What is a good, value for money laser range finder and where to get them?
Value, for me means the tool that will do the job and be durable; I won’t have to replace it for a better unit because I tried to pay less and the tool I bought won’t really do the job. The saying “buy once, cry once” seems trite, but it has merit.
Therefore, I bought and like the Swarovski. Durable, accurate past 1000 yards, quality all the way, but $700-800 if you shop araound. SWFA has them on the Sample List sometimes.
I bought mine when I was shooting .308 at 1000+ yards, but would consider one of the Leicas if I were buying now. I don’t shoot that distance any more. The newer Leica CRF is smaller than the LRF, but I don’t like it’s vertical orientation. The older Leica LRF is bulkier but has a horizontal orientation which I find easier to use. They won’t range quite as far as the Swaroski, but close. They are cheaper too.
Top quality at a “reasonable” price for me is the Swaro. The Leica units are very good too.
I have a Bushnell yardage pro 800 that works OK. It is finicky about what color target you are pointing at and I have only been able to get it to work out to about 500 yards. I got it slightly used for $75 but I wouldn’t have spent more than that on it.
I know a couple guys who have Leicas and really like them.
You get what you pay for. Leica is my favorite. They are more rugged than standard “deer huntin” lasers, the glass is crystal clear, and the brightness changes automatically.
How much do you want to spend?
What are you going to use it for? (repeated wisdom)
If you’re poor like me, you can get a Nikon Monarch Laser800. I’ve had mine for about 3 or 4 years now, and it works like a charm! A friend of mine also has some Bushnell model he bought from Wally world for like $200, but it doesn’t take readings off of things as easily as my Nikon does. My brother has a Leupold, and IMHO, my Nikon works just as well, for 3/4 the price. Check it out: http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-buckmasters800.html
And for $200, I hear these are the best “bang for your buck” rangefinder out there! http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-prostaff-550-laser-rangefinders.html
Just my 2 cents.