Rangefinder help
 

I am thinking of getting a rangefinder and wondered what I should be looking for. I want one that can range a deer out to 400 yards if that is possible---but don't want to break the bank either. Any thoughts or help will be appreciated.

RE: Rangefinder help
 

In my humble opinion, Leica is the best one you can buy.

RE: Rangefinder help
 

I got the Bushnell Scout for christmas and it is a great little range finder. They are about $250 but they are small, light and have a good range. Here is the link to cabelas for more info.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0004202711251a&navAction=jump&am p;navCount=1&indexId=cat20756&podId=000420 2&catalogCode=QS&parentId=cat20756&par entType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20712&a mp;hasJS=true

RE: Rangefinder help
 

I have a Bushnell Yardage Pro...Works great for me.... I have not ranged any deer farther than 200 yards w/ it though... It is supposed to be good out to 800...

RE: Rangefinder help
 

I would get the lecia for sure. Get the best so you are confident in it otherwise why even have it? swfa has the 900 scan for less than $400 I think. It is a great tool.

RE: Rangefinder help
 

I have the Leica and have used it for 2 years and have not regretted it.....;)

RE: Rangefinder help
 

Iwas givena Bushnell Scout a few years ago, it works for my purpose mostly bowbut also use it forranging landmark/shooting lanes upon setting up with firearms. I like the size but it has it disadvantages; IMEharder to hold on distance targets, poor low light performance and black LED. My partner bought a Leica 900 and it is a better unit in all facets except compactness. Red LED should be on them all IMHO it really makes a big difference even in daylight but proves its worth in low light, faster acquire &long distance ranging. If I were buying, Leica no questiuons would be my choice as well.

RE: Rangefinder help
 

Leica is the only way to go!

RE: Rangefinder help
 

Though I currently use a Bushnell model I would probably opt for the new Nikon Monarch series if I had to buy another. Their optics are excellent and their rangefinding ability is very accurate.

RE: Rangefinder help
 

I guess one's preference dependsa lot on the type of hunting you do. If you hunt strictly from a treestand size isn't that big of a factor. If you are hiking up and down the mountains bowhunting for elk, size becomes a big deal. For the past seven years or so I have used Bushnell's yardage pro 500, but I am looking to upgrade. Today I used the Leica LRF 900 ($500.00), a Bushnell Scout (Black/Green $250.00), and Nikon Monarch 800 (Black $350.00).

No doubt the best glass of the three rangefinders was Leica's and in lower lightit should be easier to see the readout being it is in red. However, both the Scout and the Monarch viewfinders were very clear all the way out to the edge. What I didn't like about the Leica was its size. Though it is smaller than what I currently use I would have trouble getting it in my pocket.

Call me stupid but because of the size I would buy either of the Monarch 800 or the Scoutbefore I bought the Leica and not feel handicapped in the least. Between the Scout and the Monarch I would give the edge to the Monarch only because I felt the target aquisition was a smidge better, it gives 1/2 yard readouts,it is fogproof, and it iswaterproof. The Scout is simplywater resistant but is obviously the cheapest.