A laser rangefinder is a handy solution for delivering fast and accurate range-to-target and ballistic information. Add their light weight and budget-friendly price and it’s little wonder they’re considered an essential piece of equipment by many predator hunters.
Keeping up with the improvements in technology, however, is tough. So, Predator Xtreme consulted with some of the industry’s foremost experts, asking about the latest developments, tips to maximize results, benefits and more. The growing demand for the all-new generation of binoculars with internal rangefinder systems — with ballistics apps — was a popular topic.
Sig Sauer Rangefinding Binos
It was 2019 when Sig Sauer introduced its first binoculars with an integral rangefinder, and the company didn’t scrimp on features. Capable of measuring distance to highly reflective objects out to 5,000 meters, it included another advantage. The company’s cutting-edge BDX technology allowed owners to input ballistic data using a smartphone app. To say the model was warmly received is an understatement.
“Rangefinding binoculars have become increasingly popular amongst those looking to carry fewer devices afield,” explained Aaron Schooley, Sig Sauer senior product manager for rangefinders. “Hunters, long-range precision shooters and professional groups — military and law enforcement — alike have gravitated to the streamlined system in recent years. Having a full-size binocular with an integrated rangefinder gives users the ability to positively identify and engage targets at greater distances.”
Today, the company offers two models. The KILO10K-ABS HD Gen II with windage adjustment, real-time ballistic data and more and the Canyon rangefinding binocular. Both display distance and on OLED screens overlaid on the downrange view. MSRPs are $2,699.99 and $799.99 respectively.
Burris LRF Binoculars
Burris Director of Marketing Jordan Egli added another benefit. “You can glass and range in one motion, which is especially important when every second counts,” he said. His company introduced its first rangefinder, the LRF 2000, in 2022. The next year the company rolled out the Signature 10x42mm LRF binoculars, capable of ranging out to 2,600 yards. They feature a rubberized outer coating, can be used in auto, sport or hunt modes and the MSRP is $1,200.
“Demand for both models has been strong,” he said, “especially for the Signature 10x42mm LRF binocular, which combine crisp optics with integrated ranging technology. Hunters appreciate reducing the number of items they carry in the field. The Signature LRF 2000 remains popular for those looking for a lightweight, dedicated rangefinder. Both models offer fast, accurate ranging with scan and horizontal distance modes, making them ideal for a wide range of hunting environments.”
Vortex Optics Applied Ballistics
“One of the biggest advantages of using a rangefinding binocular is reducing the amount of gear carried into the field,” explained Mickella Nofsinger, associate marketing communication manager at Vortex Optics. “After a single hunt or competition with them, users appreciate the speed from spotting the target to getting the range extremely quickly, without having to dig into a pack to find their rangefinder.”
Vortex entered the rangefinder market in 2012 with its Ranger 1000, and its 1,600-yard-measuring Fury HD rangefinding binocular was introduced in 2017.
“The demand for our current rangefinding binoculars and handheld rangefinders is very strong with continuous growth year after year,” Nofsinger said. “It seems customers from all over the country are very interested in them and appreciate the quality and price point of our rangefinder lineup.”
The company hasn’t been hesitant in keeping up with advances in hardware. Today, its Fury HD 5000 10x42mm rangefinding binocular can measure reflective objects to 5,000 yards. It also displays continuously while panning across the landscape, providing distance measurements as well as slope-compensated readings. The firm’s ultimate, though, is the company’s AB version of that binocular. It features environmental sensors, an Applied Ballistics solver that provides firing solutions in the display and more. MSRPs are $1,499.99 and $2,299.99 respectively.
Leupold — Range, Dial and Shoot
There’s no shortage of great reasons to carry rangefinding binoculars, according to Leupold Technology Product Line Manager Eric Overstreet. “It’s one less piece of equipment, and you can save time when you spot an animal — you don’t have to pause and re-find it with your rangefinding monocular,” he said. “It takes the concept of range, dial and shoot to the next level when seconds can mean the difference between success and tag soup.
