Jesse's Hunting > Rangefinders

Rangefinders

 If you have any of these units, please e-mail us at with any info on what you like and dislike about them. Also include any experiences you have had with customer service. Thank you.

The word Laser actually stands for 'Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.' It is a form of electromagnetic radiation the same as radio and microwaves. The difference is that light has a much higher frequency than radio or microwaves. Light energy generated in a laser is 'coherent', with all the wavefronts 'synchronized'. This is a fundamentally different type of light than is generated by any other source. The type of laser used in rangefinders is an infrared semiconductor laser diode. The generated light energy has a wavelength of approx. 900 nanometers, with a beam divergence of 3 milli-radians, equal to a beam width of about 3 m (or ft) at 1000 m (ft). Target acquisition times range from 0.3 to 0.7 seconds. This laser is completely eye safe, meeting FDA Class 1 specifications. The radiated light power of lasers is on the order of 50 micro-watts, or in other terms, it outputs only one twentieth the light power of a typical TV remote control, and far less than a flashlight.

Rangefinders calculate distance by measuring the time of flight of very short pulses of infrared light. This method is different from the traditional surveying instrument method of measuring phase shifts by comparing the incoming wavelength with the phase of the reflected light. Any solid object will reflect back a certain percentage of the emitted light energy - it need only be small for our sensitive detector to pick it up. Rangefinders measure the time it takes a laser pulse to travel to the target and back with a precision, crystal-controlled time base. Knowing the speed of light, the unit then calculates the distance traveled. To increase accuracy, the laser measures as many as sixty pulses, utilizing a least squares method of determining the range. Sophisticated error trapping algorithms are in place to ensure a reliable reading.

In layman's terms from MO/TX-Hunter. If you think of a laser as the light from a flashlight, just invisible to the eye, you'll be on the right track. When I say that a laser will read on 'soft targets' or as Jesse said in his post that some rangefinders don't work too well in bright light, that should tell you that the 'beam' of the laser is too wide and gets diffused, (mixed up with), the normal (or ambient) light that already exists. The tighter the beam of the laser, the 'softer' the target it will read. Think of it as the difference between a flood light and a spotlight. Both will work fairly well, but when used in broad daylight, neither works very well if at all. However, you CAN see the light from the spotlight in daytime and you can't see the floodlight's light bouncing off of anything in broad daylight. At least not so far. The Tasco rangefinders cast a beam that is something like 6-10" across at 300 yards or so. The Leica Geovid (just under $3000), casts a beam that's something along the lines of 2-4" at that same yardage. This allows the Geovid to be more accurate in bright light conditions and to 'cut through' most of the haze that might block others. This technology has been reduced in size (and cost) and put into the new LRF 800 Leica laser range finder.

BATTERIES. It has been reported that 'heavy duty' batteries are causing error codes and malfunctions. I would be safe and use only standard 9-volt alkaline batteries to avoid this problem. Do not use heavy duty, lithium, or manganese chloride batteries. Use a good quality battery, such as an Energizer or Duracell. A fresh battery should give you 5000 distances before replacing. Recommend you replace the battery once a year whether you feel it needs it or not.

WATERPROOFING. These Bushnell rangefinders ARE NOT WATERPROOF, but they are quite water resistant. You can use the unit in a light rain, but not a heavy down pour. Do not ever submerge the unit under water. Treat the unit much the same as you would any electronic device. Unfortunately you can't take these units apart to air dry them after a dunking.

There are Many Variables That Contribute to the Ranging Performance:

1. Weather conditions - rain, dust, and high humidity will limit the ranging capabilities.
2. Lighting conditions - low light gives the best ranging conditions.
3. Target size - the bigger the target, the better chances of ranging to it.
4. Target reflectivity - Brighter targets, such as white, ranges great; black colored objects range poorly.
5. Target surface - The actual material of the target will affect the range performance - a flat, smooth sign is much easier to range than a matty haired animal.
6. Angle of Incidence - The angle at which the laser hits the target also makes a difference - the closer you are to reflecting the laser off the target at a 90 degree angle, the further you can range.
7. Hand steadiness - this factor will obviously vary from person to person. You think you have a steady hand? Take a laser pen pointer and try to hold it steady while aiming at a far wall. You will be surprised at the amount of movement. The laser is the same way. It illuminates a bigger spot than the pen pointer but you are ranging 1000 feet or more. It doesn't take much movement to have the laser on a different target than what you intend. This will become even more of a factor as people upgrade to longer ranging devices. Realistically, you should expect to range to a deer no further than 275-300 yards with the Yardage Pro 400. Believe it or not, as you use your range finder more and more, you will learn subtle tricks to help you range further.

