Binocular Reviews Home > Rangefinder Binoculars > Best 10x42 Binos with Laser Rangefinder
In this article, I have selected what I believe to be the best 10x42 laser rangefinder binoculars in a range of price levels to show you their main features and to help you to pick the ideal one to meet your personal needs and budget.
As the name suggests, a binocular laser rangefinder combines two instruments in one body: a pair of binoculars, and a laser rangefinder. These instruments are mainly designed for and aimed at specialized uses, such as hunting, the military and law enforcement.
However there are other uses and enthusiasts that will also appreciate knowing the exact distance to the object that they are viewing.
Note: A laser ranger is not the ideal solution for marine uses as water reflections can interfere with accurate distance measurement and the relatively short maximum range is often a limiting factor. In this situation you are most probably better off using a specifically designed Marine Binocular with a Reticle Rangefinder.
Before I get to my reviews and recommendations, I will discuss my thoughts on what determines the value and what to look out for in this type of instrument. However you may wish to skip the blurb and go straight to the recommended best rangefinder binoculars:
Nikon LaserForce 10x42 | Cost & Where to Buy -> High Performance
Swarovski EL Range 10x42 | Cost & Where to Buy -> Best of the Best
Vortex Fury HD | Cost & Where to Buy -> High Performance
Bushnell 10x42 Fusion 1 Mile ARC | Cost & Where to Buy ->Low Cost, Good Performance
Leica Geovid HD-R 10x42 | Cost & Where to Buy -> Best of the Best
SNYPEX Knight LRF | Cost & Where to Buy -> Low Cost, Good Performance
There are two main types of binoculars with rangefinder. Reticle and laser rangefinders. For information on these two types, and how they work, please take a moment to read the BBR guide to Rangefinder Binoculars.
In this case an onboard laser rangefinder measures the distance to the target at the press of a button and superimposes this information on the image in the view.
It does this by emitting a laser pulse that reflects back from the target. The time this takes is used to measure the distance between the binoculars and the target.
Important Features
The main features to look out for on the ranger include:
1) Effective range (Note the actual range to a target like a deer will be different to the maximum range to something larger and more reflective)
2) Some models are also able to apply ballistic calculations to provide angle compensated range information, not just the line of sight distance measured.
3) Ease of use - both the menu system and the position of the buttons should be considered here.
Whilst it is obviously important that the rangefinder accurately measures distance to target, you should most certainly not forget the quality of the chassis and the optics contained within. Your instrument needs to be tough enough to withstand the elements and the quality of glass and coatings largely determine the quality of the image and the level of detail that can be seen.
For most uses, but especially hunting and many security uses, it is also very important that optical performance is good in the low light conditions that you will often encounter at the start or the end of the day and early evening.
Value for money is often the trade-off between the quality of the binoculars, the optics and the ranger that you choose and the budget you can afford, while balancing other factors such as your preferences and the weight (alongside the weight of your other gear).
For more on the important features of the chassis and optics that you need to keep in mind, take a moment to read my guide to hunting binoculars.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind when you are deciding if using a laser rangefinder is the right choice:
Stealth
The first is that the laser dot projected onto your target has the potential to alert it to your presence, or disturb it in some way. In some ways this is far more of an issue for law enforcement and the military than hunting, but it is something to keep in mind depending on what your main use for the device will be.
Range
Another consideration is that laser rangefinders work better on hard, more reflective targets and are more inaccurate on soft / furry targets. This will vary depending on the quality of the rangefinder used.
Also keep in mind that in less than optimal conditions and for less reflective targets the maximum measurable distance is going to be reduced.
If either of these issues is of major concern, then you may be best opting to use a bin with a reticle ranger instead.
I have selected the following six binoculars which I believe are currently amongst the best in the market and thus worth considering for all your rangefinding and hunting needs:
This hunting binocular offers impressive features and combines optical performance with ranging precision. They offer a good field of view (although not considered wide), and eye relief that can accommodate glasses.
The metal chassis provides a sturdy pair of binoculars.
Price Range
RRP is $1,199.95, currently on sale for a little less than this - check the current price in your country here:
Based around the flagship EL series, as to be expected from Swarovski, this instrument combines razor-sharp images with precise range and angle measurements. These Swarovski rangefinder binoculars also sport integrated objective lens and eyepiece covers, and come in a dull green ideal for camouflage.
Performance is exceptional, even in twilight, and the minimum focus distance is an impressive 5 feet. These binoculars are ideally suited to wearers of glasses, and have a very comfortable eye relief. The minimum range of the rangefinder (33 yards) is not the best, but this should not be an issue for most hunters.
For more on the level of optics, the chassis and the accessories, be sure to read my full review of the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 Binoculars.
Price Range
At the time of writing, the Swarovski EL Rangefinder binoculars are available for around $3,299 on the open market - check current retail price in your country:
Based on the Viper HD, these Vortex binoculars with rangefinder are primarily aimed at the hunting market. You can read the BBR mini review here, or take a look at this page on Vortex rangefinder binoculars and monoculars for more in-depth details.
Optics
The Vortex Fury comes with many high end featured including HD, fully multi-coated optics and a very good laser rangefinder. The optics also include a super hard exterior lens coatings to protect your view.
Laser Rangefinder
The rangefinder can be operated in several modes, including angle correction for horizontal distance and a scan mode to provide updated readings for a moving target.
Whilst the maximum range is 1600 yards, the effective range is about 1000 yards for deer.
Several users of the Fury claim that it performs well in low light conditions, which I can confirm based on my experience of the Viper Viper HD Binoculars that use the same optics.
Vortex provide a full VIP lifetime warranty on their Fury Binoculars Laser Rangefinders.
