Looking to buy a new Rangefinder

[Theohemmaway]

I’m looking into buying a range finder. Is there anything out there that’s decently priced that gets the job done, that’s not going to break the bank ? I’m new to all this I don’t want a cheap cheap piece of garbage!

[Coiloil37]

My vote is a used Leica. I’ve been using a LRF800 for the past 10+ years and it’s been excellent. I saw a LRF900 on Kijiji yesterday for $150 and was tempted to go get it but it’s about half an hour east of town and I was to lazy.

[Theohemmaway]

Originally Posted by Coiloil37

My vote is a used Leica. I’ve been using a LRF800 for the past 10+ years and it’s been excellent. I saw a LRF900 on Kijiji yesterday for $150 and was tempted to go get it but it’s about half an hour east of town and I was to lazy.

I’ll half to check into those. Anything a guy should stay away from?

[score]

Prophet River is clearing out the Vortex Ranger 1300 for $329.00. Check that one out, might be what you're looking for.

[SageValleyOutdoors]

I’ll second the vote for a used Leica... I’ve had Leupold, Nikon and Bushnell rangefinders and none of them compared to my lrf900. It’s sooooo much faster at getting an accurate range, image quality is crystal clear, and the battery lasts forever. I liked mine so much that when my career and finances improved, i spent the $2500 for a pair of their rangefinding binoculars - which is the best piece of hunting equipment i own.
The ONLY thing i wish it had was an angle compensator.
I traded it to a buddy of mine for some other hunting stuff though. Kinda regret that - would have been good to give it to my kids when they’re sitting in a whitetail stand by themselves.

If you see a used Leica, get it.

[Coiloil37]

Originally Posted by Theohemmaway

I’ll half to check into those. Anything a guy should stay away from?

Yea, anything that doesn’t say Leica or swaro on it. Before this lrf I had a pair of Bushnell, one Nikon and one leupold and they didn’t hold a candle to this Leica. I still run a leupold vendetta on my bow but for a handheld the Leica is where it’s at.

[elkhunter11]

Be aware that the distance ratings are for highly reflective objects, and animals may only provide readings 1/2 to 2/3 that far, depending on the size of the animal.

[Benelli1]

Depends what you consider breaking the bank. Excellent deal on a new Leica 1600 in the buy and sell right now. Sometimes better to pay a little more to buy quality first instead of junk, and then finding out you should have bought the better one in the first place.

[score]

Maybe a used Leica or other higher end used one (with a good warranty), but this fella is just starting out. Asking about guns and gear, and needs to get into it on a tight budget.

Range finding binos are indeed a nice piece of gear but not what he's looking for.

To start out, get one with a life time warranty, and one of their lower end range finders. The Rangers I suggested are really good. It'll work fine for you until you decide if you're going to keep hunting or can afford a better.

Actually from your last thread and this one, you could do without a range finder right now.
Find a rifle and go shoot all summer. Hunting, don't shoot at anything really far away that you don't feel confident in killing.
You can get a range finder down the road.
You are just starting out. Hell, I didn't use a range finder for many years. Paced off a hundred yards and sighted in.

Get yourself a gun and binos and shoot it. You don't need everything right now.
Unless I'm reading your situation wrong...

[TAK Precision]

I’ll agree with the other, get a used Leica 1600B. Lots of guys dumping them cheap to get their new model.

[Zuludog]

Lots of good reviews for the Sig Sauer brand. Sorry I can't remember the model but googling it should be easy. I would put my money into the best binos that I could afford, if you are just starting out buying optics.

[C&C Outdoors]

If you can find a leica rangefinder in your price range, it's the the way to go. I have the range master crf 1000 & have had zero issues, great clarity with the 7x optics & no need to upgrade to anything with a farther ranging distance unless that's what your after or if it's in your price range.

It's a lot cheaper in the long run from my experience

[Ronaround]

i was just looking thru eBay and seen a few used staring at 195.00 usd
Leica 1600 B. is that a good price for a gently used version?

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Ronaround

i was just looking thru eBay and seen a few used staring at 195.00 usd
Leica 1600 B. is that a good price for a gently used version?

That is likely a LRF, which is quite a lot larger than the newer CRFs but yes they do work very well. You are however looking at just over $320 Cdn with shipping, GST and exchange.

I just bought a perfect condition Leica 1200 CRF for my buddy. It came with the case and original box/manual from here on AO for $350 shipped to me. Late last year I got a new in box CDF 2000 B with angle and ballistic app for $600 shipped from a different fellow here on AO. I bought it to replace the 1200 CRF I had for the previous 15 years that I left in Africa for my PH.

I have had Bushnell, Swaro, Leupold, Vortex and used most of the other makes and keep going back to Leica. The Leicas have far better glass, good enough I don't carry Binos when I go for a walk, and they range in really adverse conditions. A good used Leica would be my recommendation. Shooting Warehouse has new CRF 2400 R s for $659 plus GST and free shipping just for info and comparison when negotiating on a used pair.

