View Full Version : Range finders
I'd like some input about range finders please. I'm looking at these four options. I'm a big fan of Vortex's warranty. The similarly priced Sig models advertise better performance and I'm wondering if anyone has personal experience.
Uses:
Hunting - I have zero plans to shoot a big game animal at further than say 300 yards, and very likely less. It'd be nice to see how far you are at say 600 yards, but not for shooting.
Long range - I'd like to be able to range to 1,000 yards just to see how realistic the shooting position is at my shooting place.
Close range - I have plans to use this for work as well, so short range is important as well. I think a minimum of 9 yards would word for me. Here are the options.
Vortex 1300 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-ranger-1300-laser-rangefinder-w-hcd.html
Sig 1400 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/sig-sauer-kilo1400-bdx-6x20mm-class-3r-laser-rangefinding-monocular.html
Vortex 1800 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-ranger-1800-laser-rangefinder-w-hcd.html
Sig 2200 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/sig-sauer-kilo2200mr-laser-range-finding-monocular-7x25mm.html
I have a Vortex 1300, works as advertised. Can't say I have any experience with any other range finders to say that one is better than the other for some reason. I did find the reticle on the Vortex easier to see than others when I was checking them out in the store.
DireWolf
11-20-2018, 13:52
I have a Sig Kilo2000, thing runs like a champ.
Fast, optics are nice and clear (7x), and I've been able to range objects out to 2300 yards (large vehicle). Originally was going to get a Kilo2400, but couldn't justify the extra cost.
Very happy with the Kilo2k...
ETA: not sure, but the Kilo2000 may have been discontinued/superseded by a new version...Also, if ordering from OP, call them - you'll get a better deal than purchasing online...
Good info so far. I figured those two are probably popular models that people will have. Keep it coming.
How large of a vehicle? I have an old range finder that I was gifted that says it's range is 400yards. I've ranged a semi trailer at over 800 yards, but struggle with my real estate sign target at over 225. I can get it at 300 if I rest the finder on a fence post or something.
I forgot to mention that with carrying binos and a range finder, size/weight is a consideration as well. Both models seem comparable and smaller than what I have now.
StagLefty
11-20-2018, 14:42
https://www.ar-15.co/forums/115-Places-To-Shoot Range Finder [ROFL2]
DireWolf
11-20-2018, 15:17
How large of a vehicle? I have an old range finder that I was gifted that says it's range is 400yards. I've end a semi trailer at over 800 yards, but struggle with my real estate sign target at over 225. I can get it at 300 if I rest the finder on a fence post or something.
Was a full-size SUV, if I remember correctly. Reading was taken from an elevated position while prone (e.g. good support).
Given the size/perspective at that distance, it may be possible that I actually ranged the ground next to/behind the vehicle (as opposed to the SUV itself), but given the angle and consistency across several consecutive reads, not sure it makes a difference either way.
The SIGs are better than the Vortex dollar for dollar, but they have a 5 year warranty whereas the Vortex is lifetime. I have used the V1800 and the Kilo2000 (What I own) and Kilo2400 plus a Bushnell 1 Mile and another one around here somewhere. Both of the Bushnell's went out about a year after the warranty expired. The Sig is 3 or 4 years old, I bought it right when they first hit the market and it has been fantastic. I have ranged PRS sized targets to a mile and big game to 1600 or so. The SIG does better on snow and in rain, which matters to me for hunting. When the Kilo2000 goes out, I will be getting the Kilo2200, or whatever is in that same range.
I am looking at getting Hunter (14) a Vortex primarily for the warranty, and he won't be shooting much, if at all, anything past say 700 unless I am with him anyway. But I want something that will last him for a long time, even if it is with warranty support.
Delfuego
11-21-2018, 06:25
Check out the new Nikon. I would get that if I only needed a rangefinder.
If you want binoculars that also range then let us know, thats a different game. I will never buy a solo rangefinder, it will always be a combo bino/lrf.
I thought about a bino combo, but not sure I'm ready for that jump yet.
Delfuego
11-22-2018, 07:33
I thought about a bino combo, but not sure I'm ready for that jump yet.I think for rifle hunting it would no brainer. One piece less gear.
longrange2
11-22-2018, 08:50
I’ve got the KILO2400ABS and it never ceases to amaze me with how it ranges. I’ve ranged horses and cattle at over 1500 yards, signs and buildings over 1900. The limitation is how steady you can hold it while ranting smaller targets but with a tripod or solid rest it does very well.