TRICKS TO RANGING FURTHER

1. Know your targets, know your range finder. Only experience will help you here. It took you a while to learn to hunt , it takes a little time to learn the range finder (fortunately, not nearly as long as the previously mentioned feat).
2. Keep your range finder as steady as possible. Pretend you are taking a picture; use the same techniques for stabilizing your range finder as you would for stabilizing your camera. If you are having trouble and suspect hand tremor as a reason, then brace against a tree if one is available.
3. Do not attempt to range to an object with the sun directly behind it. The sun emits a lot of radiation at the wavelength of the laser. Minimize the bright conditions as much as possible. Never point the range finder directly at the sun.
4. Utilize the ZIP mode, which filters out ranges less than 120 yards.
5. If rain or dust is obscuring the target, use the RAIN mode.

The above tips and info are courtesy of Tim Carpenter, Project Manager of Laser Products, Bushnell Sports Optics Worldwide.

Keeping the Batteries Fresh.
A lot of the electronic gizmos I've used had the problem with the "ON" button getting accidentally pushed and the batteries drained. You want to keep batteries in the unit because you'll forget to install them before you head out like I always do. A simple trick to keep the batteries from being drained is to turn one battery around in the battery compartment. This won't hurt the unit and it breaks the electronic circuit so that the batteries cannot be drained if the "On" button is pushed. On a 9 vdc battery, just reverse the battery. When you go to use the unit, reverse the battery to it's correct contact position and Shazam!!, fresh batteries. No uncontrolled weeping because you only have 1 spare set of batteries and they are for your penlight.

Keep the Juice Flowing.
Every few months you should inspect your battery compartment of your rangefinder. Make sure the battery contacts or springs still have enough tension to keep the battery pushed into the other battery contact. Look for any green/blue corrosion from leaking batteries and scrub it out with electronic cleaner if you find any. You can clean the springs or contacts with a pencil eraser.

Ease the Pain.
Change the cheesy thin factory neckstrap for a good camera neckstrap that is wider and more comfortable. If you wear your rangefinders a lot you may want to buy a harness that keeps them snug to your chest until you need to raise them to range. Crooked Horn Outfitters makes a bino/harness that works real good for $19.99.

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Bass Pro Shop .... They carry the Brunton, Bushnell, Ranging, Simmons, Swarovski and Tasco models.
Bear Basin.... They carry the Bushnell rangefinders
Cabela's
D & R Sports ....
Globe-Mart  .... They carry the Bushnell Rangefinders.
Southern C & E .... They carry the Bushnell Rangefinders.
SWFA Inc. .... They carry Apache M24, Bausch & Lomb, Burris, Bushnell,l Canon, Jason, Laser Rangefinders, Leica, Leupold, Nikon, Pentax, Simmons, Steiner, Swarovski, Tasco, Zeiss.

If you have a rangefinder for sale or are looking for a used rangefinder we have a JHO Classifieds section at Classifieds

• Optics: 6 X 24 monocular.
• Accuracy:  ± 2.2 yards.
• Waterproof:  Water resistant and shockproof.
• Weight:  40 ozs.
• Power source:  6 'AA' batteries.
• Size:  6" x 4-3/4" x 2-3/8".
• Range:  Daylight operation to 550 yards, twilight range up to 998 yards.
• Field of View:  390' field of view at 1000 yards.
• Comes with:  carrying case, carry strap and objective lens.
• 2 button one hand operation.
• Beam divergence: Unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.
• Laser:  Class 1 laser.
• Tripod mountable: No threads for mounting on a tripod.
• Error indicators:  Miss measuring indication.
• Warranty: Unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.

