Do You Need Rangefinder Binoculars?

"When it comes to hunting and coming home with a trophy and meat or a bagful of sadness, the difference is usually how prepared you were..."

When it comes to hunting and coming home with a trophy and meat or a bagful of sadness, the difference is usually how prepared you were when you left the house. A successful hunting trip needs to be planned well and your hunting gear needs to be effective and useful. It doesn’t need to be expensive, fancy or even brand new. And regardless of what gear you have, it won’t help you a lick if you don’t know how to use it efficiently.

Whether you're an avid hunter, bird-watcher, or outdoor enthusiast, the right equipment can make all the difference. Rangefinder binoculars are one such versatile tool that can greatly enhance your outdoor experiences. But do you need them? Let's explore the benefits of binoculars that can measure accurate distances and find out if they fit your outdoor pursuits.

You and I both know you can take down a deer without a rangefinder and may even be able to leave the binoculars at home depending on where you hunt. Binocular Rangefinders can help in certain situations; it just depends on how often you need to see, track, and measure your prey. If it gets me one more deer for the season, then it is absolutely something I need.

Never Take Your Eyes Off The Prize

Rangefinder binoculars offer a unique advantage to hunters by combining binoculars and a rangefinder into a single compact device. These binoculars allow you to accurately measure distances to objects, which can be incredibly useful for skittish animals. Are you a hunter trying to determine the distance to your quarry? A nature enthusiast trying to identify a distant bird species? Rangefinder binoculars can provide you with precise measurements to make informed decisions without disrupting your target and without having to take your eyes off your prize.

Real World Versatility

Rangefinder binoculars are not just for hunting. They can be a valuable tool for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. Bird-watching, wildlife observation, and even golfing can benefit from the precise distance measurements offered by these binoculars. So, if you're an outdoors enthusiast with diverse interests, combination binoculars may be a versatile addition to your gear collection. 

Cost Efficiency Of Rangefinder Binoculars

"If all you do is hunt hogs under a hundred yards and don’t find yourself reaching for your rangefinder, you probably don’t need the upgrade."

One common question that arises when considering rangefinder binoculars is whether they are cost-efficient when compared to owning separate binoculars and a laser rangefinder. The answer largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Traditional binoculars and a rangefinder each serve their purpose, but having them both in one device can save you money and space in your gear bag. The total cost of good binoculars and a good rangefinder adds up to a similar price tag to Osprey Globals Laser Rangefinding Binoculars for hunting.

By eliminating the need for two separate tools, rangefinder binoculars can streamline your outdoor adventures, making them more convenient and efficient. It's worth evaluating your activities and considering how often you rely on distance measurements to determine if rangefinder binoculars are a cost-effective solution for you. If all you do is hunt hogs under a hundred yards and don’t find yourself reaching for your rangefinder, you probably don’t need the upgrade.

Best Rangefinder Binoculars For Hunting

Osprey Global is an industry leader in both binoculars and laser rangefinders. In the past few years, they have combined their expertise in their very own Osprey Scopes Laser Rangefinding Binoculars. With a set magnification of 10X, the ability to calculate angle and speed, and the world-famous Osprey Scope Hoya glass to ensure that the clarity and light transition is optimal, you will be hard-pressed to find a better set of rangefinder binoculars for hunting.

Regardless of if you get Ospreys or another brand, I would demand a set that is magnified at 10X as this is the best magnification for hunting binoculars. A ten times magnification allows you to see over large distances while making it easy to scan. When you increase your magnification beyond 10X, you can struggle with identifying where your target is when you reach for the rifle and you lose the quick view acquisition that a ten times magnification affords you. Our article on Osprey10x42 Binoculars explains all this in more detail.

Speed calculation can help you track the animal as it is on the move. The angle information is very useful when calculating your trajectory for your shot. When aiming downhill or uphill you need to adjust your elevation for those angles or you are going to hit dirt or sky.

So Do You Need Binoculars That Rangefind?

Rangefinder binoculars offer a valuable advantage for outdoor enthusiasts and hunters by providing precise distance measurements and versatile functionality. They are a multi-purpose tool that can enhance a wide range of outdoor activities, from hunting to bird-watching. When considering whether to invest in rangefinder binoculars, weigh the convenience and cost efficiency of having two tools in one against your specific needs and preferences. If you are hunting an easily spooked prey, often by the time you have switched from binoculars to rangefinder to your rifle, all that's left of the animal is a cloud of dust.

In the end, whether you need rangefinder binoculars depends on the nature of your hunting style and the value you place on streamlined equipment that simplifies your adventures. It also depends on your budget. Explore the benefits they offer and decide if they are the versatile companion you've been looking for on your next outdoor excursion.