Video
The video below produced by Vortex provides a good overview of the binocular and the rangefinder functions:
Price Range
With a MSRP of $1,599.99, the Vortex Fury HD Rangefinder binoculars are currently on sale for around $1200 in the US, take a look at the link below to check prices and to buy in your country
As one of the lower priced entries in my selection, these Bushnell binoculars with rangefinder include features tailored for the rifle hunter who is perhaps on a tighter budget:
Field of view and the maximum range for non-reflective targets are not as good as the more expensive contenders, but they are a third of the price.
Of all the binoculars with laser rangefinders I have presented on this page, this pair have the most generous amount of eye relief and thus will most easily accommodate spectacle wearers.
Whilst it is true that these may not match the very high end "alpha" type instruments on this page, features like fully multi-coated optics, BaK-4 roof prisms with phase corrective coatings and water repellent lens coating on the exterior demonstrate that this is still a high quality optical instrument and will deliver a more than satisfactory image even in low light.
Video
Whilst the video below from Bushnell does not offer up too much information, I think it is worth taking a look at to get a better understanding of it's size:
Price Range
One of the least expensive, but still great quality laser rangefinder binos on the market, the Bushnell Fusion currently retails from between $750 and $850:
Impressive is the word, these Leica rangefinding binoculars (Edition 2200 - TYPE 403) must surely be one of the best looking bins out there. On top of this they offer the best in optics, with many top end features like fluoride ED glass lens elements and proprietary multi-coatings.
This means super bright and clear images with true color fidelity in all light conditions, including very low light.
These Leica rangefinder binoculars can range to stationary targets or scan to track moving targets, and also can measure multiple subjects. They have extremely good performance in low light conditions, and meet and surpass pretty much all your hunting and nature-watching needs.
There are several other features too: decent dioptic adjustment, tethered objective lens caps, eyepiece caps which tether to the strap, and repellent lens coatings.
Price Range
These super high quality "alpha" type bins have a current price of about $2,499 and thus are obviously aimed at those that simply want the very best:
Whilst I know that this choice is not a 10x42, I do feel that these Snypex rangefinder binoculars are worth a mention as they offer you a high quality ranging binocular, but a lower price of entry and look to me to offer very good value for money:
Billed as suitable for law enforcement as well as hunting, The SNYPEX Knight laser rangefinder binoculars have all the basics covered, some great quality optics, but do not offer angle compensated horizontal measurement.
They do ranging modes for rainy conditions, heavy mist, and through interfering objects like tree branches and electrical wires (the maximum range under these conditions is highly reduced though).
Multi-coated optics with Bak-4 roof prisms ensure a bright image even in low light conditions.
The chassis is aluminum and magnesium, and the exterior is coated in rubber armor.
Price Range
Whilst these have a RRP of $1,119.99, they can now be purchased for as little as $699 (at the time of writing) for latest prices in your country, check the link below:
The six laser rangefinder binoculars selected for this review range from $750 to $3,300.
All have more than capable optics and a very good build quality with tough water and fogproof bodies.
Best of the Best - The Swarovski and Leica rangefinders offer a no compromise approach where they have combined the very best components and expertise in every single area. So whilst not cheap, they will appeal to those who are after perfection in all areas.
High Performance - The Vortex Fury and Nikon LaserForce have made a few compromises (not many) and thus still offer an extremely high performance, both in terms of their optics and the ranger, but at a price level that will be in reach of more users.
Low Cost, Good Performance - Both the Bushnell Fusion and the Snypex Knight LRF offer some excellent value for money. Sure they may not match the higher end instruments in every area, but make no mistake these are still both more than capable rangers and optics in their own right and will provide those on a tighter budget with an instrument that they can use with confidence in all conditions.
Extras: As these instruments tend to be a bit heavier, I think if you are going to be spending long days out in the field or if as a hunter for example you carry other gear like a rifle or bow with you, then you really should consider investing in a good binocular rangefinder harness:
Well constructed, higher quality 10x42 ranging binoculars with expensive glass, a battery and the extra electronics are fairly heavy. For example Leica Geovid 10x42 HD-R above weighs 33.3oz (980g).
Not only can this weight soon become a little uncomfortable if you are only using a standard neck strap, but it is less secure and unless you hold onto it can swing about as you climb over rough or difficult terrain.
One of my best purchases for my camera (weighing 81oz with my birding lens attached) was a shoulder sling strap. Several manufacturers produce a harness strap for binoculars that distributes the weight across both shoulders, frees up your hands to hold onto other gear and keeps them securely against your chest: For more, take a look at this guide on the Best Binocular Harness for Hunting.
Below are some recent binoculars with rangefinders that I have reviewed:
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Very High powered monocular with a large 50mm objective lens and high-quality optics ideal for long range hunting & security uses. The Vortex Recon RT 15x50 Monocular is a third of the weight of the equivalent size and powered binocular as well as being half the size and thus is ideal if size and weight are an important factor. Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Monoculars |
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The Vortex Fury HD combines high quality optical components with a powerful laser rangefinder in a tough shell that is sure to perform even in the harshest of conditions. Highlights included dielectric coated prisms, tough exterior lens coatings, a laser range finder with a maximum range of 1600 yards with multiple modes including one which compensates for the angle from you to your target. Price: (5/6) High Value Binoculars |
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The 7x50 configuration, tough body designed to withstand the elements as well as it's bright image, wide field of view and of course the rangefinding reticle, digital GPS and compass mark these Celestron binoculars out as the ideal companion for boaters, security and military personnel as well as hunters and especially those involved in search and rescue operations.
Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars | |||||||||||||||
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Rangefinder Binoculars on Amazon:
Price & Where to Buy
Price & Where to Buy
