Written By John VanDerLaan
We may earn revenue from the products available on this site and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more
Are you looking for the best rangefinder binoculars?
We have tested and rated rangefinding binoculars from all of the top brands to see which ones performed the best.
Below you will find our top picks for the best binoculars with rangefinder that we use here at DeerHuntingGuide.net, complete with REAL REVIEWS written by REAL HUNTERS.
Our Top Picks
Best overall
Leica Geovid 3200
Best for hunting
Burris Signature LRF
Best FOR The Money
vortex fury hd
Best Rangefinder Binoculars At A Glance
How We Chose The Best Rangefinding Binoculars
We reached out to our vast network of hunters across the country that have decades of experience using rangefinder binoculars and asked them what their favorite rangefinding binos were and why.
We received a huge number of responses and proceeded to interview the respondents and get the details of their experience with their binoculars.
We took this data and added the decades of experience from myself and our staff members to arrive at our top picks for 2024.
You can see the binoculars that came out on top below.
Best Rangefinder Binoculars: Reviews And Recommendations
Best Overall: Leica Geovid 3200.COM 10x42 Rangefinder Binoculars
The patented Perger-Porro prism system combined with state-of-the-art glass delivers an exceptionally bright, color-neutral image with three-dimensional plasticity. It provides excellent contrast and maximum light transmissions.
Leica has mastered precise distance measurements up to an authentic, repeatable 3,200 yards in a short measuring time (max. 0.3 seconds). Optics will be superb whether you observe long distances, mountains, or difficult weather conditions.
These binoculars have a light magnesium body that is shock-resistant and waterproof to a depth of 16 ft/5 m. The AquaDura lens coating provides clear vision, even in inclement weather.
Using Bluetooth and the new Hunting App, you can calculate individual ballistic output values based on caliber, bullet type, trajectory, and weight. Ballistic measurement values are available in three formats, equivalent horizontal range (EHR), point-of-impact correction (holdover), and reticle adjustment.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is a video showing all of the features of the Leica Geovid 3200.COM Rangefinder Binoculars.
The Leica Geovid 3200.COM has so many features it is hard to pick just one as the reason we have named it Best Overall. It is the combined quality and technology that puts them in a class of their own. We love the long-range ability and versatility of these binoculars as well.
Best For Hunting: Burris Signature Rangefinder Binoculars
The Burris Signature Rangefinder 10X42 binoculars are new to roundup this year. I had the pleasure of using these binoculars on an antelope hunt in wyoming last fall and continued to use them throughout the season.
I love the texture on the barrels of the binoculars. They feel great in your hands compared to the smooth barrels of my old Nikon Laserforce Binoculars.
They performed flawlessly on targets out to 2500 yards and they have a super close ranging capability at only 5 yards. That is the lowest minimum range of any rangefinder binocular we tested.
There are not a lot of bells and whistles included in this binocular, but it is a solid set of optics at a very reasonable price.
I found them to be extremely rugged with fast, accurate ranging, extremely crisp and clear images, thanks to ultra sharp HD glass and excellent light gathering capability. I was very impressed with the optical performance of these binos.
I found the internal display very easy to read in bright sunlight as well as low light conditions.
They have 3 ranging modes, auto, sport and hunt. While I tested all three modes, I found that I really only used the hunt mode.
They also feature angle range compensation by displaying distances in either line of sight or horizontal with angles of degree.
The only downside that I can see with these binos is that they don't have any ballistics technology built in, like the Vortex Fury and the Zeiss Victory RF, but they also don't come with a big price tag.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
This is Burris's first rangefinding binocular and it is a good one. They are slowly making a name for themselves in the hunting binocular market. They may not have all of the bells and whistles that the super expensive LRF binos have, but they also don't come with an outrageous price tag.
They have earned a permanent spot in my hunting gear.
