Which $700 Rangefinder...

LEDBE
adamlau

adamlau

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
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...do you guys recommend for HID shootouts?

600 yards = 0.34 mile
800 yards = 0.45 mile
1000 yards = 0.57 mile
 
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Re: Which Rangefinder Sight Distance...

I'd get a rangefinder that measured at least 800 yards minimum.


Any particular reason for picking Opti-logic?
 
Re: Which Rangefinder Sight Distance...

A reputable history and the fact that the LH series can perform hypsometer duties. I do not see our project engineers using Bushnell rangefinders in the field, but OPTi-LOGIC models instead.
 
Re: Which Rangefinder Sight Distance...

In that case it's going to be a bit of a compromise in it's ability since Opti-logic have hypsometer capability but poorer optics than Leica, Swarovski, Laser Tech. and certain models of Burris and Leupold. At night time the Opti's will be difficult or impossible to see through without a good source of light downrange. The others mentioned will work with ambient city light or even a half moon.

If you're going to primarily use it for ranging for flashlights then optics are very important. If you're primarily going to use it for engineering purposes then the optics don't matter as much as the other calculation features.

The Laser Tech 200's have hypsometer capability but much cleaner optics. In a way they'll give you some of the better features of each catagory.
 
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Re: Which Rangefinder Sight Distance...

Adam,

I have used several brands of rangefinders since they first hit the market. I started off the the Bushnell, graduated to Leopold, Swarovski, and was happy with each upgrade, but really hadn't found what I wanted. Other hobbies, include hunting, astronomy, and photography so good optics are a requirement for me, which were lacking in all of the rangefinders with the exception of the Swarovskis. I new there had to be something better than carrying a great set of binoculars and an additional rangefinder. My research led me to the Leica Geovids with the built in rangefinder in the 10x42 model. I have elk, whitetail, mule deer hunts on the Leicas and although expensive I have no buyer's remorse. The glass is as good as it gets and the in the field rangefinding capabilities on the Leicas are the first ones that have lived up to the munufacturer's claims. You can't go wrong with these, 2 instruments in one well put together package.

Cowley
 
Re: Which Rangefinder Sight Distance...

If you're going to use in dusk or low light, Leica's the best. I've tried only one other (Swarovski) that I thought would be the end-all until I got to sample the Leica. There's no compromise with Leica's as they simply have the best glass.
 
Re: Which Rangefinder Sight Distance...

I don't really feel that the Leica's (which I own) are better optically than the Swarovski. I think they have very comparable glass with a slight edge in optical coatings going Swarovski's. Also the Swarovski is an 8x30, providing a 3.75mm exit pupil compared to the Leica's 7x21 which provide a 3.0mm exit pupil. My hunting buddy's Swarovski always outperforms mine in low light situations while mine is smaller and I always rub than in when I put mine in my pocket. That said, everyones eye's are different and sometimes it's possible that one person's eye works better with one device even though the other has a better specification. That would be the small exception though and not the rule. Either the Swarovski or Leica rangfinders are optically, far superior to the rest of the LDC back-lit designs which the others use.

As for the Geovid, mentioned by Cowley, they're exceptional and so is the price. They also suffer from a slightly more narrow field of view compared to Leica's own Ultravid, Trinovid (out of production), Zeiss FL's, Swarovski EL's & SLC's, and Nikon LXL's and therefore not always preferred by the optical purest. On the plus side, you don't have to carry a two separate optics. Also, 10X is a great all around magnification for hunting, but a little bit strong for ranging under 100 yards. This is one of the reasons they're not as popular with archers. Leica also make the 8X Geovid but most hunters prefer a 10X bin for various reasons. The Geovid have the big advantage of being binoculars instead of monoculars and will provide unsurpassed image detail.
 
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Re: Which Rangefinder Sight Distance...

I agree Pat36, that neither the Leica or the Swars are optically superior, but the Swars, which I own have way too big of reticle to accuratly range anything smaller than an elephant beyond 400 yards. The laser and receptor are very accurate, its just that the reticle is way too large. On steep terrain, you can have an elk size critter in the reticle and range him and be off 50 to 75 yards because the reticle is so large you may be ranging above, below, to one side or the other of the critter and not know it. Believe me, I know, I've been there when the meat was on the table on a very makable, but long shot. That is where the Geovids shine, you have some of the best glass in the world, with a nice fine aiming point telling you where you are exactly ranging to. In answer to the Ultravids (which don't have ranging, and the Swars which I carry a lot other than hunting season) there is not much difference in low light image gathering and clarity. If you want a one stop package with world class glass and ranging there is only one choice and thats the Leica Geo. Sorry this is so long, I get kind of passionate on good optics, but I've owned and used them all and have settled on the Leicas. Look at all of our BST posts, each user has their own requirements and preferences.

Cowley
 
Great info guys. I edited the thread title in order to clarify what I am seeking. The Geovid looks like a winner, but perhaps at a later time. The TruePulse 200 looks as if it is exactly what I am looking for. Does it perform well under low light conditions? The Leica Rangemaster CRF 1200 looks like another viable option as well.
 
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I had asked a previous question in another topic, and a number that used these a lot for hunting gave their strongest overall recommendation for the Leica Rangemaster 1200 They claimed it performed best in low light and difficult visualizing conditions including fog and other poor viewing conditions. There may be others that are close, but this is the one I have on my list of things to buy.
 
