RF Bino vs Stand Alone

I’ve been doing some saving for upgrading binos and am debating between Swaro EL Range 10x42 TA and the NL Pure 12x42 and sticking with my handheld RF. Got to use the TA model a couple weeks ago and was blown away at glass quality for a range finding bino, and the tracking assist function/ballistics was a great add on.

As for use, I tend to hunt in the western states at least once per year. Traditionally I’ve stuck to rifle hunting, but this year I’ve got an opportunity for archery elk off a landowner tag in NM. then obviously sitting in the blind in Texas at short range, the all in one option is appealing. My concern is ranging animals at close range with binos seems like it could be a flaw (turkey and elk).

Appreciate any input.

What flaw do you anticipate by ranging at close range with the RF bino?
I guess some won’t range close but my Leica Pro 10x32 range to 7(or 10 ) yards.
For me, any of the 10x42 RF binos are just too big and bulky.

I was concerned about easy one handed operation with a bow in hand as well as the size and possibility of more body movement required that could spook an animal.

The position of the ranging button certainly can effect one handed. STx spoke to that on another thread one time. Your call on the extra motion.

Thanks for the input. Considering a majority of my time is in a blind or at long distances, I’m sure my concerns were minor.

Leica Geovid 3200.com 10X42 is what I carry.

So far, I've ranged 2600 yards, as well as 7 yards. And the glass is excellent!

I went from Steiner 10x42 binos and a Swarovski rangefinder to Leica 10x42 Geovuds 15 yrs ago. I archery and rifle hunt. My old Leicas would range 10 yards and out...new ones 15 or so. I ground blind hunt in archery season, box blind or stalking for whitetails and spot and stalk for mule deer. I prefer 1 bino/rangefinder now vs. 2 pieces of glass. I will range in advance when archery hunting and even place corn at exact ranges to aliveiat extra movement. My new Leicas are not as handy when trying to hold your bow and range....I do it but it is awkward for me.

Thanks Stx. Getting to a single piece of glass is biggest pro that I’m looking for. I thought about the 8x42 to save weight, but my eyes aren’t what they used to be and I need the magnification.

Leica 10x32 is much more compact than the 10x42. I know and understand that many don’t want to go from 42 to 32 but for my purpose the trade off is worth it.

I've not gotten to look through a pair of TA's, yet. BUT the NL Pure 12x42 is the only pair of binos I've looked through and my reaction was WOW!

My issue...I want the 12x Pures...I'm currently using a Sig 10x42 3000bdx that is an all in one. I know from a use perspective I'm addicted to it being one device not 2 and very likely I will HATE the whole Pure setup. I keep thinking Swarvo is smart enough to realize a 12x Pure w/ range finding would completely change the Bino RF combo market...meaning they would OWN the market and it wouldn't even be close from what I've seen. Supposedly there is something with the lens coating and the RF piece that creates challenges in a Pure range finder.

I've not seen the new Lieca offerings the x32 and the new x42 but I have seen the 3200/2700/HD-B and the Zeiss 10x42 (buddy has owned them 3 seasons and this is the first one they haven't been back to Germany) and to my eyes my Sig 3000 glass is just as good as the Zeiss the Leica's I've looked through are slightly better than the Z or Sig 3000...my eyes again.

I was assuming that they would also love to figure out how to get the RF into the NL Pures, since they would make a ton off of it... The TAs glass is pretty awesome compared to previous RF binos, but I have heard that it isn't to NL pure levels. I'm still waivering which way to go. I think I'm leaning towards the NL Pures with handheld RF since I have not grown used to current combo binos. So I'd be looking at just a huge upgrade in my binos. For my western rifle hunting, I do use my tripod for glassing and I understand that the NL Pures are pretty amazing on a tripod.

I have the SIG they are great.

BUT

as the others, very heavy

Thanks for the input Buzzsaw. I have friends that love the Sig, with the exception you noted.

For me, finding game with bino's, then ranging, then trying to get on the rifle just didn't work. For your situation, I'd have a $150-200 hand held RF for bow hunting, then RF bino's for rifle hunting.

I have Sig Kilo 3000 BDX. Work great for my hunting.

Midway has the Sig 6k for $300 off right now. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102418305?pid=338309

its going to be a while before they role out an NL pure Range. They really dont have to. The Swaro EL range still holds a large share of the market, and the market isnt ready for that NL Range price point either IMO

Im still rolling 11x maven bino’s and sig 7x hand held range but think im going to order the 15x56 Lecia Geo R here shortly

the 12x NL pures make life really challenging when it comes to wants and needs though. Damn good glass

I dont understand OnlySmiths first sentence, but his idea of a separate set up for bowhunting makes sense.
TxBuc had warned me about not liking a RF bino for bowhunting. I tried it this year with my xbow and I will probably try a stand alone RF next year for bow hunting and use the combo for rifle.