USER COMMENTS:

If you would like to add your own personal experience comments about this game camera please e-mail us at

Best price is  $2,499.99 at Cabela's. Email D & R Sports for price. Note .... Please check current pricing and availability. Info current  as of 8/19/01.

Manufacturer point of contact .... Swarovski

• Model number: 9650.
• Range: 26 to 319 yards or meters.
• Weight: 6 0z.
• Low battery indicator: No.
• Size: 2"w x 5"h x 2.5" d (5.08cm w x 12.7 cm h x 6.35 cm d).
• Warranty: 1 year limited warranty.
• Power source: 9 volt alkaline battery.
• Color: Black.
• Display: Easy to read LCD display. No back light for night operation.
• Silent Operation: Yes.
• Sighting: scope with red dot aiming aid.
• Accuracy: Unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.
• Comes with: carry case, waist clip and 9 volt battery, a Five Foot Pole, which comes in two parts with a built-in connector for simple assembly. The pole holds the new state-of-the-art Glass Prism Reflector, so you can get your distance within a 360 degree radius. Also included is a small yellow flag so you can spot the reflector from long distances.
• One hand operation: Yes.
• Waterproof: No, water resistant.
• Shockproof: Unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.
• Magnification of optics: None N/A.
• Field of view (FOV): Unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.
• Objective diameter: Unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.
• Exit pupil diameter: Unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.
• Eye relief: Unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.
• Laser type: Class 1 laser.

Manufacturer point of contact .... Vistatronics Ph # 1-800-301-8761

These units use a system of mirrors and beam splitters to produce separate images of an object. This method of ranging is also know as "coincidence". You look at the images through the viewfinder, adjust the distance indication knob until the 2 images become a single image, then read the distance indicated. One hand operation, non-glare ABS construction. Note: Many of the hunters who have used this type of rangefinder have found them difficult to use, if not impossible. I personally did not like their operation and I agree with the many posts on the hunting forums that they are useless.  I recommend spending your money on the laser type rangefinders. My humble opinion only.

Model TLR 75 Rangefinder. Accurately measures distances from 10 to 75 yards. Revolutionary thru-lens readout allows you to look through the viewfinder, focus the image, and read the distance quickly without looking up. Comfortable rubber eyecup provides correct eye relief even for eyeglass wearers. Accuracy of ± 1 yard at 50 yards. Size: 6" x 3-1/4" x 3/8". Weight: 7 ozs. Includes neck strap.

Best price is ....  $44.99 (black), $54.99 (Mossy Oak) at Bass Pro Shop. $44.99 (black), $49.99 ( Mossy Oak) at Cabela's

Model 200 Rangefinder. Excellent close-to-medium Rangefinder measures distances from 16 to 200 yds. Accurate to within ± 1.5 yds. at 100 yds. Features 3X monocular viewing system for target magnification and easy, instant focusing. Size: 9-3/8" x 5-1/4" x 3". Weight: 19 ozs.

Best price is .... $79.99 (black), $89.00 ( Mossy Oak) at Cabela's

Model 400 Rangefinder. Measures from 20 to 400 yards. Accurate to ± 2 yards at 100 yards. Doubles as a 3X monocular. Size: 10-3/4" x 2" x 2-1/2". Weight: 20 ozs.

Best price is ....  $94.99 (black), $109.99 ( Mossy Oak) at Cabela's

Model 1000 Rangefinder. Measures from 50 to 1000 yards with an accuracy of ± 2 yards at 100 yards. Also functions as a 6X monocular. Size: 10-3/4" x 2" x 2-1/2". Weight: 22 ozs.

Best price is .... $119.99 (black), $129.99 ( Mossy Oak) at Cabela's.

 Note .... Please check current pricing and availability. Info current  as of 8/19/01.

USER COMMENTS:

IMHO the Ranging are junk. I think I'm better without a dang range finder than I am with the TLR 75 I own. Laser is the only way to go. Straight —» Arrow.

