Okay, one thing you can do is buy the cheaper kestrel, which has the elite, but is limited in terms of how many profiles it holds and a few other things (like target cards IIRC). In the future, if you want to expand it's capability, its just a firmware upgrade for the cost difference. So there is that.
But lets assume for a moment that you will not be using a Kestrel with Elite or the Foretrex 701, and as you are shooting NF, you are not interested in BDX scope connectivity. I'm going to stick with Sig and Leica because I like their onboard ballistics, though I think Zeiss might have a good system as well, I am not familiar with it. G7 is there as well, but it's pricey, and Vec X needs a Kestrel too. Gonna generally stay away from the 2k+ choices, so no Leica HDB's etc.
Leica 2700b: Ranges as far as the 2800b...which is about 2800 yards in good conditions on rocks etc..allows you to input a custom curve so your have a pretty good solution out to 1k. You'll probably need to tweak the BC and maybe velocity a bit to get it where it's right way out there, but you can get it to within .1 MOA of agreement with AB...IF you disregard coriolis and aero jump. That's where there will be some additional error introduced. So basically, it's just like your 1600 but it allows for a custom curve via SD card, so is more accurate way out there....and ranges alot farther. Runs in the $700 range IIRC. Talk to Doug at Cameraland NY, great guy.
Leica 2800b: Same unit as the 2700 but ads bluetooth connectivity for app and connection to a Kestrel. Other than that, it's a 2700, so if you are not using a Kestrel, there is no benefit here, though the app is nice and allows for firmware updates and easier curve loading. Runs about $1100.
All the sigs also take a custom curve, loaded via bluetooth connection to the app and will also connect to the Foretrex, where the Leica only connects to the Kestrel at this time:
Sig 2400 ABS: These units can sometimes be found on sale for under 1k if you keep your eyes open, but regular price is running 13ish. App connectivity, but no Kestrel, but it's not needed. Full AB onboard, full environmentals. Runs behind the two Leicas a bit on some targets, particularly small steel ones, but not on reflective where it really reaches out. Divergence is much larger, sensor to reticle alignment is not as precise, so it can be harder to get a range than the two Leicas mentioned, even though I think it has the power. But it will range and give you a full AB solution all the way out there.
Sig 2400 BDX: Same basic ranging engine and optics as the ABS, but needs a Kestrel for it's full solution. Lacks onboard enviros, gets it through connectivity to the app, either manually entered or automatically sourced via cell connection using local station. Onboard ballistics are AB ultralite, which, like Leica's app, does not use coriolis, aero jump etc. in it's solution. Unlike the Leica app, it uses G7's (Leica uses only G1's). Limited to 800 yards. Runs around 6-700 IIRC
Sig 3k BDX: Obviously, you get binos out of this one, and while they are no Leicas, the glass is actually pretty good considering the price point, think Vortex Viper probably. Works just like the 2400 BDX, so no enviros, needs Kestrel for a full solution or any solution beyond 800 yards etc. What you get beyond the obvious bino part is a pretty serious upgrade in ranging. Sig lowered the divergence to just below what Leica offers, with the same smart sensor orientation. Coupled with a lot of raw horsepower and the larger receptor, this is the most powerful RF I have personally used, but I've not used the older Vectronix stuff etc. It's only issue, IMO, is that like the other sigs, the sensor reticle relationship falls short...that is...large reticle and broad sensor alignment latitude...such that you need to figure out exactly where your sensor lies and realize that is may extend outside the reticle. Once you figure out how it all is setup, though, you can really reach out and touch some stuff. If Sig would adopt Leica's much smaller reticle and stricter sensor alignment standards, that would be major, but as it is, the 3k really performs nonetheless. (Yeah, the diopters are too lose, but that's an easy fix).
These binos are somewhat heavy compared to standard binos, but probably about the same as other RF binos. They run in the 1200 range IIRC.
That's the quick and dirty (okay, maybe not so quick)...hopefully help you find the right spot for your needs and budget. I currently have the two Leicas and the 3k, had the 2400 BDX for a while too, and usto have a 1600b. They all have their strong points depending on what you are doing. None of them are perfect, but they are all pretty awesome, so don't think you can make a wrong decision here, just the best one for you personally. Let me know if you need any more help, glad to jump on a call with you if that would be useful.
