I’d say that depends on the distances you’ll need to range. And then you need to know how far the various RF will actually work. If you are ranging reflective objects, even the cheap Nikons and Bushnell will do that for you. If your ‘target’ is a small coyote or mud covered hog at 400 or 500 yards, you need to spend more money. I gave away my Nikon 600 to the grandson. It would range a coyote to 400 yards, but not 410. I replaced it with a Sig Kilo, which was not impressive. Sent it back and got a Leica 2000B, and I have been very happy with it. I’ve ranged deer to almost 800 yards, and it might do better I’d I could find a further deer.
I have Sig3000 binos. For my hunting needs they're great. I had difficulty finding mule deer at 500 yards in low light with a conventional Leupold range finder. I've never had high end binos so I can only compare the glass on these to the last pair of mid range Leupolds binos I had. The sig range finding binos glass is better, and so is the range finder. To hunt, I needed both a range finder and binos. Decent binos and a good range finder cost about 1/2 of what I have in the sig ranging binos that were right at $1000.00. Good sized objective for light and decent x for a good field of view and it's no problem finding and ranging deer at 800 yards. I'm sure they would range deer farther but I haven't had the chance to find out.
I got this done (I thought) three years ago. Leica Geovid range finding binos, 1000 yard rated. Phenomenal glass! I carry one thing.
Got the newest version in December, because the version I had would only range 1000 yards. Needed more laser. The new ones tout 3000 yards capable.
Of course, "most" people do not need a laser that goes that far. A good friend of mine knew good and well I would upgrade one day and claimed the 1000 yard model as soon as I got them three years ago.
I've never been disappointed in a purchase like that, worth every penny. A stand alone range finder worked for me until I started mule deer hunting. I'd get to a set up and range shooting zones and dial later if I needed to. Now, finding mule deer 500 yards and beyond, then wanting to get on them for a shot........I can't see how that's done in fading light with a straight up range finder.
Got a pair of GPO 10x50 Rangefinder binoculars last year and finally able to use them hunting last month. Glass is clear, ranges out to 3000 yds on reflective targets and out to 800 yds on non reflective such as deer, elk etc. Never thought I would pay 1600.00 for binoculars.
Well if I haven’t already spent enough money now it’s time to invest in a range finder, which ones should I look at ?
On a stand alone non-Bino combo, I highly suggest a model with auto red brightness setting. Had a few mishaps of blinging or not bright enough and lost in bright light day.
I have not tried either, however there are some non-sponsored reviews currently out on the 8k that shows it is failing repeatedly in cold temps. I am not saying all 8ks are but the one the reviewer purchased is. Battery drain is beyond normal, inability to get a range at all or is limited in how far it can range (i.e. nothing past 500yds). Kind of disheartening. Sigs either work great or they are riddled with electrical gremlins. I run both the 2200 and the 2400 ABS and fortunately haven't had any issues beyond an inability to get a range a couple of times in the past. Didn't think much of it then, but seeing some of these reviews, I wonder if it was cold temps that affected mine also. I'll be paying more attention going forward.
Leica Geovid range finding binos - Fireman suggested these a couple years back. Give Doug a call at Camera Land. He hooked me up with an amazing deal! Highly suggest those rangefinding binos and calling Camera Land!
Yeah, it's serious. I finally convinced myself, they will hold probably 60-70% of their value, warranty is solid should I need it, I will not upgrade for 10 years, maybe more. So, $3000 spread over 10 years is $25 a month for Alpha glass and an Alpha laser. You just have to pay it all up front.