The ranging split image rangefinders are really useless. I can range bowhunting ranges much more accurately with my eyes than with them. I don't know how effective they may be at extended ranges, however. At today's prices, I certainly advise going for a laser rangefinder. Pretty much absolute accuracy out to whatever range you may desire. rsw.

I've been fairly happy with my optical rangefinders from Ranging. I won't try to say that they're as good as the lasers, of course they aren't. But they cost about a fourth as much, and for the price, I think they do pretty well. I use mine mostly for establishing the distance to a few other trees around my stand, and sometimes for practice when stumpshooting. Had the time a couple years ago, while a cow elk that was coming my way was behind a clump of junipers, to slip the unit out of my pocket and range one juniper out in front of me at 30 yards. When the cow walked back into view and came up the trail right past that juniper, I didn't have to worry about estimating the yardage correctly. When you get past about forty yards, they start getting pretty hard to get accurate readings, but I think they're worth carrying if you'd have trouble justifying the cost of the laser units. I don't plan to shoot anything at the ranges that I'd need the lasers for, anyway. They're easy enough to adjust if they get knocked around or the weather has changed drastically since you used them last. Russ Koon.

The Rangings work fine under controlled conditions. Unfortunately as soon as they get cold or jarred a little they are off. On the other hand, for thirty bucks, they will help you learn to judge yardage in the off season. Check e-bay first. Dave.

My split image Ranging unit was junk. Slow and unreliable. Spend another hundred or so and go laser. BTM.

Honestly,with lasers now available for $169 not having one is foolish. Given the money we spend on all accessories, equipment, hunts, tags, gas, etc. anyone can find an extra $169 to get a real rangefinder, if they want to use a rangefinder that is. bou'bound.

I used a ranging for several years and it worked great for getting distances while I was setting up on a stand. You don't want to use them for figuring a quick shot. But it helped me harvest several animals, both elk and deer. I would get in a stand and measure the distances around the stand and then when an animal would be in that area I would be more confident of that distance. I do have a Bushnell 600 and wouldn't ever use the ranging again. Yendor.

I have a Ranging TLR 75 that I will GIVE away. (tells you what I think of it). RA.

If you would like to add your own personal experience comments about this rangefinder please e-mail us at

Specifications:

• Laser: Invisible/Eyesafe class 1 Laser.
• Optics: 3x9 monocular.
• Waterproof: Yes, it even floats.
• Auto/Manual Shut-off: Yes.
• Ambidextrous
• Tripod adaptable: Yes, thread size unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.
• Battery saver mode:  Yes, Power management, low power consumption.
• Test tone boresighting
• Gating - ensures target readings are within your specified shooting area.
• Multi-shot Computation - Can take a series of measurements to determine relative distance between points.
• Interchangeable Scope Option: - Night Vision Compatible.
• Electronic Filtering: - Sees through brush to discriminate reflective targets.
• Error Displays: - Yes, both audio and visual indicators ensure confidence of positive target acquisition.
• Yards or Meters Option: - Displays distances in either yards or meters.
• Offset Capabilities: - Yes, can add or subtract variables from measurements.
• Display: Backlit LCD Panel - enables day or night operation.
• Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs).
• Size: 15.2 x 6.4 x 12.7 cm (6" x 2.5" x 5").
• Max range: 2200m (7,216ft).
• Range accuracy: ± 1 meter @ 2200 meters.
• Range resolution: 1 meter/yard.
• Power source: 2 AA batteries providing up to 20 hours of use.
• Comes with:  Every XLR comes with a custom foam carrying case, Belt Clip.
• Warranty: All of NAIT's rangefinders are guaranteed for 1 year.

Options and accessories:

• Tripod and monopod

Manufacturer point of contact .... NAIT

Some other notes .... The XLR Laser Rangefinder made by North American Integrated Technologies (NAIT), is a top-of-the-line unit made in USA.

If you would like to add your own personal experience comments about this rangefinder please e-mail us at

Best price is .... Please contact NAIT for current pricing.

