By Todd M. Bailey
The Focus on Optics articles have covered topics such as low light performance, shooting to distance, using a ballistic table for holdover, and the value of high-quality glass in both binoculars and rifle scopes. As a hunter, you may use all this knowledge and these tools to harvest your trophy in the same hunt. However, accessing these items and the information they provide quickly and in challenging conditions can prove difficult. A solution to this problem can be found in bundling all these important informant tools into a one unit – a range finding binocular. Doing so will also eliminate the need for carrying (and keeping up with) multiple devices in the field.
Almost all sports optics manufacturers offer range finding binoculars at varying price points. So, finding a product that will match your budget should not present a problem. But, packaging all the most desirable qualities into a single unit, such as ranging capability (more than 2000 yards), superior glass quality for low-light performance and resolution, and the ability to provide a precise shooting solution narrows the field quite a bit. Below are some points you should consider when you begin your search.
The Zeiss RF binocular has a very advanced feature set. The unit is Bluetooth connected to your smart device where you can set your custom parameters and preferences. Additionally, the Zeiss application provides a ballistic solver from which you can create and transfer your loads to the binocular. The most innovative feature on the RF is the onboard weather station which will correct your ballistic solution for temperature, barometric pressure, and density altitude.
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1. Decide what is most important to you with special consideration to where most of your hunting will take place. Will the best glass be key? Glass quality should be near the top of the list considering how much you will be using the binoculars to glass. Will you be glassing ridgelines, mesas, valleys? If so, then binoculars long ranging capability will also be critical for you if you will be presented with longer than average shots. What about size and weight? Are you going to be packing into a hunt site? Refer to my previous article in The Hunting Wire, Finding the Right Binocular in Four Easy Steps, for additional information to help you decide. Here is a link: https://www.huntingwire.com/features/222c65cf-36e6-4fcc-b0c3-d8928c65adac.
2. Having a range finding binocular with limited or no ballistic information presented to the hunter is not a solution to the problem. You should evaluate each model for its ballistic output and how the hunter will be presented the shooting solution. Some models only provide holdover in inches while others provide the correction in MOA, Mils, or even click value. The hunter will see this information heads up in the binocular’s field of view. Does the model you’re considering offer any additional information such as slope correction, horizontal distance to the target (calculated using the slope angle of the shot)? How about weather correction? Does the product have any ability to correct for temperature, barometric pressure, and altitude? These factors affect the ballistics exponentially as the distance of your shot increases. Finally, you will want to understand how the binocular acquires the ballistic data and stores it for a cartridge. What is the interface? Will it store the ballistics for more than one cartridge onboard? Is it relatively simple to use?
3. Look for additional features which will help you to become quicker and more accurate with your shot. How customizable are the binoculars? Will the ergonomics and buttons accommodate a left-handed user? Is the display brightness adjustable? As the level of sophistication of the device increases, it will be important for the user to have the ability to easily change their preferences and settings on the unit. When you’re talking with your favorite optics dealer, be sure they understand how to use the binocular and set it up. They will be a valuable resource for you (as well as the manufacturer) as you learn to navigate the optic. Your dealer should be able to offer adequate training on the product to get you in the field after the purchase.
A range finding binocular, in my opinion, is really the most effective tool a hunter can have to bridge the gap between spotting the game and making the shot successfully – especially at distance. Using multiple tools such as a pocket range finder, a ballistic chart, and standard binoculars will also work. But, keeping up with all three and then using them in the hunting situation under pressure to make a clean, quick shot can be cumbersome. Once you have only to raise the binocular to your eye, depress the ranging button, and then read the shooting solution heads up in the display, you will become a believer in the power of having an all-in-one unit. It is as simple and fast as view it, range it, dial it, and send it. Go see your dealer and ask about range finding binoculars. You’ll be glad you did.
