Rangefinder

[brandocommando7]

feedback needed please

Hey everyone. I am possibly looking at a rangefinder. I want a laser type. I have done some searching and found many mixed answers and some old stuff. I don't want to spend over $350. The bushnell pinseeker seems like it would do job well. I will also use the unit for hunting. My question is what are good options for the $200-$350 range. Is this unit the one to go for? Should I get a certain Nikon model as I know there products are great. Small size would be nice, I have a steady hand so compact would win over the whole keeping steady problem. Let me in on some new feedback folks. Thanks

[jmc]

I have a Nikon Monarch 1200 which is the same as the Callaway LR1200. It's great. It may be a tad bigger than the Bushnell Pinseeker, but I got it for $200 new on eBay. It's pretty quick too. I imagine either of the top models are very good.

[brandocommando7]

bump... Any others with some info? The more the merrier. I like the price of the above unit.

[HoosierGolfer]

You can get a Bushnell Medalist Laser Rangefinder for around $300 or up grade to the Bushnell Yardage Pro Pinseeker 1500 for $400.

I use a Bushnell Yardage Pro Pinseeker 1500 with Slope but those run at $450. Anything from Bushnell would be OK.

I would avoid eBay if at all possible unless you know who you are dealing with there. Yes they even counterfeit rangefinders.

[Solutions Etcetera]

I too am a Nikon fan and bought the 500G recently. I much prefer its size to the Bushnell's and don't want/need the slope calculation (as it is illegal).

 

It works great and is very accurate, and not much bigger than a pack of smokes. Bought it on sale last month from Beach Camera (authorized Nikon dealer) for 220 shipped!

[jmc]

I had the 500G before and while I think it's a good unit, the Monarch 800 and 1200 are much better and much faster. I haven't tried it, but I imagine the Bushnell 1500 is close to the same.

[Solutions Etcetera]

I had the 500G before and while I think it's a good unit, the Monarch 800 and 1200 are much better and much faster.

Not that I doubt you... but my 500G acquires the target in .3 seconds of pushing the button. How much faster can the Monarch be?

 

Also, does not the Monarch use distant target priority where the 500G has closest target? That seems like a big disadvantage when targeting the pin.

 

Other than being able to measure beyond 550 yds (which is useless in golf) how are they better?

[jmc]

7X optics means less time to tag the target. And it has both target first priority and background first priority. Plus it's more comfortable. I'm not saying the 500G isn't good, but I got a great deal on the 1200 and it's much better for the same money.

[Solutions Etcetera]

I am afraid you are making this up as you go along... Magnification has nothing to do with acquisition times. The laser emitter and receiver do not even go thru the roof prism optics.

[hithere]

Monarchs are fully waterproof where as the 500g is rated "water resistant" (few rain drops on the outside surface shouldn't hurt it). I say Monarch over pinseeker unless you need slope. The Leupold RX 2 or 3 looks like the perfect crossover for golf/hunting. First Priority mode for golf and a lot of other features for hunting. But reviews are far between and really don't know much about them other than they look great on paper.

 

Magnification has nothing to do with the laser, you are right, but it does make the flag look bigger. If you had to stick a crosshair over a dime or a quarter which do you think would be easier/faster? 6x vs 7x is negligible at best especially with both units having first target priority. But compare 4x to 7x (medalist vs pinseeker) it's night and day difference.

[jmc]

Magnification has nothing to do with the laser, you are right, but it does make the flag look bigger.

 

This was my point... And I was referring to "tag" by aiming the target reticle. But you're right - that wasn't the correct word choice. I wasn't "making it up as I go along" - but thanks for the kind remark.

 

Oh, it's also fogproof and has a pretty cool backlight feature when it's early or late in the day.

 

Anyways, I've had both, and like the 1200 better although it does weight 2.8 oz more.

[Solutions Etcetera]

Magnification has nothing to do with the laser, you are right, but it does make the flag look bigger.

 

This was my point... And I was referring to "tag" by aiming the target reticle. But you're right - that wasn't the correct word choice. I wasn't "making it up as I go along" - but thanks for the kind remark.

 

Oh, it's also fogproof and has a pretty cool backlight feature when it's early or late in the day.

 

Anyways, I've had both, and like the 1200 better although it does weight 2.8 oz more.

Look... I am glad you like your 1200. But the OP said specifically that they wanted to use it for golf, and that size mattered. You came on saying the monarch was faster (that was wrong), and better (for what?).

 

Yes the Monarchs are designed for hunters that are up before dawn, and using it well after nightfall... and the O-ring sealed, back lit reticule, and nitrogen flushed optics can make a difference in all kinds of situations... but none of them really apply to those of us that use it to play golf.

[Swingtheclub]

what are the different types of systems

 

I have played with one guy who basically looked through his thing and could read the distance.

 

Another had the course programmed into a GPS system or something..

 

 

Does anyone know which system is the most accurate.

 

 

Ken

[brandocommando7]

One more thing I guess is that I have read some places that some of the units are hard to hit the pin from 250 or more. I definately need to be able to read 250 as I can carry my 3 wood 260 and would want pin placement even though I could just shoot the front of green. I guess it wouldn't be that big of a deal.

[brandocommando7]

How does the bushnell medalist compare? That is supposedly small. and the price isn't too shabby.

[tpariff]

I had a Nikon 500G and sold it in favor of the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 after trying a playing partner's Bushnell. All the ones mentioned so far will do the job, but obviously people have their preferences and so will you.

 

Make a list of the defining characteristics and prioritize them:

 

1. Cost

2. Range

3. Optics

4. Magnification

5. Water proof / water resistant

6. Weight / size

etc.

 

Some guys like the smaller / lighter range finders because they walk. Some guys want the best value and won't pay $350.

 

Good luck with it!

[shorterknocker]

Nikon Monarch 800 given your price goals. You'll love it.

[Guest]

I have a Nikon Monarch 800, and it works great...it can spot the pin at well over 200 yards....