Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Rangefinding Binos...

A couple of general notes, as I've been using various RF binoculars for more than a decade:

The image won't be quite as good as through the same company's non-RF binoculars of the same grade, because the RF stuff inside tends to scatter the light slightly. But it will be close--and with really good brands will still be VERY good.

Often RF binoculars will work at very close ranges (as for bowhunting) IF you push the barrels as close to each other as possible. The reason they often don't work under 30 yards or so is the laser beam comes out of one barrel, then bounces back to the other barrel. With the binocular used normally, with the barrels set for both our eyes, the returning beam often misses the receiving barrel. But when the barrels are pushed close together, they'll often read down to 10 yards or so.

Not much interest in multitasking instruments especially in the electronics world. I have rangefinders and binos, and those for hunting can reside in shirt pockets. Electronic technology advances such that components will be outdated within a year and replacement parts become unavailable. It's not just binos and rangefinders. I have some electronics at work that ran over $5K. Quite frustrating when one needs service to find they're no longer supported.

If there is an advantage to RF binocs, it's speed. You can get a range in the blink of an eye, transition to rifle for the shot.

No middle step needed. Now, how many times would that be critical...?

Not sure, but once may be enough.

DF

This has happened to me. Exactly as stated:

1) see game.
2) get RF to range game
3) set up for shot

The time spent between 1 and 3 results in lost opportunity, either bc game moves out of small window, runs off, etc. Never “ruined” a hunt, but soured the moment.

Happen often enough to make me want RF bins? Hmm. That’s the $3,000 question I suppose. Bc I’m not buying non alpha bins.

I got $3K binocs from Doug for around half that much. Still expensive, but not as painful as retail.

Check with him. Like you, I don't want non Alpha. If RF cuts down on optical quality, it's not enough to be a concern, IME.

DF