Rifle Scope, Rangefinder and Binocular

[mrandychen]

Looking to buy either of the three: Rifle Scope (lighted or non-lighted), rangefinder, and binocular. I know some people here go hunting, so I'm looking for some good opinions on value. For the rifle scope, I'm looking to get a zoomer with markers for different ranges. I'll be using it in different rifles, so I'll need a very versatile one for use with .177 all the way up. As for the binoculars, it's mostly for sightseeing and maybe hunting.

 

[GoLightly]

I believe the kind of hunting you intend to do and the kind of rifle will influence the recommendation for a scope. For example, at what distance do you expect to shoot?

Rangefinder: I suggest Leica.

Binocular: I suggest you find a website that describes the differences in binoculars. You'll want to decide on such things as magnification, light gathering ability, image resolution, weather resistance, size, and price.

 

[juancho]

A 3x9 Leupold Vary X II will be my choice in a regular scope. If you prefer it illuminated I will look at the Bushnell Firefly that doesn't use a battery but is recharged for 2 minutes with a flashlight. They also come in 3x9 which is the most versatile of the magnifications.
Binoculars: get a good phased coated roof prism 8x42 binoculars. Mine are by Pentax and cost about $240.00 Nikon also makes them and others; look in Cabela's hunting catalog.
I have a Nikon 8x rangefinder and I am very happy with it, if you hunt with a 30-06 and up, ex: 7 mm Magnun 300 Magnun or other flat shooting rifle, you can sight in 3" high at 100 yards and be close to zero at 300 yards. In that case you will use the rangefinder just to comfirm that an animal is inside the range (300 yards) depending on what you hunt and where, shots over 300 are only for experts with a lot of practice at long distance.
Good, modern equipment is good to have but is not a substitute for experience and practice.

Juan C.