LASER RANGEFINDING BINOCULAR
By Joe W Gorman
The variety of optical gear in the Vortex catalog is impressive and just keeps getting better! We’ve reviewed several of their scopes and have always been impressed. They punch above their weight class, as they say.
The Ranger HD 3000 rangefinding binocular continues that trend. By combining high quality glass in a 10X binocular with a laser rangefinder that can provide returns out to 3,000 yards, Vortex has given hunters one-stop shopping for inspecting/ranging game. I have for years carried both a pair of 10X binoculars and a laser range finder around my neck during deer season. Getting both functions out of one tool, without having to reacquire the target, is a very efficient way to get a shot on target quickly. I’m all about the simpler load outs for deer season.
Want to lighten your deer load out? Check out the Vortex Ranger HD 3000!!!
The Ranger HD 3000 has the capability to display in yards, or, in meters, for those folks who don’t have footprints on the moon. Additionally, the Ranger can switch between Horizontal Component Distance Mode, that shows adjusted range to the lazed target based on distance and angle, and Line of Sight Mode, for longer shots when using ballistic dope sheets or a shooting app.
The Ranger HD 3000 has a reassuring heft, feels solid and well-built, and fit and finish are excellent. The body of the binoculars is coated in heavy rubber armor and lenses are coated in Armotek. As with everything we’ve tested this year, we had an “opportunity” to test in the rain. In bad weather at dusk, the multicoated optics managed to provide clear and bright images. As I scanned the cornfields near me, I spotted a mature white tail at 800 yards moving through a field waterway. The included lens covers kept water and dust off the Ranger’s glass, and the included padded carry case is well made as well.
The Ranger HD 3000 provides a diopter adjustment to focus the red digital distance readout display and a left eye diopter adjustment to focus the binocular image to your eye. This is a separate adjustment from the top-mounted focus ring. Once everything is dialed in, the image is very crisp. The high-quality glass used in the Ranger HD3000 and the lens coatings also allow details to be seen in very low light. This is a must for Midwest deer hunters who get 99% of their shot opportunities within the last few minutes of shooting hours.
The Ranger HD 3000 also features multiple target modes so you can lase for the strongest return, a “Front” mode for an object in front of an area of strong return and a “Last” mode when you’re trying to range a trophy buck who is standing behind a tree line.
Out in the flat wilderness of Eastern Iowa, I can see for miles. I can get returns with the Ranger HD 3000 out past 2000 yards when I lase the side of a barn. I don’t have rifles that will accurately reach out that far, but it’s good to know if I’m ever tasked to lay down suppression fire with an M2 Browning.
The Vortex Ranger HD 3000 is a well-made, multi-mode, range-finding binocular with exceptionally clear glass. It comes with all the stuff you’ll need to load out for deer season and it comes with Vortex’s awesome VIP warranty! I can strongly recommend it.
Well done Vortex.
You’ll need a battery, a lens cleaner, protective case and lens covers, harness and a strap. Fortunately, all that is included! Vortex thought of everything.
Optical Performance Features
- 10x magnification, 42mm objective lenses
- Compact roof prisms
- High-density glass for overall image sharpness and clarity
- Antireflective fully multicoated optics increase light transmission and improve color rendition, contrast, and image brightness
- 335′ field of view at 1000 yards
Laser Rangefinder
- Measure distance in yards or meters
- 6 to 3000 yards metering range to reflective surface
- Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) reticle/display shows adjusted range to target based on distance and angle for improved accuracy
- Line of sight mode for longer shots or when using ballistic cards or apps
- Spot mode ranges to a single stationary target
- Scan mode continually updates the distance readings when panning across a landscape or tracking a moving animal
- Target modes: normal; first for ranging a smaller target in front of other larger or more reflective objects; and last for ranging a specific target behind a group of objects like brushes, trees, and rocks
- Illuminated display with five intensity settings
- In-view battery status indicator
Use and Handling
- Closed-bridge configuration
- Large, knurled center focusing wheel
- Left-eye dioptric correction
- Right-eye reticle/display focus
- Twist-up eyecups for easy use with or without eyewear
- Tripod mountable with optional adapter
- GlassPak binocular harness stores and protects your binoculars while keeping them close at hand for quick deployment
- Tethers attach to your binocular for added security against accidental drops while the fully adjustable straps create a comfortable fit
Construction Details
- ArmorTek coatings protect exterior lens surfaces from scratches, oil, and dirt
- Rubber armoring protects chassis and provides a slip-resistant grip
- Nitrogen-filled for fog and waterproof performance in all weather conditions
- Tethered objective lens caps prevents loss and keeps them close
- One-piece ocular rainguard prevents water buildup in eyecups
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