Need to Upgrade LRF

[MtnCreek]

Need suggestions for a LRF. Currently have Bushnell ARC. Glass is pretty crappy and sometimes it gives false readings. Trying to range something beyond a rise in land contour or with the sun in my face makes it about worthless in those conditions. I do like the size and weight of the Bushnell. I've used RF binoculars that worked great, but not what I'm looking for due to A) Cost B) Weight/Bulk.

I need to be able to range non-reflective targets to about 1200 yds with reasonable reliability. I'm not looking to pay for 100% going to work every time. Not intended to be used to range targets that shoot back. Thanks.

 

[Steel head]

Leupy RX2800 fits that criteria but a monocular.

 

[Terry Cross]

This is not going to sound very high speed and sexy but look at the Sig 3000BDX binoculars.

I have been thoroughly impressed with the LRF portion of this product.
Under varying conditions, my set has repeatedly outperformed my PLRF-10 at distance. Ranging from a rested position (tripod or GameChanger) over a flight line with tons of mirage and glare the Sig would consistently get ranges on smaller targets in the 1,600 to 1,800yd realm where the PLRF would struggle or fail. The Sig is fast too.

The Sig has built in inclinometer that can give you corrected distance, has on board ballistic software and can link to Kestrels.

While the glass/image quality is good, it is in no way close to Leica / Swaro, level. The image is good enough to be usable for hours without fatigue for many tasks and that is totally acceptable when you consider that you can purchase for under $900 if you shop around.

If you don't like the weight and mass of the Sig because it is a binocular format, disassemble the hinge and keep the LRF half on a lanyard. Not even kidding.

Maybe my set is above average or maybe not. I just know the LRF part of it is astounding when compared to higher end LRFs costing 3 to 5X more.


./

 

[MCHOG]

Along that same line of thought, I've had outstanding luck with the Vortex Fury 5000, which is also available in the $900 price range. Although that version doesn't have ballistic software and Kestrel connectivity, it has the Vortex warranty, which is pretty valuable when it comes to electronics.

There is a new version with ballistic software and Kestrel connectivity, but that adds about $500 to the price.

 

[Mr.BR]

Would pick Leica CRF2800 over the Chicom Sigs and Vortexes as there is much less variation from unit to unit.
A couple of years back I tested a number of Sig Sauer Kilos and other sub 1000$ LRF's in one sesion on same targets and there were huge differences in what one unit would or would not range, multiple LRFs were Kilo 2200 . Was so disappointed in how much luck of the draw was a Factor, stoped looking for sub 1000$ units and went for a Terrapin X .

 

[Dendro]

Leica 2400R is legit, it will range steel at 1000+. I’ve got the Vortex 4000 and no complaints there either, I didn’t like my Vortex Fury’s and moved them on down the road.

 

[bunsen27]

@MtnCreek I've been where you are at. I still have my Bushnell ARC, I upgraded to a CONEX two years ago when Brownell's had them for a ridiculously low price, then last year I again upgraded to a Bushnell NITRO 1800. It's a step backwards in glass quality from the CONEX, which is stellar for a LRF, but the ranging capabilities are 10x better. I specifically bought it to PDog hunt with while paired to a Kestrel.

Bushnell Nitro 1800 LRF rolling review and field testing

I know that Applied Ballistics contains a ton of ballistic data but I also found these websites http://www.ballistics101.com/ https://www.federalpremium.com/ballistics-calculator http://www.shooterscalculator.com/ballistic-trajectory-chart.php This contains some information that might be...

www.snipershide.com

My hunting buddies now both have the Sig 300BDX which are not too bad. If I had the $$ and only wanted to buy once I'd grab a TerrapinX.

 

[CrabsandFootball]

Does the often repeated $1/yard still hold true?

Lots of the LRF have big fat numbers, not whether they can actually provide a return at that distance and if that return is accurate is whole different ball game.

The only thing worse than no data is bad data.

Best Rangefinder – What The Pros Use

This article covers the rangefinders the top precision rifle shooters in the country carry in long-...

precisionrifleblog.com

This is 2 years old but probably the best comparison you will find today.

Also:

Rangefinder Binoculars Reviews & Field Tests: Ranging Performance Results

Not long ago, I helped build a 2,000 yard range for long-range, precision rifles. That range see...

precisionrifleblog.com

Pocket Rangefinder Field Test Showdown

Over the past few months, I’ve been testing several high-end pocket laser rangefinders, like the ne...

precisionrifleblog.com

I have a Set of Lieca Geovid 3000's in the mail so will get to compare them to the 2400 and sig 3000 shortly.

 

[hafejd30]

Leica 2400, 2700, 2800 will do nicely. I have the 2700 and it will easily do what your wanting to accomplish

 

[Mr.BR]

Prices are dropping and ranges are increasing so the sub 1000$ are now already way past 1$/y ratio but the top of the range is not far of that.

Laica CRF2800 used to be 1100$ now it's like 750$ and would be my no.1 choice in sub 1000$ range and CRF2400 in sub 600$ range

Labeling products like 4K ,4000, 5000 doesn't mean they can range that on practical targets , often you are at about 1/3 or less of that number .

 

[MtnCreek]

Can I setup and use these w/o a smart phone? Wife/kids have i-ph's so I suppose I could get one of them to setup if that's a one time thing.