Bushnell Elite 1600 vs Leica 1600

[redhooker]

I was hoping someone could chime in with experience with both these units, I need a LRF for use mostly under 800yds, and I like the price point of the Bushy at $300 less than the Leica. Anyone have some good insight? I am aware the Leica is a great little unit and up until recently would not be considering the Bushnell, but their new line of scopes I have played with are actually quite impressive for the $$ and I was hoping that could be the case with the 1600. Thanks in advance for any input

 

[Captramrod01]

I picked up the Bushnell 1600 recently and it rocks. First evening I had it out I ranged a large cactus at 1305 yds. Its fairly large but they are so cheap on eBay right now its hard to argue. Think mine was 340 shipped or so.

 

[scwoody]

I have had both, and for under 800yds I would save your money and get the bushnell. I ended up keeping the Leica cause of its size and the glass to me was much better, but I use mine for hunting a lot.

 

[jrob300]

In my opinion, 800 yds. is the furthest distance I would want to use the Bushy and expect consistent, repeatable results. We spent an entire day comparing two ARC 1600's and a 1600B Leica and the Leica consistently outranged the Bushy on small targets. The Bushy seemed almost equal on hillsides and large trees out to almost 1900 yds., but ask it to range a 66% IDPA steel at 900 yds. and it simply could not do it where the Leica could. The Leica has a much better readout, far better glass and is much faster at returning a range, whereas the flat form-factor of the Bushy made it easier to hand-hold. Both required a rest for LR ranging.

John

 

[Mk4]

In my opinion, 800 yds. is the furthest distance I would want to use the Bushy and expect consistent, repeatable results. We spent an entire day comparing two ARC 1600's and a 1600B Leica and the Leica consistently outranged the Bushy on small targets. The Bushy seemed almost equal on hillsides and large trees out to almost 1900 yds., but ask it to range a 66% IDPA steel at 900 yds. and it simply could not do it where the Leica could. The Leica has a much better readout, far better glass and is much faster at returning a range, whereas the flat form-factor of the Bushy made it easier to hand-hold. Both required a rest for LR ranging.

John

Nice review. 'That' comparison helps make up my mind about the 2 LRF's. Sooo.......Leica it is.

 

[chewy boito]

This is definitely making me reconsider the leica for the extra $$

 

[hk401]

I have a Mint condition, still very new Leica 1600B, i will sell it for $650 but now i'm on vacation will get back here oct.21 and will post in the forum sale.

 

[scwoody]

I had a bushnell 1600, returned it and got the leica. I couldn't get past the glass on the bushnell compared to the leica. The bushnell had a yellowish tint making smaller targets hard to see, maybe I got a bad one. Plus for archery hunting, the size of the leica made more sence for me.

 

[ManBearPig]

I don't have experience with the Bushnell, but my Leica goes head-to-head with my fathers Swaro. Great piece of gear.

 

[Bounce]

I don't have experience with the Bushnell, but my Leica goes head-to-head with my fathers Swaro. Great piece of gear.

It should. The Leica's beam divergence is only bettered by the Terrapin.
Skip

 

[z71rat]

If you can save up the funds for the Leica, then do it. You will only be frustrating yourself going the Bushy route. I have owned 3 Bushy's of various (at least by what the box states) range capabilities. If you can ever manage to get about 1/2 of the stated ranges on soft targets, you are doing great. The last LRF was the 1000Scout, and I was lucky to get 850 yards out of it on flat targets, such as cars, trucks, houses, trees and hillsides.

My Leica CRF1200 is absolutely amazing!! Even though the box states it is a 1200, I have ranged elk consistantly at 1348 yards with it. I only wish I had gone with the Leica alot sooner!!

You will NOT be disappointed in the Leica. They are amazing little pieces of gear!!

DK

 

[Irish Bacon]

I just got a 1600 ARC for a great price been playing with it and so far it seems to be a quality product.

