In this article we are going to be looking at range of premium rangefinder binoculars. We will review the best rangefinder binoculars on the market so you can find the right one for you. Let’s get started!
If you want to know all about binoculars and what makes them good, make sure to check out our guide All About Binoculars – A Definitive Guide.
Swarovski 10×42 EL Rangefinder Binocular with Laser Rangefinder
The Swarovski 10×42 EL Rangefinder Binocular with Laser Rangefinder. If you want one of the best binoculars that also has a laser rangefinder, then the Swarovski needs your careful consideration.
As you would expect from a premium rangefinder binocular, the Swarovski EL comes with many features. This brand is well known for their precision cut, high quality lead glass crystals so it makes sense that they should branch into the binocular realm. Quality binoculars require quality glass lenses.
Technical Specifications
As one would expect from Swarovski, the binocular is waterproof (to 13’ submerged), airtight and dustproof. It has 5 manual intensity settings if needed, or you can just leave it on automatic display adjustment for ease. There is also a scan mode for moving game.
This binocular comes with 10x zoom and 42mm lens diameter. In addition, it has an unprecedented light transmission of 91% through each barrel. Even though these binoculars do not have HD glass – which is used to reduce color fringing – these perform as well as laser rangefinder binoculars with HD glass made by other brands. The aiming circle is in the right barrel and the yardage readout – in red – in the left.
Another amazing feature is Swaro-Aim technology. This gives a corrected, instantaneous, angle compensated readout to the target with a push of a button. I think this feature alone will make many hunters want to trade in their current brand.
The field of view (FOV) is very wide. 8×42 – 411’ @ 1000 yds, 10×42 – 330’ @ 1000 yds. There is also 4 eyecup positions which increases the viewing comfort.
The package includes a new style neckstrap with cliplocks and a spare battery holder. You also get in the field bag a spare battery, ocular lens cover and objective lens cover.
Weighing only 32 oz. the tough shell is made from a lightweight magnesium casing ensuring ease of use in harsh conditions.
How good are the binoculars?
In a word…exceptional! The light transmission through each barrel gives a clarity that I am yet to find with other binoculars. The instantaneous angle compensated readout is another feature that I no longer want to do without. These 2 features alone discount any qualms I may have had over the purchase. They are a top quality, precision instrument.
Customer feedback
The Swarovski 10×42 EL Rangefinder Binocular/Laser Rangefinder seems to live up to its hype. It has a 75% 5 star feedback on Amazon with customers loving the clarity and ability to range at the target.
There are some negative comments (plus some positive ones) about customer service though. With most premium branded companies small, seemingly “cheap” replacement parts do tend to cost much more than their value. This seems to be the case with Swarovski.
Wrapping up
The Swarovski 10×42 EL Rangefinder Binocular/Laser Rangefinder is an exceptional binocular with rangefinder. The light transmission through each barrel gives unparalleled clarity and makes viewing spectacular!
As a premium range binocular they are an absolute must if you are serious about your hunting, shooting or birdwatching. You will love what these rangefinder binoculars have to offer!
- Magnification: 10x
- Effective objective lens diameter: 42mm
- Exit pupil Diameter: 4. 2mm
- Exit pupil Distance (eye relief): 17. 3mm
- Field of view (ft. /1000 yds. / m/1000 m): 330 / 110 (ft. /1000 yds. / m/1000 m)6. 3 deg.
Bushnell Fusion 1-Mile ARC Binocular Laser Rangefinder with Matrix Display
We were quite excited to review these rangefinder binoculars because we believe they are a good quality pair of binoculars at a reasonable price. The price, the features and the range are very appealing.
Whilst there are a couple of small things that aren’t perfect we believe these rangefinder binoculars are a quality addition to most hunters’ gear.
Technical Specifications
As this is getting towards the pricier end of town you would expect these binoculars to be 100 percent waterproof and fog proof. These lenses are advertised with Rain-Guard HD water repellent coating. The lenses did frost over in very icy weather but once the ice melted they were back to capacity quickly.
The Bushnell Fusion comes in an 8X 32mm, 10X 42mm and 12X 50mm (magnification and lens diameter). We tested the 10X with 42mm lens.
It has excellent optical performance featuring phase-coated BaK4 roof-prisms (with 60 layer mirror coatings) and multiple anti-reflection coatings on all external lens surfaces.
It also features twist-up eyecups. We were frustrated with these. They felt a little loose and were very easy to bump out of focus. Whilst they were easy to re-focus Bushnell should look at fixing this quirk!
