Nikon/Callaway LR550 range finder

Out of the 3 of them, the 550 does everything the 800 and 1200 do, its just not as powerful and ranges 550 yards. The 1200 is more for hunting and sailing. I have used all three, its water proof and windproof and can shoot to multiple targets. Also its First target Priority mode is cool.

Thanks for the input.

Any negatives that you can think of?

I have the Callaway 550 also and am very pleased. Accurate and reliable. I could never understand why people would spend extra for the ability to read out to 1200 yards or more (where on a golf course is a 1200 yard straightaway?). The 550 is all I need.

There is one in prototype right now with an LCD Screen..make it a bit easier to range without shaking.

Is this a new Callaway rangefinder? when would it be in the shop?

Do you have any pictures of it?

No, the VP of R&D was at our store 6 months ago, was asking our opinions on what we would like to see happen to the range finder. Look out for one to roll around next year.

The 1200 model is used mostly for sailing and hunting, but they took a shot for golf and people who have money and want the best buy it, so its not that bad.

I have the Callaway 550 also and am very pleased. Accurate and reliable. I could never understand why people would spend extra for the ability to read out to 1200 yards or more (where on a golf course is a 1200 yard straightaway?). The 550 is all I need.

Why? Because the 550 is only 6x magnification. 7x is 17 percent larger and that much easier to use because of it.

Personally, I think the Bushnell 1500 TE is the best golf laser range finder. It is about $100 cheaper than the Callaway 1200 and works better.

By the way, I am a huge Nikon fan and have all Nikon 35mm camera equipment and lenses. But the Bushnell is a better product for golf.

S-

Why do you think the Bushnell 1500 TE is a better rangefinder than the Callaway 1200?

I have the Callaway 550 also and am very pleased. Accurate and reliable. I could never understand why people would spend extra for the ability to read out to 1200 yards or more (where on a golf course is a 1200 yard straightaway?). The 550 is all I need.

Why? Because the 550 is only 6x magnification. 7x is 17 percent larger and that much easier to use because of it.

 

Personally, I think the Bushnell 1500 TE is the best golf laser range finder. It is about $100 cheaper than the Callaway 1200 and works better.

 

By the way, I am a huge Nikon fan and have all Nikon 35mm camera equipment and lenses. But the Bushnell is a better product for golf.

 

S-

I think were comparing the 550. No one buys the 1200, its more for hunting and sailing, so the 550 is much cheaper than the 1500. But yes why do u think its better?

I personally have a Bushnell V2 and selected it over the Callaway. Picks up the pin and landmarks fine. The unit just feels and fits better in the hand than the Callaways which has an odd shape (personal preference). Also...the Callaway unit is $100/25% more in price.

Also...I selected the V2 over the 1500 because it is smaller. The 1500 is just honking too big and doesn't provide me with any additional yardage reading benefits.

Nikon is known for optics...but remember...we're not taking photos here.

I have the Callaway 550 also and am very pleased. Accurate and reliable. I could never understand why people would spend extra for the ability to read out to 1200 yards or more (where on a golf course is a 1200 yard straightaway?). The 550 is all I need.

Why? Because the 550 is only 6x magnification. 7x is 17 percent larger and that much easier to use because of it.

 

Personally, I think the Bushnell 1500 TE is the best golf laser range finder. It is about $100 cheaper than the Callaway 1200 and works better.

 

By the way, I am a huge Nikon fan and have all Nikon 35mm camera equipment and lenses. But the Bushnell is a better product for golf.

 

S-

I'm not so sure that the 7X magnification provides great benefit. Because it is higher powered...it is actually a bit tougher to avoid a shakey hand (tell you...one benefit that they should build in is an image stablizer).

btw...my trick. I pull a club out and set my range finder on top if it. The club acts as a mono-pod.

"Also...the Callaway unit is $100/25% more in price."

Are you saying the Callaway 550 ($299.00) is $100 more in price than the Bushnell? Which model Bushnell is $199? I'm sure the higher end Leupold's and Bushnell's are nicer but the Callaway fills my needs - it locks right on the pin and is accurate.

"Also...the Callaway unit is $100/25% more in price."

 

Are you saying the Callaway 550 ($299.00) is $100 more in price than the Bushnell? Which model Bushnell is $199? I'm sure the higher end Leupold's and Bushnell's are nicer but the Callaway fills my needs - it locks right on the pin and is accurate.

Look at the thread Bushnell 1000 on this board and you will see that plenty of people are purchasing below $200. Try $147 after rebate. :rolleyes:

The Busnell also locks right on the pin and just as accurate (w/in 1 yard accuracy...same as the Callaway)

A friend of mine has the Bushnell Tour V2, and finally seeing the "light" so to speak, I've started looking to purchasing my own. Having owned other Nikon products, I'm fairly interested in this offering from them but haven't really found any information regarding it as far as opinions/usefullness.

 

Anyone care to share?

Nikon Monarch 800 LR........ fastest target acquisition (other than the Leica); 1st Target Priority mode is excellent for golf; +/-0.5 yd. targeting accuracy @ 400 yds.; dioptor adj.; and price point saves a boat load over Callaway branded.

JMO :rolleyes:

I'll second the nomination for the Nikon 800. I had it out on the course and the range this morning for the first time was delighted with the results-not the golf as much as the laser. It was easy to target pins up to 220 yds and locking onto and scanning other targets was a snap. It is small and easy to maneuver and is a keeper for sure. About $200 delivered. Buy it through Live.com and ebay's 'buy it now' for the discount. Do a thread search for details.

Picked up a Nikon LR800 on Ebay for 299. Used it today and was extremely pleased. The acuracy is dead on!

I use the the Nikon monarch 800 and it works great for golf. first target priority mode makes targeting the pin a snap. I think its the exact same model that callaway uses

but a lot cheaper minus the callaway logo. Gives yardages fast and its accurate to 18 inches. got it cheap on ebay including warranty.