1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best optics
3. Best technical capability
4. Best budget option
5. Best mid-range model
6. Best build quality
7. Best budget non-laser rangefinder
8. Rangefinder binoculars FAQs
9. How we test
If you need to track and measure how far away your photography subjects are, the best rangefinder binoculars are a must-have bit of kit. They aren't cheap, but they make up for it by being a convenient bit of kit. We've rounded up the best models and considered a range of budgets when putting together this guide.
The distance you can see with a pair of these binoculars typically varies based on how much money you're willing to spend. Generally, with mid-priced rangefinder binoculars, you can expect to see around a kilometer. If you go for cheaper binoculars, they'll likely have a shorter range, and if you opt for the priciest ones, they'll give you a longer range.
Modern rangefinder binoculars typically measure distances by using laser technology. They'll transmit a laser beam — importantly, one that's safe for human eyes — onto your target, which will then give an exact measurement of how far away it is. Nifty, right? Older-style rangefinder binoculars will instead use a reticle rather than a laser beam, but they can still be very precise.
If rangefinders are what you need, head to our rangefinder binoculars FAQ section at the bottom of this page to learn more about them. Or, if you're looking for traditional binoculars, we've also tested the best binoculars and the best compact binoculars for you to take a look at.
The quick list
Best for optical quality
Though they sit at an eye-watering price point, these rangefinders edge over the competition in terms of optical quality thanks to their fully multi-coated glass lenses and prisms.
Best for technical proficiency
The perfect combination of optical performance and technical capability. Their glass boasts 91% light transition so you get sharp images from edge to edge.
Best budget option
These are decent rangefinders at an affordable price point, we're happy to recommend them as a good budget pair for those in search of good quality optics that don't break the bank. They're waterproof to IPX7 too.
Best mid-range model
If you're looking for a rangefinder from a well-known and trusted brand, give these a try. It has a limited range compared to others here, but it's still powerful enough for most users.
Best build quality
Zeiss is a prestige optics brand, so you won't be surprised to hear they offer great optical quality. The powerful laser rangefinder is more than adequate, and you can send the information from the binos onto the dedicated Zeiss app.
Best budget non-laser rangefinder
This is an affordable pair that offer good-quality optics. They have a reticle (like crosshairs on a rifle scope) that help you calculate the distance of your subject. Not particularly accurate, but robust and budget friendly.
Russ Swan is a UK-based freelance science writer and author with a love of all things related to space and aviation. He built his own 100mm refractor telescope from some bits found in a military surplus store, and once had lunch with Neil Armstrong. His popular science book The Physics Behind… explains not just how the universe works, but why. He tweets (occasionally)!
Best rangefinder binoculars we recommend 2024
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Best optics
✅ You only want the best: These binoculars tower above the competition and the image is sharp from edge to edge, but you will have to dig deep into your pockets to invest.
✅ You're techy: They come with a dedicated app that shows ballistics and range corrections.
❌ You need a longer laser: The laser range extends to 1370m which is the shortest range out of the other top picks in this guide.
🔎 Swarovski EL Range 10x42: The crème de la crème of rangefinder binoculars, but a huge investment. ★★★★½
Ultimately, it's the exceptional optical quality of the Swarovski EL Range 10x42 binoculars that has landed them a top spot on our list of the best rangefinder binoculars. They offer up an incredibly clear and bright image, even in low light, thanks to their 42mm objective lenses and 90% light transmission.
The standout feature of the Swarovski Range binoculars isn't just their optics; they also excel in measuring technology. With a laser range of 1370m, though slightly less than some competitors, it's still more than sufficient. Plus, you'll receive an accurate measurement in about half a second. What's more, you can effortlessly link these binoculars to your smartphone for seamless data transfer.
Of course, it's important to note that the Swarovski EL Range 10x42 binoculars are prohibitively expensive. These aren't a tool for amateurs; serious rangefinder binoculars only. But if you can afford it, you're getting a seriously great piece of kit for your money, and this is a pair of binoculars that will last for a long time to come.
These binoculars offer a 10x magnification and have a twilight factor of 20.5. We think this makes them a preferable option compared to Swarovski's EL Range 8x42 binoculars, which, despite being similarly priced, feature a smaller magnification and only offer a twilight factor of 18.3.
