Laser rangefinder binoculars?

I'm considering buying either one quality rangefinder (such as the Leica CRF 900) and a pair of good binoculars, such as the Nikon Monarch series. I know, however, that when hunting I prefer fewer pieces of equipment. That's why I have considered the Leupold RXB-IV Digital Laser Range Finding Binoculars, but I haven't been able to see them IRL. I did see the earlier version (in the Wind River series, I believe) and I didn't like it at all. What's the difference between these two? Any experiences? I'm after good quality optics and a good rangefinder, not top-of-the-line things. Does this product have these qualities? Any suggestions would be welcome.

Sincerely

Mike Winnerstig

Hi

No real difference and if you used the earlier Wind River version, you will be diasappointed. Mostly a change in software on the LRF, not the optics.

Most hunters carry an LRF monocular, since these are small enough these days to fit in a pocket and you will only be using one a very small percentage of the time. You will be using the binocular far more. Why lose handling qualites, reliability and settle for a weaker warranty (you also get get a shorter warranty whenever you add electronics to a binocular) on the binocular by adding an LRF?

Jne_K wrote:Hi
Why lose handling qualites, reliability and settle for a weaker warranty (you also get get a shorter warranty whenever you add electronics to a binocular) on the binocular by adding an LRF?

Thanks for your answer. Well, I'm into this essentially because I want to minimize the number of gadgets on my person when hunting and because I'm right-handed but left-eye dominant (which makes small upright monoculars such as the Leica CRF 900/1200 very awkward). I had the earlier version of the Leica LRF before and liked that one much better, since it had the eyepiece on the left and was not an upright. I lost this one in a recent burglary and they are not made anymore. Since the optics were not at all as good as in a bino I wanted to explore the combination thing. I've tried the Leica Geovid as well but at three or four times the price of the Leupold - and twice the weight - I'm not convinced that that's the way to go either.

Hi

I understand. Basically a choice of convenience versus performance. No way will the RXB-IV compare in terms of handling or optics to a conventinal bino at the same price. Your call.

Jne_K wrote:Hi

I understand. Basically a choice of convenience versus performance. No way will the RXB-IV compare in terms of handling or optics to a conventinal bino at the same price. Your call.

Well, I know that it is a compromise product....

but what combination would you suggest instead? I want a rangefinder that is not of the small wobbly Leica style and a good, smallish bino (Nikon Monarch or the like). Total price may be somewhat higher than for the RXB-IV. Let me know.

Hi

Try a a Nikon Monarch 800 and a Leupold Pinnacles.