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Just spent 45 min. looking at Leica CRF 1200 reviews and had a very, very difficult time finding a bad or even middle of the road review. Everything I found was practically glowing. Looks like a good unit in this price range.

So far, looks like everybody sells them for 649. Haven't seen any prices lower after 10 minutes of searching - other than the meters version at one place for 599. Kind of like the old fair-trade times.
 
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Get the Laser Tech 200 if you must have it for hypsometer duties otherwise get the Leica. The Laser Tech 200 has much better optics than the Opti-logic but not as clear as the Leica CRF or older LRF. Between these two the Leica is smaller, in case that matters.

I've spent some time with all of the rangers mentioned here and the only ones I haven't used are a few of the lesser brands which just came out this year. I've also owned range finders since 1994-1995 and I've purchased a new one about every two years since then. Optics is kinda one of my hobbies. :)
 
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For Cue003 from the PH50 thread....

There are three main types of rangefinders and the most common type isn't very well suited to ranging in low light or at night. They often use plastic lenses or lens elements while superimposing a back-lightable LCD display over the optical image. The problem with these types is that they have very poor light transmission, and resolution. If you look through one of those at dawn, dusk, or nighttime it's often difficult or impossible to see the target, but sometimes the reticle too, depending on the style. For example, I could not have accurately ranged those 800+ yard shots with a through LCD, backlit display. Those types make up at least 90% of the market. I could have ranged somewhere in the middle of the mountain, but that's about it. They require a fair amount of light at the target, either ambient or projected. With the PH40 & PH50 there was enough light out there that I could target and individual Saguaro cactus....and they're pretty small at that range.

The others are "true-optic" rangers and those are divided by monocular or binocular. The binoculars are sometimes more expensive and always much larger. The monoculars provide an image far better than the through LCD models while not as good as binocular rangers. Two eyes are always better than one. The monoculars are the most affordable and compact.

There are only three true optic rangers and those are by Leica, Swarovski, and Laser Tech.

One Binocular, the new model Leica Geovid, discussed above, is so unique that I really deserves its own category. It's the only binocular ranger with world class optics. There is nothing else like it available outside of the military. Everything else commercially available falls short of the Geovid. The downside might be that it's not compact, but that's the only downside.
 
Stop it! :D I don't need a range finder! I didn't need one yesterday. I won't need one tomorrow. Now I want the Leica CRF1200! Stop it this instant! :D Adam, it's your fault! :nana:

Now, where can I get one cheaper than $649? (new, unopened in a factory sealed box)

Et tu, Cue? OK, where can we get a deal on one? If Adam buys one, maybe we can get a deal on 3?

OK, found them for $599 from an authorized dealer in NY so no tax for me, and free same-day shipping. It's not gray market.
 
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Patriot, huge thanks for the info. How come you don't own the Swarovski? Just curious.

BVH,
I am in if we can get a deal. that Leica CRF1200 looks sweet but $649 is a little pricey for another "toy" for me. LOL.

the Swarovski Laser Guide Range Finder seems very nice too but at a much higher price and I am not sure the difference in price is worth it.

Curtis
 
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Heh, heh...I am in on the CRF 1200 if we can get a good deal. I can always put the TruePulse 200 on the company account :) .
 
cue003 said:
Patriot, huge thanks for the info. How come you don't own the Swarovski? Just curious.

BVH,
I am in if we can get a deal. that Leica CRF1200 looks sweet but $649 is a little pricey for another "toy" for me. LOL.

the Swarovski Laser Guide Range Finder seems very nice too but at a much higher price and I am not sure the difference in price is worth it.

Curtis
Click to expand...



Because of the size Curtis. :) The same reason that I don't own the Geovid. For what I do, I like a small stand alone range finder. The 7x also suits me better than the 8x Swarovski. Most of my serious range finder work is under 75 yards and the reduced magnification helps with image shake, especially with one handed use, and parallax.


As far as discounts go folks, you really won't find any from reputable dealers. They control their prices much more stringently than even Surefire, so no deals. There are some underhanded, slimeball, New York camera stores which will advertise for a little bit less, but I've been down that road and it's not worth the years of life you'll loose when they punk you royally. Ebay is occasionally a decent source too but these are hot commodities so the buyer competition is fierce.

So......as far as the price goes, watcha see is whatch get. :kiss:




BVH, before you order can you tell me what store you're ordering from. I'm familiar with all the NY stores with regards to if they're reputable or not. Most are not. BH photo, Adorama, and a couple other or ok. Even the ones which are not outright crooks will try to sell you accessories. Then, if you don't buy them they'll tell you it's out of stock if you're lucky. If you're unlucky they'll tell you it shipped. Then when you call back because it didn't arrive they'll ignore your call, put you on hold for 45 minutes then hang up, and play games like that. Sometimes they'll eventually send you a unit but it's after a month of fighting with them. The BBB and other don't do anything because the problem is so overwhelmingly huge. All you can do is dispute it with your card company. Anyhow...it's a huge mess so be careful if you're going for it alone.


.
 
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What accessories are included for the $650, and/or what are essential/useful? Thanks for your expertise on these babies...and adamlau for reminding me about this.
 
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