Yard Range: 19-1900 yards
Magnification: 10X42
Display Type: LED/Red
Dimensions: 5.8" x 5.2"/30.9 oz
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes
Angle Compensation: Yes
Measuring System: Yards/Meters
Measuring Distance: Line of sight/Slope
Use: Bow Hunting, Rifle Hunting, Target Shooting
Nikon LaserForce 10X42 Rangefinder Binoculars Review
We already know that Nikon has excellent glass, and their lines of rifle scopes, binoculars, and field scopes are top-notch. But, this rangefinder isn't just a rangefinder at all. It's a rangefinder binocular that has both fundamental features at its core.
As a binocular, you have 10X magnification, 42mm objective lens on both barrels, and fully multi-coated optics with ED glass. Even without the rangefinder ability, it's an excellent optic for glassing in the hunt, while birding, or spotting bullet groups for close distances at the range.
As a rangefinder, you not only have the ability to acquire distances on targets, but you have this feature for up to 1,900 yards. That's some extreme yardage right there. With very long distances in mind, you'll need angle compensation to make adjustments for bullet drop.
Good thing for you, the LaserForce has it. With Nikon's ID technology, you'll be able to get compensated distances for any angle up to 89 degrees - very impressive.
You'll also have comfort for your eyes in the form of multi-position twist-up eyecups for maximum eye relief of 15.5mm. With such high power to take advantage of, the rangefinder binocular is also tripod adaptable for extra stability.
The LaserForce is still a babe in its prime. However, it's already got quite an impressive following for an optic that costs over $1000. That's the price you pay for the rangefinder binocular combo. But, the buyers it does have say it's definitely worth it!
Pros:
- ED glass
- ID technology
- LED display
- Extreme long ranging distance
- High power 10X
Cons:
- Price
- Heavy
LaserForce 10X42 Rangefinding Binocular Q&A:
Is this a good Rangefinder Binocular for both Shooting and Bow Hunting?
It definitely is! While bow hunters won't need the extreme distance yardage of 1,900 yards (realistically, neither will rifle shooters), the ID technology is a must-have for bow hunters. Rifle shooters and hunters will also appreciate the ID technology and exceptional glass quality the LaserForce offers to make the most accurate shots possible.
Is the Price too much for the Nikon LaserForce?
The LaserForce actually has a price tag that's on the more affordable end for a rangefinder binocular. When world-known brands like Leica, Swarovski, and Zeiss hold the authority for making superior rangefinder binoculars that run up in the $2000-3000 budgets, you bet the Nikon price is the more economical alternative. However, $1000-1200 is still a lot of money to fork out, even for the 2-in-1 combo device.
Can the LED Display be Adjusted for Brightness?
The LED display has four intensity settings to suit your preferences for any light condition.
What is ED Glass?
The binocular rangefinders have ED glass that stands for Extra-low dispersion. This means the glass that makes up the prisms in the roof prism binocular have elements that correct for chromatic aberration (CA). Reducing CA means you improve color fidelity, resolution, and it eliminates what you know as color fringing on high-contrast objects. Overall, it just means you have better glass that improves your image quality.
For more on glass quality and terms, check out our "APO Lenses Guide" for more details. As a side note, the LaserForce also has lead and arsenic-free glass - bonus!
Can the Rangefinder Target Deer at 1,900 yards?
No. Even the most extreme long ranging rangefinders and rangefinder binoculars are incapable of ranging deer at these distances. It has to do with beam divergence. The further out your target is, the more difficult it is to acquire target acquisition. This is not only because density, color, shape, and size affect target reflectivity, but also because the ability to spot a small target within a large laser beam divergence at such a far distance is not possible.
What is the Max Ranging Distance for Deer?
Nikon isn't very transparent about its deer-sized game ranging performance in regards to the LaserForce. However, we know it's able to acquire distances on these targets at over 600 yards. When laser rangefinders are tested for maximum ranging distances, it's usually done under ideal conditions on a tripod on a highly reflective target. Most of the time, you can assume its actual ranging performance will be about 70-80% of its marketed ranges in less than ideal conditions. For more info to understand how yardages and target acquisition works, see our "The Truth About Rangefinder Yardage Claims" article.
What is the Warranty on the Rangefinder Bino?
The LaserForce 10X42 rangefinder binocular comes with Nikon's No-Fault Repair/Replacement Policy. This means that if there's a defect due to workmanship or a damage that isn't covered under the Limited Lifetime Warranty, Nikon will repair or replace your rangefinder binocular at no charge to you under the No-Fault Repair/Replacement Policy.
Noteworthy Features:
- Extreme long ranging distance of up to 1,900 yards
- Readable LED display with 4 intensity settings
- ID technology for angle compensated distances
- Excellent prism glass with fully multi-coated optics
- No-Fault Repair/Replacement Policy
Our Verdict on the Nikon Rangefinding Binocular
The aim of it is, the Nikon LaserForce 10X42 rangefinder binocular is your first option if you want the 2-in-1 combo. It has all the right, premium features you want to see on a first-rate optic, but it also has the best price from a more than reputable brand. It's still a new optic in the field, but Nikon wasn't born yesterday. Their worldwide reputation lends credibility to the high-performing rangefinder.
But, if you want to know all your rangefinder binocular alternatives, then you have to check out the Bushnell Fusion 1-Mile ARC. It's cheaper, has a Matrix Display, and 1,760 yards of ranging distance. For the best of the best rangefinder binocular in the playing field, there's no debating the quality of the Leica Geovid 10X42 3200.com. Just be prepared to put your wallet away before checking it out if you're realistically not ready to buy it!
Nikon entered the rangefinder binocular game with the LaserForce 10X42. Not only have they played their hand, they did it well with this one. In our and the masses opinions, you can't have better glass and performance for the price - now that sounds like a Nikon!
Further Reading
