Rangefinders

[Slider]

I purchased a Leica CRF 1200 from Doug (cameraland) they are both TOP NOTCH!!!  That CRF 900 is a STEAL!!!

[lazydrifter]

Are the actual yards advertised true? The Bushnells list their yardage but if you read the specs that is to a metallic target. I think to a deer is only about 1/2 of that.  What is classidied as a metallic target?  A rock. Tree.  Will the Nikon and Leica range a deer to their advertised yardage?  I also need to purchase a range finder but am not sure which way to go.

[Slider]

A metallic target is a stop sign. Or something that is highly reflective. Or anything dense that will not absorb the laser beam. Like a large rock. I have had very good luck ranging distant tree's although you would think they are not very reflective. An animal is non reflective so always look at the non reflective range. The more expensive range finders have more powerful lasers. I have ranged 1140 yds with my 1200.

[Slider]

I just received the Schnees catalog and the Leica 900 CRF is still $599.00. 

[rimrock]

I have a Leupold that they advertise to go out to 1200 yards on deer. I haven,t been able to get it to  range  a deer in a stubble feild over 400 yards. If you  want to shoot road signs I did get it on a window mount to read out to 1100 yards. I am so far very unhappy with this investment. I am already looking to upgrade so my advice is to try them out and not beleive want you are told are read.

[bow-n-head]

I have tried the Bushnell, the Nikon, and the Leopold. I could have bought 2 Leica's for the money I have spent on the one I have. I know the Leica is almost twice the money, but it's 3 times the rangefinder. The others are slow to get a reading and most of the time you get no reading. I have a 1200, I know you don't need that much range, but when you get a 1200 yard reading you know you have to get 900 yards closer oh sorry I thought I was in bowhunting

[jjhunter]

I haven't seen anyone mention the Swarovski rangefinder?  This is the one I bought because it is "hands down" the best rangefinder made for hunting purposes.  There is no comparison for speed, reliability, etc.  This thing works in any condition including light fog and snow - which the Leica's have trouble with.  Also ranges up to 1900 yards, instantly! 

[lamar_hunter]

I haven't seen anyone mention the Swarovski rangefinder?  This is the one I bought because it is "hands down" the best rangefinder made for hunting purposes.  There is no comparison for speed, reliability, etc.  This thing works in any condition including light fog and snow - which the Leica's have trouble with.  Also ranges up to 1900 yards, instantly! 

"most" people can't justify dropping a grand on a rangefinder.

[BlackTail]

I haven't seen anyone mention the Swarovski rangefinder?  This is the one I bought because it is "hands down" the best rangefinder made for hunting purposes.  There is no comparison for speed, reliability, etc.  This thing works in any condition including light fog and snow - which the Leica's have trouble with.  Also ranges up to 1900 yards, instantly! 

The Leica is smaller, weighs half as much and will reliably give ranges farther than 99.99% of hunters can shoot.  All for half the price!  I'm a swarovski guy, but I couldn't justify the size and price of the swarovski for ranges that really meant nothing to me (like 1900 yards).

[jjhunter]

I'll agree that the Leica is smaller, but I know that the Swarovski will range in any condition, every time.  That is important to me.   I also hunt in snow a lot and can't afford "no reading" in the moment of truth.  I have seen multiple occasions where the Leica would not give a range and it cost us animals.  The one downside to the Swarovski is the red aiming circle - Hard to see on bright days and too big.  I am thinking of switching to the new Zeiss RF binoculars for this reason.

[whacker1]

Would you mind shipping me the Zeiss RF binoculars for a couple day demo, once you have bought them?    ha ha.  I have been trying to decide whether to pursue the Zeiss RF or the Leica Geovids.  I currently have an older LRF 800 that I like and haven't had any problems getting range out to 900, but I keep contemplating getting rid of packing two items. 

[jjhunter]

If I go with the Zeiss,  I would be more than willing to meet up and let you try them out in the field.  I also looked at the Geovids, but they give up a little in the clarity department, and, not sure about the rangefinder?  If I could afford two new pairs of binos this year, I would definitely buy the Geovids and just use them for bowhunting.  I always pack my Swaro 15's for serious glassing anyways....so many options, so little $$$$.

[Drop-tine]

I would go with the Nikon Riflehunter its the best out htere for the price simple to use and all out a great rangefinder I use it myself and i love it you cant go wrong. I worked at Cabelas for a while and the riflehunter was a hot item we had a hard time keeping them on the shelf and we never had one brought back.

[Straight Shooter]

I have a Nikon Monarch.  It doesn't track well in heavier fog, but I don't intend to shoot into the fog anyway.  Wasn't too keen on the Bushnell, but if I could go back in time, I would have spent a little more money and got a Leica.