- See our Best compact binoculars guide for more portable binos
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | High-end multi-coated lenses. |
| Performance | Razor-sharp images right to the edges. |
| Functionality | Ballistics app and range corrections. |
Best technical capability
✅ You like tech: These are ideal for tech-savvy long-distance spotters. The slick app displays all the ballistic measurements you could ask for; you can customize how they are displayed (for example units of distance).
✅ You need measurements quickly: It takes just 0.3 seconds for the rangefinder to take a single measurement.
✅ You will be spotting in inclement weather: These rangefinders are nitrogen purged for use in all weather environments and they are waterproof to a distance of 16 ft/5m.
❌ You have a small budget: These rangefinders cost almost $2500, an eye-watering cost if you won't be using them often.
🔎 Leica 10x42 Geovid 3200.COM: If you need rapid measurements, look no further, if you can afford to. ★★★★½
One of the most impressive things about the Leica 10x42 Geovid 3200.COM is its hugely impressive range. These binoculars can measure distances of up to 3,200 yards (2,926 meters), the longest range (by far) on this list. If you need to measure long distances, then the Geovid 3200.COM should be seriously considered.
Weighing in at just 2.1 lbs, these binoculars are surprisingly lightweight considering their impressive tech features. They come equipped with integrated Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to a smartphone app where you can personalize and store all your ballistic measurements. Distance readings are insanely fast, taking only 0.3 seconds, and they also include built-in weather sensors for real-time air pressure, temperature and angle data. Their ergonomic design makes them comfortable to hold, but they can also be mounted on a tripod if needed.
These binoculars have more to offer than just their design: they also feature excellent optics, thanks to a unique Perger-Porro prism design. With a wide field of view of 342 feet at 1000 yards and BaK-4 glass providing 91% light transmission, they deliver bright, sharp views right to the edge of the image, even in low-light situations.
There's no escaping that these are eye-wateringly expensive binoculars, but they come with a 30-year warranty to give you peace of mind, and with their rugged build, we've no doubt that they would last you for years. They're also nitrogen-purged and waterproof at depths of up to 16ft/5m for added protection in any weather.
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| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Perger-Porro prism design. |
| Performance | Offers measurements in 0.3 seconds. |
| Functionality | Bluetooth and customizable ballistic measurements. |
Best budget rangefinders
✅ You like getting good value for money: Historically we have been a bit wary of Bushnell as we've found some of their products to be a bit too budget, but these are good quality at a decent price point.
❌ You're looking for a lightweight model: Though it's not much heavier than other models on this list, you can still save a couple of ounces by purchasing a different model.
🔎 Bushnell Fusion X 10x42: If you can find them in stock, snap them up if you're on a budget — they're great value for money. ★★★★
Bushnell's range of affordable binoculars can be a bit hit-and-miss regarding build quality, but we can certainly recommend their Fusion X 10x42 as a good budget pair of rangefinders that exceeded our expectations.
The optics on the Fusion X binoculars are excellent, although they can't compete with the higher-end rangefinders on this list. But for the price, we think these offer excellent value for money, and if you're on a tighter budget, you shouldn't be disappointed.
The laser can reach up to a mile in favorable conditions and comes with several helpful features. With ActivSync Reticle Technology, it adjusts the display color from black to red based on lighting conditions automatically. Plus, Angle Range Compensation allows you to view both the true horizontal distance and the distance for your specific line of sight, which is useful for observing subjects uphill or downhill from you.
We also love how robust and sturdy the Bushnell Fusion X 10x42 binoculars are. They come with IPX7 waterproofing, so you don't have to worry about getting caught out in the rain — it means they can be submerged up to 1m for 30 minutes. The lenses also come fully coated, protecting against fog, dust and oil.
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| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Handy ActivSync display. |
| Performance | Accurate with good-quality optics. |
| Functionality | Laser reach of up to a mile. |
Best mid-range model
✅ You like reputable brands: Nikon has been a leading manufacturer of optical instruments since 1917 so you know the products can be trusted, which is good as the warranty policy isn't the best.
❌ You need an exceptionally long laser: Though the 1750m range is more than enough for most users, choose something else if you need it to go further.
