Before we discuss some key facts about rangefinder binoculars, we need to begin with a few definitions. We may be familiar with telescopes and microscopes, or single eye magnification equipment, so, basically, you put two telescopes side by side to create a set of binoculars. They will have the ability to adjust the focus to suit your chosen object. They can range from 8 or 10 times magnification, eg for birdwatching, or even up to 15 times for more detail. The less powerful magnification that you have, the easier it is to focus. More powerful binoculars need fine adjusting for observing distances, but the object will appear bigger. Binoculars can be handheld as you move around, or kept on a tripod or pedestal to keep the picture still.
Which to Choose?
I don’t know why you are personally interested in rangefinder binoculars – they function in a number of different situations. What I do know is that it can be daunting to decide which ones to purchase- there are so many, and so much information is available on the web. It can feel quite overwhelming.
Different companies are always going to say their products are the best, right? Fortunately, there are websites that feature different products and brands. When I went to https://www.outeroptics.com/ the experts also provided reviews for you to read. When you start out, you may not know what you are actually looking for. As they say – you don’t know what you don’t know! Websites containing reviews will help you massively. They will tell you the truth about the products – the customers have nothing to lose, remember. They’ll advise you whether the binoculars were a blessing or a disappointment for their chosen purpose. If that purpose matches yours, you’ll be steered in a different direction.
A combination of two things
As we’ve just touched on why we are choosing them, let’s step back for a minute and discuss the basics. Ordinary binoculars can be used to watch horse racing or for bird watching. Rangefinder binoculars provide something extra to just viewing access. If you are a hunter or a soldier you may carry a separate rangefinder with you, to calculate how far away the deer or enemy is from you. If you carry binoculars and a rangefinder, there is the possibility you could forget one of them or put it down somewhere, only to be lost forever. Soldiers may not have the luxury of being able to carry both items or to lose time switching from the binoculars to the rangefinder. (Also – military binoculars are more rugged, for obvious reasons!).
Rangefinder binoculars combine the object and the distance data in one. You can view distant objects, but you can also determine how far they are from you. Another example would be someone about to take a golfing shot. Which golf club should they use? The rangefinder will calculate the distance required, and you can choose the correct iron accordingly.
Your rangefinder binoculars will have at least one button to press. With laser rangefinders, a beam of light strikes the object. A built-in high-speed clock will time how long the laser light takes to get there and back. Laser rangefinders don’t have the same field of vision and detail that ordinary binoculars have. It just depends on what you most want.
Most rangefinder binoculars have angle compensation, but it is still important to check this before you buy.
Remember both aspects
When making your purchase, don’t be tempted to just study the rangefinder. The optics are important too. You need to research the clarity and light transmission of the binoculars. What do the reviews say? You may be less worried about light if you play golf in the day time, but if you hunt in low light this becomes more crucial. The larger your lens diameter, the more light you will have for your vision.
Your chosen links
Handheld binoculars can be carried around at speed, but are harder to keep steady than when they are put on a tripod or pedestal. Your chosen use will have a bearing upon this. If you are going to be shooting long-range, check out the ballistic capability of the binoculars.
Marine binoculars often use reticle rangefinders. You’ve probably seen films where someone looks through their binoculars and you see fine lines or fibers. They help with calculating measurements. (You’ll even find these in microscopes). These advanced binoculars don’t just calculate the distance of an object, but how high it is, and the included angle is displayed.
Waterproof binoculars may be of no use to you if you don’t play golf in the rain. If you hunt in all weathers, however, it will be a different story. Also, check out the weight of the product – this is more important if you are running around than if you are putting it on a pedestal. Â
I hope this article has helped you think about rangefinder binoculars. With a little research and wise advice, you will be able to get the best product for your work or hobby. Your budget will also affect your purchase no doubt – but the more technology develops, the more you get for your money. Good luck and I hope you enjoy using them.Â
