Rangefinder question

[Bofire]

 :)I'll give 100.00 right now for one of those Leica piece of crap range finders. I'll even pay postage.
Carl

[Intruder]

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.

Well said.  It's all relative.  The Leica will work when other cheaper models do not.  None will work when conditions are bad enough.  That's the breaks.... technology has limits, that's part of hunting.  I've seen virtually no difference in performance (foul weather) between Leica and Swaro rangefinders.  I do think in optimal conditions the Swaro will range farther and seems less effected in some cases by bright conditions. 

[MtnMuley]

Ya, there is no sense arguing this point.  To each his own.  However, if there are any people out there seriously looking at buying a high end rangefinder, I would recommend going Swaro or Zeiss over the Leica CRF models if you plan on using it in the elements.  They're a little more expensive, but when spending that much anyway, a little more $ shouldn't be an issue.

[jjhunter]

Ya, there is no sense arguing this point.  To each his own.  However, if there are any people out there seriously looking at buying a high end rangefinder, I would recommend going Swaro or Zeiss over the Leica CRF models if you plan on using it in the elements.  They're a little more expensive, but when spending that much anyway, a little more $ shouldn't be an issue.

The new Zeiss has gotten the best reviews of them all, I have personally not used them in the field.....until I do, I can't comment.   I need to get my hands on one and give a workout.  If I like it better than my Swaro - you might see the Swaro in the classifieds for reeeaaaallllll cheap!  

[whacker1]

I rarely see anything from Swaro real cheap new or used   

[Intruder]

Never even seen a Zeiss model... in person that is.  Can't offer any opinion there.

[Deep Forks]

  I have Leopold RX4, used them for two seasons and they have never failed me.  This past season we glassed a 4x4 muley coming to water at 680 yrds. on a overcast drizzly day.  He kept feeding down the mtn. toward the water and we kept working toward him.  At 363 yrds the wind changed and my son put him down with a great shot.  I would recommend the RX series to anyone.  

[shaneman153D]

  I have Leupold RX4, used them for two seasons and they have never failed me. 

Funny, I was logging on to ask about the RXIV!  I saw one at "Wholesale Sports" this past weekend for $369.00.  It claims something insane like 1500 reflective / 1000 non, and it has TBR.  I had read in reviews that it was extremely complicated to set up (I don't care as long as it comes with a manual), so I wasn't surprised when I couldn't get it to range in the store! 

It was stuck in some mode that would only range beyond 150 (I think), and I couldn't figure out how to get it out of that mode.  I asked the girl at the counter if she knew how to set it up, then thought better of it.  I didn't have time for her to dig out the manual, so I just left.  Didn't really have the funds for it anyway, as I just blew my wad on a new Coyote rig.

So it does actually work?   

[Deep Forks]

  Shaneman,  Sure do like mine.  It's not that complicated once you work it with the manual..  That mode you had it in was a 150 and below, once you program for how you want it your ready to use.  It has all kinds of settings and the tbr is awesome and pre-determined distances, but once set, one button operation and put the manual in the bottom of the case just in case I need it.  Once again it's easy to set up and battery life is awesome, still on the original.  If you want more info PM me.   Oh, and my boy got one too!!!