Post by: shaneman153D on January 21, 2010, 11:35:13 AM
I'm new to the rangefinder game. My stepdad let me borrow his bushnell 450 (Low-end) and I've noticed that it's max range on anything but a mirror is about 220yds. (Bushnell's claim is that it can range a deer at 200, so it's not like they lied) I know the model numbers are usually what the manufacturer claims it will range to, but does anyone have personal experience with one that will range dirt/grass/rocks/trees/animals at up to 600? If so, what brand and model? Am I going to have to spend $400? :(
Post by: GoldTip on January 21, 2010, 11:44:48 AM
Post by: DUGANDEER on January 21, 2010, 11:54:28 AM
Post by: huntergreg on January 21, 2010, 12:47:38 PM
Post by: hirshey on January 21, 2010, 01:06:33 PM
He looked at a LOT of rangefinders... and ended up with the Leupold Rx1000.
They are priced a lot of places right now just under $400... and its been outstanding thus far. Ranged and killed our first coyote with it yesterday (should have had a double but I insisted in bringing the .22 instead of the .243 for some reason yesterday. :)) at 300 yards. Its interesting to have either the option for the true ballistic range or the holdover for whatever kind of caliber gun you're using (not completely accurate for what round/gun he is using).
He likes it a lot; works great, great quality and is waterproof. He's able to get pretty good readings on deer around 500 or so thus far, and reflective objects around 700 I think is the furthest he's ranged with me around. More than we'll ever need, that's for certain.
Also, the case it comes in is pretty slick too... metallic clasp belt case makes little to no noise to retrieve.. and is among the most compact available right now.
Post by: whacker1 on January 21, 2010, 01:09:17 PM
Post by: mossback91 on January 21, 2010, 01:25:48 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on January 21, 2010, 01:43:33 PM
Post by: jjhunter on January 21, 2010, 03:36:04 PM
Post by: high country on January 21, 2010, 05:51:49 PM
I have an older leica 800 and have ranged out to 900 on occassion, but reliable to get 700.
mine too. for almost 10 years that thing has never missed a beat. it does do fine in the crappy weather. pretty much if you can see it...you can range it. mine has been to 990 yds and is also big time fast at 700
Post by: Intruder on January 22, 2010, 08:03:07 AM
My Bushnell 1000 will range dirt, bushes, rocks and game at 600 yards reliably and is under the $400 mark. But were I you and willing to spend the $400, I'd spend $500 and get the Leica 1200. Better readout and a smaller package then the Bushnell I have. It has not been more accurate or icked up animals when mine can't when used side by side with my Bushnell. But is as said abone a more convenient and usable package.
+1... what I've noticed (it's been a few years ago) is that the Leica's would work in poor conditions (rain, snow, fog) better than other models.
Post by: Bofire on January 22, 2010, 08:29:00 AM
I sold it for 150 after 2 months.
Carl
Post by: rougheye on January 22, 2010, 08:29:24 AM
Post by: uplandhunter870 on January 22, 2010, 08:43:54 AM
Steve
Post by: MtnMuley on January 22, 2010, 01:50:43 PM
Post by: jjhunter on January 22, 2010, 01:57:47 PM
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 :liar:. 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.
Post by: high country on January 22, 2010, 05:48:17 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 22, 2010, 09:10:10 PM
Post by: elkaholic123 on January 22, 2010, 09:22:52 PM
Post by: Bob33 on January 30, 2010, 03:42:06 PM
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.
Post by: buckhorn2 on January 30, 2010, 03:52:33 PM
Post by: Huntbear on January 30, 2010, 03:56:12 PM
my lrf 800 is the cats ass
ummmmmmm .... never mind. :dunno: :chuckle:
Post by: jjhunter on January 30, 2010, 04:43:09 PM
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........
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 30, 2010, 05:00:38 PM
Post by: jjhunter on January 30, 2010, 05:19:26 PM
Post by: buckhorn2 on January 31, 2010, 10:22:51 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on February 01, 2010, 07:57:35 AM
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 sayIf that's the case, I'll trade you straight across for my CRF 1200 in mint shape plus a $50 spot. :dunno:
Post by: rougheye on February 01, 2010, 06:32:41 PM
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
:yeah:
I hunt in snow and fog all the time and love my leica :dunno:
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 01, 2010, 06:39:47 PM
Post by: CastleRocker on February 01, 2010, 07:00:15 PM
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.
Post by: Bofire on February 01, 2010, 07:51:57 PM
Carl
Post by: Intruder on February 02, 2010, 09:05:55 AM
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.
Post by: MtnMuley on February 02, 2010, 11:00:14 AM
Post by: jjhunter on February 02, 2010, 11:22:00 AM
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! :chuckle:
Post by: whacker1 on February 02, 2010, 11:55:36 AM
Post by: Intruder on February 02, 2010, 01:20:23 PM
Post by: Deep Forks on February 02, 2010, 02:06:08 PM
Post by: shaneman153D on February 04, 2010, 12:19:02 AM
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! :rolleyes:
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? ;)
Post by: Deep Forks on February 04, 2010, 01:30:57 AM
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!!!