BinocularChoice.com

Be careful with ads for night vision binoculars, most are in fact monoculars including the popular close cousin of this model, the Digital Ranger.

This Yukon YK25023 Tracker however does provide a binocular view and even has dual diopter adjustment. Magnification is just 2x which is perfect for most close range wide field uses. It has rubber armor protection and is water and fog resistant with fully multi coated optics.

Like almost all IR products it can chew up the batteries so get yourself some good rechargeables to keep as charged up spares.

At the time I looked for this on Amazon it was priced at just $345.74

The following extract is from a series of consumer electronic articles, tips, videos and information about optical devices …

There are some occasions when simply guessing a distance between two objects is just not going to be practical. In the past, people would use rulers, measuring tapes and wheels, or simply pace off the distance between two objects in order to get a close estimate of the gap. Times have changed though, and there is a better way for getting that result. It is a laser rangefinder. Laser binocular rangefinders are great tools to own to find any distance between two objects that are within sight of each other.

At its most basic, a laser rangefinder works by firing a short laser pulse at a target, and measuring the amount of time it takes for the beam to reflect back. An integrated circuit then calculates the distance covered in that time. Prior to 1987, this technology was reserved for the military and high end institutions. Thereafter, handheld consumer models began to appear and became popular with golfers. Since that time, numerous applications have been found, particularly in hunting. Originally available as standalone devices, they have recently become popular binocular accessories, built into the field glasses.

With all this technological implementation on optical components, there is a down side. The laser beam must be able to reflect back in order to calculate the range. This also limits the distance to about 1500 yards, in consumer models, as greater distances affect the tool’s ability to provide an accurate reflection. Optionally, an object behind trees or brush may become obscured, with early returns giving inaccurate readings. The technology is still rather expensive, as a Nikon Monarch monocular system will cost around $400. Cheaper systems with a smaller range can be bought for no more than $100. Specialized optical systems with a higher range, and designed for more complex environments, cost in excess of $17,000!

There are various applications for which you can use a laser rangefinder. Professional and amateur golfers and hunters still make up a significant portion of the consumer market but new uses are being discovered for the laser binocular rangefinders and monoculars. These instruments are not quite as pricey as they once were, so more people are now finding everyday uses around their homes for a laser range finder. It certainly makes hanging those pictures easier!

For more tips on consumer electronics, visit: Digital Binoculars

Top Binocular Brands imo…

Swarovski

Swarovski Optik, is part of the Austrian Swarovski Group. Swarovski Optik has been in business since 1949 and specializes in the manufacture of precision optics and is a world leader in the higher end of the optics market. Swarovski binoculars and telescopes are the preferred choice of many professional users and nature watchers.

Zeiss

Founded in Germany by Carl Zeiss in 1846, the company has a long history of making fine optical instruments ranging from medical equipment to their famous binoculars. The partition of Germany after WW2 led to two competing Zeiss companies, one in the east, the other in the west. They reunited in 1990 and are a powerhouse in the optical world.

Leica

Leica binoculars are highly ranked and prized by nature lovers and professionals with a need for good optical quality. Another optical giant of German origin, the group is famous for its cameras and other technologies and celebrated 100 yeasrs of binocular manufacture in 2007.

Nikon

Establishd since 1917 after a merger of three optical manufacturers, Nikon has produced optical equipment like binoculars since 1921. Famous for their cameras and microscopes, the company has also produced fine medical and industrial optical equipment.

Steiner

What is it with the Germans and superior quality optics? Established by Karl Steiner in 1947, this quality brand has enjoyed success in over 45 countries since. Steiner is responsible for several developments like integrated compass models and pocket binoculars. Steiner binoculars are a joy to use, some say once you try them you don’t want anything else after!
Pentax
Leupold
Zhumell
Bushnell

More to come…

Digital Camera Binoculars are a nice idea, combine the capture ability of a camera with a binocular so you can record that great moment and watch it again later.

Nothing wrong with the idea but does it actually work well in practice? Well, no is the short and to the point answer!

Why not? Its simply a matter of too little light on low resolution chips. We have by now become accustomed to cameras of 7Mp and more so having chips under 1Mp is a bit of a backward step.

Combine that with the limited light through the relatively small aperture lenses and you are NOT going to get good results.

Overall conclusion - avoid them for now but the concept might be made to work well in future models.