Best For The Money: Vortex Fury HD 5000 10x42mm Laser Rangefinding Binocular
The Fury HD 5000 takes the guesswork out of dialing in long-range shots. Vortex commercializes its Fury HD 5000 AB with the mantra, “Pair It. Range It. Dial It.” These rangefinder binos are not typical and require a steep learning curve. Unless you intend to unlock their potential, you may not appreciate the ranging performance technology to its fullest.
Its in-display ballistic data, built-in environmental sensors, and wind-bearing capture mode means less time calculating ballistics and more time putting rounds downrange. With Applied Ballistics® Elite solver built right in, you can sync with the FURY HD app to create custom ballistic profiles.
You can also pair it with one of the popular Kestrel and Garmin devices for the ultimate in real-time precision. It's a more innovative way to shoot. The Fury is optimized with select glass elements to deliver exceptional resolution, cut chromatic aberration, and provide unmatched color fidelity, edge-to-edge clarity, and light transmission.
The Vortex VIP warranty is about the buyer. VIP stands for a Very Important Promise. Vortex will repair or replace their product if it becomes damaged or defective at no charge. If they cannot repair their product, they will replace it with a product in perfect working order of equal or better physical condition.
This warranty is for a lifetime and is fully transferable. This means you may want to name its new owner in the will because you will not want to part with it before then.
It doesn’t matter how it happened, whose fault it was, or where you purchased it. You can count on the VIP Warranty for all Vortex Optics Rifle Scopes, prism scopes, red dots, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods, and monoculars.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is a great video showing all of the features of the Fury HD 5000.
Vortex created a high-tech pair of range-finding binoculars when they came up the Fury HD 5000. Some of the older hunters on our staff feel using them is cheating. We may indeed be putting the game at a disadvantage, and we are ok with that. These binos are not just another tool in the tool bag. This tool will bring your hunting and shooting skill to a new level.
Best With Ballistic Calculator: ZEISS Victory RF 10×42 Rangefinder Binoculars
ZEISS 10x42 Victory Rangefinder System features an integrated real-time ballistics technology. It considers all relevant factors and customization with the aid of the ZEISS Hunting App. This range finder ensures accurate shots at any distance. It can determine a precise target distance up to a maximum range of 2,500 yards in a split second.
The features of this rangefinder system are perfected by the ability to pair it with the ZEISS Hunting App via Bluetooth. Every calculation considers the physical and environmental factors, such as temperature and air pressure.
There are storage capabilities for up to nine personalized ballistic profiles in the ZEISS Hunting App. Thanks to the Bluetooth function, it is possible to import personal ballistic data from the ZEISS Hunting App to the Victory Rangefinder.
The various measuring functions of the rangefinder take a multitude of relevant data into account and use them to calculate the precise setting for bullet drop compensation (BDC) (ASV).
They offer truly superior ranging performance.
The Zeiss brand name implies top-quality, and the Victory does not disappoint. The feel of the Victory SF 10x42 binos is one of durability. The weight and feel back up the reputation of Zeiss.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is a great video that shows the features and how to use the Zeiss Victory Rangefinder Binoculars.
The binoculars are priced at the premium end of the market. The build quality and performance are likewise. Manually adjustable to match the distance between your eyes, with twistable eyecups to provide comfortable viewing whether you’re wearing glasses or not. This is a jack of all trades and master-of-many. The technology and storage of personal ballistic data are remarkable. Just incredible optics that would make Carl Zeiss proud.
Best Laser Rangefinding Binoculars: SIG Sauer Kilo6K Rangefinder Binoculars
Create the most efficient and most straightforward hunting experience possible with the help of these Sig Sauer Kilo6K Binoculars. Through Bluetooth technology, these Range Finders provide your Sig Sauer BDX Rifle Scope with an automatically illuminated holdover dot that provides you with the best possible aiming point to take down your target.
The Sig Sauer Kilo6K Binos is astonishingly simple to use. HyperScan Technology provides four range updates every second in scan mode, and the RangeLock tells you the last range calculations when ranging distant targets.
You'll get the quickest, longest-distance reads thanks to the RangeFinder Lightwave DSP engine, and the state-of-the-art OLED display provides an on-the-nose targeting circle for accurate reads every time.
