The best rangefinder binoculars allow you to measure what distance a specific subject is from you. Many popular models are laser rangefinders that project an invisible, eye-safe laser beam onto a target and measure the time it takes for the laser to reflect back into the binoculars. The binoculars then typically read out the distance which is particularly helpful for locating or tracking subjects. This is clever stuff, which only a few years ago was beyond the budget of ordinary consumers. The more powerful the laser, the farther it can reach and send back a measurable signal.
But before you spend anything that might power a space hero's sidearm, consider how much power you actually require. Even relatively modest lasers can reach well over a kilometer, which is more than good enough for most casual users. Understanding how this technology and all the numbers work can help inform your purchasing decision, so be sure to check out our rangefinder binocular FAQ.
Rangefinder binoculars may not be necessary for you, instead, we've also reviewed and rated the Best binoculars for more generalist observing as well. If you're looking for something a bit smaller to throw in your backpack or pocket, check out our guides to the Best compact binoculars. Don't forget about the Best binoculars for kids too; let your children explore nature and the night sky as you do.
Best rangefinder binoculars 2023
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Best rangefinder binoculars 2023 ranked
There's a lot of competition for the title of best optical quality among the leading binocular brands. Still, Swarovski edges it over the competition with this pair of rangefinding binoculars. All binoculars lose a portion of the light that travels through their objectives, but Swarovski believes that their high-end, fully multi-coated glass lenses and prisms transmit more and lose less light than the competition. This performance can significantly impact, especially during twilight, when every photon counts.
The binoculars include all the rangefinder tech you'd anticipate at their eye-watering high price point, with a dedicated ballistics app and range corrections for inclination. Although the laser rangefinder only measures up to 1370m, it has all the expected features.
We'd go for the 10x42 Range rather than Swarovski's similarly priced 8x42, as it is slightly higher performing, only marginally heavier, and has a better twilight factor of 20.5 instead of 18.3 (the Twilight factor is the square root of the number you get when you multiply magnification by lens diameter).
- See our Best compact binoculars guide for more portable binos
Manufacturer SIG Sauer boldly claims that the Kilo3000 BDX is the world's most advanced laser rangefinder, which every other company mentioned in this guide would likely challenge. But considering the comparably low price of this device, it offers a lot.
The rangefinder is also powerful, if not up to the output of some more expensive models. The optics are decent, too, certainly enough for everyday use, and the 18mm eye relief is generous for comfortable viewing. The SIG Kilo packs a lot of tech into a relatively small package. It has a dedicated smartphone app, transfers data with compatible sighting scopes through Bluetooth, and even performs high-speed distance calculations. While in scan mode, the range updates up to four times per second, and the range lock function records the most recent result.
Aside from the impressive tech, this rangefinder is IPX4 water-resistant and is nitrogen-purged to eliminate fog. It is also tripod mountable with an adapter.
This SIG model tops our list since it accomplishes a lot of functionality for a price considerably lower than direct competitors and premium brands.
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Bushnell is well known for providing some decent binoculars at affordable prices, but some models are a touch fragile and would be better avoided. The Bushnell Fusion X 10x42 laser rangefinders certainly fall into the former category.
They provide good range-finding capability and accuracy with good quality optics for less than half the cost of several competing entry-level devices. In good conditions and with a reflective subject, the laser should reach up to a mile and be accurate within a single yard.
The ActivSync display cleverly modifies the overlay information's color based on light levels. It shows red overlays on dark subjects and black overlays against bright daytime backgrounds. They're waterproof to IP67, so they are absolutely fine in all types of weather.
- For more generalist observing we've rounded up the Best binoculars on the market
These Nikon Laserforce 10x42 laser rangefinder binoculars come at a price that puts this well-known and trusted optical brand within reach of many hoping to get a quality mid-range pair. Although some trade-offs exist, such as the laser rangefinder's relatively limited range, it's still powerful enough for many real-world situations.
The ID (incline/decline) system compensates for angles up to 89 degrees. As you'd expect from Nikon, the optics are top-notch, with fully multi-coated lenses and prisms, and even include ultra-low dispersion (ED) glass to correct chromatic aberrations that would otherwise cause color fringing.
They are rubberized, water and fog-proof with nitrogen-purged internals to avoid mold and rot. Nikon's warranty policy is quite complex, offering a lifetime warranty on optical components and a 7-year warranty on non-optical components but only one year on electronic components. These are necessary, for without them, what's left is a pair of heavy and expensive regular binoculars.
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Zeiss has long been a go-to brand for binoculars and makes some of the best quality optics on the planet. Combine this with a powerful laser rangefinder, and it becomes a very handy tool for use in the field, but it comes at a price.
Zeiss Victory binoculars use fluorite lenses coated with their multi-layer T-coating to maximize light transmission. The eyepieces also include a second coating called LocuTec that deters moisture and dust. This laser rangefinder outperforms many other laser rangefinders regarding distance and speed, sending data via Bluetooth to a dedicated Zeiss smartphone app to calculate corrections for critical tilt and environmental factors.
