Depends on what you are doing. Are you hunting from multiple stands that you are putting up prior to season or are you taking a climber and setting up over sign....
1. On every ladder stand that I have up "permanently" I know the distance to every tree around it. I walked them off and made a sketch diagram. I know 40 yards in every direction like the back of my hand. If this is your type of hunting then buy the binos, buy GOOD binos that won't fog when its cold or you are panting from buck fever. They also help pass the time when nothing is moving.
2. If you hunt different areas or open areas or spot and stalk buy a range finder. Knowing your distances is the most important and ethical piece of your puzzle. Ask your wife, parents, sig. other, siblings, etc. to pool their money and buy you a gift certificate for your birthday. Then go buy the other one