Best rangefinder for the money

[Rookie Marksman]

I am looking for the best rangefinder for the money. I will be using it primarily in the field for elk hunting. Currently I am comfortable shooting to 500 yards in the right conditions, but that is now beyond the limit of my current rangefinder (Nikon 440). As I have read other postings it is apparent that sun, rain, etc. can reduce the ranging capability so I am looking for a unit that will consistently deliver accurate readings out to 800 yards or more in the various weather conditions encountered in the field. Budget is definitely a concern, but I will save longer for a high quality product if it delivers the performance. What rangefinders will give me the best performance for the price?

Thanks,
Rookie Marksman

 

[JackinSD]

I am looking for the best rangefinder for the money. I will be using it primarily in the field for elk hunting. Currently I am comfortable shooting to 500 yards in the right conditions, but that is now beyond the limit of my current rangefinder (Nikon 440). As I have read other postings it is apparent that sun, rain, etc. can reduce the ranging capability so I am looking for a unit that will consistently deliver accurate readings out to 800 yards or more in the various weather conditions encountered in the field. Budget is definitely a concern, but I will save longer for a high quality product if it delivers the performance. What rangefinders will give me the best performance for the price?

Thanks,
Rookie Marksman

The reason 47 people looked at this post before me and didn't respond, is they all know the search function works and this has been covered a multitude of times.

 

[Greyfox]

The Leica 1600 is a good unit that will get the job done and is practically priced. While it's not just a rangefinder, I think the best value for the money is the G7 Br2. While much higher priced, it covers the cost of a weather station, ballistic calculator, cosine indicator, and rangefinder all in one and will very quickly range and provide precise drops well past 1000 yards. Besides my rifle/scope, it's by far the best money on LR equipment I've spent. IMO.

 

[Dr. Vette]

The reason 47 people looked at this post before me and didn't respond, is they all know the search function works and this has been covered a multitude of times.

And, define "for the money"

How much of "the money" do you want to spend?
$200? $400? $1000?

 

[Rookie Marksman]

JackinSD - Thanks for the response. I am still learning this site so your feedback helps.

Does anyone know about the Leica Rangemaster 1000? Does it have to be perfect conditions to consistently read 1000 yards or will it consistently read elk at 600-800 yards in less than ideal conditions (i.e. rain, sun - although I don't understand the sun issue).

 

[wyowinchester]

I posted this on another spot but it's worth reading. Good info no matter witch one you buy.

Laser RangeFinders within AccurateShooter.com

 

[bigngreen]

JackinSD - Thanks for the response. I am still learning this site so your feedback helps.

Does anyone know about the Leica Rangemaster 1000? Does it have to be perfect conditions to consistently read 1000 yards or will it consistently read elk at 600-800 yards in less than ideal conditions (i.e. rain, sun - although I don't understand the sun issue).

The Leica 1000 will do well but it will let you down in some conditions in the range your looking for. Really the Leica 1600 is what your looking for, narrow beam and the ability to range at a decent price for what your getting. If your wanting to range and shoot game in the 800 yard range you really need to be able to range and practice in the 1000-1200 yard range.

 

[T3-OleMan]

Leica 1600! I went the same route you are going so let me save you the $$$$. I also got the Nikon 440 ....then the Nikon 800 or 880 which ever is correct and finally got the Leica 1600 for I think it was $800. Save the 440 for slinging arrows. If you can't swing < $800 ( seen them cheaper some where) wait till next year and just get closer this year. That is what I would do. Good Luck.

PS: 10 / 4 on the Ski & Bow or whichever way the name is, hate to have to stop in there.

 

[extreme]

The Leica 1600 is a good unit that will get the job done and is practically priced. While it's not just a rangefinder, I think the best value for the money is the G7 Br2. While much higher priced, it covers the cost of a weather station, ballistic calculator, cosine indicator, and rangefinder all in one and will very quickly range and provide precise drops well past 1000 yards. Besides my rifle/scope, it's by far the best money on LR equipment I've spent. IMO.

This is the correct answer.

 

[JimCraig]

If you feel like you're in a hurry to get something, eurooptic.com has Leica CRF 1000 on sale right now for 469, down from 599, to make room for the new CRF 100 R. I would agree that it could be a good idea and wait until you've got the funds for the 1600B, but in the 400-500 dollar price range, this limited time deal is probably the best you'll find. Good luck!

 

[antitactical]

The ziess rangefinder is a great one for the money. It's a little bigger than the Leica but its easier to hold still for a longe ranging session. Mine was cheaper than the Leica too.

 

[highridge1]

+1 on the Zeiss I really the Zeiss it has given more consistent ranges and holds steadier than the leica.Also worked better in rain, snow and different lighting conditions.

 

[Nimrod]

+1 on the Zeiss I really the Zeiss it has given more consistent ranges and holds steadier than the leica.Also worked better in rain, snow and different lighting conditions.

I was able to compare the Zeiss and the Leica side by side a couple months ago when my neighbor showed up at the local shooting spot with a Zeiss. My experience was very different, while the Zeiss was indeed easier to hold the ranges were less consistent and the Leica would range twice as far. Granted this was only a casual comparison in decent conditions but I'm really glad I got the 1600B.

Bob