Eric The Red

Yes they are two different things. A spotting scope would be awkward to use in the field and does not range distance. I use 8x42 binos and a Leica 900yd range finder. I started with a Nikon Prostaff 440. Both do the job very well however the 440 will drop out at around 300yd from time to time whereas the Leica will consistently give a reading at that distance and longer. I have kept the Nikon as a back up range finder and use it for my .22 and .17 I enjoy using the range finder and use a small drop chart in the field for my 223 and 6.5x55 which enables me to adjust for the longer shots. I have hit rabbits to 250yds and beyond using this method. I think the $450 will get you a very good range finder and I suggest you go with simple options that just give the distance rather than the ones that have have a variety of read outs on the screen. Less clutter, less chance of an error.

Bino Chest Pack Alaskan Guide Creations I purchased this pack direct from Jaret Owens, Alaskan Guide Creations USA on ebay for $50 plus $20 postage and it arrived in about 20 days by US 1st class air mail. Jaret was helpful via email and posted straight away. I purchased this bino pack after becoming concerned about the amount of scratching I was getting on the lens of my Minox 8.5x43 HG when hunting using a conventional bino chest harness. The minox do not come with lens caps which leaves them unprotected, particularly when stalking on hands and knees where the binos hang down. I have now used this pack on two hunting trips and have found it effective at protecting my binos while still allowing easy access. The pouch is the right size for my Minox, has padded protection and holds them firmly without being too tight or loose. Often I would leave the pack lid unclipped and it would remain in place. Stalking on hands and knees is easier because the pack remains against the chest as it has straps on the top and bottom so does not hang down and drag on the ground. If your binos come with lens covers you may not think this pack would be of much use. However, apart from keeping them dry and dirt free this pack has a couple of other benefits. Firstly the binos do not need a separate strap around your neck so when hunting with my son I could easily pass the binos to him without having to unclip a bino harness or lift a strap over my head. Jaret does suggest using a paracord strap, which I guess would be added protection against dropping an expensive pair of binos. Secondly I like the ability to carry small items in the two side pouches and the front pouch. There is no room to carry anything in the bino pouch apart from the binos. I carried spare ammo, a couple of fox whistles and range drop charts. As you can see in the pic I have attached my range finder onto one of the bottom straps for easy access. The pack is sturdily constructed in the USA and comfortable to wear. I added the brown leather inserts to the shoulder straps as I found the tough straps rubbed a little on my neck when wearing a t-shirt. Overall I recommend this pack as a useful addition to the hunting kit. It does the advertised job of bino protection while maintaining quick access to them with the ability to share the binos easily and carry a few useful items within quick reach. At $70 all up you may think it a little pricey but when compared to the cost of the binos in the pack, mine were $650, I consider it a worthwhile investment.

You could try this one from USA: http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/bushnell.pl?page=bushnell201916 US $185 I have used this comapny twice before no problems for binoculars & a range finder. I started with a Nikon 400yd then went to a Leica 900yd. Both work very well, I keep the Nikon as a back up now. The Range finder, in conjunction with a range chart (list of elevation adjustments) has given me the confidence to tackle longer shots (250yds+) and score with both my 223 & 6.5x55. ETR

Gday from Eric The Red. I'm interested in reloading, target shooting and feral shooting with my 17HMR Savage, .223 & 6.5X55 Tikka Varmints. I have been shooting for a five years and am getting more interested in reloading. This site has grown since I last looked so I'm interested in reading what Aussie reloaders/hunters are up to. ETR