Nikon, Bushnell, or Leica - Rangefinder?

Power · 01-14-2005, 04:56 PM

I'm looking at either;
Nikon Monarch 800
Busnell Legend Yardage Pro
Leica RF 900

Which would you guys and gals recommend? It has to be waterproof and able to range a deer up to 500 yards. I'm not terribly rich, asking for one from the wife for my birthday. If you know of any hotdeals better than http://theopticzone.com please let me know.

-Power

stubblejumper · 01-14-2005, 04:59 PM

I have owned two bushnells and now own a leica1200.The leica has a narrower beam which makes it easier to pick out individual objects and the red numbers are easier to read in low light.

PaJack · 01-14-2005, 05:15 PM

Leica is the best by far...

Power · 01-14-2005, 07:34 PM

Thanks guys. Would like the Leica but it might be too expensive. Will keep looking around for bargains.

TerryM · 01-14-2005, 07:42 PM

I looked at both the Leica 900 and Bushnell Legend pro. The optics on the leica were definitely better as I'm sure the entire unit is but I could not afford it and bought the Bushnell. Its a 900/490 yd unit and I had no problem ranging pronghorn at over 400 yds last fall and it is rated waterproof and floats. I'ts also very compact. I'm happy with it, just could not swing the Leica at the time.

Ridge Runner · 01-14-2005, 08:33 PM

I have ranged a deer at over 900 yds with my leica, couldn't range one at 400 with my bushnell
RR

Power · 01-15-2005, 02:36 AM

The Leica just seems so much bigger than the other two. Doesn't it kind of get in the way of your binos and too big to stuff in the jacket?

newguy23 · 01-15-2005, 08:58 AM

I have a Bushnell 800 it does a fine job, of course the Leica is probably better, but is it worth the extra money? I didn't think so, but I don't use my range finder all that much.

driftrider · 01-15-2005, 10:21 AM

The Leica if you've got the cash, but I've used several different Bushnell rangefinders and they all worked pretty well, and they cost a fraction of what the Leica costs. As for the Nikon, I have never seen one so I can't comment from experience, but if their Monarch rangefinder optics are as good as their Monarch scopes then it should be a darn good rangefinder.

Mike

stubblejumper · 01-15-2005, 10:25 AM

Quote:

The Leica just seems so much bigger than the other two. Doesn't it kind of get in the way of your binos and too big to stuff in the jacket

I keep my leica in it's pouch on my belt.It is handy enough to access and doesn't get in the way.It really is not that large anyways.