Binoculars are two telescopes placed side by side. This allows for long distance viewing, using both eyes in tandem. Utilizing both eyes enhances the brain's to process depth. It also allows the brain to keep items in 3D. Binoculars allow you to see farther and the lenses could be utilized as a fire starting device as well. 

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However, there are limitations of binoculars as well. Your peripheral vision is limited. The focus of the items in view depend on the quality of your binoculars. Also the overall distance that is view-able through the binoculars depends on the quality of the lenses. You can't see behind you or beside you unless you work your head like an owl and span the distance. If used over a long period of time, binoculars can ruin your vision. Your eye sight can become blurred and you may start to have headaches and eye pain. If your binoculars are totally submerged you may have to disassemble them and clean them thoroughly.  

 

Range Finders are usually a minocular device that works with digital technology to estimate a given distance. They are used primarily for sighting in weapons, judging the distance of a shot in hunting, or judging the distance of a shot on the golf range. The battery powered device works much like a set of binoculars. They can accurately capture distance data in real time. If your wireless communications are still active, you can relay the range information to your group instantly. They are low maintenance. Usually they are sealed so that they are waterproof, moisture proof and fog proof. 

There are some downsides to using this technology as well. They need a battery to make them work and if your battery is dead, they are useless. A good range finder can put a major dent in the pocket book. The technology they possess can be heavy to carry around. Also, in today's world if you are out hiking with a gun and a range finder it is very difficult to argue that you are not out in the woods to shoot something.

 

Both George and I highly recommend that you have both in your house. If you had to bug out, you should take them both with you but what if it adds to much weight to take both? What should you take with you? George and I agree that if you had to bug-out and you could only take one with you, it should be the binoculars. The battery component of the range finder put it on the chopping block. Who wants to carry more batteries and eventually, even if you carry a whole bunch, your batteries will be useless. Maybe you could harvest it for parts but you sure won't be sighting items in the distance with it.