Bino deep dive

I hope this thread doesn’t overlap the other thread about Binos doing the rounds atm.

That has left me looking at my glass set up.
Currently running Vortex diamondback 10x40 and a cheap Temu rangefinder.
This set up has been successful for me on tahr and a deer last weekend on the Kaimanawas tops(10min before dark)

I thought I wanted range finding Binos - bought a pair and was a left with buyers regret.
I knew the Binos would be heavier but I wasn’t expecting to see so much difference at low light compared with the much cheaper vortex DB (vortex was better).

I’m considering going back to my original set up. But while I’m at a cross roads I might as well consider my options.
Weight is important to me, so I’m considering 8x30’s over the more popular 10x40 as well as upgrading my rangefinder.

Will I disadvantage myself going to 8x vs 10x?
I wish I could afford swaros but they are not currently an option.

Interested to hear from those of you who run a Bino and range finder combo vs range finding Binos.

Cheers,

What RF bino did you buy?

Leica geovids for the win. True colour definition and reliable

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Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Leica geovids for the win. True colour definition and reliable

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If he can't afford Swaro then Leica are not an option either.

I had 8X tried 10X and never went back to 8X again- although if I had a young hunter would be better to give them 8X - look at the Nikon bino range they do a compact 10X water proof shock proof rubber coated and the glass quality is great and the price wont break the bank

I have no experience with Vortex but they're not alpha glass from what I understand.
I did have Ultravids and a Leica handheld RF. From a practical position I found glassing, then switching to ranging then to reaqqiring the target it was slow and I often couldn't get onto the animal without having to glass again. The individual components were lighter but going to RF bino's was a no brainer for me. Having them in a good chest pack makes the weight negligible but you can get sore shoulders are foreaems glassing for long periods with a heavier unit.
I will guess the RF bino's you have bought are lower tier and this is the problem with less twilight ability. It's a thing you can only buy your way out of imo. The RF function will have some impact on transmission also so is another negative in the low light area.

The meopta RF bino are pretty good as long as you don’t need integrated balistic you can find them for $2500. Great glass, fast ranging

It could be worth keeping an eye out for some second hand swaro or leica's - they will be about the same price as new tier 2 binos

Appreciate the feedback so far.
Quite interested in hearing about the practicalities of glassing and ranging with Binos/rangefinder vs RFB.
As I said, I have been using seperate units for the last couple of years. I don’t mind it, and after looking through the Burris signature 10x40 RFB’s I wasn’t convinced that the trade off in weight and light gathering ability was worth the price and speed.

If you are young 8x will be OK.
But 10x will be better.
If you are getting on in years and your eyes aren't what they used to be, 8x will be a disadvantage.

Leica RF Geovids . Buy once cry once. Use the ballistics table to calculate your hold over, and you're away

34 y/o. Not young but not old.

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Originally Posted by JBNZ

34 y/o. Not young but not old.

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Young :)

But nearing fading eyes territory. I'd go 10x.