[brewster29]

Steyr101 has an unused Leica 1600B for sale in the optics listings for $525.
This would by far be the best value you will find.

[Coiloil37]

If I couldn’t wait for a better deal and could win the auction very close to their opening bid I would take a poke at either of these.









Or if I wanted something cheaper the lrf around that $150-200 mark would work well.


The comment about only ranging highly reflective targets at its max range was true with every other brand of rangefinder I’ve owned. My lrf hasn’t had that problem. It’ll range a coyote in a field of stubble out to its 800 yard rating. The only time it’s had trouble was in thick fog.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Coiloil37

If I couldn’t wait for a better deal and could win the auction very close to their opening bid I would take a poke at either of these.









Or if I wanted something cheaper the lrf around that $150-200 mark would work well.


The comment about only ranging highly reflective targets at its max range was true with every other brand of rangefinder I’ve owned. My lrf hasn’t had that problem. It’ll range a coyote in a field of stubble out to its 800 yard rating. The only time it’s had trouble was in thick fog.

You are right about ranging small targets, I ranged Gazelle at 950 yards with a CRF 1200, standing in tall brown grass and small bushes. They aren't very reflective and camouflage well.

In my opinion, the 1600 isn't a bad price at the opening bid but not much more. The 1200 is over 420 Cdn., plus they are going to ding you 5% GSt and a $10 handling fee at the border for a total of $450. You can buy one in Canada for a lot less money. Like I said above I just bought a CRF 1200 last week here on AO for $350 Cdn, shipped, in perfect condition with case, box etc.

[warriorboy10]

I have a Leica that I would sell. PM me if your interested.

[wildwoods]

Do not buy the vortex ranger. Very good for angle compensation but target acquisition is garbage. Not happy with mine at all. Used the Leica (Huge Nuge's) and that will be my next range finder for long range hunting.

[Theohemmaway]

Originally Posted by Dean2

You are right about ranging small targets, I ranged Gazelle at 950 yards with a CRF 1200, standing in tall brown grass and small bushes. They aren't very reflective and camouflage well.

In my opinion, the 1600 isn't a bad price at the opening bid but not much more. The 1200 is over 420 Cdn., plus they are going to ding you 5% GSt and a $10 handling fee at the border for a total of $450. You can buy one in Canada for a lot less money. Like I said above I just bought a CRF 1200 last week here on AO for $350 Cdn, shipped, in perfect condition with case, box etc.

Is that CRF 1200 a older model? I been looking around online either sold out or just can’t find it ?

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Theohemmaway

Is that CRF 1200 a older model? I been looking around online either sold out or just can’t find it ?

Yes it is older. I had it for about 15 years. They made them up till a few years ago. You can't find them new but there are lots of used ones in great shape. A few posts up Warriorboy has one for sale.

[Leadpipefill]

I've had the Bushnell Sport 850 for about 5 years now.
Got it for 5 bucks at a yard sale.

It's way more ranging then I ever have to shoot and I've ranged deer at 500 fairly easily even with my shaky hands.

Vortex just released new rangefinding binos, so you may want to see if guys are selling the older models.

[brewster29]

Originally Posted by Theohemmaway

Is that CRF 1200 a older model? I been looking around online either sold out or just can’t find it ?

Still think you should look the AO optics for sale at Steyr's 1600B...just sayin'

[Ronaround]

So if i was to pick the best used one of the two,what one would you guys recommend More?
Leica 1200 CRF or the Leica 1600-B
any particular reasons. I do have a interest on angles and slopes for future hunts.and the easier to verify would be important.

[Theohemmaway]

Originally Posted by brewster29

Still think you should look the AO optics for sale at Steyr's 1600B...just sayin'

I’ll check it out have found a couple now

[Shooty]

Just bought a Nikon 4K 2 weeks ago when on sale. I have ranged building 3300 yards and wood power pole 900 yard with sky background. Have not got a chance to range deer or coyote yet. So far I am pleased with it.

[Kurt505]

I used to have a Swarovski range finder but I found it difficult to use while bow hunting because of its horizontal design. Just about every time I went to push the button to range something when I was using one hand it would tilt downwards. So I sold it and bought the Leica 1600B. The 1600B has more features and a vertical design which is better for use with one hand, I think the Swarovski could pick things up better. I ranged some trees @ 1007yds the other day with it, but I often have troubles picking up objects like coyote or even deer, you have to be real steady to use it.

[brewster29]

Originally Posted by Ronaround

So if i was to pick the best used one of the two,what one would you guys recommend More?
Leica 1200 CRF or the Leica 1600-B
any particular reasons. I do have a interest on angles and slopes for future hunts.and the easier to verify would be important.

The 1600B has ballistic calculation programs on board, along with angle, temp and atmospheric pressure.