Laser Rangefinder Review

Well known sport optics maker Nikon currently manufactures a wide line of golf rangefinders that are marketed under the Callaway brand name.  These rangefinders are relatively simple compared to other models of rangefinders; however, they are equipped with all the necessary features good golf rangefinders need. Below are some of the common features found on the Nikon golf rangefinders. 

Common Features
First Target Priority: When using a Nikon golf range finder if two objects are reported on a single reading (push of the ranging button) the yardage of the closest object will be displayed. This feature is useful for golfers trying to range the pin when it is against a background full of trees. For example if the rangefinder detects the pin at 115 yards and a tree at 165 yards it will report the closer of the two, in this case the pin at 115 yards.

Vertical Design: All current Nikon golf rangefinders are of the vertical style design. All of these rangefinders feature a 6x magnification, except the LR1200 which has a 7x magnification. Because of the compactness of the vertical design all these rangefinders are operated by a compact CR2 Lithium battery.

Adjustable Diopter: All Nikon golf rangefinders have an adjustable diopter with +/-4 degrees of adjustment, which is used to focus the eyepiece for the individual user’s eyes. This is twice as much adjustment as models on some other manufactures golf rangefinders. Also most models in the Nikon golf range finder line have folding eyecups for users who wear glasses, the Nikon IQ being the exception.

Other Common Features: All Nikon rangefinders can measure distance in yards or meters, and have a scan mode that last for 20 seconds.  All models are rated as waterproof expect for the battery compartment, and use LCD display screens to display yardage, except the IQ model which uses a combination of LCD and LED technology.

Nikon Golf Range Finder Comparison Chart

Model	Callaway IQ	Callaway LR 800	Callaway ID Tech	Callaway LR 550
Picture
Cumulative Review Score	New	95(13)	N/A	94(49)
Estimated Price	$359	$349	$349	$249
Magnification	6x	6x	6x	6x
Weight	6.9 oz*	7.4 oz	7.4 oz*	6.3 oz
Dimensions	4.6 x 1.6 x 2.9*	5 x 1.5 x 2.8	5.1 x 1.8 x 2.7*	5.1 x 1.5 x 2.7
Max Range	915 yds	800 yds	550 yards	550 yds
Slope	Y	N	Y	N

Models
Callaway IQ - The newest rangefinder in the lineup also boast a new display screen that can adjust the color of the reticle depending on the current light conditions. The new IQ also has a slope feature for more precise shot ranging and also features a first target priority mode. Also new to Nikon golf rangefinder is its ability to give reading in .1 yard increments, yep that's not a misprint .1 yard.

Callaway LR 800 - This rangefinder has the first target priority mode like the IQ; however, it measure in .5 yard increments and does not have a slope feature.  It has 6x magnification and a maximun range of 800 yards on highly reflective targets.

Callaway ID Tech - Like the IQ, the ID Tech has a slope feature and first target mode, but like the LR 800 it measures in .5 yard increments. Unique to the ID Tech rangefinder is its external display.

Callaway LR 550 - This is the entry level Nikon/Callaway rangefinder, with a maximum range of 550 yards and readings in .5 yd intervals, it is a basic unit that still has the important features like the target priority mode.

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