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Nikon Range Finders? Are they junk or ok?

TurdFerguson

thinking sucks
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Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 18, 2014
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Burgerworld
A few foresters I have worked with recommended getting a Nikon Forestry pro (Forestry Pro). Its a range finder that can also determine heights. It would make determining pulpwood amounts a hell of a lot easier than using a clinometer. I'm working in bolts (8ft) and logs (16ft) for heights so a few feet off isn't the end of the world.
I know Nikon makes some decent cameras. How are their range finders overall? Are they accurate? Durable? Junk? Reviews I have read are all over the place.
 
My experience is that Nikon optics have been somewhat sketchy. I've had good ones and bad ones. Their warranty department left much to be desired.
Interesting that you referenced forestry. I use a Vortex LRF for the same purpose. I'm a part time arborist and sometimes work for a logging outfit as a stem cutter.
 
Nikon Black RangeX 4K was awesome when I owned it. I also only paid $225 new for it.
Very fast and accurate. Can’t speak to longevity really though. Had it for 2 years only.
 
My experience is that Nikon optics have been somewhat sketchy. I've had good ones and bad ones. Their warranty department left much to be desired.
Interesting that you referenced forestry. I use a Vortex LRF for the same purpose. I'm a part time arborist and sometimes work for a logging outfit as a stem cutter.

Does the LRF measure height? Or just distance? All I see online is standard range finders.
 
I used a Nikon 600 RF for quite a few years. It would range a deer, coyote, or pig to 400 yards. Not 420, but 400. Might have got 405 once or twice. Other than the distance limitation, it worked great. I could range a shiny truck or road sign to 800 yards, but that didn’t help much with critters. I’d still have it, but the other side of my hay field is right at 500 yards, so I wanted better ranging. Finally wound up with a Leica.