Note .... Please check current pricing and availability. Info current  as of 8/19/01.

Pentax

Pentax introduced a 1000 yard laser rangefinder at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas in the spring of 2000. Due to some problems, Pentax pulled the unit for some changes. No word yet on when they will introduce this rangefinder. Stay tuned.

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The Wild rangefinders, (top one in graphic), were issued to crack Swiss Alpine troops during WWII. Considered the finest optical rangefinders ever made. Hermetically sealed. Comes with quick release tripod, hard shell case, and a lathe board for field calibration. It has a 80 mm baseline between objectives.

Best Price is .... $499.00 at  Deutsche Optik
Note .... Please check current pricing and availability. Info current  as of 8/19/01.

 While looking through the optic, two images are seen in the right eyepiece. The upper image is upside-down; the lower, rightside-up. An object, such as a prominent rock or tree, is found in the image. A thumb wheel is then turned which will bring the two images into coincidence. When they are lined up, one on top of the other, the range to the object is read in the left eyepiece. Accuracy is quite remarkable, within about 5 yards at 1000 yards or so. They can be hand-held, but they are easier to use and more accurate if a tripod support is used. The same is true of the big binoculars. With the naval models, both images are upright.

The Barr & Stroud rangefinders have not been made for many years. Their quality was such that if they had some amount of care, they are still very serviceable after 50 years or so. They are constructed primarily of brass and glass. Since the militaries of the world have converted to laser rangefinders, no new optical rangefinders are likely to be made again unless a manufacturer feels there is a sufficient demand.

Adjusting the rangefinder from Bill Gunn getman@bluemoon.net .... I'll tell ya, my best friend bought a B&S for $30, because the guy he got it from thought his was out of whack!! Stick with it, and I bet it works. The heads for the adjustments of "coincidence" and "halving" are situated on the left enlarged end, at the top rear and on the underside respectively, and are protected by covers which can be rotated by means of small projecting pins in order to expose the heads. When the eyepiece is focussed there will be seen across the middle of the field a fine, sharply defined horizontal separating line, dividing the field into an upper and a lower portion. The image seen above the separating line is INVERTED (up side down), BUT NOT REVERSED RIGHT FOR LEFT. It can be VERY confusing the first time you go to use a B&S, (the army training school was 5 weeks long!!) but once you get the hang of it, you'll just pick it up and the rest becomes 2nd nature.

Here's how I'd get started; 1) With the small adjustment knob at about the 11 o'clock position, right next to the right eye piece, select the clearest lens shade 2) Focus the right eyepiece with the lever just under the right eye piece, looking at clear sky, (NOT THE SUN), focus so horizontal line is very sharp. 3) Set the "halving" setting with the bottom dial at the left end, ( what you will be doing is separating, and bringing together the "right side up" image on the bottom, with the "up side down" image on the top, they will come together "top to top"). A good thing to use would be a telephone pole at about 500yds, just concentrating on the top of the pole. When you are done with this setting, the tops of the pole in the upper & lower image will come together at exactly the same time. (A small movement with these wheels makes a BIG change in the image). 4) Now you can try to "range" something, but the adjustment will most likely be WAY off, this is where now you set it up with the moon as infinity. That is done by getting it roughly close with the adjustment by the right handle, then reset it with the upper left end wheel, then back to the wheel by the right handle. Keep going back and forth until they agree. Before you start be sure that you have the unit fairly well secure in a good tripod, it cuts down on trying to find your target over & over. Once you set it up like this, it stays in adjustment real good. When I set up mine I checked my buddy's, and his held for over 5 years, and it was still dead on ! E-mail me if it still gives you trouble.

Best Price is .... $499.00  from Deutsche Optik

If you would like to add your own personal experience comments about this rangefinder please e-mail us at

Note .... Please check current pricing and availability. Info current  as of 8/19/01.

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I'm looking for info or pics of the Weaver laser rangefinders. If you can be of any help, please e-mail me, thanks. Simmons has taken over service for the Weaver rangefinders, and I'm told they are not repairing them, just exchanging them for a Simmon's product.