I'm looking to buy a decent quality laser range finder for under $400. I want it mainly for measuring off distances for target shooting but I will likely use it for deer hunting as well. I would like a maximum range of 600 to 800 yards with decent quality optics. It should also be able to accurately range small targets at distances up to 300 yards or more if possible. I'm a big fan of Nikon products so right now I'm favoring the Nikon Monarch 800 model for $359, but if anyone has other suggestions based on what I'm looking for they would be appreciated.

Leica CRF 900.
Many make Lasers, but none can compare to Leica's.

Don

quote:

Originally posted by DMB:
Leica CRF 900.
Many make Lasers, but none can compare to Leica's.

Don

I owned and tested side by side a Leica 1200 and a Swarovski 1500 and the Lieca under bright sunny days in the desert would not range much past 600 and the Swaro would go to 1K+ on the same day and conditions...Based on this a arguement could be made that the Leica compare with the Swarovski..........

I really like my light weight Monarch 800. It's waterproof, has a back light, and has been very precise for my needs.

The lightweight and small size is great while in the field.

I highly recommend them for a $300 rang LRF.

Good Luck

Reloader

I'm going to Cabelas this weekend to look at them. I'll give the Leica a look but right now I'm still leaning toward the Nikon. Cabelas also has a promotion on the Nikon 800 and 1200 models right now, buy one and you get a free tether and a Primos hunting vest that have a combined value of about $75. I have about $80 worth of points I can cash in, so I might even go for the 1200 model. I'll try them out and see how they compare in size and optical quality.

quote:

Originally posted by rowdyredneck:
I'm going to Cabelas this weekend to look at them. I'll give the Leica a look but right now I'm still leaning toward the Nikon. Cabelas also has a promotion on the Nikon 800 and 1200 models right now, buy one and you get a free tether and a Primos hunting vest that have a combined value of about $75. I have about $80 worth of points I can cash in, so I might even go for the 1200 model. I'll try them out and see how they compare in size and optical quality.

If you need ranging capabilities beyond the Leica CRF 900/1200, the Swaro unit is the way to go. Otherwise, the Leica CRF w/ its compact size, light weight, great optics, ease of use, easy to see display, incredible speed, fantastic price, etc..... is too good a deal to pass by on for the Nikon with a promotional freebie gizmo.

If you are not connected to a franchise dealer, call Doug at Camerland. The cost difference between the Nikon and a Leica is not that great and you'd be far better served using the layaway plan or saving the few dollars more.

GVA

The only problem with Nikon range finders is when something breaks, it is $395 flat fee for repair. No matter what. Fixed on, told them to chuck the other one.

Jeff

Leica or Swaro are head & shoulders above the field IMO; my advice would be to save or "bite the bullet". I know their expensive, but well worth the extra bucks.

Cabelas also sells Leica and I plan on looking at them as well. What kind of warranty do they have, and what is the country of origin for manufacture on them? As I understand the Nikon is made in China which I don't care much about. Swaro's are nice but too expensive for my budget.

Rangefinders don't carry the same warranty as most other optics because of electronic components. My Swaro's are 2 yrs., but I think most others are less; some only 90 days! I can't help on origin of manufacture. I had the older Leica 800 for several years and had absolutely no problems. The only reason I finally bought the Swaro's is for the 8X power. Only have one eye, so they serve as binocs as well!!!!

Everything you need to know about rangefinders and there comparisons.
http://www.6mmbr.com/rangefinders.html
I picked up a Leica 1200 CRF a couple of weeks ago after about 3 months of research. Have been very very happy with it.

Gube 204: Thanks for the link; very informative and I think accurate.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f18/whats-good-1...-range-finder-23733/
Have rad many posts that the newcon 2000 will run with the swaro easily, in some cases better!!! And at 475 bux it seems like a good deal, although I would bet the glass is better on the swarovski.
Cdog.

quote:

Originally posted by rowdyredneck:
Cabelas also sells Leica and I plan on looking at them as well. What kind of warranty do they have, and what is the country of origin for manufacture on them? As I understand the Nikon is made in China which I don't care much about. Swaro's are nice but too expensive for my budget.

Leica’s rangefinders used to be made in Portugal and I suppose they still are.
I have been using a LRF 800 for several years without a glitch!

B.Martins

I bought a Newcon, and sent it back for refund. It simply did not perfom well. I replaced it with the Leica 1200 and have been completely satisfied.

Cobrad, which model did you try? I have read some of the earlier models did not perform up to par.
Cdog.

Just a quick update. I was too busy to look at anything for the past few weeks but I finally managed to sneak out this morning for a few hours and look at several different models at Cabelas. I ended up with a Leica CRF 1200 for $599. The guy working behind the counter had an older Leica model and was very happy with it. I can't beleive how small this thing is, its smaller than my digital camera. I only wish it had a tripod mount. I put it in customer hold since Cabelas has a new promotion starting tomorrow where I can earn 6% bonus points on my Visa card rather than the usual 2%, meaning a difference of $24 in extra bonus points just by waiting an extra day. I'm going back tomorrow night after work to pick it up.
Thanks for all the suggestions.