Laser Range Finder Question

[demolition101]

I'm using a Bushnell Yardage Pro that I borrowed from work. I can barely if ever get distances through it. Very limited targets give a return distance. Is this because this is a cheap piece of crap or something else. If I buy a good range finder will it perform better than this one? I'm looking for a reliable range finder that won't break the bank. Suggestions welcome but I'd like to know the root of the problem with this one. Thanks Demo

[209x50]

Good rangefinders will range to 1800 yards and beyond. I think you need to try another unit.

[demolition101]

Yeah range definitely comes with price. But even trying to range objects within 200m don't show a number. Just wondering if I was doing something wrong or if it was just a crap unit. Not much to do with a range finder except point and click but....

[JohninAB]

Good rangefinders will range to 1800 yards and beyond. I think you need to try another unit.

x2

Depends alot on the reflective quality of the target as well with the cheaper units like Bushnell.

Strongly recommend you look at a Leica or Zeiss rangefinder. Cost but you get what you pay for.

[JohnB]

I'm using a Bushnell Yardage Pro that I borrowed from work. I can barely if ever get distances through it. Very limited targets give a return distance. Is this because this is a cheap piece of crap or something else. If I buy a good range finder will it perform better than this one? I'm looking for a reliable range finder that won't break the bank. Suggestions welcome but I'd like to know the root of the problem with this one. Thanks Demo


I found the same thing with my old bushnell; get yourself a Leica.

[demolition101]

Any particular model of Leica?

[JohninAB]

Crf 1600

[Kurt505]

I'm using a Bushnell Yardage Pro that I borrowed from work. I can barely if ever get distances through it. Very limited targets give a return distance. Is this because this is a cheap piece of crap or something else. If I buy a good range finder will it perform better than this one? I'm looking for a reliable range finder that won't break the bank. Suggestions welcome but I'd like to know the root of the problem with this one. Thanks Demo

A couple questions first. Are you tring to range thru glass? That , for most rangefinders doesn't turn out well. Another thing is, which model are you using? Some models are only good up to 200-400yds, anything past that they simply can't pick up. Depending on your needs and your budget there are a ton of good options. The Nikon line will give you good value for your dollar, Leica and leupold are nice compact units and very good quality, but I like the Swarovski. It gives you 8x magnification and can double as viewing optics(which I like for archery), plus it will range a deer up to 1800yds+.

[demolition101]

Not through glass, and the objects weren't very reflective, tree lines, fence posts and such. That's what I assumed the problem was. Cheaper unit. I'd like something to do 1000yds but only want to pay about $400 tops. And my selection is limited to my budget unfortunately.

[Kurt505]

What are you using for? This might be a good model.

http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=71&&section=1195&section2=1373&ID=28363

[C Taylor]

The yardage pro works ok when bow hunting but for rifle, not so much

[Don K]

Look at the Leupold. I've got one I use for bowhunting and it's pretty good. Not as good as my leica, but way better than Bushnell. You should also throw a set of fresh batteries in it, cause when batteries weaken ALL range finders go downhill fast...:)

[demolition101]

I will try the battery thing. Right now I'm just using it for yotes. But in the spring I'd like to use is for my black bear spot and stalks hence the 1000yds. If not I might try the one you linked Kurt. Thanks

[elkhunter11]

Leica ,Zeiss, and Swarovski all make excellent rangefinders, the lower priced units are not at all comparable to these brands. If you want to range objects at 1000 yards that are not highly reflective, you need a higher end rangefinder.

[Kurt505]

Leica ,Zeiss, and Swarovski all make excellent rangefinders, the lower priced units are not at all comparable to these brands. If you want to range objects at 1000 yards that are not highly reflective, you need a higher end rangefinder.

Those are all good rf's, but I gotta say the new leupold impressed me. A friend of mine picked one up, and after trying it out I almost bought one. It ranged out to 1200yds and I like the red + better than the red O on my Swarovski.

[Redfrog]

I've been using rangefinders for years. I've used my own and tried those belonging to others.
High end, low end mid range. The one I use all the time is the Bushnell yardage pro 800 compact. My brother has had the same model for at least ten years.
We hunt a lot of coyotes. with the small targets the results from any rangefinder are, not consistent and sometimes unreliable. I range something larger if I can't get a reading on a coyote.
The only unit I would prefer is leica binos with the rangefinder built in.

The bushnell is available usd for around $200

[roguewarrior]

The rule of thumb with good rangefinders is it will cost a $1 per yard!
my lecia Crf1600 is way better than that! Whatever the rangefinder is rated forr 1000, 500, on no reflective is usually half the distance! I have a yardage pro 500 that I use for bow hunting will hardly read a deer at 250 yds!
my 2 cents

[elkhunter11]

Those are all good rf's, but I gotta say the new leupold impressed me.

