Three Range-Finding Binos to Fit Any Budget

It is true that you get what you pay for when purchasing optics, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune. The new crop of laser-rangefinding binoculars that pull triple duty as observation tools, rangefinders and ballistic computers are good examples. While price is typically dictated by the quality of materials (mainly glass) and construction, these build characteristics are only part of it. Rangefinding binos come with a wide variety of electronic features, and the more options they offer and ballistic calculations they perform, the more they cost. Considering what technological features you’ll use—and what you won’t—helps determine how much you’ll have to spend.

Bushnell Fusion X

• MSRP: $699.99
• Magnification: 10X
• Objective Diameter: 42 mm
• Length: 7"
• Width: 5 1/2"
• Weight: 35 oz.
• Max Ranging Distance: 700 yds., deer; 1 mile, reflective object
• bushnell.com

Combining two optics into one unit, the Fusion X costs hunters less than if they were to buy many competitors’ binoculars and rangefinders separately. Bushnell builds the rangefinding bino with its High-Definition Optical System, which uses fully multi-coated lenses and BK-7 prisms for high contrast and sharp images during low light. EXO Barrier lens protection repels the elements, dirt and oil, while IPX7 waterproof construction locks out moisture. The rangefinding component of the Fusion X ranges objects to 1 mile with an accuracy of +/- 1 yard, and Angle Range Compensation provides true horizontal distance as well as line-of-sight distance. Automatically adjusting to the brightness of the image, ActivSync displays a black readout against light backgrounds and a red readout against dark ones to make it easy to discern ranges in varying conditions and types of cover.

SIG Sauer Kilo3000 BDX

• MSRP: $1,343.99
• Magnification: 10X
• Objective Diameter: 42 mm
• Length: 5 3/4"
• Width: 5"
• Weight: 31 oz.
• Max Ranging Distance: 2,000 yds., deer; 5,000 yds., reflective object
• sigsauer.com

The Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) technology in the Kilo3000 permits hunters to pair it with a SIG Sauer BDX riflescope via Bluetooth and automatically receive an illuminated dot on the reticle representing the correct hold for the ranged distance. Inside the bino is an Applied Ballistics Ultralite calculator that determines bullet drop and wind drift based on gun and load specifics entered by the user via the free BDX app. For hunters who do not have a BDX scope, the app displays a ballistic solution for the range transmitted by the Kilo3000. The LightWave DSP rangefinder engine with HyperScan refreshes the range reading four times per second in scan mode. An onboard inclinometer reads the angle to the target and provides the equivalent horizontal range. The bino has ultra-wide broadband, anti-reflection lens coatings to maximize light transmission and is waterproof.

Leica Geovid Pro 32

• MSRP: $2,899
• Magnification: 8X, 10X
• Objective Diameter: 32 mm
• Length: 6"
• Width: 4.6"
• Weight: 28.9 oz.
• Max Ranging Distance: 2,500 yds., reflective object
• leica-camera.com

Leica places impressive optical and ranging performance in a compact package that features newly developed 32 mm objectives for hunters who want a rangefinding bino without bulk. Perger-Porro prisms and high-definition lenses optimize light transmission, color contrast and image quality. The Geovid Pro 32 is waterproof to 5 meters, fog proof and has a 100G impact rating. Applied Ballistics software calculates equivalent horizontal range to uphill and downhill targets, providing correction values for holdover and turret adjustments as well as for wind holds. Embedded atmospheric sensors account for station pressure, temperature, angle and compass bearing. The optic pairs with the Leica Ballistic App via Bluetooth so hunters can input gun and load data. In addition, Leica ProTrack GPS mapping permits hunters to mark ranged targets on a smartphone utilizing Google Maps or BaseMaps, as well as on Garmin devices.

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