🔎 Nikon Laserforce 10x42: A great mid-range pair from a trusted brand, the 1750m range will be enough for most users. ★★★★
The Nikon Laserforce 10x42 rangefinder binoculars aren't exactly budget, but you know you're buying into a brand synonymous with quality optics. These will do the job nicely if you're looking for a great mid-range set of rangefinder binos.
These binoculars are rubberized, waterproof and fog-proof, with nitrogen-purged internals to prevent mold and rot. Nikon's warranty policy can be a bit tricky: they offer a lifetime warranty on optical parts and a seven-year warranty on non-optical parts. Interestingly, electronic components are only covered for one year, which is strange because, without them, you're just left with a heavy and expensive pair of regular binoculars.
The ID (incline/decline) system compensates for angles up to 89 degrees. As you'd expect from Nikon, the optics are top-notch, with fully multi-coated lenses and prisms, and even include extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to correct chromatic aberrations that would otherwise cause color fringing.
Of course, there are some trade-offs from the higher end of this list. You won't have the longest laser here: the Nikon Laserforce 10x42's laser reaches 1750m, which is more than adequate for most users, but if you need a longer reach, you will have to pay more.
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| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Rubberized, water and fog resistant. |
| Performance | Excellent optics with ED glass. |
| Functionality | 1750m laser range. |
Best build quality
✅ You will be using them in inclement weather: Zeiss developed and utilizes LotuTec which is a coating that means a clear and unhindered view in all weather conditions.
❌ You're sticking to a budget: These rangefinders are a significant investment and cost nearly $3000. In reality, they are reserved for professional spotters.
🔎 Zeiss Victory 10x54: Outperforming many other laser rangefinders — a reflection of the top-quality engineering that's gone into them. ★★★★
Zeiss has long been a go-to brand for binoculars and makes some of the best quality optics on the planet. Combine this with a powerful laser rangefinder, and it becomes a very handy tool for use in the field, but it comes at a price.
The Victory 10x54 binoculars are designed for serious users who need top-notch performance, and they definitely deliver. They're built with impressive engineering and are a great investment. Zeiss Victory rangefinders are also available in different setups, with options like 42mm or 54mm objective lenses and 8x or 10x magnification. While all configurations are excellent, we think the 10x54s are the top choice.
Zeiss Victory binoculars use fluorite lenses coated with their multi-layer T-coating to maximize light transmission, which on paper is 95%. The eyepieces also include a second coating called LocuTec that deters moisture and dust.
It's not really surprising, then, that these laser rangefinder binoculars outperform most others in terms of optics, but also in data and speed. You can send your range data to your smartphone using a dedicated Zeiss app, for example, and use it to calculate things like corrections for critical tilt and environmental factors.
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| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Fluorite lenses with T-coating. |
| Performance | 95% light transmission. |
| Functionality | Bluetooth and Zeiss smartphone app. |
Best budget non-laser rangefinder
✅ You have a tight budget: These don't have any of the bells and whistles that the laser rangefinders do, but sitting at the $100 price point, they are definitely one of the cheapest solutions.
❌ You don't like mental math: These are manual rangefinders, which means no laser to bounce back and tell you how far away something is. It is not accurate or convenient like a laser rangefinder.
🔎 USCamel 10x50 UW004: A cheap rangefinder solution, but you'll have to do the calculations in your head. ★★★
These USCamel binoculars are the only ones on our list without laser technology, and that's partially why they come in at such a low price. Instead of lasers, these use a reticle (also known as a graticule) superimposed on the image in the right tube — it looks a little like crosshairs down a rifle scope.
It takes some mental calculation and knowing the size of your target, but this method gives you a pretty accurate rangefinder measurement without the high cost of laser binoculars. However, it's not as convenient as using a laser, and since you're relying on your own calculations, there's a chance they won't be spot-on.
Importantly, however, the USCamel 10x50 UW004 binoculars themselves are of excellent build quality, which we were surprised with considering it's a lesser-known brand. They come with top-of-the-range BaK-4 glass which is fully-coated, and the body is nitrogen-purged waterproof.
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| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Recticle rather than laser. |
| Performance | Not the most accurate, but rugged and affordable. |
| Functionality | BaK-4 glass, fully multi-coated and waterproof. |
Best rangefinder binoculars: Frequently Asked Questions
What are rangefinder binoculars?