I think you’re right about no rush to build NL Pure with RF. No need other than a lot of folks wanting them.

I’m really torn on which way to go. I could argue for both.

If I'm in a predetermined area that I've scouted I know the ranges to most target areas. When glassing a random area with binos that did not have a built in rf, I spot a shooter with binos. Then, I need to range a with dedicated RF, then find same target in scope and try to make a shot. With RF binos, find it/range it, shoot it. One less step. Also, its hard to find that same target through a rf with a small objective. I missed out on a great mule deer with just a few minutes of light 2 seasons ago. With the RF binos I now have I'm certain if that same scenario presents itself I'll be looking at that mule deer on my wall rather than kicking my own a-- for not buying rf binos sooner. Bow hunting, the use of a RF is totally diferent.

Your explanation is totally different than what I thought you meant. I thought you were saying the combo unit is NOT good for rifle. Totally agree with you now. I’ve noticed your posts enough to know you think things through so things didn’t add up. 👍

I see that, I should have stated: "For me, finding game with bino's, then ranging with RF, then trying to get on the rifle just didn't work"

I bought my Leica Geovids back when they were the only range finding bino game in town. Also bought them when I didn't have the extra income I have now and had to save/sacrifice to buy them. It's the one piece of expensive hunting equipment I never regretted buying.

my biggest gripe about hand held hunt is hard to range far with out a steady rest.

where as a combo bino unit it seems to be steadier from my experience.

example I belly crawled 400-500 yards out in to a wheat field this year trying to get close enough for a 350 or < shot on a mule deer. I was having hell having to pop up on knees and get a realistic range.

I don't know if its beam size or just ergonomics and using both hands but the bino units are alot easier to range longer distances

I know exactly what you mean. I usually end up resting my handheld rf on top of my rifle scope or on top of the tripod (spotter or binos) to steady it up for longer distance ranges. Even then I end up ranging it 4 or 5 times to trust the range

TXB4, when I archery hunt out west, I prefer a handheld RF that I can use with one hand while I hold my bow in the other. I found a great bino option to combine with the handheld in the Sig Zulu6. Its fantastic for glassing out west...16x magnification and has a gyro stabilizer that settles the image...very reasonably priced too...

LOVE my Leica Geovids..
I MUCH prefer having one unit

Completely agree. Hard for me to range distance with the solo RF. Combo unit not always easy either but its better.
Short range bow hunting is a different deal. I just got my combo unit this year and tried it with my xbow and it was awkward. Im going to try my small hand held RF next year with xbow. My binos will be close by but not needed to be as handy bowhunting compared to rifle. If I was sneaking and crawling around with a bow Im not sure what I would do but I dont anticipate doing that. To sneak and crawl around with a rifle I dont do as much anymore either, but I would think the combo unit would be great for that.

I am pretty close to saying I have tried them all but they keep bringing out new and improved.
I tried the handheld solo RF when they were the the rage the SIg 2400with AB being top dog at that time.
Then went Sig 3000 then 10 K’s which I sold both but then got a 50% off on Sig so rebought the 10 K’s and they still have the blue tint but they are by a good margin the best Bino RF’s when just considering the ranging ability and speed.
Had Swaro TA’s which are solidly in number two as far as speed and ability to range and have awesome glass.
Got the Leica’s 8x32’s Pro and they are just about perfect for all around glass / speed / ranging distance and I have used them most hunting situations with the exception of when I have a tripod with me and then I have the Leica around my neck and the Swaro 12x42 Pures mounted to tripod.

For me right now ( which means this week) it’s as follows
Just hunting coyotes deer around here Leica Pro’s
Chasing stuff out west OR spotting for static competition like PRS or NRL22 it’s the Pures
I have used the Sig 10 K for competition where I am ranging on the clock like Steel Safari and for that the blue tint is not a big deal.
I am hearing the new Sig 6K does not have the blue tint but are limited to 800 yds unles they are Bluetooth to Kestrel or Garmin

Thanks for the input everyone! I’m leaning towards purchasing the NL Pures now and then looking into either the TAs or Geovids later on (specifically when I know I’ll have a heavy rifle hunt season). Found out I get a pretty good deal on the Leicas as well.

whichever you choose, get a quality harness. this Alaska Wilderness has enough room for light, ears, toilet paper, etc. i can just use it instead of a backpack

Guy wires could use a little attention, but the "patina" on that blind is outstanding.

I like the Jamaican Camo.

Such a great photo!!!!