The Lumatic Display's brightness is automatically calibrated to best suit your precise light conditions. With rugged construction and many valuable features, these Sig Sauer KILO3000BDX 10x42mm Binoculars are a fantastic way to spot and range distant targets while pairing the essential data with your BDX Rifle Scope.
The SIG Sauer Kilo6K binoculars are compact and have a lightweight magnesium housing with binocular style eyecup and diopter adjustment.
The SIG BDX App is free to download on your smartphone, iOS and Android are supported.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Best With Tracking Assistant: Swarovski EL Range Rangefinding Binoculars
The Swarovski EL Range TA Binoculars serve as an optical implement to find game and provide accurate distances to make a precise shot.
The Tracking Assistant technology pinpoints the GPS location of the mark, allowing you to track your kill. Swarovski is world-renowned for supplying unmatched brightness and clarity. At the same time, its rangefinding technology accurately calculates to within 1 yard over the entire measuring range of 10 yards out to 2,200 (also can be switched to measure in meters).
These binoculars feature personalized ballistics that implements greater precision due to onboard sensors that provide real-time atmospheric data combined with personal ballistics entered via a phone app. The angle-compensated distance, as well as shooting correction, are all displayed in the reticle.
An effortless and intuitive menu operation indicates an automatic brightness adjustment for different backgrounds, and a measuring button provides quick results.
A small reticle provides pinpoint measurements at long-range. Swarovski EL Range TA Binoculars have an ergonomic design and are lightweight.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Swarovski rangefinder binoculars can compute from a close 10 yards to a distant 1500 yards. If you are a long-range shooter, this is the perfect optic combo. Another bonus is that this binocular is fog-proofed and not just water-resistance but waterproof to 13 feet of submersion! This bino features angle range compensation and rangefinding performance that any hunter would be proud to own.
Best Marine Binoculars With Rangefinder: Steiner LRF 1700 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars
Steiner has combined game hunting precision optics and unequivocal laser ranging into one tool. Hunters choose Steiner’s Porro prism binoculars for many reasons, but their three-dimensional depth perception and military-grade grit are at the top of the list.
When combined with a quick, accurate laser rangefinder, these rangefinders become a trusted and practical addition to your hunting gear. You can zero in on your target and precisely range out to 1,700 yards without juggling multiple optics.
These rangefinders include an integrated laser that can accurately calculate distances from 27 to 1860 yards. An N2 injection system seals 14-psi pressurized dry nitrogen into the optic, for fog proof clarity in any condition, from arctic cold to desert heat.
Steiner Nano-Protection hydrophobic molecular coating creates a smooth lens surface that water sheets off of it, and dust, snow, and fingerprints are repelled.
Sports-Auto Focus System lets you customize the focus of each eyepiece to your vision once, then keeps images razor sharp from 20 yards to infinity. No more fumbling while focussing on moving objects.
For the Life of your Steiner LRF 1700, Steiner will repair or replace the product at no charge to you, according to the Steiner Heritage Warranty.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Steiner LRF 1700 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars have many enduring features, not least of which is their technology in a rugged, waterproof exterior. The Sport-Auto focus system allows more time spent watching and less time focussing. All of this comes with a lifetime warranty. We think that is pretty impressive.
Best Under $500: Bushnell Fusion X 10x42 Rangefinder Binoculars
The Bushnell Fusion X is the first with ActivSync display technology that can transform from black readouts against bright backgrounds to red readouts against dark ones. You will not be losing readings on game in deep cover anymore. And no need to worry about washed-out numbers on those super-bright sunny days.
IPX7 waterproof construction means the Fusion X can be submerged at 1 meter for 30 minutes without compromising the integrity of the glass or electronics. They also have a rugged exterior for maximum protection.
Snow, sleet, pouring rain, fog, and grit are no match for the Fusion X, thanks to EXO Barrier lens protection. This coating technology bonds to the exterior lens surface to repel moisture, oil, dust, and debris, so the view is clear in all weather conditions.