The Victory 10x54 is a quality piece of kit at a price that reflects the advanced technology and the top level of engineering that has gone into it. Victory rangefinders are available in four configurations, with either 42 or 54mm objective lenses and 8x or 10x magnification. We think the 10x54s are the best pick of the bunch.
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While the majority of consumers interested in rangefinder binoculars will be looking for laser-powered models, there are alternative approaches based on geometry rather than geodesy. These USCamel binoculars have a reticle (also known as a graticule) that is superimposed on the image seen through the right tube. They are a bit like the crosshairs on a rifle scope. By doing some simple mental math along with these markers, you can determine the distance from you if you know the size of the object you are looking at.
It's not especially accurate or convenient, but it's robust and, most importantly, budget-friendly. Most laser devices are at least ten times the price of these. The binoculars themselves are surprisingly high quality for this lesser-known brand, with top-of-the-line BaK-4 glass, fully multi-coated, and waterproof nitrogen-purged chassis. However, individual eyepiece adjustment is more cumbersome than traditional center focusing.
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Best rangefinder binoculars: Frequently Asked Questions
What are rangefinder binoculars?
How do rangefinder binoculars differ from normal binoculars?
Rangefinder binoculars are like regular binoculars but also measure distances from subjects during observation. This is helpful for wildlife spotters and hunters. They are different to traditional binoculars which do not have this capability.
Most rangefinder binoculars have an eye-safe laser that shines onto subjects during viewing. This laser beam is reflected back to the binoculars and the distance calculated, displaying in the binoculars for the viewer. However, there are some manual models which use a reticule (or a graticule) to allow observers to calculate distance manually.
What are the best rangefinder binoculars?
The Swarovski EL Range 10x42 are the best rangefinder binoculars and rank at the top of our guide. However, they may be out of the price range of many generalist or hobbyist observers. For those people we'd recommend the SIG Sauer Kilo 3000BDX as the best value for money because of their advanced laser rangefinder capabilities plus Bluetooth data exchange feature.
What are the best rangefinder binoculars under $500?
The USCamel 10x50 UW004 are the best rangefinder binoculars under $500 but do not use a laser to measure distance. If laser is what you're after we'd recommend the Bushnell Fusion X which is on average around $550, just slightly over $500.
What is the best rangefinder binocular under $1000?
The Nikon Laserforce 10x42 are the best rangefinder binoculars under $1000. They're relatively lightweight at 1.9 lb (876g) and have a laser range of up to 1750m, plus they're waterproof. Their price point hovers around $970 so be sure to snap up a deal if they are cheaper than that.
What rangefinder binocular glass is best?
The first thing to consider, as with any pair of binoculars, is the rangefinder's optical quality. It doesn't matter how good all the sophisticated electronics and other fancy gizmos are if you can't get a clear image of the subject in your eyepieces. Ideally, if your budget will stretch, look for fully multi-coated lenses (FMC), BaK-4 glass, and phase-corrected prism coatings. Some manufacturers (Zeiss for instance) use fluorite glass and proprietary coatings to maximize light-gathering prowess.
How long do rangefinder binoculars last?
Always consider build quality and warranty. The levels of waterproofness vary from splash-proof to submarine grade, and features like nitrogen-purged internals will prevent fogging. It's also a good idea to check what devices are actually legal to own where you live before shelling out your hard-earned cash on a tool that might be unusable.
Where are the best rangefinder binocular deals?
As with any significant purchase, it really pays to shop around. The market for binoculars with rangefinders is rapidly changing as manufacturers strive to continually improve their products with new features and improved electronics. This means that bargains can sometimes be found among discontinued devices if you don't feel the need to own the very latest rangefinder technology.
Do rangefinder binoculars need batteries?
Yes, laser rangefinder binoculars like the Nikon Laserforce 10x42 will require power in order to work so will require batteries. Most models accept CR2 batteries. However, there are some manual models like the USCamel 10x50 UW004 which do not use a laser and instead rely on a reticule (graticule) so do not require batteries.
Can I link my rangefinder binoculars to my smartphone?
Yes. Models that use Bluetooth in this guide include: SIG Sauer Kilo 3000BDX and the Zeiss Victory 10x54. Nowadays, a lot of rangefinder binoculars come with dedicated smartphone apps that gather data over Bluetooth and make corrections for the weather and inclination. That's great if you don't mind getting your phone out, but it's worth checking what information is actually displayed in the viewfinder before making a choice.
What if rangefinder binoculars aren't for me?
Be sure to check our other binocular guides — we have put together the top picks of the best binoculars, the best binoculars for kids, the best compact binoculars and best night vision binoculars too.
What do I need for my rangefinder binoculars?
Our top tip is to always carry a spare battery with you. The majority of the devices in this review use a standard CR2 battery and should deliver thousands of distance measurements before needing replacement, but for the cost and size of a small CR2 battery, it's worth pocketing it before heading out to avoid disappointment.
How we test the best rangefinder binoculars
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best rangefinder binoculars to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every bino through a rigorous review to fully test each instrument. Each rangefinder binocular is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each pair of binoculars is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each binocular and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
We look at how easy they are to operate, whether eye relief can be adjusted for spectacles wearers, if a binocular comes with appropriate accessories or carry bags and also make suggestions if a particular set of binos would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on binoculars, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
