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Hunting Guide Reviews

Leica LRF 1200

April 06, 2004

Features:

Model #: LRF 1200.
Size: 4" w x 3 3/4" d x 1 3/8" h.
Weight: 10 ounces.
Waterproof: No, water resistant.
Temp Range: -14 degree F to +122 degree F.
Display: Red LED. 1 press of button gives you a small red target indicator square, next press of button gives you range in yards in the lower part of display. You can change the reading to meters with a switch in the battery compartment. The LED display a
Magnification: 7 power.
Optics: 7 x 21 mm, multi-coated with "ballistic tough" ion-assisted coating.
Exit Pupil: 3 mm, adjustable eyepiece diopter insures readability for all users, with or without eyeglasses.
Diopter Compensation: ± 4 diopters.
Range: 11 -1200 yards (1097 meters). You can change the reading to meters with a switch in the battery compartment.
Accuracy: ± 1 yard (repetitive).
Field of view: 336 feet @ 1000 yards.
Twilight Factor: 12.12.
Beam divergence: Unknown at this time, please e-mail us at if you have this info.
Power Source: 1 each 9 volt battery 6LR61. Battery compartment is accessed with a #2 flat tip screwdriver or a coin if you're in a pinch. A rubber O-ring seals the battery compartment. Battery compartment is on eyepiece side of unit, to the right as you r
Shock resistant: Yes, fully rubber-armored.
Tripod mountable: No threads for mounting on a tripod. Optional tripod adapter is about $49.00
Color: Black.
Comes With: Case, user manual and neck strap.
Warranty: Two-year warranty.

Other Information

The LRF 1200 was introduced in the 1st quarter of 2002. The optics and design are the same as the LRF 800 but the electronics inside are a major upgrade. In addition, its stronger laser beam produces even more dependable readings, even under unfavorable conditions, such as rain, haze or strong sunlight.

User Comments

I am on my 5th laser. The Bushnell 600 is a STEAL,for the performance (weighed against investment). The Leica 800LRF is a POS. Tasco worse, Simmons even worse. The Bushnell 400 a thing of the past. I have had the Leica 1200LRF for over three weeks. It works like a laser SHOULD. It is by FAR,the best of the models/brands mentioned by me. My humble suggestion is to cut to the chase, get the Leica 1200LRF and live happily ever after (unless the 50BMG is your gig). The 1200LRF is housed in the 800's body but really delivers and is complete with quality Leica optics. She's a Good'Un and SWFA made me the best deal (hint,hint). - Big Stick.

The best part about the 1200 was the confidence we had glassing the opposite hillside and knowing if a bear "appeared" we were ready. You with your 300 Weatherby and me with the 7mm STW, both equipped with turrets, that it would be a simple press of the Leica's button a "few" clicks of elevation and a simultaneous..."one, two, three...crack-pow" ...then the work begins. Ughhhh. - Spike.

One evening before dusk, the three of us sat on an exposed ridge and glassed East/West for bears during the final golden-hour of the evening. After about 45 minutes and while looking toward the setting sun, I spotted movement on a ridge that was a loooong ways away. I mentioned to Spike that I had detected movement, but hadn’t yet identified what it was. I had hoped that it was a bears head or ear that I had seen, poking briefly above the ridge line before disappearing. After verbally directing Spike into it, I finally made out that it was a turkey and he was moving about on the ridge, alternately fanning his tail feathers and feeding. I wondered aloud how far away that turkey was and John said: "Here, range him with my new Leica 1200’s".

I very skeptically pointed them at the ridgeline, pressed the button (twice) and instantly received a bright red readout .... 953 Yards. Can you say impressive ? ....... (I knew you could). Nine-hundred and fifty three yards !!

I was very impressed that they had recorded a reading so quickly, with mostly grass to reflect off of. I usually carry the Bushnell compact 600’s and they have done well for me over the past three years. I too loved the Bushnell’s "scan" mode and wondered if the Leica’s could match that capability. They exceeded it with their excellent ability to consistently acquire readings on a single attempt. The 1200’s are a clear winner (other than ergonomics, they’re too "boxy") and will no doubt generate lots of for-sale postings on Ebay for lesser brands/models of laser rangefinders. - Silver Bullet.

My thoughts on the units currently out there today:

The Bushnell 600 Scout model looks like a very nice unit for the $$. It's very small and would work well for the range or field. If your on a budget, try this one or the Bushnell 800.

If you have a few extra $$ get the Leica 800 or preferably the 1200. I've tried them out and they are superb! I'm ordering a 1200 for myself this month. I would have purchased one already but a friend who sells them said to wait until now to make sure they have had a chance to work the bugs out of the 1200 as it is a new model. I use a rangefinder for bowhunting, range work, and long range hunting. I like being able to range as close as 10 yards to as far as 600 yards(consistently in the field). The Leica 1200 looks to be able to do all this and more. Plus, the optics are great, the unit is small, no battery cover problem and the red LED display is VERY easy to read in low light. - Nebraska.

I've had my 1200 for about a week, and I love it! I have looked at some of the others, but I was not as impressed with them as with the Leica. I like the red readout instead of the black, and I can use this with my glasses ON! I'm quite impressed with this RF, and I know I will enjoy using it in the future. - Phil B.

Pricing Information

Best price is $468.95 at SWFA. $469.99 at Bear Basin. $469.99 at Cabela's. No price at Bass Pro Shop. Email for quote at D & R Sports. Note .... Please check current pricing and availability. Info current as of 6/6/02.

Manufacturer Information

Leica http://www.leica-camera.com/fernopt/fsys_e.htm