The Fusion X possesses a full one-mile ranging capability, accuracy to +/- one yard, near/far, bow, and rifle ballistic modes to provide critical data. This precision ranging supports more successful shots.
The Fusion X’s HDOS (High-Definition Optical System) permits the hunter to decipher antlers from branches well before sunrise and until the last legal minutes of shooting light.
Multi-coated lenses and high-quality BK7 prisms deliver light to the eye, and crystal-clear images enhance game identification.
Bushnell’s Lifetime Ironclad Warranty is fully transferable with no receipt required. If the product fails, they will stand behind it and repair it at no cost. If it is unable to be repaired, it will be replaced with an equal or better value product.
That's an incredible warranty for very affordable rangefinder binoculars.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
A binocular that provides excellent viewing from before sunrise to after sunset is a critical piece of gear for any hunter. Today's hunters also want a rangefinder that delivers an accurate readout to support a successful shot. These features come at an affordable price with the reputable Bushnell name. These are the best budget rangefinder binoculars available today.
Best Rangefinding Binoculars Compared
Model | Weight | Field Of View | PRICE | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall Leica Geovid 3200.com 10x42 Rangefinder Binoculars | 34.6 ounces | 342 ft @ 1000 yds | ||
Best Hunting Binoculars With Rangefinder Nikon LaserForce 10x42mm Rangefinder Binoculars | 30.9 ounces | 330 ft @ 1000 yds | ||
Best For The Money Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Rangefinding Binoculars | 32.3 ounces | 321 ft @ 1000 yds | ||
Best With Ballistics Calculator Zeiss Victory RF 10x42 Rangefinder Binoculars | 33.9 ounces | 345 ft @ 1000 yds | ||
Best Laser Rangefinding Binocular SIG Sauer Kilo3000BDX Rangefinder Binoculars | 31 ounces | 320 ft @ 1000 yds | ||
Best With Tracking Assistant Swarovski 10x42 EL Range Binocular Rangefinder | 32.6 ounces | 359 ft @ 1000 yds | ||
Best Under $500 Bushnell Fusion X 10x42mm Rangefinder Binoculars | 35 ounces | 305 ft @ 1000 yds |
What To Look For When Buying Rangefinder Binoculars
Optics - Glass and Prisms
When looking for RF binoculars, most people pay attention to rangefinding features, but the optics are just as important.
The glass or prism employed in a rangefinder binocular makes a colossal difference in calculating range. A slight bend in the glass or prism could impact the color and give the target a distorted projection. Quality glass coatings are required for a crisp, clear image.
Low or extra-low dispersed glasses are ideal for giving you a non-distorted image. These glasses are called specialized glasses. Specialized glass transmits the light without bending it, giving you crystal clear images without any perversion of color.
Prisms are vital to binoculars for two reasons. First, they reorient and right the upside down and backward images conveyed by the objective lenses. Second, prisms extend the light path necessary to magnify the image. Without the extension of light binocular barrels would have to be several inches longer like a pirate’s spyglass.
With proper care and cleaning, your optics can last a lifetime.
Magnification and Objective Lens
Most hunters recommend getting standard binoculars between 8x and 10x magnification for hunting or other uses like birding. If magnification is less than 8x, it won’t probably be enough, and if it is more than 10x, it will be hard to hold steady.
Most rangefinders have a magnification between 7X and 10X. The magnification number depicts the number of times the image you see will be magnified.
Though it can be tempting to seek as much magnification as possible, an overly-magnified image will cut down on your field of view and cause difficulty finding your mark. If you are likely hunting within several hundred yards of your position, you will not require more than 8x magnification. However, in clear areas, higher magnification is better.
The lower the number on the objective lens, the larger the field of view, but once you locate your target, you will want a higher number to get a more detailed view of the target.
Ranging Capabilities - Distance and How Does It Work?
