If you are a binoculars enthusiast, you may have come across a reticule even though you did know what it is. A reticule is a network of fine lines on the eyepiece used for taking measurements. The rangefinder reticule, in particular, is used to measure the distance between the viewer and the object. Furthermore, it used to measure the height of the object. You may also like: best thermal binoculars
Varied types of rangefinders used in optics
There is also a laser rangefinder that is mostly featured in hunting binoculars. It works by sending out a point of light to calculate the distance to the target. This method is advantageous because it provides an accurate measurement. However, they are limited to shorter distances, require a power source, and some give inaccurate measurement when used over water. In addition, they tend to be more expensive, and because they send out light, they can reveal the position of the viewer, which is a big issue in the military.
Where are rangefinders reticules used?
i. Marine binoculars
Most marine binoculars feature a reticule rangefinder to enable marine vessels operators to calculate distances.
ii. Golf rangefinders
In most cases, rangefinders used in golfing are in the form of a monocular. They are mainly used to calculate the distance to the hole so that the golfer can choose the appropriate club.
iii. Hunting and military
Sometimes reticule rangefinders are featured in rifle scopes and hunting binoculars and are mainly used to calculate the distance to the possible target to have a better aim. However, nowadays, laser rangefinders are becoming more popular for hunting and in the military.
How do rangefinders reticules work?
Actually, there are various methods used to calculate the distance in the rangefinder reticule. One of the simplest and commonly used methods is measuring marks on the reticule against the size of the object being viewed. This method is known as the Mil-Dot reticule, and the formula is referred to as the Mil-dot formula.
Mil-dot formula
So, if the height or length of the object is known, it very easy to calculate the distance to the object. Alternatively, if the distance is known, the height or length of the object can be calculated using this method.
Do rangefinder reticules work?
Rangefinder reticules actually work, but they are not as accurate or fast as the laser rangefinders. Nonetheless, unlike laser rangefinders, they can be used over longer distances.
The accuracy of the rangefinder reticules will depend on user lining up the target and correct estimation of the height or length of the target. If the height or distance of the target is known and lined up well with the reticule, the rangefinder can be pretty accurate.
Some of the best marine binoculars with rangefinders
| Name | Weight | Eye relief | Close focusing distance | Lens coating | Pros | Cons |
| Celestron Cavalry 7×50
|
31.5oz / 893g | 23mm | 32.7ft | Multicoated | Built-in GPS | Lens cap need redesign |
| Vanguard 7×50 mariner binoculars | 40oz/1130g | 20mm | 13.1ft | Fully multi-coated | Sufficient magnification | Require a tripod to use |
| Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro C | 20oz /567g | 20mm | Fully multi-coated | Lightweight and sturdy | Quite expensive | |
| Bushnell 7×50 | 37oz /1049g | 18mm | 35ft | Multi
coated |
Illuminated compass | Flimsy eye caps |
Leave a Reply