New Binoculars, range finder or thermal????

[nun_hunter]

So here is my conundrum and situation.

I have Vortex Diamondback 8X42 binoculars that I personally think are more than adequate however I am about to be without a range finder anymore. I do't use it a huge amount but I do find it useful when I do need it.

I was contemplating splashing out on some Vortex Fury 5000 LRF Binos (only interested in Vortex due to the warranty) but then I started to wonder if I would be better off for stalking purposes to get a thermal spotter (similar price range maybe spend a bit more) instead of the LRF Binos as I definitely can't afford and justify both. I generally stalk open fields and hedgerows bordering large woods and often go in the woods for a stalk or sit up. I also love going after squirrels in the woods too and know that a thermal would be great for these outings.

What are the general opinions of people who have gone through a similar situation? Did you choose a thermal and regret it or is it invaluable?

 

[VSS]

I think you'll get more use out of a thermal than out of a range finder. If you know your ground well enough then the ranger finder is virtually obsolete anyway.

 

[Shootgun]

I had the same dilemma, got rid of my big and heavy Geovids, and bought a LRF thermal and a pair of 10X42 diamondbacks.
Although the Vortex are not as good as the Leica, for the price and warranty are brilliant not to mention half of the weight.

 

[slider]

I have vortex fury's, which are great but am seriously thinking of upgrading my thermal to one with a range finder and swapping the bino's for a pair of Diamondbacks.

 

[martyn-e-w]

I’m in the exact same predicament, I carry a thermal, rangefinder and binoculars, thinking of getting rid of the range finder and upgrading the thermal to a range finding thermal so when I’m out foxing or deer stalking I’ve got the best of both worlds

 

[Pete6.5]

Easy thermal

 

[PhilSN12]

Keep your binos and get a thermal monocular with a LRF.

 

[Dave Lakes]

The thermal is a game changer on squirrels, I bought a second hand so I could get a really decent one. Why not just get a cheap but good lrf as well? I got the one linked below which is ideal for sussing out new ground, small enough to go in a pocket

ELLTECH Ultra Range Series 1200M Laser Rangefinder (Line of Sight & Scan, Horizontal Distance, Vertical Height and Speed)

Manual

www.opticswarehouse.co.uk

 

[DVS1]

I'd be inclined to stretch to thermal with lrf...kills 2 birds with 1 stone although for daylight observations binos would be better

 

[Cyres]

As I have previously posted. Rarely use Geovids now as I have a Leica monocular and ranges further than I will ever shoot. Thermal with LRF very good but check if the ergonomics and ease of use suits you. Unless you have very good NV it's unlikely you will ever need to shoot over 200 yds at night so there is no need to range find anything just point and shoot.
D

 

[nun_hunter]

Sounds like a thermal and keeping my Diamondbacks will be more useful than swapping the Diamondback's for Fury's and no thermal.

Just got to decide which thermal and where from. Backwoods Outdoors have been helpful and get good reviews on here so just the model/brand now

 

[JH83]

Slightly against the grain, LRF binos are very handy for range days and zeroing sessions. The ability to ping inanimate objects at distance is sometimes quite useful. Might be tricky with thermal LRF. I think best case is LRF binos and a wee thermal but it’s a big outlay.

I’d agree purely for stalking purposes mediocre binos and s decent thermal will probably be more efficient. In the dark hours you’ll be much more reliant on thermal.

 

[DVS1]

Think there's a Pulsar Xm30s in the sale section (no affiliation to me) that would be perfect if you went lrf bino route. I think Wulf have just released a set at £400 from OPW. No idea of the glass clarity, especially at low light, but a possible combo.

 

[maximus otter]

I use expensive LRF bins (Swarovski EL Range 8 x 42) and an entry-level thermal (HIKVision 6mm Lynx): Best of both worlds.

My range estimation is, however, crap; and I shoot mainly over open agricultural land...

maximus otter

 

[rem284]

So here is my conundrum and situation.

I have Vortex Diamondback 8X42 binoculars that I personally think are more than adequate however I am about to be without a range finder anymore. I do't use it a huge amount but I do find it useful when I do need it.

I was contemplating splashing out on some Vortex Fury 5000 LRF Binos (only interested in Vortex due to the warranty) but then I started to wonder if I would be better off for stalking purposes to get a thermal spotter (similar price range maybe spend a bit more) instead of the LRF Binos as I definitely can't afford and justify both. I generally stalk open fields and hedgerows bordering large woods and often go in the woods for a stalk or sit up. I also love going after squirrels in the woods too and know that a thermal would be great for these outings.

What are the general opinions of people who have gone through a similar situation? Did you choose a thermal and regret it or is it invaluable?

If it was me, I would go for thermal spotter with lrf. You will spot animals in most conditions a lot faster and easier than optical equipment. I have been using thermals for approx 7/8 years and wouldn't like to be without. I haven't got grey squirrels so cant help you on that one

 

[yellow belly]

I use a decent thermal, then have a swarovski LRF, which doubles up as a monocular. Its a 8x30 which is more then enough to confirm sex and range of deer if required, and gets rid of the binos around your neck.

 

[Fowler1990]

Hik gryphon or similar has an lrf. Similar money to the vortex lrf binos.

 

[John Gryphon]

Vortex Diamondback 8X42 binoculars that I personally think are more than adequate

Especially in conjunction and when you add a good dog to their use.
Thermals can be so good but they cant sniff the quarry in the middle of the copse or forest etc.
Shoot a fox in a grassy field out a few hundred yards and you may not see it with thermal but ones dog will go straight to it.
Overall the dog wins hands down unless in exceptional situations.

 

[Gm81]

I would say a thermal will easily see more deer than your eyes with any binocular.
I use swaro Ta rangefinding, upgraded from the delta one (garbage) but great range finder for ping and distance.
I tried the vortex applied ballistics ones and it was to much info for me. More to read than looking at the thing you're shooting.
Personally I like not having a thermal. I stalk recreational and like the suprise and struggle. But if I want a stag or buck on a short trip I take the father's thermal. You can cover a lot more ground with it. You will see deer and struggle to see them with the rifle or binoculars. I just don't like carrying so much stuff.
When swaro range finders have thermal..... I'm all in, even if it's 5k

 

[GBR66]

Thermal monocular with LRF - utter game changer. Led me to stronger powered binos for observing but thermal for scanning.