 

[headwatermike]

I sold my Leica 900 and bought a Bushnell 1600 binos. I didn't need the additional range, but that's how they came and I don't mind. The glass of the Bushnell leaves a lot to be desired. Mine have a blue tint that shows up strongly around first/last light. Otherwise it isn't an issue. Ranging, I think Jrob300 is spot on. It was easier to range a small target with the Leica. Hunting as and where I do, that was never an issue for me. What bothered me was how the Leica collected dust/lint behind the lenses. Leica was not interested in the issue, and that bothered me--though it ranged almost as well after 3 years (and dust behind the lens) as when new. I felt I paid too much for poor customer service and wanted the combo unit--no way I was going to spend the money on the Leica with this customer service. So I tried the Bushnell. Now I paid too much for bad glass! I would easily recommend the Bushnell for the money--I think it is a great value.

 

[Smokerroller]

Thanks for the great thread redhooker. Keep the info coming guys. I am also in the market for a bushy 1600 arc. Now i will have to consider the leicas.

 

[MrM4]

Good info, I have looking at the 1600 Leica and this makes me feel better.

 

[Supergyro]

I have ranged with the Leica 1600b out to 1000 and it worked well, but I've not used the Bushy, so I can't compare.

 

[kurt]

just got the bushy 1600 and messing around I was ranging cows out to 1100 on a bright sunny day and buildings and water towers to 1900. Hill sides to 1350 was the farthest I got. Overall I am very happy it is a huge upgrade from my Nikon 450 I had. Have not used the leica so cant give a personal comparison.

 

[jonthomps]

Experience w/ the Leica 1600, not w/ the Bushnell. Zero complaints - compact, light, accurate, great glass, etc. Will measure out to 1100-1200y easily without utilizing any kind of support (leaning across a truck hood, resting elbows on a bench, etc). For hunting, they're awesome. Stick it in your pocket and forget about it. A little more $$ but in my opinion worth it. Like most things in life you get what you pay for.

 

[darklyte26]

registered a long time ago, but havent been on much, I just ordered a arc 1300, will update once i get it and try it out.

 

[264win]

Having used both the leica and bushnell 1600 arc I own the bushnell. In my experience the the bushnell is better in lowight due the the larger objective, and the laser is more reliable in bad weather. I haven't used a leica that could range very well in heavy fog, rain or snow.With my bushnell if I can see it I can range it. I also prefer the wider field of view on the bushnell.
That said the glass on the leica is better, plus they are smaller and lighter.
Both companys let a lemon slip out now and then so if possible try before you buy.

 

[Aimsmall55]

I haven't used the Bushnell but I do own the Leica 1600. The glass is crystal clear but towards dark it gets hard to see as clearly as I would like. Also you have to be really careful (steady) when ranging at long distances bc Its so light. I wish it had a tripod adapter but oh well. My Leica will go past 1600 yards. I ranged a tree line the other day at 1,931 yards. It's the first time I've ever hit anything that far but I guess it shows it's capable. No trouble ever ranging out to 1100 yards. Past there it gets a little more difficult to get a steady hold on the range finder itself.

 

[CANNONMAN]

I have been using the Leica 1600 for a year or so now and depending on the time of day and light i have got it to read tree's up to 1965 yds. Super impressed, love the rangefinder.

 

[tackleberry2000]

Cabelas had a deal on the bushnell for 350. With gift cards and there 20 off for order over 150. I picked it up for 275 shipped. Couldnt pass it up. Been debating for several months but for the price i coulnt put off getting it any longer. Damn holiday sales. Lol.

 

[Genhawk]

Lecia 1600b is good to go, had no problem ranging cows past 1000 without a miss and as close to "instant" as you can get...

Thing is bad ass!

 

[Double3]

Cabelas had a deal on the bushnell for 350. With gift cards and there 20 off for order over 150. I picked it up for 275 shipped. Couldnt pass it up. Been debating for several months but for the price i coulnt put off getting it any longer. Damn holiday sales. Lol.

I did the same thing. Only thing I hate is that I had to pay tax.

Hard to pass up at that price. The deal is still going on if anyone is interested.

 

[Double3]

Cabelas had a deal on the bushnell for 350. With gift cards and there 20 off for order over 150. I picked it up for 275 shipped. Couldnt pass it up. Been debating for several months but for the price i coulnt put off getting it any longer. Damn holiday sales. Lol.

I did the same thing. Only thing I hate is that I had to pay tax.

Hard to pass up at that price. The deal is still going on if anyone is interested.
Bushnell® Elite 1600 ARC Laser Rangefinder : Cabela's

 

[spr1]

With the Leica can you get a read out that just provides the horizontal distance without any other parameters impacting that reading? Thx