Nikon LaserForce 10×42 Rangefinder Binocular Review
The first thing that you will notice when you pick up the Nikon LaserForce 10x42 Rangefinder Binocular is how sleek and comfortable it is to hold.
Unlike other heavy binoculars, you can use it easily with one hand. The ergonomic On/Off, Range and the Mode buttons are placed such that you can use them with your index finger without the need to locate them. One button is larger than the other so that you can discern them by touch.
But do not let the looks fool you into believing that it is a delicate toy. As you run your hands on the rubberized skin covering, you will feel its ruggedness. The body is made out of Aluminium alloy to make it light, yet withstand the hardships of hunting life.
Many of my hunter friends have shared with me their experience. They were so happy that they no longer have to carry two pieces of equipment – a binocular and a rangefinder. The Nikon LaserForce 10x42 Rangefinder Binocular does both the jobs quite splendidly.
For the hunters who use limited range firearms or bows and arrows, it is crucial to know how far their target is – for that vital shot. The Nikon does it in a split-second. After sighting and finding the range at which your shot will be most effective, you just need to pick up your weapon, take aim and shoot.
Binoculars Guru's Nikon Laserforce 10x42 Bino+Rangefinder Review
Rangefinder+Binoculars: How Both Features in One are Extremely Helpful.
Having a binocular which is equipped with a laser rangefinder makes life so convenient for a hunter. There is no need to spot a target through the binoculars and then putting it back and taking out a rangefinder to know how far the target is. Now you can do it simultaneously and instantly.
In fact, you can also use it for so many other purposes. It is a pretty cool gadget to have. Just focus it on the object whose distance you want to know, and it is there.
Build Quality & Construction
As already stated, the Nikon Laserforce has an extremely rugged build quality, and the housing is constructed out of light yet tough aluminum alloy. The exterior has a rubberized covering for better grip and to prevent slips.
The O-rings have been made water-proof. The tubing is fully sealed and filled with nitrogen. This ensures that air doesn’t creep inside and make the interiors foggy on a cold day.
The lenses and prisms are of premium quality for which Nikon is well-known and are used in its cameras and binoculars. The glass is free of lead and arsenic.
The images are bright and excellent even during low-light conditions. The readings are displayed in easy-to-read Red letters. You can press the Range button continuously to scan the target.
The battery life is amazing and lasts through a hunting season. You can also mount the equipment on a tripod using the adapter at the bottom. However, the tripod is an optional accessory, not included in the package and you need to buy it separately.
Nikon Laserforce Rangefinders+Binocular: Is it Worth It?
The Nikon Laserforce is a sophisticated, rugged and durable gadget. It is worth its price as it helps you get rid of carrying two pieces of equipment while you go hunting. You can leave your binoculars and rangefinder.
The premium Nikon lenses make for an excellent binocular. You also get a laser rangefinder that is accurate within 0.1 yards up to 100 yards and an accuracy of 1 yard up to a range of 1900 yards.
As if this is not enough, you also get to use it even in low light conditions or in the evening when darkness starts. The waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures years of trouble-free use.
Many of my hunter friends have expressed their satisfaction and confidence with this product.
According to many, after spotting and getting the range of your target, the speed, and convenience of picking up your arms and firing a shot help you hit the target almost every time.
Possessing this fabulous binocular-cum-rangefinder is one decision you will rejoice if you are a keen hunter.
Pros
- Has a lifetime warranty
- Full Multilayer Coated Lenses
- Extra Low Dispersion(ED) Glass
- Nikon's ID technology
- Crystal Clear Optics and High Resolution Images
- Is both water and fog proof
Cons
- Heavy for size as compared to standard binoculars that lacked range finding capability
- High Price
Nikon Laserforce Rangefinder Binoculars-More Features
- The Nikon Laserforce Rangefinder Binocular, with a range of 10-1900 yard range is perfect for long distance shooting.
- While you can easily spot a target up to 1900 yards, you can easily distinguish trees at 1400 yards and deer or elks at 1100 Yards.
- Up to 100 yards, the display is in .1 yard increments, and at 1-yard increment for anything beyond 100 yards.
- It has an Incline/Decline Technology to help you find the range in a slope.
- Field of View (FOV) at 1000 yards is about 320 feet.
- Clear and bright display in Red, with 4-step intensity adjustment.
- 2.25 pounds weight
- Turn and Slide Eyecups.
- Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) optics.
- Waterproof and Fog-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the power of the Binoculars? What is meant by 10x42?
Answer: Magnification or Power is indicated by 10x. Here, 42 means that the optical diameter is 42 mm. These are very good optics parameters.
Question: Does it use a battery? Which size?
Answer: It comes with a CR2 battery. These are the short fat ones and are easily available. The battery lasts for about six months.
Question: Can this be mounted on a tripod for comfort and stability?
Answer: Yes, it can be mounted on a tripod. However, you will have to buy the tripod separately.
Question: What is the color in which the information like yards, are displayed?
Answer: The info displayed is in Red color.
Question: Does it measure in both yards and meters?
Answer: Yes, it can measure in Yards or Meters. You can change the options from the settings in the mode button.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
There are other similar products in the market, but remember when you buy a Nikon, you are investing in their reputation as a premium lens-maker for cameras and binoculars.
The two other most popular alternatives are:
Swarovski 10x42 EL Range Binocular Laser Rangefinder: This is from the legendary crystal glass makers made under their optical range called Swarovski Optik. It also has similar specification to the Nokon, like 10x Magnification, 42 mm Objective lens diameter, 4.2 mm Exit pupil diameter, 17.3 mm Exit pupil distance (eye relief). It also has similar FOV (Field of view), which is 330 feet at 1000 yards or 110 meters at 1000 meters. The decline angle is 6.3 degrees.
It is also Nitrogen-filled and Fog-proof. The body is made of lightweight magnesium alloy. It is equipped with Dual Locking and Twist-Up Click-Stop Eyecups for protection to the eyepieces. The only drawback it has is that it is more than three times more expensive.
Fury 10X42 Roof Prism Laser Rangefinder Binocular: This also has high-quality optics and the usual long-distance ranging capability. It is a high definition binocular and an angle-compensated rangefinder. It has controls on the right side which can be operated by one hand while holding this equipment.
To conclude, the LaserForce 10×42 is a premium two-in-one product that is a laser rangefinder as well as a binocular. It has exceptional build quality and construction. It has many other additional features that are not available in other similar products.
Whether you are a hunter, a wildlife photographer or a watcher, you will find the Nikon LaserForce 10×42 a very handy tool to carry around in the wild.
Read our comparison: Nikon Laserforce Vs Vortex Fury, Nikon Prostaff 3s vs 7s
Also Read: Best Rangefinder Binoculars
