Bushnell Rangefinding Binoculars

[Speckmisser]

I couldn't stand it anymore, and decided to pick up a pair of the Bushnell Yardage Pro Quest rangefinder/binoculars a few weeks ago. Check out the review in this month's JHO Journal!

Have you guys tried any of these things out yet? I've also given the Leicas a try, and am looking forward to the new offering from Simmons. But all in all, the Bushnells aren't bad.

 

[Val]

I played with a set and found them to heavy. I prefer my much lighter weight Leupold 10X42 binocs and my Leica 1200 yard rangefinders. When out in the field I use the binocs much more than the rangefinder. I keep the binocs on a harness in front of my chest which makes them easily accessable. The Leicas are on a pouch on my belt. I also prefer the optical quality of my Leupold Wind River Cascades. If you glass a lot, I think separate compact binocs and rangefinders are the way to go.

 

[Speckmisser]

Hey Val,

I dunno if you read my review or not, but I generally agree with both of your points.

The unit is heavy, a tad more than my Nikon 10-22x50s and a ton heavier than my Leupold 8x28s. I didn't find it to be that big of a deal, especially with the Crooked Horn bino-strap, but I can see where some folks would find it objectionable.

I'm also in agreement that if you're doing a lot of glassing, they're probably not the right tool for the job. I'll continue to use my regular binos or a spotting scope for the open country elk and deer hunts, and hold onto the rangefinder/binocular for most of my archery, turkey, and hog hunting, as well as for treestand hunting.

As you find with most tools that do "everything", they're not always outstanding at anything. However, I much prefer the integrated unit to adding an additional piece of equipment to my gear.

 

[Val]

Specmiser, I did read your review and I thought it was a good one. I was in Las Vegas over the New Years weekend and I stopped at Bass Pro to browse. I only spent a $100 on incidentals. I compared the Leupold binocs/laser rangefinders to the Bushnells. The Leupolds were significantly lighter and smaller than the Bushnells. They were also a couple of hundred dollars more expensive.

 

[pschultheis]

This is a great review. I have used the Leica's, they are AMAZING!!! If I could go back I would have bought the Leica's in 10x50 instead of my Swarovski's and then I would not have to problem that I have now. I can't stand carrying a bino and a rangefinder during bowhunting. I have also put the Leopold to my face down at the sporting goods store. They don't fit my face and I was not able to get a focus with them. They are worthless to me.

So the moral of the story is, I am either going with these Bushnells, I really want a chance to try them out. Or, I am going to really sack up and sell my almost brand new Sworovski 10x50SLC and by the Leica. The Leica glass on these rangefinder binos are as good as the Swaro's. Unfortunitly, I LOVE my eye cups, and don't know that you can get a comparable quality eyecup for the Leica's.

I guess I could do a Cabelas Easy Pay Plan and just get the Leica's too.

Thanks for the write up though. I would not have even considered the Bushnells if it were not for your write up. Wish someone here in town had them in stock to give a try.

Paul