First, you should know the average distance you need to measure, especially if you have a limited budget. What is a typical hunting range for your needs? A cost-friendly RF binocular would work fine for distances less than 1000 yards. If you require more distance, we recommend investing in a high-end pair of quality rangefinding binos.
The distance that a laser rangefinder can measure depends on what type of target you are marking. Laser rangefinders emit electromagnetic pulses in laser beams via their optoelectronic systems. This is the same technology used in the latest rangefinding crossbow scopes.
The laser beam is reflected off the target's surface and returns to the rangefinder. Then the rangefinder's system processes the beam to calculate an accurate distance. The set speed of the laser is relative to the time it takes to travel determines your target's distance.
To learn more about rangefinders and how they work, visit our Best Rangefinder page complete with reviews and buying guide.
Durability - Design and Housing
Rangefinder binoculars are used outdoors under various circumstances and conditions, so choosing a bino that can take the elements and rough terrain is crucial. We recommend binoculars that are waterproof, fog-proof, include multi-coated optics, and are made of rugged materials. When investing in a pair of RF binoculars, you want an exterior that will protect your investment well.
Also consider buying the best binocular harness that you can afford, to protect your optics and keep them easily accessible.
RELATED: AGM G2 Guardian Rugged Smartphone Review
Budget
Modern technologies have resulted in great binoculars combining them with laser rangefinding systems, cool apps, and other features. The market is full of such binoculars, and you should pay attention to a range of features to find the best one.
Brands like Nikon, Swarovski, Steiner, Zeiss, and others produce the best high-end rangefinder binoculars. These binos are investments in technology and legacy. If your budget approves a high-end product, you will not be disappointed.
Trustful brands like Bushnell also produce more budget-friendly products. Some may even come with a case, tripod, and other valuable tools.
Finding a pair of binos for both large and small budgets is possible. The most important thing is putting them to use.
Warranty
We have noticed that many different warranties are offered depending on the manufacturer. Budget-friendly optics can include a one-year warranty or a limited lifetime warranty.
Some high-end brands may supply a lifetime, no receipt, and fully transferable warranties. We always recommend reading the fine print when considering a warranty. Sometimes when it sounds too good to be true, the fine print will tell the whole story.
The best warranty in the optics business id the Vortex VIP Warranty.
Final Thoughts
When choosing rangefinder binoculars for your hunting style and conditions, there are many things to consider. Some of these binos have more bells and whistles than you can ever master.
Learn the technology, apply it, and become confident with it, and your hunts will become a lot more successful and fun.
The Leica Geovid HD-B 3000 is our best overall because, in spite of the high tech conversions and abilities, it is user-friendly and reliable. In our experience, its quality may be matched but not outdone. We know a few kills hanging on the wall, you could ask, but they aren't telling our secrets.
Happy hunting, may your optics ever be clear, and the wind be ever in your favor.
RELATED: How To Focus Binoculars
FAQs
What is the best rangefinding binocular?
The best rangefinding binocular is the Leica Geovid 3200 10x42 Rangefinder Binoculars.
What are rangefinding binoculars?
Rangefinding binoculars are binoculars that magnify whatever you focus on and also measure the distance from the binoculars to that object. This is especially important for hunting, so that hunters can judge the trajectory of their shot over that distance.
Who makes rangefinding binoculars?
Rangefinding binoculars are made by all of the top binocular brands including Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski, Nikon, Bushnell, Vortex, Steiner and Sig Sauer.
Can you use a rangefinder and binoculars?
Yes you can use a rangefinder and binoculars, but some hunters choose to eliminate one piece of equipment by using rangefinding binoculars.
Why Trust Us?
We are a passionate team of real hunters that actually use the gear that we review. DeerHuntingGuide.net has been sharing our reviews of top quality hunting gear for more than 17 years. In that time we have earned the trust of thousands of readers that seek out our honest advice when they are shopping for new gear.
You can count on us to bring you the best of the best when new gear is released and also to let you know when that gear is not so good.
We thank you for your support and would love to hear from you in the comments below.