Range Finding Binoculars

[JohnSmith]

I use Zeiss Victory RF’s, ergonomics are the same as normal binos and light transmission is I believe high 80% vs in the 90% range. They’re a tad heavy but the added Bluetooth ballistics built in make them worth it for me. Not much of a compromise.

Wouldn’t mind owning a set of the new Swaro el range though!

 

[MarinePMI]

I think the Zeiss/Leica debate is fairly similar to the ZCO/Tangent Theta debates; there is a difference, but it is generally personal preference and the users eyes that determine which is better.

 

[One on top of two]

Leica geovid 3200.com over here

 

[samdk]

Leica geovid 3200.com over here
View attachment 261054

Lovely set up you have there!

 

[MarinePMI]

Leica geovid 3200.com over here
View attachment 261054

I use the same setup (sans the weather vane). Very well done integration (once you change the default sampling rate on the Kestrel). Pretty much removes any delay in re-syncing the devices....

 

[One on top of two]

Thank you buddy , what have you changed the Samlpe rate too ?

I have to admit it’s a cracking set up for a days varminting .

 

[MarinePMI]

Thank you buddy , what have you changed the Samlpe rate too ?

I have to admit it’s a cracking set up for a days varminting .

IIRC, it defaults to 30secs, and you need to change it to 2 seconds. See attached PDF for instructions (last page; you'll need the "Link" app (not the Kestrel app) on your phone to change it).

 

[2704deer]

I've personally had Zeiss refuse to fix the RF function once it was out of their 2 year warranty and I've read on here of people having to pay to get the RF fixed on both Leica and Swarovski outside of the initial electronics warranty (2-5 years only).

If that potential cost isnt viewed as considerable to the OP then you can discount the Vortex but if you won't notice an extra 5 mins of viewing at first/last light but you will notice the difference in purchase price and a possible few hundred pounds when the RF packs up then I'd choose Vortex every time.

The vortex is great but as I am out 3-4 times a week all year round they were not for me as I think they had them more than me !
Great warranty just poorly made so the warranty is called on a lot . Or did I just get a bad one ?

 

[Husky]

I've been using my Vortex Furys for just over four years on a daily basis, no problems whatsoever.

 

[CSW]

Our demo Furys have a hard life, we've not had to warranty them yet.

We will cover accidental damage. The old issue we had was eyecup getting broken but they've toughened them up a lot.

Electronics faults are rare looking at what we have come in and we cover Europe for warranties as well.

Best thing to do is pick up a set at a show and have a look as see if they suit you.

 

[Utectok]

Trouble with rangefinding binos is the ergonomics really are not there vs. equivalent bino's without RF, always heavier and the glass is usually compromised due to the ranging reticle and subsequent display.

Probably not a concern if you don't spend a lot of time behind the binos, but I do.

How is glass compromised in rf binos? My Leicas don’t even have the RF laser in the optic but at the hinge so aside from the display which i cannot see degrading performance I’m mystified by the idea the optics are worse ?

 

[ejg]

I am very happy with the Fury 5000 set. Since changing from separate Bino-Rangefinder to all in one I do shoot a few more animals/fox a year, It is just that bit faster. Dropped a fox way out before it could get to the ditch, my bino's have a second role ....

edi

 

[CSW]

I am very happy with the Fury 5000 set. Since changing from separate Bino-Rangefinder to all in one I do shoot a few more animals/fox a year, It is just that bit faster. Dropped a fox way out before it could get to the ditch, my bino's have a second role ....

edi

Very cool! Is it okay for me to use this for our social media images please? Send me over any account tags you'd like use to use. It's just nice to have real images!

 

[ejg]

Very cool! Is it okay for me to use this for our social media images please? Send me over any account tags you'd like use to use. It's just nice to have real images!

No Problem pop me an e-mail edi@pse-composites.com and I can send originals.
edi

 

[mak]

How is glass compromised in rf binos? My Leicas don’t even have the RF laser in the optic but at the hinge so aside from the display which i cannot see degrading performance I’m mystified by the idea the optics are worse ?

It’s not the glass that is compromised. In most cases (but not all) total light transmission is compromised because of a beam splitter. I know one manufacturer whose market leading standard binocular has a lower light transmission figure than their range finders (only 1% which isn’t noticeable anyway, but below nevertheless).

 

[baguio]

It’s not the glass that is compromised. In most cases (but not all) total light transmission is compromised because of a beam splitter. I know one manufacturer whose market leading standard binocular has a lower light transmission figure than their range finders (only 1% which isn’t noticeable anyway, but below nevertheless).

I will give up 1% for the advantage of not have to carry two separate items. Certainly can't notice the difference between my Swaro TA's against the Leica non RA's. Love both of them TBH. I bought my Leica's 25 years ago 2nd hand and they have been faultless!

 

[wytonpjs]

I have a set of Leica Geovid 10x42 HD-B and like S62 bought from McLeod’s in Tain. Very good and I couldn’t detect a difference between them and the Swarovski with my well used eyes. They are a bit heavy but very robust. Well used over 2 years with no issues.

Snap - exactly this ^^^

McLeods did me proud on pricing of my 2200 HD-Bs and over the last 5 years I have really appreciated how good they are in all conditions. I wish they were a bit lighter but quality glass is not lightweight.

 

[Roebuck9]

I have the Kahles Hellia 10x42 RF and had a Swaro RF before that and find the Kahles fine and do not need to carry the Swaros anymore.

 

[One on top of two]

My geovid 10x42 3200.com to my eyes are about as perfect as could be , range finder performance ( when using with my kestrel) is just pure silk .

 

[Taff]

I looked through some meopta this week , worked well in the drizzle.