Archery Talk

Finally got a new rangefinder. Gonna head out tomorrow afternoon and hopefully use that bad boy! I got the Vortex 1300 since my Redfield got cracked (but still works. LOL). I need to get one with incline compensation because where I have been hunting has some really steep angles. From everything I have researched it seems like a great rangefinder with a lifetime no questions warranty.

 

Yep just got the 4000yd vortex. Im done with Nikon...they wanted $269 to fix a 4yr oldrange finder.

 

Nice buck!!!!!

 

That’s awesome to hear you have one too! I am planning getting some binos from them also before next season. I watched tons of videos and read reviews and in every video they talked about the warranty. Even Leupold which I have for all of my guns doesn’t honor the warranty of rangefinders well.

I needed a new one anyone and my old one was pretty bad off but still works. I need the decline and incline feature though so I know this one would be perfect for me. The optics are super clear that’s for damn sure.

 

We are going pretty much vortex. Got scopes, binos, now rangefinder. Love the warranty...even on range finder had me sold! Nikon ranges ok in warm weather. Gets cold wont range past 200yds, no decline calculatoron this one, limited warranty. 4000yd is further than ill ever shoot most likely but still neat ranging the neighbors place at 1500, 2900yds...lol

 

See a group of elk waaaaaaaay over there, OK they're 3200 yards, that's only 3/5 of a mile, we can walk that... Not always about shooting distance, helpful to know how far shit is away. My cheapass rangefinder is going in the drawer after this weekend, will be replaced with a vortex ranger. Joys of being single at Xmas, I can just buy all the shit for myself

 

I remember those days...lol but yeah the last straw was when the nikon 1200 couldnt pick up target at 200yds..

 

My Redfield was great honestly. It is a subcompany of Leupold just like Mission is for Mathews. I used it for 7 years and it has always been reliable.

I just know that when you are at steep inclines a rangefinder can actually give you an inaccurate reading without the compensation feature which is going to limit you at 30+ yards if it’s not dead on. Up close you can probably make it happen but the road bed I am seeing deer is at an extremely steep angle and the road bed is saying like 42 and the tree right at the edge is like 36 yards.

It’s basically like 1-3 yards further and it’s basically like a 7-10 drop. If you shoot at 42 it’s gonna probably sail right over the deer or spine it and that’s not ideal. I am gonna give this thing a try and I am sure it will live up to its reputation.

 

So this pic is from a YouTube video that sold me on Vortex. This dude had his binos fall off the bed of the truck or something and they were ran over and Vortex still replaced them. Basically unless they are lost or stolen they will replace your product if something goes wrong. That’s awesome customer service and warranty coverage in my opinion.

 

There's a Meateater podcast with the guys from vortex. They talk about all the crazy warranty stuff they've done. Basically if there's a piece left, they'll fix it

 

I'm a fan of Vortex. Two years ago, my son wanted a pair of binoculars. I researched the Vortex Diamondback 8x42's. No, they are not as nice as Lecia's or Swarovski's, but they weren't $2,500 as well. I find myself grabbing them if he's not using them. He lost the objective lens covers the first time he used them. Called Vortex, had replacement covers in under a week. No charge.

 

Ive lost the dust covers, but they always rip off in the brush.

 

So which power and FOV would you guys suggest for decent distance but somewhat compact? I was thinking maybe 10 X 42, but honestly I have no idea about binos. In VA it's not like we are glassing long distances etc. So I just want something that is super clear and has good FOV. I was planning on the Diamondbacks since they aren't really super expensive and seem to have amazing reviews. Let me know what you guys think.

 

At min go 10x42. Best to go check them out. I got 12x50 and they are great, my only complaint is the weight.

 

Yeah I think you are probably right. The old bushnell’s I have now are decent weight and size but horrible clarity. I think they are like 8x28 or something like that so the 10 x 42 would be an awesome jump in clarity and quality. I already have enough stuff packed up to weigh me down so the 42 mm would probably be plenty good FOV for out here in this area I’m sure.

 

Unless you plan on going out west and are going to be spotting at long distances and field judging animals, 8x42's are more than sufficient for eastern whitetails. Even for Colorado elk hunting it was recommended I use my 8x42's The issue with larger magnification comes from smaller field of view at close as well as being "shakey". Just my two cents. Add another $1.98 you can get a cup of coffee.

 

i had a 10x42, they were good. Till i lost them

 

I agree with this^^. I have shaky hands, anything stronger than 8×42 and I have to prop them on something.

 

I have the vortex diamondbacks in the 10x42 and love them. Got on eBay for $175.

 

My Cabellas had the Vortex Diamonbacks 10x42 on sale for like $130 when I was in there yesterday

Edit: online as well. https://www.cabelas.com/product/VORTEX-DIAMONDBACK-BINOCULARS/1624985.uts