i've been trying to decide on a laser rangefinder for a while. i've narrowed it down to the leica crf1000 and the vortex ranger 1000.
i recently bought both ( being able to try them side by side and return the one i don't want for a full refund). price point difference between the two is $20.
my uses are mostly for practice (both just ranging things and checking against the lrf, and range use), hunting (although i'd be hard pressed to get a shot much over 300 yards on whitetail, and i don't currently bow hunt), and just to have another tool in the toolbox.
i've been playing with both all day, and i can say they both are practically equal in terms of actual ranging. both range almost all the targets the same within a yard. i say almost because once or twice, one wouldn't read a target that the other would. both have recorded targets out past 1000 yards with 1082 being the longest target for the vortex and 1106 being the longest for the leica.
here are the differences that matter to me...
the vortex...
fantastic lifetime warranty
angle compensation feature, and will read LOS and measure the angle if desired
feels better in hand though almost too small
the leica...
much better display and glass
possibly more precise (though it doesn't really show in practice)
the vortex is shorter in length than my palm is wide, meaning that although it feel great in hand, when steadying it with both hands, sometimes i seem to be partially blocking the objective lens. not a big deal, but present. it also has a more cluttered display due to the features. the reticle and readout are thicker and seem to "flare" a bit more. the glass is pretty clear and sharp but has the slightest blue tinge to it. great warranty is a plus. i have other vortex optics and have been totally happy with there performance. not sure i need the angle features, as i don't currently bow hunt and it won't matter much for my terrain with a rifle under 300 yards. readings take a bit longer both in three buttons presses (vs 2 in the leica) and the length of time it takes to process. not that bi of a deal though.
the leica is pure joy to look through! bright, clear, and sharp! i wouldn't say "night and day" against the vortex, but noticebly better. the reticle is probably about perfect in overall size, thickness of the stadia, and brightness. it's not cluttered at all, and just plain easy on the eyes. the eye cup makes for better eye relief, however the rubber doesn't seem as nice as the vortex. readings are faster as well.
both are water proof within reason. both have a decent case, neither of which is perfect, but both are adequate. both are lightweight and easy to carry. i don't see myself using the pocket clip on the vortex, so that doesn't really enter the equation.
so, there you have my initial thoughts on these two. anyone with experience with either, or both? which one did you go with and why? which do you think is the better fit for my needs?
i recently bought both ( being able to try them side by side and return the one i don't want for a full refund). price point difference between the two is $20.
my uses are mostly for practice (both just ranging things and checking against the lrf, and range use), hunting (although i'd be hard pressed to get a shot much over 300 yards on whitetail, and i don't currently bow hunt), and just to have another tool in the toolbox.
i've been playing with both all day, and i can say they both are practically equal in terms of actual ranging. both range almost all the targets the same within a yard. i say almost because once or twice, one wouldn't read a target that the other would. both have recorded targets out past 1000 yards with 1082 being the longest target for the vortex and 1106 being the longest for the leica.
here are the differences that matter to me...
the vortex...
fantastic lifetime warranty
angle compensation feature, and will read LOS and measure the angle if desired
feels better in hand though almost too small
the leica...
much better display and glass
possibly more precise (though it doesn't really show in practice)
the vortex is shorter in length than my palm is wide, meaning that although it feel great in hand, when steadying it with both hands, sometimes i seem to be partially blocking the objective lens. not a big deal, but present. it also has a more cluttered display due to the features. the reticle and readout are thicker and seem to "flare" a bit more. the glass is pretty clear and sharp but has the slightest blue tinge to it. great warranty is a plus. i have other vortex optics and have been totally happy with there performance. not sure i need the angle features, as i don't currently bow hunt and it won't matter much for my terrain with a rifle under 300 yards. readings take a bit longer both in three buttons presses (vs 2 in the leica) and the length of time it takes to process. not that bi of a deal though.
the leica is pure joy to look through! bright, clear, and sharp! i wouldn't say "night and day" against the vortex, but noticebly better. the reticle is probably about perfect in overall size, thickness of the stadia, and brightness. it's not cluttered at all, and just plain easy on the eyes. the eye cup makes for better eye relief, however the rubber doesn't seem as nice as the vortex. readings are faster as well.
both are water proof within reason. both have a decent case, neither of which is perfect, but both are adequate. both are lightweight and easy to carry. i don't see myself using the pocket clip on the vortex, so that doesn't really enter the equation.
so, there you have my initial thoughts on these two. anyone with experience with either, or both? which one did you go with and why? which do you think is the better fit for my needs?
