What's your choice for Rangefinders?

[tomahawk]

New to the forum, not new to hunting though, and want to get myself a new rangefinder. I need something that is capable up to 800+ yards as I like to spot and stalk from distances when I deer hunt. I see many that are good on trees to 800 yds but then find out they are only good to 400 yds on deer. However I am not looking to break the bank but would put my cap at say $400? Thanks for reading this and any help you can provide.:-)

[Steeleco]

Hit this one fast!!

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=18120

[todbartell]

in the $400 range take a look at the Bushnell Legend

[fozzy]

I have the Leica 1200 and it does me just fine. I purchased it from camera land NY http://w ww.cameralandny.com/ exceptional service and great prices.

[bcsteve]

I have the Leica 1200 and it does me just fine. I purchased it from camera land NY http://w ww.cameralandny.com/ exceptional service and great prices.

Got the same thing from the same place and love it.

[tomahawk]

Hey Fozzy \ BC Steve

Thanks, what distance can you measure a deer from? Checked that website and it doesn't show any specific measurements for deer, just 1200 yds max? Is it water proof? Appreciate the feedback.

Hey Tod

Thanks, checked the Legend and like what I see.

Tom

[todbartell]

I have a Leica 1200 CRF and it will range deer at 600 yards (furthest yet). Hardest part is holding the pointer steady on such a small target at that range

here it is next to a 280 shell

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/1200_CRF_001.jpg

a little above your price limit though, selling for $600ish + tax

[tomahawk]

Thanks again Tod and Stone. I don't mind bucking up for good quality and better performance, I have always started low cause I always buy higher, its the story of my life. I really like the 600 and 700 ranges that you guys have accomplished with it, I will do a search tomorrow to see what I find. Cheers Tom

[fozzy]

I ranged some Mule deer this fall out to about 500. I didn't see any farther than that. So far it works for me but it's also my first one so I have nothing to compare results to. I have had times when it won't take a reading. I think it depends on how reflective the object is.

[tuchodi]

I agree with Stone and Tod get the Leica 1200 its the best I have ever had.

[tomahawk]

I have had times when it won't take a reading.

Thanks guys, I have been doing some surfin and most of the reviews I have been able to find agree. One review did say that on a day that was not clean clear air that the guy could not get a reading with his but his partner could with an older cheaper one. Just wondered if any of you have experienced that and if it is frequent or not to worry about? Just see that fozzy had this comment on his post! Really appreciate the feedback!

[tuchodi]

I have only had one time when I couldn't get a reading and that time it was rain and snow mixed. I think it was the big snow flakes that threw it off as I have used it in the rain and it has always worked. If you get rain drops on the lense it does mess up the signal but a quick wipe and its always been OK.

[tomahawk]

one time when I couldn't get a reading and that time it was rain and snow mixed
a tad touchier in haze/light fog

Thanks again, those are not show stoppers to me when the rest is so good. Found a place in Canada that I can buy it for $599.00 and $15 shipping and GST.

Really appreciate everyones help!

[boxhitch]

One review did say that on a day that was not clean clear air that the guy could not get a reading with his but his partner could with an older cheaper one. Just wondered if any of you have experienced that and if it is frequent or not to worry about? !
Had this same issue, this last fall. The Leica 1200 could not get readings that I was getting with my clunker. So I tossed him a new batery, and things were good again, though he kept the rf, instead of throwing it off the cliff (where I would have retreived it from :))

[manitou210]

Take a look at these
http://www.opticsbestbuy.com/Newcon-LRM2500-Laser-Range-Finder.html

[Hunterguy]

When I was shopping for a range finder, liked the Leica a lot but went with the Bushnell Elite only for the fact the eye-piece was bigger, rainguard, etc. only because I wear eyeglasses. Those misty early Nov. Big Buck mornings I need all the help I can get. Very happy with the Elite

[tomahawk]

Take a look at these
http://www.opticsbestbuy.com/Newcon-...ge-Finder.html (http://www.opticsbestbuy.com/Newcon-LRM2500-Laser-Range-Finder.html)


Look good and would love to range to 2500 M but not willing to fork out those kind of $$, maybe if I win the lotto!

Hunterguy........thanks for your thoughts on the Elite, nice unit!

[tuchodi]

2500 Meters is a long ways away. Even with my Lieca I hardly ever use it past 500 Yards as I am not willing to shoot anything that far away. If you want to look out to 2500 M get yourself a real good pair of Bino's and a Lieca.

[tomahawk]

Tucodi, I agree, that's 2 1/2 KM's. I am going to use it for more than determing how far off an animal is but I think it may be tough to hold the 2500 steady enough, without a tripod, to get a reading on a smaller object.

[tuchodi]

tomahawk: you are right even holding my Leica steady at a 1000 yards is very difficult so at 2500 m I think it would be imposiible unless you were pointing at a mountain or using a tripod and my daypac is heavy enough.