DonnieT. Report post Posted August 2, 2013 I'am looking for feedback on Rangefinders. I will use it for Bow/rifle hunting. I did use a Leica 1000. That I barrowed from a friend. It worked well. Was thinking about the Vortex. I can't afford Swaro's. Leica Warranty, repairs are crazy. Any help out there please. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted August 2, 2013 Depends on how far you want to range. Just a word of advise though, when a MFG calls their unit an 800 yard model, just go ahead and knock at least 150 yards off that in real world hunting situations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ernesto C Report post Posted August 2, 2013 Donnie T, Get the Vortex Range Finder...you wont be disappointed, I promise I got mine from Cameraland which is a sponsor of this fine site and I love it! Ernesto C Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted August 2, 2013 Ernesto, How far are you able to range with the Vortex on a regular basis? Adam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CWpredator Report post Posted August 2, 2013 The Leica 1600 CRF and the swaro 8x30 laser guide are by far the best non binocular models. They will both range 1500+ yards consistently. Optic quality with both are great. I lean more towards the Leica one because the reticle is a little sharper, unit is a little smaller and lighter and a plus is it has built in ballistics. Either one of them you can't go wrong with for between 7-800$. The vortex range finder works well but doesn't reach out half as far and is far less consistent at longer yardages. For a few hundred more you're getting way more bang for your buck with the Leica or swaro. Kind of a buy once cry once sorta deal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper Report post Posted August 2, 2013 For a "budget" RF, I really like my Leupold 1000i TBR. I checked all of them in that price range, and prefered the Leupold. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted August 2, 2013 I love my Leica 1600. It consistantly ranges animals at 1800+ My best friend is looking to buy a new range finder, but he can not afford a Leica He needs something that can range 800+ without having to push the button a hundred times to get an accurate reading. Any suggestions? Adam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted August 2, 2013 I have one of these and was pleasantly surprised. I can get 1,000 yards easy. If I take my time and support it on a tree or the tripod I can 1200 most of the time http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bushnell-ELITE-1500-Rangefinder-w-ARC-Camo-/161074932280?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2580d06a38 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted August 2, 2013 There is a Leica for sale in the classifieds that a member is trying to give away.... I'd go that way if I were you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ernesto C Report post Posted August 3, 2013 If you are going to make shots over 1,000 yards, yes get the Leicas or Swaros if you have the $$$$. My Vortex Range Finder reads further than I can shoot. I haven't try to read something 1000 yards away or further simple cause I wont shot that far. But I read a huge boulder across canyon at 876 yards once. My range finder is the Vortex 1000. I ordered from Doug in Cameraland with free shipping. 4 days later I had my Vortex Range Finder Ernesto C 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joeinaz0 Report post Posted August 3, 2013 I looked at the Vortex Range finder and I am pretty sure it was for rifle only. If you want a rifle and archery mode, Leupold makes a good one. I looke at it recently at Cabelas. It was going for $319. I also looked at the Bushnell Scout Arc 1000 and was surprised to find it more clear than the Leupold. It also sells for $319 but Cabelas has it on sale with limited quanities for $219.00. That's $100 off. Try out as many as possible. There are some great reveiws on all the models mention on Youtube. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ernesto C Report post Posted August 3, 2013 I looked at the Vortex Range finder and I am pretty sure it was for rifle only. If you want a rifle and archery mode, Leupold makes a good one. I looke at it recently at Cabelas. It was going for $319. I also looked at the Bushnell Scout Arc 1000 and was surprised to find it more clear than the Leupold. It also sells for $319 but Cabelas has it on sale with limited quanities for $219.00. That's $100 off. Try out as many as possible. There are some great reveiws on all the models mention on Youtube. No, Vortex have two modes. You can use it with out the angle compensator or with the angle compensator. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ernesto C Report post Posted August 3, 2013 http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexrrf-101 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted August 3, 2013 Leica and Swaro are best bar none. Then you get into Nikon, Vortex, etc. I used a Nikon 800 for around 10 years and it was one of the best pieces of equipment I ever bought. I gave the Nikon to my son and am now using the Vortex Ranger 1000. It is better in a lot of ways than my old Nikon, in that it is smaller and just has better ergonomics - button placement, snap to your chest strap, that kind of thing. But in ranging, it gets really confused if there are branches or thick cover. Long ranges, it does OK, but not better than the Nikon I used for so many years. One other thing I loved, but almost hated about the Nikon 800, you could put 4 AAA batteries in that thing and they would go for years, literally. You just kept thinking it should be time to replace the batteries, but it just kept on going. It was way bulkier than the current range finders, but that was one reliable go-to hunting tool that served me very well over more than a decade. I hope it serves my son, Matt, as well as it did me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted August 3, 2013 Buy this and be done with it: http://www.coueswhitetail.com/forums/topic/41777-leica-lrf-800/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