“The first Leupold rangefinding binocular was introduced in 2005,” Overstreet said. “We discontinued it in 2009 and have spent 15 years working with different designs to produce a model that meets the standards of the Leupold brand.”
When asked about the popularity, he explained, “The entire line is in demand, and we’ve recently announced a second generation of our award-winning BX-4 Range HD rangefinding binocular.”
Armed with Leupold’s True Ballistic Range/Wind technology, it features 25 ballistic profiles, 10 mph wind holds and more. Maximum range is 2,600 yards and MSRP is $1,399.
Traditional Rangefinders
The ability to scan the countryside with quality binoculars while monitoring the range and ballistic solutions in a heads-up display is intriguing, but it can challenge a budget and be less than ideal in the field. “…[A] standalone rangefinder such as the Signature LRF 2000 offers even lighter weight and can be ideal for minimalist setups or archery hunts where binos might be overkill,” Egli said.
The other companies mentioned here offer cutting-edge rangefinders, all of them with the quality you expect from the brand. Across the board they are friendlier on the budget than similarly equipped binoculars.
If you’re looking for hands-free convenience, however, take a close look at the Vortex Impact 4000. The rail-mounted unit can read distance to reflective objects out to 4,000 yards, it packs a full fleet of environmental sensors and includes a GeoBallistics Solver and more.
Choosing the Right One
Cutting-edge electronics get the headlines, but Ryan Holm, Leica’s U.S. director of marketing for sport optics, reminded hunters not to forget the basics. “When selecting rangefinding binoculars for predator hunting, start with the foundation: optical clarity and low-light performance,” he said. “Even in today’s tech-heavy market, optical performance is still foundational … because whether you’re scanning distant brush lines or tracking a coyote slipping through sage at 300 yards, clarity equals confidence.”
The capability to determine extreme long distances isn’t always required either. “Customers should have a good idea of what rangefinding distances they are hoping to achieve,” Nofsinger added. “In the eastern part of the United States, they typically don’t need a rangefinder that can range 2,000+ yards just because it’s difficult to even find a field that open. But in the Western states, they might want an optic that can tell them the distance to an opposite mountainside where the target is located.”
When it comes to battery longevity, Hellman said, “Most new rangefinders are designed to last for thousands of uses. In fact, it is likely a seasonal hunter’s battery will have more shelf-life deterioration than loss from battery consumption during use. One thing to look out for in rangefinding binoculars is accidental activation.”
Nofsinger added, “It is important to have a rangefinder that has at least an IPX4 rating. You do not want to be out in the field and have your rangefinder fail to work due to water leaking into the optic. Our Fury HD 5000s are IPX7 rated, which means they can handle any rain, snow or even complete submersion up to 1 meter.”
Errors to Avoid
“One common mistake is ranging off brush or branches in front of the animal.” Egli said. “Always double-check so your line of sight is clear, and use scan mode to verify consistent readings. Another error is assuming angle compensation doesn’t matter — it absolutely does when shooting from elevated positions or steep terrain.”
Hellman issued a caution too often overlooked. “Many of our current rangefinders feature an internal digital compass. In order to maintain accurate calibration and value, the device shouldn’t be used or stored in proximity to magnets commonly found in binocular harnesses.”
And when it comes to caring for the glass, Holm advised, “Always clean lenses with a proper lens cloth and cleaning solution — never a sleeve or glove. After a wet or snowy outing, let them dry naturally. Don’t crank up the heat.”
With all the mindboggling number of features they offer today, Overstreet mentioned an oversight too many make. “A common mistake, unfortunately, is not taking the time to fully understand your rangefinding monocular or rangefinding binocular,” he said. “At its simplest, yes, if you push the button, you’ll get a range. But many modern rangefinders have various modes and methods of use. Always read the manual and learn about the different modes and features in your rangefinder — or you might not get the reading that you need when the time comes to shoot that trophy bull elk.”
There’s no reason, after all, to own a cutting-edge rangefinder if you’re not going to unleash that horsepower when you press the button.
