Bushnell Yardage Pro quest - Quartermaster

Guns Magazine, July, 2003 by David Fortier

Personally, I've been hoping someone would introduce a light and handy laser rangefinder/binocular. Thanks to Bushnell's Yardage Pro Quest my wait is over. This unit merges an 8x36 binocular with an eye-safe laser rangefinder.

Good features abound, including a rugged synthetic body with a matte black textured finish that's comfortable even in extreme cold. Objective lens diameter is 36mm, a good compromise between the traditional sizes of 30mm and 40mm. Magnification is 8x which provides a good field of view and low light performance while still having enough magnification to count the tines on that distant buck.

Lenses are multicoated and BAK-4 prisms are utilized. Focusing is similar to a traditional roof prism binocular with the right ocular adjustable and a center focus knob. A little different though is how the interpupillary distance is changed. This is accomplished by pivoting the left eyepiece on the unit's body. Soft rubber eyecups fold down for use with glasses.

Pawing the unit over one notices two buttons on its top. One is for ranging and the other for changing functions. On the bottom of the unit is a battery compartment for a standard 9-volt battery. Also present is a 1/4-inch threaded mount allowing the binocular to be affixed onto any standard tripod.

Function wise the Quest acts as either a conventional 8x36 binocular, or with the touch of a button, a laser rangefinder. Distances can be measured up to a maximum of 999 yards on highly reflective targets or 700 yards on most objects. To range, simply put the aiming reticle on your target and press the rear button. A display in the right eyepiece will give the range, accurate to within 1 yard. With a suggested retail price of $930 they're not cheap, but they are worth the money.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Bushnell Performance Optics

[800] 423-3537

www.bushnell.com