best deal on a laser range finder

jambrdly · August 5, 2012, 11:00 PM

Hello:

Any opinions on the best value in a laser range finder?

Thanks

JCB

Creeper · August 5, 2012, 11:58 PM

Bushnell, Nikon, Redfield and Weaver seem to be the best bang for the buck in the lower price range. Not terrific quality... but then, not $800 and up either.

I have used the Redfield 550 and liked it, but the only other rangefinder I had to compare it to was a Nikon Pro "Something" 3. Which was OK too, but didn't seem as clear to my eye.

I don't think you're going to find many folks with personal experience with lots of lower priced rangefinders... my experience was just a fortuitous happenstance.
Go to a Cabelas or some other big box joint and look thru a few of them.

Cheers,
C

math teacher · August 6, 2012, 01:40 PM

Do you want an inclinometer built in? Great for steep uphill or downhill shots. Nikon is waterproof. Mine is a Leupold that I bought before the Nikon came out. Works great, but is only water resistant.

Creeper · August 6, 2012, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Do you want an inclinometer built in?

Good point. Dependent on what "neck of the woods" you're in, that'd be handy to have.

C

603Country · August 6, 2012, 10:15 PM

One thing to consider when shopping for a rangefinder is what range you consider to be your shooting max or desired ranging maximum. I say that because in my experience with mid-priced rangefinders (Bushnell and Nikon), the actual range under normal use in ranging to a coyote, pig, or deer will most often be about half of what your rangefinder max is. If I buy another one, it'll be at least rated to 1000 yards. It could be that the high dollar ones aren't like that, and a Leica 1200 will always range to 1200, even under poor conditions, but that's info I don't have.

August 5, 2012, 11:00 PM	#1
jambrdly Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2010 Posts: 105	best deal on a laser range finder Hello: Any opinions on the best value in a laser range finder? Thanks JCB

August 5, 2012, 11:58 PM	#2
Creeper Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: Woooooshington Posts: 1,797	Bushnell, Nikon, Redfield and Weaver seem to be the best bang for the buck in the lower price range. Not terrific quality... but then, not $800 and up either. I have used the Redfield 550 and liked it, but the only other rangefinder I had to compare it to was a Nikon Pro "Something" 3. Which was OK too, but didn't seem as clear to my eye. I don't think you're going to find many folks with personal experience with lots of lower priced rangefinders... my experience was just a fortuitous happenstance. Go to a Cabelas or some other big box joint and look thru a few of them. Cheers, C __________________ Shoulder Drive Nicholson Club

August 6, 2012, 01:40 PM	#3
math teacher Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2012 Location: Southwest WA Coast Posts: 558	Do you want an inclinometer built in? Great for steep uphill or downhill shots. Nikon is waterproof. Mine is a Leupold that I bought before the Nikon came out. Works great, but is only water resistant.

August 6, 2012, 10:15 PM	#5
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	One thing to consider when shopping for a rangefinder is what range you consider to be your shooting max or desired ranging maximum. I say that because in my experience with mid-priced rangefinders (Bushnell and Nikon), the actual range under normal use in ranging to a coyote, pig, or deer will most often be about half of what your rangefinder max is. If I buy another one, it'll be at least rated to 1000 yards. It could be that the high dollar ones aren't like that, and a Leica 1200 will always range to 1200, even under poor conditions, but that's info I don't have.