Laser Rangefinder Review

Long range rifle shooters have different criteria when looking for a rangefinder than other classes of hunters do, here the distances are generally longer and often the targets smaller. Fortunately, there are a few manufactures of rangefinders that make models appropriate for these long shots. Varmint hunters, tactical shooters, long range competition shooters, and professional hunting guides have all been known to use these high end rangefinders. 

What to look for:

Horizontal Design: When ranging small targets or objects at a great distance it is important to hold the rangefinder as steady as possible to ensure a first attempt reading.  Here the horizontal style rangefinders shine as they allow the shooter to hold the unit with both hands like a pair of binoculars; this is generally accepted as a more stable way grip than the one used to hold a vertical design rangefinder. The disadvantage of the horizontal rangefinder is their larger design compared to the vertical rangefinder; however this is an acceptable tradeoff for increased stability and ranging power.

Powerful Magnification: The more the better, with rangefinders in the 7x and 8x being the norm for this category.  Again smaller varmints or long range targets require more magnification for precise targeting.

Clear optics: While important on all rangefinders, it is far more critical for a long range shooting rangefinders to have crisp, bright optics than say an archery rangefinder that will mainly be used to range deer sized targets at 50 yards or less.

Rifle Shooting Rangefinders

Model	Zeiss Victory PRF	Bushnell Elite 1600	Swarovski Laser Guide	Bushnell Elite 1500	Leupold RX-IV B&C
Picture
Cumulative Review Score	100(6)	NEW	92(96)	91(40)	69(19)
Estimated Price	$599	$499	$999	$399	$475 - $580
Configuration	8x26mm	7x26mm	8x30mm	7x26mm	8x28mm
Weight	10.9oz	12.1oz	13.6oz	12.1oz	12oz
L x W x H	5.1 x 3.9 x 1.9	5.1 x 3.7 x 1.7	4.7 x 3.5 x 1.6	5.1 x 3.7 x 1.7	4.7 x 3.5 x 2
Reflective	1300 yds	1600 yds	1500 yds	1600 yds	1500 yds
Angle Compensation	No	Yes	No	Yes and No	Yes
Tripod Mount	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Editor’s Pick: Zeiss Victory PRF

(Click Pictures for low prices at Amazon)

The Zeiss is a unique high end rangefinder that was designed for long distance ranging.  The one feature that seems to be missing is a tripod mount; so for those that wish to setup their rangefinder on a tripod, this model will need you to rig up some sort of mount adapter or utilize some other type of rest. Other than that the PRF is a good rangefinder for long distance use, it has the unique feature of firing the laser on the release of the firing button instead of the pressing, which aids in keeping the unit steady when holding the unit by hand. The Zeiss does feature a technology called BIS (Ballistic Information System) that like other rangefinders allows you to select a ballistic curve of the cartridge/bullet combination that most closely matches your ammunition; however, this feature will only report holdover information out to 500 yards. This might be of some use for hunting guides and varmint shooters but probably of little use to many long range shooters. Clear optics, a 1300 yard ranging capability and a price tag $400 less than the nearest competition are what made the Zeiss PRF standout in this class.

Is it really better than the Swarovski Laser Guide? Hmmm…. While the Zeiss is a top quality rangefinder, so is the Swarovski. The Zeiss got the nod for two reasons. 1) Many mentions were made of the Swarovski’s large circular reticle being too big for precision long distance ranging. 2) You can buy a Zeiss Victory PRF rangefinder and a decent spotting scope for the price of the Swarovski. Bottom line: some users actually did prefer the Swarovski over the Zeiss, others the Zeiss over the Swarovski; however, there was no conclusive winner so the tie goes to the unit that is several hundred dollars cheaper and doesn’t have complaints about the reticle size being too large.

What about the new Bushnell Elite 1600 VDT? This unit is to new for a review, the 1600VDT just hit the market and it is highly unlikely enough reviews will become available before the 2011 hunting season. The new Bushnell Elite appears to be pretty similar to the older model Elite 1500’s;however, they appear to have two noticeable differences. First, the new Elite 1600 has the VSI (Variable Sight In) feature within the rifle mode probably much like the Legend 1200 ARC vertical model. Second, the new Elite 1600 has what Bushnell is labeling VDT (Vivid Display Technology), which appears to be a red reticle and display. Annoyingly enough the Bushnell Elite 1600, like the Elite 1500’s, appears to have kept its “bow” mode of operation, so for those of you who want to archery hunt with a massive 7x power rangefinder and then go shoot thousand yard targets this is the one for you.  As mentioned this unit is pretty new to the market and the owner’s manual has yet to be released, so the exact details of the difference between the new and older version aren’t yet know. The bottom line is its too early to tell what the Bushnell Elite 1600 is like and how it performs.

What about the Bushnell Elite 1500? This seems to be a solid unit but reviews indicate that it is not on the same level as the Zeiss, and Swarovski. Also, the 7x magnification is less than the above mentioned rangefinders that both feature 8x magnification. However, if a $400 dollar rangefinder is in the budget and a $600 isn’t, the Bushnell scored high enough to indicate that it would be a good unit for the long range shooter, just remember the 91 score accounts for price, meaning the Bushnell scored a 91 based on it being a $400 rangefinder, just like the Swarovski scored a 92 with its $1000 price tag being factored in. Also, the best available information seems to indicate that the Black version of the Elite 1500’s does not have the Bushnell ARC (Angle Range Compensation) feature, while the Camo appears to be equipped with ARC, so be sure and read the fine print if you are looking for one with the ARC feature.

And the Leupold RX-IV and B&C? The Leupold is actually available in two models the standard RX-IV and a Boone & Crockett Edition . The regular version offers you 13 reticle options while the B&C only three; however, one of its three options is Leupold’s B&C reticle that can be used for field judging antlers. Both are equipped with the a bow and rifle mode, and Leupold TBR feature which allows the user to get angle compensated reading in yards, or inches of holdover based on a ballistic curve you select. Like usual these Leupold’s offer the most customization of any rangefinder in the line up. While the angle compensated reading might be useful to some hunting guides, most of the other features don’t really aid in rifle shooting, and we sure ain’t taken this one bow hunting. A cluttered screen, with too much info and too many options and numerous unfavorable reviews swayed us away from the Leupold.

Conclusion: While the Zeiss does have ballistic curves to select from and displays hold over information, neither it nor the Swarovski have an angle compensated yardage setting.  However, as distance increases angle compensated readings become less important, and basically a non factor.  However, there are a few situations like shooting from the top of a mountain into a deep valley where this could come into play, so if you are a guide in mountainous areas you may want to consider this; virtually everyone else shouldn’t need to worry about angle compensated readings as only extreme angles affect range readings by a practical amount. Good optics, simplicity and ranging power are the real name of the shooting rangefinder game.  The Zeiss PRF is arguably the best pick anyway but when you consider that it is $400 dollars cheaper than the Swarovski, the decision to make it the top pick got a lot easier. If you are dead set on the Swarovski, it would make an excellent long distance rangefinder as well, but it doesn’t justify the added cost in our books. Ultimately, if it was our decision the Zeiss PRF would get the nod, and for most long range shooters this would be a great choice.