Looking for a laser rangefinder...

[Macchina]

I've been trying to decide between buying a decent pair of binoculars or a laser rangefinder for deer (and turkey, bear, elk, etc.) hunting. I am leaning towards the rangefinder because I don't think I would carry both if I owned nice binoculars as well.

I have around $200 to spend and I 'm looking for (in order):

Durable
Reasonably priced
Reasonably small
Accurate

I rate accuracy last because this will be for rifle hunting and I need readings within +/- 25 yards. I will be using these as a monocular, so something with clear optics and 6-8x mag would be nice. I like the Nikon Prostaff 440, but these are discontinued and the 550 is bigger with less magnification. I was thinking of picking up a refurbished 440 for $180, but want to see what you guys recommend first.

 

[rcmodel]

I would have to rate a pair of high quality compact binoculars far more useful for hunting then a rangefinder. You will find eye strain to be a problem during long glassing sessions with even the best range-finder optics.

For normal rifle hunting, range is not really that critical unless you are going to be shooting 300- 400+ yards all the time.

Properly sighted in for maximum Point Blank Range, hold-over is not an issue with high-velocity hunting rounds until you get out past 250 - 300 yards.

http://www.gunnersden.com/index.htm.sightin.html

rc