None of the Leupold rangefinders impressed me in the least, I found even the Bushnells to be superior to them.

[bobalong]

I picked up a Bushnell 1600 Arc this year. It worked very well IMO with the longest range on a deer being 879 yards (it is suppose to range farther but that is the longest soft target I tried). It also has the ballistic program in it, giving you the holdover after you release the distance. Found it worked very well in low light and has 7X magnification. Anxious to try it out on coyotes now and gophers in the spring.

[Kurt505]

None of the Leupold rangefinders impressed me in the least, I found even the Bushnells to be superior to them.

Really?

Have you tried this one?

http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=71&&section=1195&section2=1373&ID=32089

[Jordan Smith]

I own the Yardage Pro, and yes, it sucks. It'll range out to 450 yards, max, on a good day in perfect conditions.

I've also owned and used the Leica LRF1200 Scan, Bushnell Fusion 1600 (bino/RF), and I've used family/friends' Bushnell Elite 1500, Zeiss PRF, and Leupold RX1000.

The Leica LRF1200 or CRF1200 would be a great option for the OP, and one could be found used in the $400 range. I've ranged out to 1320 yards with the LRF.

The Elite 1500 is another great, cost-effective solution. Doesn't range quite as well as the Leica, but close.

If the OP is interested in range-finding binoculars, then the Bushnell Fusion 1600 is an AMAZING bang for your buck. Its ranging capabilities are totally on par with what guys are reporting for the Swaro RF and the CRF1600. Mine will range trees out to nearly 1900 yards routinely and reliably. The farthest I've tried it on game is close to 1300 yards. It gave a reading with the first press of the button. Its ranging capability runs about $0.50/yard. The glass in the bino is fairly good, too, being about on par with the Vortex Viper or Bushnell Elite.

The Zeiss PRF ranges to about 1300 yards on large targets, and the glass is great. It's not cheap, though.

I'd stay away from Leupold. I haven't tried some of the newest models, but the RX1000 and older were a waste of money.

[sheephunter]

Leica ,Zeiss, and Swarovski all make excellent rangefinders, the lower priced units are not at all comparable to these brands. If you want to range objects at 1000 yards that are not highly reflective, you need a higher end rangefinder.

I really liked the Swaro for its compact design but if you do a quick Google search, it seems they have been plaqued with problems. Too bad, the size sure was appealing for those looking at a stand alone rangefinder. I know two sheep guides that had them and have since both got rid of them. The eye relief seemed a bit weird on it too. Your head had to be in the perfect position to see the numbers.

[BrownBear416]

Leica rangefinders have always worked very well for me.Swarovski blew away all other brands when we were in New Mexico.I could not believe the ranges they were lasering antelope in plus 30 mirrage.Switching to the new rangefinding Swarovski binos for next season as soon as I can get my hands on a pair.

[backstraps]

I own the Bushnell Elite 1500 and for what it worth I think it does the job well. It ranges to about 500y max on a treeline and 450ish on a soft target. It kills my friends small Leopold rangefinder(cant remember model). If you dont want to break the bank and are happy with being able to range 400-500 max its a good choice. Ranging anything at all up to about 375y is a gimmee.

[elkhunter11]

Have you tried this one?



I have tried a few Leupold units, but to be honest, I am not sure of the model numbers. Had I used one that impressed me, I would probably remember the exact model.

I have owned both Bushnell and Leica rangefinders, and I am now using the 10x42 Geovid HDs exclusively.

[sheephunter]

Leica rangefinders have always worked very well for me.Swarovski blew away all other brands when we were in New Mexico.I could not believe the ranges they were lasering antelope in plus 30 mirrage.Switching to the new rangefinding Swarovski binos for next season as soon as I can get my hands on a pair.

About time they brought one out. Once you try a bino/rangefinder combination, you'll never know how you lived without it. Any idea on the price?

[BrownBear416]

About time they brought one out. Once you try a bino/rangefinder combination, you'll never know how you lived without it. Any idea on the price?

Swarovski EL Range 8x42 $2768.95

Swarovski EL Range 10x42 $2868.95


Might be tough to get for a few years though lol

I agree with you as im sick of packing both.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2jN7QDIrnU

[Kurt505]

I have tried a few Leupold units, but to be honest, I am not sure of the model numbers. Had I used one that impressed me, I would probably remember the exact model.

I have owned both Bushnell and Leica rangefinders, and I am now using the 10x42 Geovid HDs exclusively.

I used the older model leupolds and didn't like them at all, the link I posted was of their new model which I liked.

