

Rangefinders

Rangefinders measure the distance between you and your target using a laser beam. 

They are usually handheld and compact and can display the distance in yards or meters on a digital screen. 

Some rangefinders also have features like angle compensation, ballistic data, scan mode, and magnification.

Pros and cons of rangefinders

Rangefinders have some advantages over regular binoculars or rangefinding binoculars. 

These include the following:

  • They are cheaper than rangefinding binoculars.
  • They are lighter and more portable than rangefinding binoculars.
  • They are more accurate and faster than estimating distance by eye or using a reticle.

However, rangefinders also have some drawbacks; these are:

  • They have lower magnification and field of view than regular binoculars or rangefinding binoculars.
  • They require a steady hand and a clear line of sight to range a target.
  • They can be affected by weather conditions, like rain, fog, or snow, which can interfere with the laser beam or the display.
  • They can accidentally range a tree or obstacle in front of your target because you’re dealing with a lower magnification. 
  • They use a single eye instead of both eyes.

Regular Binoculars

Regular binoculars are optical instruments that use lenses to magnify the image of distant objects. 

They’re usually held with both hands and have two eyepieces that can be adjusted for focus and eye relief. 

Some binoculars also have features like waterproofing, fog-proofing, image stabilization, and night vision.

Pros and cons of regular binoculars

Regular binoculars have some advantages over rangefinders or rangefinding binoculars, including:

  • They have higher magnification and field of view than rangefinders or rangefinding binoculars.
  • They provide a clearer and brighter image quality than rangefinders or rangefinding binoculars.
  • They can spot and identify targets that are too small or too far for rangefinders or rangefinding binoculars.

However, regular binoculars also have some drawbacks, such as: 

  • They are more expensive than rangefinders.
  • They are heavier and bulkier than rangefinders.
  • They do not measure the distance to the target.
  • They require additional equipment or skills to estimate distance by eye or using a reticle.

Rangefinding Binoculars

Rangefinding binoculars are a rangefinder binocular combo. 

They have laser ranging technology and the optical magnification of binoculars in one device. 

These are usually larger and heavier than rangefinders or regular binoculars, but they offer the convenience of having both functions in one.

Pros and cons of rangefinding binoculars

Some advantages rangefinding binoculars have over rangefinders or regular binoculars are:

  • They eliminate the need to switch between two devices or carry two devices.
  • They save time and battery life by ranging and viewing the target with one button press.
  • They offer more features and options than rangefinders or regular binoculars.

But they also have some drawbacks, which are:

  • They are more expensive than rangefinders or regular binoculars.
  • They are heavier and bulkier than rangefinders or regular binoculars.
  • They can be complicated to use and adjust.
  • They can have lower performance or reliability than dedicated rangefinders or regular binoculars.

Rangefinders vs. Regular Binoculars vs. Rangefinding Binoculars

But knowing what these devices are and can do is only half the battle. 

How do you know which is the best for you? Well, by taking the following into account. 

Your hunting style.

What kind of game do you hunt? How far do you shoot? How often do you move? How much time do you have? 

These questions will help you determine the most important features and functions for you. 

For example: 

  • If you hunt big game at long distances, you might need a device with high magnification, angle compensation, and ballistic data. 
  • If you hunt small game at close ranges, you might need a device with low magnification, scan mode, and image stabilization.

Your budget.

How much money are you willing to spend on your optics? 

Unfortunately, as with most things, money plays a big role. The same is true when shopping for hunting optics. 

For example: 

  • If you have a smaller budget, consider a rangefinder with basic features and functions. 
  • If you have a big budget, go for a rangefinding binocular with advanced features and functions.

Your preference.

What do you like or dislike about each type of device? 

It can be the best device on the market; if you don’t like it, you won’t enjoy using it. So, always shop for a device you find the most comfortable and convenient. 

For example: 

  • If you like having a clear and bright image quality, you might prefer regular binoculars or rangefinding binoculars over rangefinders. 
  • If you dislike carrying heavy and bulky devices, you might prefer rangefinders to regular binoculars or rangefinding binoculars.

Your lighting options.

Hunting typically occurs in low-light situations, so ensure the optic is clear and has good light-gathering capability. 

When inside a store with ultraviolet light, look into shaded areas to compare the light transmission and clarity of different models.

In The End

Unfortunately, there is no clear winner in this optics face-off. 

The best way to choose is to try them out and see which suits you best.

  • If you’re looking for a cheaper, lighter, and more accurate device to measure distance, go for a rangefinder. 
  • If you’re looking for a higher-quality, more versatile, and multi-purpose device to view distant objects, go for regular binoculars. 
  • If you’re looking for a more convenient, time-saving, and feature-rich device to do both, go for rangefinding binoculars.

Whatever you choose, practice with it before you go hunting. You don’t want to miss a shot or spook an animal because of a faulty or unfamiliar device. 

Remember, the best optics are the ones that work for you.

What is your preferred hunting optics? Let us know!

For more hunting information, tips, gear reviews, and stories, subscribe to Western Hunting Journal today!

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