Rangefinder

  • kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    #205986

    I’m looking for opinions on a rangefinder that has angle compensation. It will be primarily used for archery, but the occasional rifle hunt may come up in the future also. I also don’t get to hunt every year, so I’m not interested in buying Leica quality. Once that has caught my eye is the Buschnell Bowhunter. Price is right and seems to meet my requirements.

    Anyone have any other suggestions? $300.00 price point.

    Thanks!!

    robstenger
    Northern Twin Cities, MN
    Posts: 11374
    #58478

    Kooty look at the Nikon Rifle Hunter 550. I plan on buying this for out West this year.

    CLICK HERE FOR NIKON RIFLE HUNTER 550

    Here is my answer to another fine gent the other week on the same question.

    Quote:


    To start I’m a fan of Nikon, it is good glass for the money. There are better optics, but they cost a lot more also. If you are just mainly looking to use it around your home for Muzzle, Shot Gun and Archery I would go with Nikons 550 Pro Staff for $200. It does not have the angle compensation, but in my belief for most circumstances especially around MN that is a feature that is not needed or warranted. The examples they give you in their advertising is line of sight is 40 yards but the target is really only 32 yards and you would miss it with the wrong pin. That is true if you were 45 feet in the air. In most instances with fairly level ground that difference is about 1-2 yards tops.

    Wit that being said I’m buying a new range finder here in the next month and I’m getting the Nikon Rifle hunter 550 with the Angle Compensation $300. Due to my Hunts out West with both Bow and Rifle in the Black Hills etc. Where I am facing rifle shots at very steep angles that can make a difference.

    Those would be my two selections taking in account the need for angle compensation and not the need. Also a mistake I made when I bought my first Range finder is if you can get one that you like and there is a choice between red and black yardage read outs, go with the red. It is much easier to see in low light. The black you need to range and then point at sky and hope it is light enough to see. Any further questions feel free to give me a shout.


    With that said Nikon has made a huge step this year IMO with the introduction of their EDG optics. I have not compared these sid by side with Swarovoski or Leica yet, but I would give them a look if you are in that price range.

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    #58480

    Ha, I was just reading up on that one too. Gotta get into cabelas some evening when it isn’t so crazy to play with these.

    Brent Yeakey
    Bloomer, WI
    Posts: 553
    #58481

    Quote:


    Kooty look at the Nikon Rifle Hunter 550. I plan on buying this for out West this year.

    CLICK HERE FOR NIKON RIFLE HUNTER 550


    Couldn’t agree more. I have mine in brown. And between us it works on the golf course also.

    big_g
    Isle, MN
    Posts: 22627
    #58483

    If, you are planning an outwest hunt, definitely get one with ARC It’s amazing how yardage can vary, when your talking 60′ inclines and declines. I did alot of “practicing” with mine and got pretty good, but when I am staring at a nice Bull Elk, it would be nice to not have to “think” too much… One with ARC will be my next investment, before next season for sure

    Brent Yeakey
    Bloomer, WI
    Posts: 553
    #58487

    The rifle Hunter 550 has Nikon’s version of the ARC system in it. (Incline/Decline) It is allot easier to setup and run than the Leupold systems from my experiance.

    Brad Juaire
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 6101
    #58513

    I’ve done a lot of reading and research on rangefinders and like binoculars and spotting scopes, you get what you pay for. On the higher end I would choose the new Leopold RX1000 – the reviews out there are very, very good.

    Price is around $400.

    Leupold’s® new RX®-1000 compact rangefinders are designed to deliver a brighter image and precise long-range measurement in the smallest package available for hunters and shooters.

    A digital laser rangefinder, the pocket-sized RX-1000 measures only 3.8 inches long and weighs just 7.8 ounces. Its fully multicoated lens system produces a bright, pristine image with three times greater light transmission than traditional LCD rangefinder models. Actual 6x magnification and a vivid red OLED display also make it easier to spot and range game, even through heavy timber.

    The advanced RX-1000 TBR® models also offer True Ballistic Range® technology to help place shots with exceptional accuracy.

    RX-1000 and RX-1000 TBR units are weatherproof and rugged, with a solid all-metal frame and rubber armor in a black finish. The RX-1000 TBR is also available in Mossy Oak® Break-Up® camouflage.

    “Our new RX-1000 raises the bar on compact rangefinder function and performance, giving hunters and shooters a handy new tool to easily spot targets and range them with more precision,” commented Mike Slack, Leupold’s marketing communications manager. “At the same time, the RX-1000 is competitively priced, making it a great value.”

    Maximum range of the RX-1000 is 1,000 yards (914.4 meters) on reflective targets. Minimum range is 10 yards (9.1 meters). Measurements are provided in yards or meters.

    Other key features include:

    OLED display has variable brightness settings, making it easier to see in dim light than LCD displays typical of most other rangefinders.
    advanced laser and processor to generate extremely fast, reliable readings.
    fast-focus eyepiece with precision clicks.
    redesigned Quick Set Menu provides on-screen prompts for a more user-friendly interface.
    selectable reticles – hunters can choose the reticle best suited to the terrain and game, from elk to small varmints.
    fold-down rubber eyecups accommodate users with or without glasses.
    USB port compatible – integrated data port to allow exclusive software upgrades
    The RX-1000 TBR models can automatically calculate the shot angle and provide the True Ballistic Range rather than the straight-line distance to the target. Optimized for most popular bow and rifle trajectories, the rifle settings also work in conjunction with Leupold’s Ballistic Aiming System® riflescope reticles for exceptionally accurate shot placement.

    Each unit comes with a Cordura® case and CR2 battery. For more information, go to http://www.leupold.com or call 1-800-LEUPOLD.

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