One of my purchases for this year will be a rangefinder. I'm currently reading any reviews, gathering feedback, etc. for the Nikon & Bushnell line. I have held models in all the lines, and prefer one of the very small models.
Please post you likes/dislikes/pro/con, anything else. Anyone know anything about the new Nikon Monarch? It looks really nice, and has a new priority selection thingy.
i think most are really pretty good.i could not find a pait that worked good in low light conditions.i finally tried a pair of leica.the readings are in red.they have been great and is pretty small also
I have the Bushnell Scout it works for my applications which are to range shooting lanes/distances and put it away(for the most part). However if I were using it to rangefind on game more then I would choose both a larger model and a Lieca. Reason being is the small/compact rangefinders are hard to hold on a target steady and light transmission is not the best. Also like dep said the led on a leica is red and on the others is black, so in low light that would be a problem. Really depends on your usage point I guess. I got the scout for nothing, I ceratinly will not complain, it has been a very good unit!
I have the Bushnell Sport model for about two years and I am totally pleased with it. No complaints whatsoever. If I really had a need though, and did not already have the Sport, then I might consider one of the more expensive models with better built-in optics.
Location: The Wild Turkey Capitol of the World......Missouri
Posts: 1,027
RE: Rangefinder
After much thought and a lot of putting off, I ordered a Bushnell Yardage Pro 1000 rangefinder today from Natchez Shooter's Supply. They are selling them now for $269 which is the cheapest I have seen the 1000 model. I had looked at the Leicas also but just couldn't make myself give the extra $$ for them. Besides that, Natchez doesn't carry Leicas and I had a Natchez gift certificate that needed used so the Bushnell got the call. I believe it will more than suffice for what I need it for with most of my rangefinding at 500 yds. and less.
I bought the Yardage Pro 500 for bowhunting only. My gun-shots are always within 150yds where a range-finder is not needed. If you decide on a yardage-Pro, go with a 500 or greater. The 400 doesn't have the rain/zip mode. The Leica sounds good with the red led readout, but its quite a bit more cash. My 500 was $219 in Cabelas. When its all over, it'll be YOU who decides on which one you get. So weigh the pros and cons and decide which one fits your needs the best and go with it.
__________________
T/C!! If you need more than one shot, you need more practice!
I recently bought the Nikon 600, after several weeks of poking around sporting goods stores and driving the clerks crazy. I found that Nikons have slightly better optical quality and have an easier-to-read display. One very big point, for bowhunters, is that the Leica rangefinders, surprisingly, are not very accurate at bow ranges. I commonly got readings 2 or 3 yards off at 20-30 yards with the Leica. Most clerks would argue with me over this, then fall silent when I proved it to them. I did find one guy who told me, before I could say anything, that he wouldn't recommend the Leica for bowhunters, for the same reason.
Leica all the way. Much better optics than either of the others especially in low light/cloudy/rainy weather, Tested them all side by side on the same crappy cold day. Contrary to Dirt2 my Leica was spot on vs. 2-3 yds off for the bushnell and nikon especially at 40 yds or less. It is also adjustable if a correction is needed. Well worth the extra cash in my book and if I ever head out west or canada I will be even more happy with it.
If you are going to be doing any kind of longer range shooting that really requires a reliable rangefinder the new Leica 1200 scan model is the one to get.
Most rangefinders can give you real problems getting readings in less than perfect conditions and then the money you saved by getting less than the best available will not seem like such a good deal after all.
Spend the extra money to get the most reliable rangefinder out there and you won't be sorry.
Rangefinder
, it has been a very good unit!