It is a roof-prism range finding, ballistics-compensating binocular with an Angle Range Compensation (ARC) from -90 to +90 degrees.
In Bow mode this provides line of sight, angle and true horizontal distance of 10-99 yards. In Rifle mode, bullet drop and holdover up to 200 inches.
The field of view (FOV) is 305’ @ 1000 yards.
Compared to their old version, this Fusion 1 Mile ARC binocular’s vision is brighter with improved contrast and clarity and allows for visible ranging with strong orange LED displays while not sacrificing true color fidelity in daylight or low light conditions.
The package includes eye piece lens covers, CR123 battery, neckstrap and nylon padded case.
Weighing in at 31 oz. with an aluminium body and black rubber armor, they are reasonably easy to carry however the unit is a little wide and reaching and adjusting the focus wheel is uncomfortable.
How good are the binoculars?
These are good rangefinder binoculars. The optics were much better than we thought they would be and would be a welcome replacement for observation binoculars most hunters use. Whilst the easily bumped eye cups were a nuisance and the focus wheel adjustment uncomfortable, these are a good priced unit for what they offer.
Customer feedback
With a 3.8 out of 5 star rating on Amazon customers seem happy with their Bushnell Fusion 1-Mile ARC Binocular Laser Rangefinder with Matrix Display purchase. The main complaint seems to be the eyecups design.
Wrapping Up
The Bushnell Fusion 1-Mile ARC Binocular Laser Rangefinder with Matrix Display have good quality optics and range finding. They are a good value binocular that takes hunters and shooters to the next level. Good quality and excellent value.
- Bushnell 202310: 10x42 Fusion 1 Mile Arc Laser Rangefinder Binoculars
- Specifications for Bushnell Arc Laser Binoculars:
- Magnification X Obj Lens: 10X 42
- Class 1 laser with <0.5mW average power output
Nikon Laserforce Rangefinder Binocular
The Nikon Laserforce Rangefinder Binocular is the single optic solution, with a 2 in 1 combo, for serious hunters from a reputable brand.
Nikon’s worldwide reputation coupled with premium features and the best price in this range, make this rangefinder binoculars you should definitely consider.
Technical Specifications
Rubber eyecups (in a turn and slide, multi-click design) with long eye use relief, give a clear view with or without glasses.
The Nikon Laserforce body is metal with black rubber armor and has a firm and comfortable grip.
The binoculars are waterproof, as you would expect in this price range. We did test them in icy conditions – they have a nitrogen-purged body that is advertised to prevent fogging and molding inside the opticals. Despite the cold, they gave a crisp, bright view.
The use of ED glass (Extra-low dispersion) is good and the optics are fully multi-coated (which is to be expected at this price). This provides a high quality image with improved color fidelity and less color fringing.
Using a single CR2 battery, the rangefinder on the Nikon Laserforce can measure objects up to an extreme 1900 yards away! Press the power button once and an OLED red battery status display appears – press the button again and the distance displays instantly. As a power saver the display turns off after 8 seconds.
It is a 10X zoom and 42mm lens diameter. There is also a wide field of view (FOV) – 320’ @ 1000 yards. It has an impressive Angle Range Compensation (ARC) from -89 to + 89 degrees.
The package comes with the usual pertinent features – a shoulder strap, lens covers, one battery and storage case (ours was a bit flimsy).
How good are the binoculars?
For the price, we think the optics are great. Crisp clear viewing, good balance in your hand and easy to use.
We really like the speed of the distance display and the battery seemed to have a long life. The power saver is also a good feature.
These rangefinder binoculars are as good as the premium ones for viewing. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the “crystal” brand these are a really good alternative.
Customer feedback
Nikon Laserforce Rangefinder Binoculars receives a whopping 85% 5 star feedback review on Amazon.
Most of the customers agree with our findings that the optics are as good as the premium binoculars. One reviewer had a problem with the black rubber armor being soft – we mostly tested ours in frigid conditions so are unable to give an accurate assessment.
Wrapping up
Known for their top quality cameras, Nikon have proved they are able to build quality instruments at reasonable prices. Most would have no hesitation recommending their camera products and we feel they have entered the binocular world with the same reputation.
We think the Nikon Laserforce Rangefinder Binocular are a quality addition to any hunters’ or shooters’ gear.
- Rangefinder Binocular with 10-1900 yard range
- Reflective Target 1900 yards Tree 1400 Yards Deer 1100 Yards
- Incline/Decline Technology. FOV at 1000 yards: 320 feet
- Display in .1 yard increments to 100 yards / 1 yard increments over 100 yards
- Bright and clear red OLED display with 4-step intensity adjustment