How do rangefinder binoculars differ from normal binoculars?
Rangefinder binoculars are like regular binoculars but can also measure their distance from subjects during observation. This is helpful for wildlife spotters and hunters.
Most rangefinder binoculars have an eye-safe laser that beams onto subjects during viewing. This laser beam is reflected back to the binoculars sensor and the distance is calculated, displaying in the binoculars for the viewer. However, there are some manual models (one of which we've included above) that use a reticule (or a graticule) to allow observers to calculate distance manually.
What are the best rangefinder binoculars?
The Swarovski EL Range 10x42 are the best rangefinder binoculars and rank at the top of our guide. However, they may be out of the price range of many generalist or hobbyist observers. Another premium pair is the Leica Geovid 3200.COM 10x42 which cost about $1000 less.
What are the best rangefinder binoculars under $500?
The USCamel 10x50 UW004 are the best rangefinder binoculars under $500 but do not use a laser to measure distance; you have to make the calculations yourself. If a laser is a must-have, we'd recommend the Bushnell Fusion X which is on average around $550.
What are the best rangefinder binoculars under $1000?
The Nikon Laserforce 10x42 are the best rangefinder binoculars under $1000. They are lightweight (1.9 lb or 876g), have a laser range of up to 1750 meters, and are waterproof. Their price fluctuates to just either side of $1000, so if you spot them for less, be sure to snap them up.
What rangefinder binocular glass is best?
When choosing rangefinder binoculars, the most important factor to consider is the optical quality. No matter how sophisticated the electronics or other features are, if you can't get a clear image of the subject, the binoculars are useless. Look for binoculars with fully multi-coated lenses (FMC), BaK-4 glass, and phase-corrected prism coatings. Some high-end manufacturers, such as Zeiss, use fluorite glass and proprietary coatings to maximize light-gathering ability.
How long do rangefinder binoculars last?
When choosing rangefinder binoculars, it is important to consider build quality and warranty. Binoculars range from splash-proof to submarine-grade waterproofness, and nitrogen-purged internals can help prevent fogging. It is also important to check the laws in your area to make sure that the binoculars you are considering are legal to own.
Where are the best rangefinder binocular deals?
As with any significant purchase, it really pays to shop around. The market for binoculars with rangefinders is rapidly changing as manufacturers strive to continually improve their products with new features and improved electronics. This means that bargains can sometimes be found among discontinued devices if you don't feel the need to own the very latest rangefinder technology.
Do rangefinder binoculars need batteries?
Yes, laser rangefinder binoculars like the Nikon Laserforce 10x42 will require power in order to work so will require batteries. Most models accept CR2 batteries. However, there are some manual models like the USCamel 10x50 UW004 which do not use a laser and instead rely on a reticule (graticule) so do not require batteries.
Can I link my rangefinder binoculars to my smartphone?
Yes. Models that use Bluetooth in this guide include the Zeiss Victory 10x54 and the Leica 10x42 Geovid 3200.com. Nowadays, a lot of rangefinder binoculars come with dedicated smartphone apps that gather data over Bluetooth and make corrections for the weather and inclination. That's great if you don't mind getting your phone out, but it's worth checking what information is actually displayed in the viewfinder before making a choice.
What if rangefinder binoculars aren't for me?
Be sure to check our other binocular guides — we have put together the top picks of the best binoculars, the best binoculars for kids, the best compact binoculars and best night vision binoculars too.
What do I need for my rangefinder binoculars?
Our top tip is to always carry a spare battery with you. The majority of the devices in this review use a standard CR2 battery and should deliver thousands of distance measurements before needing replacement, but for the cost and size of a small CR2 battery, it's worth pocketing it before heading out to avoid disappointment.
How we test the best rangefinder binoculars
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best rangefinder binoculars to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every bino through a rigorous review to fully test each instrument. Each rangefinder binocular is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
We look at what functionality they have, how easy they are to operate, whether eye relief can be adjusted for spectacles wearers, if a binocular comes with appropriate accessories or carry bags and also make suggestions if a particular set of binos would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com ensures you get the best buying advice on binoculars, and whether you should purchase a particular instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
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