Rangefinder question

[jjhunter]

I'm talking about the CRF models from Leica.  If anybody on here says they have this model and can get ranges in snow or fog (light or thick), I will call them  .  I've used at least 6 different CRF's and none work in these conditions.

LRF 900/1200....CRF - they all have a problem with fog and snow.....that is why mine have been used for footballs more than rangefinders.

[high country]

 my lrf 800 is the cats ass

[Magnum_Willys]

I have the bushnell 800.  Works fine only to 450 yards - they all seem to reliably range game one half their "rating".  I'm going to replace it with a Bushnell 1500 this year - thats the only one I've heard of first hand that people have ranged game reliably over 1000 yards.

[elkaholic123]

Cabelas has the crf800 on sale for 449.00!I have the crf900 and love it!Jerry

[Bob33]

Why would you expect a rangefinder to work well in moisture?  The object of a rangefinder is to display the distance to the object it is aimed at.  Fog and rain reflect the laser back.  Lots of moisture results in lots of signals returned, all from various distances.  Which one is correct?  The Leica design errs on the side of accuracy.  If it cannot display an accurate distance, it will not display anything. 

If other models work in the rain, I would be more concerned than if they didn't.  The signals should be reflecting off the rain drops and moisture and giving closer distances than the actual object.

I've tried many, many units including Nikon, Bushnell, Swarovski, the 800 Leica LRF, the 1200 Leica LRF, and the Leica CRF.  I like the Leicas best.  The Swarovskis will range further, but they are heavier, larger, and have a large aiming circle which somewhat defeats the accuracy you need at the longer distances.

[buckhorn2]

I bought the leica 1200 and opening day of elk season there was a little fog and they would;t range at all they got sent back and I got the swaros and really like them. In a little mist my boys bushnell ranged the elk at 350 yards and the leicas would;nt range so I go along with Jhunter they suck on the wet side.

[Huntbear]

my lrf 800 is the cats ass

ummmmmmm .... never mind. 

[jjhunter]

Why would you expect a rangefinder to work well in moisture?  The object of a rangefinder is to display the distance to the object it is aimed at.  Fog and rain reflect the laser back.  Lots of moisture results in lots of signals returned, all from various distances.  Which one is correct?  The Leica design errs on the side of accuracy.  If it cannot display an accurate distance, it will not display anything. 

If other models work in the rain, I would be more concerned than if they didn't.  The signals should be reflecting off the rain drops and moisture and giving closer distances than the actual object.

I've tried many, many units including Nikon, Bushnell, Swarovski, the 800 Leica LRF, the 1200 Leica LRF, and the Leica CRF.  I like the Leicas best.  The Swarovskis will range further, but they are heavier, larger, and have a large aiming circle which somewhat defeats the accuracy you need at the longer distances.

....Because those are the conditions that I hunt in.   Hunt N Idaho in late November for whitetail?  You will deal with fog.....I don't buy that my rangefinder give false readings in light , patchy fog.  In fact, I know that they are precise because I have used it extensively in these conditions; at known ranges, at my buddies 1000 yard range.   His Leicas wouldn't even read.   How about mule deer in Colorado in early November in the snow?   Nothing worse than watching a 180" plus buck walk because you can't get a reading in the snow..........if you don't hunt in these conditions than the Leica is the way to fly.    If you do, I would recommend the Swaro.   When it comes to optics, you get what you pay for........

[carpsniperg2]

o.k. here it goes my 1200 crf does just fine in the rain snow and fog i had more problems with my bushnell not working than my crf so i guess i am full of *censored* acordding to a few people maybe those are the wrong words to say

[jjhunter]

You said it......    Hey, I agreed that the CRF is that best bang for the buck in an earlier post.   My personal opinion is that the Swaro is more reliable - which is what is most important to me.   Not going to go wrong with either one.   If anyone is in the market for a rangefinder, it is always best to try as many as possible and buy what fits your needs the best.    Different strokes for different folks.....

[buckhorn2]

I was;nt running anyones choice down just stating they would;nt work for me. Thats why they have so many different types of rangefinders so everyone is happy.

[MtnMuley]

o.k. here it goes my 1200 crf does just fine in the rain snow and fog i had more problems with my bushnell not working than my crf so i guess i am full of *censored* acordding to a few people maybe those are the wrong words to say

If that's the case, I'll trade you straight across for my CRF 1200 in mint shape plus a $50 spot.

[rougheye]

o.k. here it goes my 1200 crf does just fine in the rain snow and fog i had more problems with my bushnell not working than my crf so i guess i am full of *censored* acordding to a few people maybe those are the wrong words to say

 

I hunt in snow and fog all the time and love my leica 

[carpsniperg2]

why would i trade you for yours mine works fine for me and other seem to think the same. don't know why yours won't work but i know i aint full of *censored*!

[CastleRocker]

I have seen only one range finder that worked at extended ranges, and I think it would be illegal to use due to the laser it used.  (I think it would blind you if you looked into it). It was huge, as I remember, it weighed about ten pounds, and was a surplus Swiss military artillery rangefinder.  It claimed to be + or - 2 meters out to 12 miles.  It was mounted on a tripod, and it worked.  I think it cost about $3k back in the early '80's.  It was the first laser range finder I had seen, (and the only one for many years). 

Although a light mist or patchy fog is a great tool for estimating you wind; it's been my experience with range finders that if it's (west coast style) raining or foggy...I can't SEE 1000 yards well enough to make the shot.  I haven't found a handheld range finder that I'm really impressed with yet, but I have several, and use them when they will let me.