I think for rifle hunting it would no brainer. One piece less gear.
Generally I agree and have been peaking into the world of quality optics. I'm not ready to spend the money on quality binos yet, and unless I'm wrong, it seems like adding a range finder function will just push that move further down the road.
Generally I agree and have been peaking into the world of quality optics. I'm not ready to spend the money on quality binos yet, and unless I'm wrong, it seems like adding a range finder function will just push that move further down the road.
I hunt a lot, about 20 days a year (big game). I do not like the combination of bino and range finder, and most of the avid hunters I know don't either. Binos, LRF, spotter, monocular for different types and conditions. The cost for quality glass in a LRF bino is significant, especially in the 10x or 12x range, which is where I like to be for binos.
I went ahead and ordered the SIGKILO2200. I used the 11% off coupon and got it for $390.
I bet you will really enjoy it.
Delfuego
11-23-2018, 21:51
I got to play with the Nikon Black 4K today. Pretty cool. we didn't range 4000 yards (only 1200 or so) but very good little piece of gear. I hope more rangefinders with better lasers will be coming out soon.
https://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products//rangefinders/black-rangex-4k-laser-rangefinder.html
Check out the new Nikon. I would get that if I only needed a rangefinder.
If you want binoculars that also range then let us know, thats a different game. I will never buy a solo rangefinder, it will always be a combo bino/lrf.
What are your thoughts on the Sig Sauer KILO3000BDX laser rangefinder Binos? Two birds with one stone solution?
https://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/rangefinders/kilo3000-bdx-laser-rangefinding-binoculars-prod119073.aspx
Delfuego
12-02-2018, 12:22
Haven't seen them in person. They just came onto market. I have never been impressed with the optical quality for Sig stuff, however their laser has been pretty darn good.
At that price point there area few similar options. Sig, Nikon, Vortex, Bushnell, Rudolph. The main difference in these will be glass quality and laser. You may need to trade off glass versus ranging performance.
A lot of people seem to bag on the Bushnell because of the glass, I owned a pair of the older ones "1600 ARC". I used them for 3 years, gave them to my buddy and he still uses them. That is pretty darn impressive, not the best image, but very reliable and durable.
The Nikon and Vortex are basically the same. Laser and glass (distance and quality). Either of these would be a good choice to 1000y and not much more. I would probably go Vortex due to there warranty.
As for the Sig, I dont ever use integrated ballistics, and most people we should with dont either. We only use the to range finder, then reference the range with whatever ballistic calculator or chart we already have. I could see where it could work well with the BDX and Applied Ballistics, but it seems like everyone wants a tech solution for everything. I see it as cool-kid stuff and unneeded complexity.
I run the Rudolph Optics Bino/LRF. One of the forum members recommended these to me and let me play with his. He sold his Leica HD-B and kept the Rudolph's. We got a good deal on ours and they have been good and the company has stood behind them so far. The glass is pretty good (not Leica/Swaro) and the laser is fast. Good product at a good price. I have been running the 3 seasons.
If I had $2k laying around I would upgrade to the Leica HD-B, no question. The glass is excellent. We use our Binos all day and the glass is important. If you are hunting, good glass is even more important. As I have mentioned before, if Nikon put their new laser in their binos I would jump on those right away.
Haven't seen them in person. They just came onto market. I have never been impressed with the optical quality for Sig stuff
Are they using the Zulu 7 10x42 optics as a platform?
Ordered a pair for a great price. I wanted to have a bino, range finder send data to my Kestrel AB. It will also back feed the Kestrel AB data to the bino’s if I wanted a quick solution with my Kestrel in my backpack.
I have a bushnell (I think it's a bushnell....don't remember model) that easily reads cars/signs out to around 700 yards. I figured I'd never take a shot even close to that far... so it was a good purchase for me. You're more than welcome to play with it to test things out if you'd like so you know what features, etc you might be looking for.
barney fife
12-15-2018, 18:26
One piece of gear is the best and fastest. Last year I was set up glassing across a valley with my wife and youngest daughter. Spotted elk coming from the north, moving at a fast walk down a trail. The whole thing should have been on video but that's another story. I told the girls that when it happens it's going to happen fast, I'm not going to wait. I initially ranged them at 750 and dialed up to that range. But they weren't going to stop. I ranged ahead and found an opening on the trail, it was 703. I dialed back to 700 and sure enough, the lead cow came into that opening and stopped. My tag was filled. Equipment is key and having one piece of equipment instead of two is vital for long range hunting.
