Which RF for newbie?

[bwahl]

Used RFs for archery and have a nikon 3000 for that, but looking for something to use to start getting into the long range game.

After researching on some other theads it sounds like these two are the best option until you get in terrapin territory.

Leica 2700 with kestrel 5700

Bushnell Conx combo with sportsman's kestrel. Or buy Conx and get the 5700 separate?

 

[Sapper524]

Get a Kilo 2400 and it does everything for you …

 

[bwahl]

Get a Kilo 2400 and it does everything for you …

what will the sig do that the combinations I mentioned cannot?

 

[bwahl]

I'm kind of leaning towards the bushnell conx. I understand the Leica has a better rangefinder in terms of distance but the conx can be linked to a kestrel and I read that the Leica ABC curves arent right on and typically need some adjustment. To me, the bushnell will make my life easier in this regard and still range plenty far for what im attempting to do.

 

[bwahl]

Kestrel Elite Meter with AB and Link and the bushnell conx really seems to be fool proof combo.

 

[catorres1]

Bwahl,

I have a good bit of experience with the Leica 2700 and Kestrel combo. Also pretty up to speed with the Sig's, including their latest line that was just released. I have a review on here covering the 2700 that might be of some help....hope to finish the second part some time soon.

There are a lot of nuanced points about what the market has, and is about to have, available to consider. Ranging power is one consideration, and an important one, but workflow and data output is another thing to consider in tandem.

Probably too much to put into a post here as much of it is somewhat repetitive. But feel free to PM me if I can help we can take it offline.

 

[Sheldon N]

I think a basic SLR system will speed up your learning curve on photography.
The preview switch can give you an idea on how the pic looks like with different aperture setting. And the frame line is way easier for newbie, as what you see is what u get; but on the RF, the alignment will be a bit off.
If you get an SLR with a meter tree, u will see how the aperture will be affect at different lighting, that will speed up your learning on lighting situation.

Ummmmm, this is a shooting forum not a photography forum. He's talking about a rangefinder for measuring distance, not a camera.

 

[Sapper524]

what will the sig do that the combinations I mentioned cannot?

Does the work or a ballistic solver/Kestrel/LRF in one small compact package. Simple and effective.

 

[HH4]

Used RFs for archery and have a nikon 3000 for that, but looking for something to use to start getting into the long range game.

After researching on some other theads it sounds like these two are the best option until you get in terrapin territory.

Leica 2700 with kestrel 5700

Bushnell Conx combo with sportsman's kestrel. Or buy Conx and get the 5700 separate?

If the new Terrapin ranges as well as the original and now with the ability to connect to a Kestrel it's a bargain. You could probably make due with just a range finder for a while, learn to make your wind calls without a kestrel and use a phone app for your adjustments then get a Kestrel down the road.

 

[MilDot1960]

I'm kind of leaning towards the bushnell conx. I understand the Leica has a better rangefinder in terms of distance but the conx can be linked to a kestrel and I read that the Leica ABC curves arent right on and typically need some adjustment. To me, the bushnell will make my life easier in this regard and still range plenty far for what im attempting to do.

Yeah the Bushnell ConX is in a League of it's own when it comes to Hunting because it was made for Hunting and Tactical use, It can ping Iron no problem with good success but that is not what it was designed for.

hope that helps,

J.

 

[rockmyglock]

After researching on some other theads it sounds like these two are the best option until you get in terrapin territory.

Leica 2700 with kestrel 5700

I'm relatively new to precision rifle and ended up with the Leica 2700 and 5700AB. I really, really like this combo. Catorres1 did an excellent review. The form factor of the Leica is great, and easily slips into a pocket. Having a backup ballistics solution in the Leica is nice. I have noticed that the pressure and temp readings that the Leica gives me are pretty much spot on with my Kestrel. I have not had any issues with ranging targets in a lot of differing conditions.

