Hello,
I'm debating what rangefinder / ballistics calculator / binocular to purchase. I do not currently have any of these items, so it would be nice to buy one unit that would accomplish all these tasks, with I'm sure one monumental price. The primary use of this equipment will be for hunting, so speed and efficiency is of the utmost importance, as well as the accuracy of the solutions. I would also like to be able to use the equipment for fun at the range beyond distances which my .300 win mag will be effective on game. I have accurate drop data for my rifle from 100 to 1000 yards, with a corresponding air density.
I have done a lot of research on the various products which are on the market. None of them are exactly what I'm looking for, so I'm not sure what I should do. I need something for hunting season this fall, but don't want to buy something that I'm not happy with. Below is a summary of my thoughts.
My ideal product: A high quality binocular with built in rangefinder and ballistics program. Allows you to enter your rifles specific drop data for accurate elevations calculations. Allows for quick wind correction calculations.
Option 1: Leica Geovid HD-B Binoculars – In theory, they are everything that I am looking for, but they have some drawbacks.
Pros:
• Single Unit
• Quick
Cons:
• You cannot enter your actual drop data into your custom ballistics profile. Ie) it still calculates the drop based on a best fit curve generated by muzzle velocity and ballistic coefficient.
• I don't believe it calculates for wind, so a separate device is needed anyway – this pretty much eliminates them as an option, as I would need a Kestrel/similar device anyway.
• Will only calculate ballistics to 1000 yards – I'd like to play beyond that for fun.
• Output is in clicks, instead of MOA or MILS.
Question:
• How accurate is the said generated custom ballistics profile? Can you adjust your velocity and/or ballistics coefficient to get the drops accurate for most yardages?
Option 2: Kestrel and Bushnell Conx Rangefinder
Pros:
• Some of the best elevation and wind calcs available, to my knowledge
Cons:
• I would still want a good pair of binoculars - $$$
• Can't use the Kestrel on a tripod to get wind readings since you must enter in a direction of fire. It would be awesome if the rangefinder communicated this information to the Kestrel – seems like a reasonable task and a good update for future range finders.
• I wish there would be more rangefinders with Bluetooth – this option would be a lot more enticing if I could use a pair of Swarovski binoculars with it.
• The process of the Kestrel capturing all the data it needs to crunch numbers seems a little cumbersome.
• Requires 3 devices – Kestrel, binoculars, and rangefinder
Option 3: Gunwerks G7 BR2
Pros:
• Quick elevation and wind calcs
Cons:
• It's not a binocular. I have heard rumors, but they are supposedly years away from the market.
• Requires 3 devices – wind meter, binoculars, and rangefinder
Option 4: Wait -
Pros:
• I can get the latest technology which hopefully eliminates some of the cons mentioned above.
• I have heard of betting devices on the way
Cons:
• I need a ranger finder as a minimum for this season and will have to mark yardages on my turret. I could calculate corrections on the computer at home based on where I anticipate hunting.
• I could use a cell phone and a basic Kestrel, but it would be hard to keep my phone charged – especially on multiday hunts.
• I would have to use my $100 pair of binoculars this season.
Writing all this out really helps me think through things! Making this thread was helpful just from that standpoint. If you know of any other products, or have any further insight on my dilemma, please chime in. I also hope this helps somebody else who is trying to make this decision in the future! Thanks for your advice!
I'm debating what rangefinder / ballistics calculator / binocular to purchase. I do not currently have any of these items, so it would be nice to buy one unit that would accomplish all these tasks, with I'm sure one monumental price. The primary use of this equipment will be for hunting, so speed and efficiency is of the utmost importance, as well as the accuracy of the solutions. I would also like to be able to use the equipment for fun at the range beyond distances which my .300 win mag will be effective on game. I have accurate drop data for my rifle from 100 to 1000 yards, with a corresponding air density.
I have done a lot of research on the various products which are on the market. None of them are exactly what I'm looking for, so I'm not sure what I should do. I need something for hunting season this fall, but don't want to buy something that I'm not happy with. Below is a summary of my thoughts.
My ideal product: A high quality binocular with built in rangefinder and ballistics program. Allows you to enter your rifles specific drop data for accurate elevations calculations. Allows for quick wind correction calculations.
Option 1: Leica Geovid HD-B Binoculars – In theory, they are everything that I am looking for, but they have some drawbacks.
Pros:
• Single Unit
• Quick
Cons:
• You cannot enter your actual drop data into your custom ballistics profile. Ie) it still calculates the drop based on a best fit curve generated by muzzle velocity and ballistic coefficient.
• I don't believe it calculates for wind, so a separate device is needed anyway – this pretty much eliminates them as an option, as I would need a Kestrel/similar device anyway.
• Will only calculate ballistics to 1000 yards – I'd like to play beyond that for fun.
• Output is in clicks, instead of MOA or MILS.
Question:
• How accurate is the said generated custom ballistics profile? Can you adjust your velocity and/or ballistics coefficient to get the drops accurate for most yardages?
Option 2: Kestrel and Bushnell Conx Rangefinder
Pros:
• Some of the best elevation and wind calcs available, to my knowledge
Cons:
• I would still want a good pair of binoculars - $$$
• Can't use the Kestrel on a tripod to get wind readings since you must enter in a direction of fire. It would be awesome if the rangefinder communicated this information to the Kestrel – seems like a reasonable task and a good update for future range finders.
• I wish there would be more rangefinders with Bluetooth – this option would be a lot more enticing if I could use a pair of Swarovski binoculars with it.
• The process of the Kestrel capturing all the data it needs to crunch numbers seems a little cumbersome.
• Requires 3 devices – Kestrel, binoculars, and rangefinder
Option 3: Gunwerks G7 BR2
Pros:
• Quick elevation and wind calcs
Cons:
• It's not a binocular. I have heard rumors, but they are supposedly years away from the market.
• Requires 3 devices – wind meter, binoculars, and rangefinder
Option 4: Wait -
Pros:
• I can get the latest technology which hopefully eliminates some of the cons mentioned above.
• I have heard of betting devices on the way
Cons:
• I need a ranger finder as a minimum for this season and will have to mark yardages on my turret. I could calculate corrections on the computer at home based on where I anticipate hunting.
• I could use a cell phone and a basic Kestrel, but it would be hard to keep my phone charged – especially on multiday hunts.
• I would have to use my $100 pair of binoculars this season.
Writing all this out really helps me think through things! Making this thread was helpful just from that standpoint. If you know of any other products, or have any further insight on my dilemma, please chime in. I also hope this helps somebody else who is trying to make this decision in the future! Thanks for your advice!