Leica Geovid 10x42 HD-R
That's a hard sell for me as the further away you are, the more time you have, generally.
I am using Newcon Optik LRM1500 Camo Rangefinder since 2010. It's been great, but I've only used it less than 40 outings.
Optics planet has yet to ship this range finder, let alone even charge me for it. I feel like I should still be researching just in case something better is out there.
Delfuego
12-19-2018, 08:44
Optics planet has yet to ship this range finder, let alone even charge me for it. I feel like I should still be researching just in case something better is out there.You should be researching a better vendor ;)
I may have a discount coupon for Eurooptic for you if you want to buy from them.
You should be researching a better vendor ;) Agree. Optics Planet is not to be trusted.
I've never ordered anything from them before, so I've learned my lesson.
You should be researching a better vendor ;)
I may have a discount coupon for Eurooptic for you if you want to buy from them.
I may take you up on that. I may just cancel the order altogether and just wait till next year.
I got to play with the Nikon Black 4K today. Pretty cool. we didn't range 4000 yards (only 1200 or so) but very good little piece of gear. I hope more rangefinders with better lasers will be coming out soon.
https://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products//rangefinders/black-rangex-4k-laser-rangefinder.html
I looked at the link provided and the price looks good. Any more info you have on your experience testing one out?
Delfuego
12-20-2018, 13:38
We were shooting steel at a buddy's range. We ran it off his tripod (always works best). Hit the button, get a range! 200y, 400y, 600y, etc, etc
The optics aren't great, but no monocle style LRF's are.
I would buy one if I was in the market.
Nikon has also improved their warranty to keep up with Vortex.
Maybe this year they will include that laser in their binos. That would be a honey :)
XC700116
12-22-2018, 13:11
We were shooting steel at a buddy's range. We ran it off his tripod (always works best). Hit the button, get a range! 200y, 400y, 600y, etc, etc
The optics aren't great, but no monocle style LRF's are.
I would buy one if I was in the market.
Nikon has also improved their warranty to keep up with Vortex.
Maybe this year they will include that laser in their binos. That would be a honey :)
I just got one from the prize table at the Finale, I'm pretty impressed with it as well. REALLY FAST ranging and calc times. Really impressive for the price point.
They do have one set of LRF binos but it doesn't have the same laser capability that the black series does. Rumor has it, that's going to change soon and I hope it does it'd be a great combo.
Edit: I just got a range on a water tank at 3823 yds. My Leica Geovids won't touch the 4K for straight up ranging performance, However, 6X monocular vs 10X binos with some of the best glass avaiable, it won't fill all roles. But it's extremely impressive for $350 on sale right now.
I want to cancel my order with Optics Planet and get the Nikon instead. Even with no discounts it is still cheaper. The warranty is still only five years, which is not comparable to Vortex (unless they don't offer life time on everything), but I think the same as the SigKilo2200. I'd have canceled my order already, but I never made an account over there, so I think I need to call them.
The Nikon appears to be legit.
Good, because I went ahead and ordered it.
Nikon arrived today. A pretty nice improvement over what I had.
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Delfuego
01-04-2019, 17:40
If you really want to make range, get a tripod and a mount! That little sucker can send it.
The longer possible where I do most my shooting is a mile, so I'd need a tripod.
Delfuego
01-04-2019, 18:31
The longer possible where I do most my shooting is a mile, so I'd need a tripod.Let me know when you hit it. With a bullet of course, we know the laser will make it :)
Forgot to update. I was able to range a stop sign off hand at 950 yards. That's the furthest so far. Sometimes it's surprising how difficult it is to see far in an urban area.
Just a quick update, the Nikon will range an antelope at 950 yards. It doesn't have the best glass, but for hunting, it works just fine for my needs. I've used it enough that I actually had to replace the battery during 2nd rifle last week. Looks like the battery lasted 10 months with pretty extensive use. I actually use it at work every now and then, and ranged stuff very often during all three hunting trips this season.
The furthest I've gotten mine to read was something like 3,200 yards. It just flashed that distance long enough to get a read, and it was on the side of a building. Thanks for the help everyone. I'm happy with the Nikon unit and would recommend it to others.
Irving, I had a chance to fool around with the Sig2200 binoculars at a recent Rex Defense class. They were amazing! Bright, clear picture, quick to focus, and easy to hit the ranging target far away, even unsupported. Rex (Tiborasaurus) said he used it for well over 3,000 yards with fresh batteries. For the price, they seem like a great value to me. Never used the Vortex product, so I can't compare the two.
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