I haven't used the Kestrel in a match setting (I'm not quick enough with it). If you are wanting a 1-click range/AB-firing-solution the ConX might be it. I was squadded up with some folks that had the Kilo 2400ABS and they enjoyed the fact it gave them their dope.

Panhandle Precision did a good review of the ConX/Kestrel combo. I don't know how familiar you are with western states and fire season, but the returns they got spoke positively for the unit, given the conditions.

 

[Gil P.]

If you can afford a set of Zeiss Victory, Leica or Swarovski range finding binos, that would be the best, combined with a kestrel. The ballistic programs built into the binos are pretty useless, so don't let that weigh into your choice. A tripod will help you range small objects that are far away as well.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Ummmmm, this is a shooting forum not a photography forum. He's talking about a rangefinder for measuring distance, not a camera.

LMAO, not sure if it was a spoof or serious........................................?

 

[bwahl]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Seems like a Kestrel Elite 5700 AB with Link is almost a must have. With that being said, it sounds like Leica has got some new stuff in the works that can make better use of the kestrel. I think it might be wise for me to buy a kestrel and just use that with my Nikon 3000 until the other options unfold later this year/early next year. I'll still be learning and that will get me familiar with the kestrel.

I'd really like a 1 click option so I can take a wind reading, range, and adjust and shoot, and that requires an exchange format like the Conx or the Sig BDX from what I understand. i'd like to go with leica, all things considered. I've heard a lot of mixed things about the ABS (although mostly good) and I'm not a big fan of their wind meter dongle. Not that it wouldnt work, just dont like the design and feel like have a Kestrel would be a much more versatile and durable option. Maybe im wrong about that. I've also known some people who had multiple issues with Sig units and although the problem was resolved, it didnt seem worth the frustration for the price.

The conx and kestrel would def work for me now and it still has my interest. Based on the feedback from some other members, reviews on that seem to be mixed as well. Seems like it was hit or miss on ranging power and the size kind of turns me off. It seems like if leica makes something that can talk to a kestrel then it would be a better choice overall.

With a leica, I'd have a unit that talks to a kestrel. A separate solver in the kestrel that could work for me if the leica went down for any reason. If leica sticks with the custom ballistic curves in that unit, I'd still have a backup solver built into my range finder that could assist me if my Kestrel goes down.

Anything missing in my logic?

 

[rockmyglock]

With a leica, I'd have a unit that talks to a kestrel. A separate solver in the kestrel that could work for me if the leica went down for any reason. If leica sticks with the custom ballistic curves in that unit, I'd still have a backup solver built into my range finder that could assist me if my Kestrel goes down.

Anything missing in my logic?

The Leica doesn't talk to the Kestrel.

 

[bwahl]

The Leica doesn't talk to the Kestrel.

The Current 2700 does not, correct. Sorry if my post was unclear. I was referring to the next one that comes out, since there seems to be a consensus that it will talk to a kestrel. That's the one I would be waiting for....

 

[MilDot1960]

The conx and kestrel would def work for me now and it still has my interest. Based on the feedback from some other members, reviews on that seem to be mixed as well. Seems like it was hit or miss on ranging power and the size kind of turns me off. It seems like if leica makes something that can talk to a kestrel then it would be a better choice overall.

Anything missing in my logic?

A few folks just can't get use to aiming the ConX and then blame the ConX, this is because the ConX has a small Narrow beam yet when put on a tripod they have more success, I think that everyone who owns a ConX had teething troubles until they learned how to aim It, It took me 2 or 3 days and now I would not want any other, People are too impatient and what every thing to work their way, well I am afraid the world don't revolve around them, It's their loss,

Hand shake and your breathing all have a serious effect on how successful an LRF is, bottom line is the ConX is more than able to range things with in a Mile and a lot of folks wanting a rangefinder to range 2 or 3 miles don't own a Gun that can shoot that far let alone have the skill to match, bragging rights and pipe dreams don't make a good shooter, I think the ConX has all that is needed for 99% of people to make realistic shots at long distances.

What ever model you buy just enjoy it for what it is, and good luck with your choice.