The geovids are sweet, but heavy and bulky. Not that that's bad while rifle hunting, but I prefer something more light and compact while bowhunting. I'm willing to give up some optic range and clarity in that circumstance.

[fatboyz]

I have had 2 of the older Bushnell models and they were OK out to about 300m. I bought a leupold RX750 and was quite disapointed. I sent it back to Korth (even though it came from Cabela's in the U.S) and they sent me a new one. It worked way better. I have ranged deer out to 450m, but it was hit and miss with smaller targets. I do a lot of long distance target shooting and wanted something that would "actually" range out to 1000m. I was convinced on getting a Leica 1600 this summer but the price went up. Cabela's in the states had the Zeiss on for $599.00 so I bought that. I use it for rangeing my paper targets and have no problems out to 1200m. I have ranged gophers to 300m. My farthest distance was a spruce tree at 1378m. My farthest distance on an animal was a beef calf at 1078m. The farthest distance ranged to date on a WT doe was 933m.
If I'm hunting with my daughters I carry the Leupold as it is more compact. For me, and the long range "rock busting" in the mountains I love the Zeiss. If I could only have one it would be the Zeiss.

[demolition101]

The ziess model is that the victory PRF one?

[Kitscoty Bear Slayer(KBS)]

Not through glass, and the objects weren't very reflective, tree lines, fence posts and such. That's what I assumed the problem was. Cheaper unit. I'd like something to do 1000yds but only want to pay about $400 tops. And my selection is limited to my budget unfortunately.

Have you checked out Nikon,I have had one for two years and I really like it.
Seems to me it was about $400 or so

[demolition101]

Which Nikon model? I was looking at them. Just bought a buckmaster BDC and I love it.

[rednecknimrod]

I have the Bushnell Legend ARC 1200 and ranged the ground (no snow) just under a deer the other day and it read 1184....
I was happy with that since its not more than $400 dollars new :)

[209x50]

The ziess model is that the victory PRF one?
Zeiss makes a monocular RF and the 10x45 RF bino

[sakogreywolf]

I have a Nikon that is rated out to 400 yds. I have been pleased with it as it will range deer out to 350 yds and bigger objects out to the rated 400 yds. The price paid was within your budget. If you want something to range out to 1000 yds you will have to exceed your budget.

[Jordan Smith]

.

[fatboyz]

Demo.
Yup that's the Victory PRF model.

[savage shooter]

$400 is a lot. You should be able to find a rangefinder that works spectacularly for that kind of money. Mine cost half that and will range perfectly to 800 seemingly no matter what I point it at. It will even work through glass of you set reflective mode to on.

I will check the brand when I get home from Christmas.

[demolition101]

That would be great SS thanks?

[trimble]

Nikon ProStaff 550 is what I use, and will range to anything in this distance (550 yards).
This is the range that I would take safe shot on an animal considering: animal hunted, rifle and caliber.

[rwm1273]

I bought a simmons from walmart for $150, and it seems to work well. I was able to range treelines, and even a fence line out to 400M, and anything over it won't give a distance. I was able to target a rabbit at 138M, and I am sure it would have done that to much farther out.

It is a cheap rangefinder, and I would prefer one with longer range, but not shooting at anything farther than 400M, so not that big of a deal.

[bigjeff]

I ended up with a Leupold RX-1000 TBR DNA. I was ranging animals at 730yds in Cadomin. Worked good enough for my purposes and budget.

[deerhunter]

I have the Swarov model SLC 10x42 Great unit

[Artistic Taxidermy]

Leica rangefinders have always worked very well for me.Swarovski blew away all other brands when we were in New Mexico.I could not believe the ranges they were lasering antelope in plus 30 mirrage.Switching to the new rangefinding Swarovski binos for next season as soon as I can get my hands on a pair.

i really like my swarovski rangefinders i have had them for a few years and the 10+42 binos but i think i need the new swarovski with the rangefinders in them one less thing to carry on your hunt and from what i read they are only a oz or 2 heavier than the 10+42 binos. i am going to check them out at the sci in vegas in feb.

[kennedy]

Really?

Have you tried this one?

http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=71&&section=1195&section2=1373&ID=32089

Yes, i bought that range finder...its ok, for a first timer like myself but started getting frustrated when i couldnt even range a moose.My friends Leica ranged it out to 600yrds.
Save your money and buy a Leica crf 1600 or swaro

[1BUCKWILD1]

I bought a nikon prostaff! It is a cheaper model but you can range a deer at 400 yards And yotes to 300 yards! But a deer you can get a fast reading on it every time will always give you a range. You can range buildings to 670 yards but it is only suppost to go to 550yards! But It is a good range finder for 270 dallors!