I got my Vortex 1000 rangefinder today, and spent the morning wringing it out. I ran it side by side with my Leica CRF 1200 at distances from 66 to beyond 1000 yards. The Vortex is the Real Deal.

I don't see a single negative about the unit. It has a display that is red and easily seen in bright or low light and will read in yards or meters. It has a mode that will give the angle to the target if you want to use it. It is smaller than the Leica CRF 1200 and will easily fit into a coat pocket. There is a threaded female tripod mount on the bottom of the unit. The 6x glass is clearer than the 7x on my Leica, so the optics are good.

Both the Leica and the Vortex gave immediate and repeatable readings on livestock at varying distances from 100 to 900 yards. With the Vortex, I ranged a compact pickup truck at 1122 yards, so it will go the advertised 1000.

Best part is the price. On the street, it goes for about $380, which makes it a flaming bargain in my book. This thing ran heads up with an alpha unit past 1100 yards for a lot less money. As far as I am concerned, it is a winner.