How to Buy a Laser Rangefinder

The first step to ensuring you select the best laser rangefinder model for your needs is to determine how it will be used. There are rangefinders for hunting, golf, and surveying. This article will deal mainly with golf and hunting rangefinders.

When a rangefinder reads the first object in its line of view and ignores further objects, the rangefinder is said to be in a first priority mode. If it ignores the first object and sees past it to a more distant object the unit is said to be in a second priority mode.

Priority differences

First priority rangefinders are extremely useful on the golf course. If the flag isn't hidden, there is usually nothing between you and it. All rangefinders have the first priority mode. If you want to range on the flag that is maybe 100 yards away, it will read 100, and not, say, 130, which may be the trees in back of the flag.

Second priority rangefinders are more useful for hunting. A second priority rangefinder used as in the previous paragraph would certainly read the trees at 130 yards and ignore the flag 30 yards closer. Hunting situations often require you to be in a blind, or partially covered by leaves or limbs. A hunting rangefinder, or second priority rangefinder would ignore the first object in its line of view such as the branches, and read the most distant object, which may be a deer.

You can use a rangefinder (first priority), for hunting. Absolutely. Can you use a hunting rangefinder (second priority) for golf? Certainly. But the product most closely designed for your intended purpose would be more user-friendly and not require multiple readings or switching modes to ensure the correct distance. Some laser rangefinders offer options to temporarily switch from second priority mode with a "pinpoint" or "bullseye" button (effectively switching from second to first priority) or switching priorities semi permanently.

Distance

Rangefinders can be sold under names that indicate the maximum distance that the unit is capable of reading. This causes the most common misconception that consumers have with these units. One unit might be described as a 1500 yard rangefinder. However, it is only possible under ideal atmospheric conditions and reflective large surfaces.

You may be able, for instance, to range a smooth, white metal pole barn at 1500 feet without too much glare, air pollution, heat waves, and heat waves, even if there is a lot more glare. Add sun or rain or snow or heat mirage, or lessen the size or your target, or darken the color, or increase the texture, then NO! Maybe many hundreds of yards less. In perfect conditions you Click Here may see your pole barn at 1500 yards, a dark rocky hill at an oblique angle at 1100 yards, a huge truck at 900 yards, a tree at 700 yards, and a deer at 450 and a flag on the green at even less. A deer can usually be seen at a distance of around one-third the maximum range and nearly always within half the distance. Make sure to check the specifications of your manufacturer.

Reticles and Aiming points

A reticle is the crosshair (or aiming point or circle) you see when looking through your rangefinder. Some reticles have black lines you can superimpose on the object you wish to range. These reticles can be difficult to see against dark backgrounds or low light conditions, such as shadows. Some reticles, or aiming points, appear illuminated due to LED lights. The brightness of these LEDs is invariably adjustable. There are two problems with LED reticles: in bright light they can be drowned by the ambient lighting so they are difficult to see. In the evening when your eyes adjust to nighttime, the reticles (or circles) are bright enough that they ruin your night vision, even at the lowest settings. You are not able to see past the bright reticle. The aforementioned issues with reticles also pertain to other information within your viewing screen such as yardage numbers and modes.

A black reticle with information and a button for lighting is my choice. Backlighting is less intense than an LED and allows you to see your information in any light condition.