Range finder doubling for general uses?

[Karl]

Gents , I was thinking of getting a mid-level range finder to shoot longer ranges, but also wondered if it could double as a basic monocular/spotter for general hiking/travelling when I am not hunting. Is this commonly done or a bad idea for any reasons?( cost, durability ?)

[LongCarbine]

It can be used for that purpose . But I don't think the optics are very sharp at least in the two that I own.

[paulaboutform]

Hi Karl, of course you can use your rangefinder for whatever purposes you like. I do agree about the optical quality. I'm not sure how steep the cost would be across the pond but you may want to check out any of the Vortex line of rangefinders. They actually offer their lifetime warranty whereas most other manufacturers have a one to two years of warranty calling rangefinders 'electronics'.

Paul

[Bullzeye]

Just remember that to get good magnification you have to spend $$$$. Cheaper range finders like mine only have 4X magnification, so not the best to use as a spotter, and I could be wrong, but I believe the higher end range finders go up to 8X

[jd4223]

Truthfully,its' primary use is more for range finding. The farther you range an object the less detail you see plus,depending on the display the range finder uses to target the object before it displays the yardage,could also interfere with the view.Unless I planned on using it for hunting during your sight seeing,I would leave it at home. Unnecessary item to worry about.

[xcaliber]

Just remember that to get good magnification you have to spend $$$$. Cheaper range finders like mine only have 4X magnification, so not the best to use as a spotter, and I could be wrong, but I believe the higher end range finders go up to 8X

X2! For bow & crossbow hunting 4 X is perfect, and there are very good binoculars out there in the $200 - $300 range for all other things.

[Boo]

If you want one to do double duty look at the Lieca. For clarity, it's view finder rivals binoculars in the $300/$400 range. It does, however, lack field of view which a binocular does give.

[wildcatter]

If you want one to do double duty look at the Lieca. For clarity, it's view finder rivals binoculars in the $300/$400 range. It does, however, lack field of view which a binocular does give.

X2! I have to say I think you be hard pressed to find a pair of $800.00 binos to compare to the 1000-R Leicas, I have 8X Zeiss Conquest HD that are no better than the 6x Leicas for clarity, and for low light you have to wait till well after sundown to see any difference in clear low light capability. over a year ago I spent the summer looking at Zeiss, Vortex, Swarovski, Leupold,, none were as light, compact or offered better glass. They all were not as handy to use, and could not read though as small a window as the Leica, which reads through my double pane windows inside the house.

They not only replaced my need for bino's in the field, they are simpler to use feet metters angle shoot to is done with one click, your actual reading gives you true range to target when you press and letup on and after 2 or 3 seconds automatically gives you gives the actual shoot to distance, one push and you have both readings,,, plus it fits in a T shirt pocket,,

Last thing is the 1000-r is a 1000 yard rangefinder, I can hit a tree past 1200 yards, a deer in an open field not sure, but I know it will do lone deer in open wheel stumble over 800 yards away, as far as I have tried.

[Karl]

Thanks gents, great replies and advice. I am trying to cut down on equipment in the field. I might take a look at the leica to start with and go from there.

[Fred T]

I carry bino's but I also use my Nikon for dual purpose.Works just fine.

[wildcatter]

Thanks gents, great replies and advice. I am trying to cut down on equipment in the field. I might take a look at the leica to start with and go from there.

You'll like it!! But wait till the sun goes down and check it out then,,, this is where it really shows it's worth!!

[Karl]

Thanks!

[drkeenan]

Lol. My Laser Link RH2 is currently hanging from my golf bag however during the fall and winter I use it for hunting!!

[flightattendant100]

Thanks gents, great replies and advice. I am trying to cut down on equipment in the field. I might take a look at the leica to start with and go from there.

You'll like it!! But wait till the sun goes down and check it out then,,, this is where it really shows it's worth!!

The older style Leica rangefinders can be had at pretty reasonable prices on ebay from time to time. They are a bit bigger than the newer models but are still Leica quality. They made an 800, a 900, and a 1200.