Looking for a good rangefinder.

[rick523]

Well what I mean is how far can you range deer in the worst case scenario. I can justify 750-800 for a rangefinder if it really out performs the 300-400 ones.

It can and will,(leica 1600) better to spend a little more the first time,than spend it later when you find out the cheaper model dosn't get you what you want.lightbulb Jmo

 

[Broz]

Well what I mean is how far can you range deer in the worst case scenario. I can justify 750-800 for a rangefinder if it really out performs the 300-400 ones.

There is no comparisons to the less expensive units. I have compared the Leica's next to my Vectronix on game (antelope and elk). Don't be fooled by the less expensive units with the large beams. Just because they give you a number does not mean it is an accurate range to the animal. Some RF's just grab something more reflective, but the question is what? A 6 or 8' beam at 1000 can get you in trouble. If a guy is giving a report saying a RF will range a deer at 1000, and he is only using the unit he is reporting on, I say how do you know what it was ranging? I put them up against a Vectronix PLRF10 and the " 1000 yard deer ranging RF's" are soon discovered to be liars. The Leica 1600 has the smallest and most precise beam of any of the under $1000 units. And even smaller than one of the $1600 units.

I have seen some Leica 1600's selling under $700... I would do some shopping for the best deal.

Jeff

 

[orkan]

I spent a lot of money on lesser LRF's before settling on the Vectronix PLRF-05.

Primal Rights • Primal Rights -- Vectronix - Terrapin

 

[jcoop]

The Leica 1600 has the smallest and most precise beam of any of the under $1000 units. f

Hey Broz
Just courious what is the beam width of the nikon 1200. I cant find it in print. I have been trying to find a reason to get a leica 1600 but have not yet done it other than the longer range capability. I tested the leica 1200 when I bought my nikon and it was not able to pick up cows at 900 yards I was able to get. If I was infact mesuring the cows.

 

[toddc]

There is no comparisons to the less expensive units. I have compared the Leica's next to my Vectronix on game (antelope and elk). Don't be fooled by the less expensive units with the large beams. Just because they give you a number does not mean it is an accurate range to the animal. Some RF's just grab something more reflective, but the question is what? A 6 or 8' beam at 1000 can get you in trouble. If a guy is giving a report saying a RF will range a deer at 1000, and he is only using the unit he is reporting on, I say how do you know what it was ranging? I put them up against a Vectronix PLRF10 and the " 1000 yard deer ranging RF's" are soon discovered to be liars. The Leica 1600 has the smallest and most precise beam of any of the under $1000 units. And even smaller than one of the $1600 units.

I have seen some Leica 1600's selling under $700... I would do some shopping for the best deal.

Jeff

I also discovered this factor a couple of years back and really cut back on 1000 yd misses by ALWAYS USING A TRIPOD for the RF. Basically cut elevation misses to 0 with a swarov 1500. We went from my leica 1200 to the swarov and elevation misses became more common(Mainly because the leica was easier to aim I believe). We stuck the 1500 on a pod and voila. I still hate the swarov though and will replace it with some binos at some point when I see a deal on some.

 

[Nimrod]

This fall in bright sunlight I could consistently range pronghorns on the skyline to at least 1100 with my leica 1600B, sometimes farther. Sitting in camp there was a rock on a hillside I could hit every single time in low light at 1993 yards. I had a tough time spending the $$ but I'm glad I did, I think it will be a while before I outgrow it.

Bob

 

[cwinner]

I spent a lot of money on lesser LRF's before settling on the Vectronix PLRF-05.

Primal Rights • Primal Rights -- Vectronix - Terrapin

Im going to second what Broz & organ are saying here, I too have a many RF's in my shooting room that all work fine but none of them are equal to my Vectronics.....what pushed me over the edge was the beam divergence of my Swaros on antelope and oryx hunts.....one time in particular comes to mind where I could not get an accurate reading, sure I got a reading but knew it was not right as I was getting a 150yd reading from an oryx that I knew was at least 450+. I have a buddy with a Leica 1600 and in my semi-informed opinion it's the next best thing! I have used and or been around most of the ones being discussed here including the bushnell 1600 ect and the next best thing is the Leica 1600, next is my vectronics PLRF-05 followed by the PLRF-10 ( and that I can't afford)

 

[Broz]

Hey Broz
Just courious what is the beam width of the nikon 1200. I cant find it in print. I have been trying to find a reason to get a leica 1600 but have not yet done it other than the longer range capability. I tested the leica 1200 when I bought my nikon and it was not able to pick up cows at 900 yards I was able to get. If I was infact mesuring the cows.

Sorry I have not tested the Nikon, but I would bet the beam is larger than the Leica.

Were the cows black? Black is the hardest color to get a reading on. Also did you have the unit on sand bags or a rock solid rest? The smaller beam require a more solid rest to hit objects at 900 yards just as does a rifle.

Jeff

 

[jimbires]

I looked around and found the papers to the nikon 800 . the bean divergence is Vert 5*- 8* Horz 25*- 36* . they really didn't commit themselves on this spec . I'm not sure if the 1200 would be the same .

5 or 6 years ago I lost the nikon while hunting and replaced it with a bushnell 1500ARC . I looked through the papers for it , and the beam size is not listed . I need a better rangefinder and have been reading all the info I can find .
Jim

 

[orkan]

replaced it with a bushnell 1500ARC . I looked through the papers for it , and the beam size is not listed . I need a better rangefinder and have been reading all the info I can find .
Jim

I too had the bushnell, as well as just about every other rangefinder in the $500-1500 price point. The vectronics beats them all with very little effort.

 

[cwinner]

I too had the bushnell, as well as just about every other rangefinder in the $500-1500 price point. The vectronics beats them all with very little effort.

+1......

 

[shortpants]

What is the difference between the plrf-10 and the plrf-05???

 

[Broz]

What is the difference between the plrf-10 and the plrf-05???

about 2K

Jeff

 

[shortpants]

about 2K

Jeff

Ok but why?