Rifle Scopes What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?

[OldmaninNeb]

I understand electricity, amps=power watts=power used...so what's the deal with rangefinders? Does a small light shoot out and stay small or does it get larger as it goes? Is there a unit using more power from the battery than others or what exactly makes one limited to 100 yds and another reach out 3500 meters?
I've owned 3 now, all low dollar, but ... nothing standing out saying 'the most powerful' or whatever......all lying thru their teeth on range except perhaps using large mirrors (impo)

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?

You can achieve longer range by increasing the laser power, but at some point that would make it dangerous for eyes and require more battery power. The Leica PLRF-10 and -15 achieve multi-km range by cleverly reducing the divergence of the beam (keeping the spot size small, but it still gets larger the farther you get from the LRF) and optimizing the laser wavelength.

 

[hydro556]

Re: What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?

Whats the clever part, Jack. I have wondered what the Vectors were doing.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?

IIRC the output is limited by federal regulations. Once you pass a certain power level they can no longer be purchased without special permits. As mentioned above a military LRF is not eye-safe.

There is a huge difference in the low-buck LRF's such as the Bushnells and the top end Swaro's.

The differences are many. From glass quality to reticle construction. I am assuming that the output power on the top end devices are maximized and the sensors are as sensitive as possible. I would also wager that they use proprietary programming to analyze the return.

As far as "lying through their teeth", the ranges that are listed are usually for reflective targets. However I can tell you that the Legend 1200 I just tested won't range a barn with mirrors at 1200. The Swaro however would range some amazing distances.

 

[OldmaninNeb]

Re: What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?

Yeah, I'm looking @ the Swaro, I have one of their scopes on my .223, and zero complaints. I checked out one and a Leica at Cabela's and the Swaro had a light orange display, making it very hard to read against a fall background, had to hold it up to the blue sky to read it actually. Still, it did reach out 1400 yds and tag that tractor repeatedly. But then, so did the Leica 1200 and even the new Elite 1500 (which I had bought last year and worked thru that season, but now is lost in the black hole of warranty) My question remains, must be some real edge or simply power consumption that identifies the winners from the losers. BTW, the cheap Newcon 1200 won't reach out 100 yards, even bushnell's 450 did that! expensive paperweight.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?

I really can't tell you the technical details, but from my testing it definitely seems with LRF's the more money you spend, the better performance you get.

The Swaro worked better than the Leica as far as range and speed.

I have not tried the Zeiss yet.

I actually preferred the Swarovski reticle to the Leica.

 

[Rob01]

Re: What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?

I have found the same as Lonewolf. I had a Leica 1200 but the Swarovski I have now ranges better and farther.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?

Don't forget to compare the beam divergence too. A smaller spot size can help you range correctly when there is "clutter" - reflective objects that are not your target which can reflect the laser light and give you an incorrect range reading. I've read that the Swarovski spot size is fairly large. The original 7x42mm Geovids have a relatively small spot size compared to more recent Geovid models that have slightly longer range capability (1200 yards vice 1100 yards).

 

[1979Wolf]

Re: What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: popgunz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What exactly makes one lazer rangefinder better?</div></div>

Usually just the flavor.....you lick it.