Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

Hello all!

Well, here I am with another question...If I can just buy (for this season), either binoculars or range finder which one do you guys think is the more useful.
I plan on doing most of my hunting on foot...and plan on hunting mostly pig and deer.
Some thing else...I have a very limited budget of $250...[&o]

Thanks!

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

Rookie B., if I was in your shoes, I'd hold on to that 250.00. If you absoluteley have to buy one or the other, get the rangefinder. You can get alow to mid-range one for that price. Knowing your distances is key. Good luck. ;)

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

If you're in confined woods back east I'd say you're better off with just the rangefinder. With the wide open spaces out west I'd say hold out to save up your money on some good binos (At least $500), and practice getting good at yardage estimates. (Think of all the millenia of hunters that have killed game with a bow and without a rangefinder...)

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

Thank you!

I will save up and work more on my skills until I can buy some decent gear :D

PS. Kodiak, that is an AMAZING bear!!

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

I have a pair or Nikon 10x42 ATB binos, very good qaulity for about $320 and you can get a pretty good range finder for about the same. You dont have to spend a ton, but with optics you do get what you pay for.

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

For less than $200, you can get a Nikon 440 rangefinder. Its all you'll ever need for bowhunting. The only issue I've ever had with them is they are hard to use in very low light. You can get by without binos, but you have to know your distances. For $250, you can get some decent binos too, Nikon Monarch ATBs can be found close to that. I hear good things about Vortex binos too, they go for about 200. They might not be 1200 dollar steiners, but for a guy on a budget like myself, I couldn't possibly justify spending an extra grand on binos unless they find, field dress, and drag the deer for me.

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

I would definatley get the range finders. Some range finders actually have a little magnification and can be used as binoculars somewhat.

Plus you can always get a cheap pair that will work just fine.

Just my opinion...

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

I would try to get the rangefinders first and then save up for a better pair if binos. RF's are cheap but save as much as possible for the binos, you get what you pay for so spend as much as you can.

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

I would have to say get the rangefinders as well!

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

Rangefinder. I have the nikon 660 & it is a great help. plus you can use it to scope things in the distance , much like binocs.

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

If I had to choose between binos or a rangefinder I would go with the Binos..... I use the Nikon Monarch 10X42's and for the price (around $325) they are tuff to beat.[/align][/align][/align]But as others have said you can get the Nikon Pro Staff 440 rangefinder for around $200 and buy a cheaper set of binos until you can afford a better set.[/align][/align][/align]The Nikon Pro Staff 440 is a nice rangefinder. I have no complaints with mine.[/align]

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

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:D

RE: Binoculars Vs Rangefinders
 

I agree with the others. A rangefinder would serve you bowhunting better. But I would do as pigiron suggests and hang on to your money for something else. With the distances you most likely will be shooting deer and pigs, you really don't need a rangefinder. Practice estimating distances. If you set up in the same areas, walk off surrounding points - trees, bushes, etc. and know their yardages from you so if an animal is near you'll know. Most of todays bows shoot fairly fast, sometimes 1 pin is all you need out to 20 or even 30 yards. You should be able to keep it within a pie plate. If you have an older bow that doesn't shoot as fast, you could save for a new one.:)