Swaro El vs El range

[deerhunter_98520]

Well the time has finally come where I'm able to jump up to premier glass. I'm pretty dead set on swaro El or the El range or maybe the nl pure if that glass is that much better for the money. I already have a pretty good rangefinder with the nikon blackx 4k, ranging out to 2k consistently. I've never used rangefinding binos and the thought of having an all in one unit is appealing. Or should I stick to separate units? I'm just starting to research and have only looked through els in the store and will be at the sportsman show in Portland looking for a good deal in a couple weeks

[Sakko300wsm]

I have the Leica HDR range finder combos - it is awesome to have both in one unit for sure! That said - I hunt both rifle and archery and the combo unit does not work for archery ( just use them as binocs during archery ), excellent for rifle tho- so I also have a good range finder as well

[boneaddict]

I’m not a range finder kind of guy in the first place, so take what I say with a grain of salt.   Comparing the two side by side I didn’t like the extra weight or bulk of the range versus straight up el.   I want something I’m going to have around my neck all day and hoisting to my face.   I don’t need bells and whistles.

[Reidus]

The nl pures are amazing! Next level with field of view and ergonomics.

[Buckjunkie]

I have the 8x42 EL range and I love them. I haven’t looked through the new NL Pure, but I have heard they are even better. One bad thing about the Range’s is that when it’s below 20 degrees the rangefinder may not work. That can be an issue if you are tent camping. Not a big deal, if you are staying someplace warm and bring them in at night.

[jjhunter]

Personally, I couldn’t go back from a 2 in 1.   I’ve carried a range finding bino for 10 years and the efficiency can’t be beat.

That being said, there are a lot of very good hunters who disagree.   What I tell those guys when we have these conversations is that “you don’t want to be standing next to me if a big deer pops up”. Haha

I currently have the Swarovski EL Range TA and the Leica HD-R.   Swaro changed the button for right-handers in the TA and left this south paw behind.   They will still work for rifle hunting, but muzzy and archery I need one hand operation ability - Leica is still set up for a south paw.  So, I have a pair of each.

Leica’s never do well in the snow, mist or rain.   Swaro has always been dependable and this new one is a step above in every way.  I’ve never had and issue with the Swaro in cold weather.  Actually, first I’ve ever heard of that?

[hogslayer]

I know it’s a different brand. But the Zeiss RF 10x42 have been very good.  Ballistics match 2400 and Kestrel out to 1300 yards.  Any range finder with built in range finder isn’t going to have same glass quality as non range finding type.  It’s very close snd good enough in low light.   I took mine to a 2k yard match.  Was within .3 moa of both kestrel and actual impact. 

[deerhunter_98520]

This is the kind of info I was wanting thanks guys. The new tracking and ballistics in the El range is very appealing to me, much quicker operation than ranging, pulling out strelok putting in my yardage and then dialing lol I do archery for elk and wondered how well they would work for it. I was watchin some review videos and did notice they were a bit bigger for the electronics and wondered if that how much of a difference that made

[deerhunter_98520]

I have the Leica HDR range finder combos - it is awesome to have both in one unit for sure! That said - I hunt both rifle and archery and the combo unit does not work for archery ( just use them as binocs during archery ), excellent for rifle tho- so I also have a good range finder as well

What don't you like about them for archery? One handed operation too hard?

[M_ray]

I have the Leica HDR range finder combos - it is awesome to have both in one unit for sure! That said - I hunt both rifle and archery and the combo unit does not work for archery ( just use them as binocs during archery ), excellent for rifle tho- so I also have a good range finder as well

What don't you like about them for archery? One handed operation too hard?

If the button is on the left side and your a right handed shooter holding your bow in your left hand it’s difficult to reach the button with your right hand to range. I’ve owned all three El, Leica HDR and now El range. Its very difficult to reach the button on the Leica with your right hand and I have big hands.

Reaching the button on the left side of the EL range with my right hand is no prob because the chassis design and I can grasp the range bump with my thumb to secure it them.  Not sure it wouldn’t still be a prob if you have small hands but for me the chassis makes it way easier when the button is on the left to range right handed.

[Sakko300wsm]

I have the Leica HDR range finder combos - it is awesome to have both in one unit for sure! That said - I hunt both rifle and archery and the combo unit does not work for archery ( just use them as binocs during archery ), excellent for rifle tho- so I also have a good range finder as well

What don't you like about them for archery? One handed operation too hard?
No - I keep mine in a bino harness and it’s just too much moving around for close range stuff especially since elk can be under 10 yards - for archery I keep my Sig range finder on a retractable lanyard on arm

[deerhunter_98520]

All great Info thanks everyone 

[deerhunter_98520]

Well I got the 10x42 el, why I didn't do this years ago. I thought binos were decent till I got these