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Leica CRF 800 vs Vortex Ranger 1000 Video Review

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Optics GrassHopper
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    Posted: September/13/2012 at 09:35
I promised this a while back in the Ranger 1000 thread, but thought I'd make a separate post here.



Do you think I'm right choosing the Vortex over the older Leica? I've got the Leica listed online right now for $450 Canadian.

I also threw together some less qualified musings about the various rangefinders I've used in the field:



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TV-PressPass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/13/2012 at 09:44
Was I wrong to post this guy here? Would this be more of a "Members Reviews" kind of post? It just seemed more topical for rangefinders Big Grin

Personally or through friends I've tried:

Bushnell Scout 1000 and Legend 1200
Leupold RX 600 and RX 1000 TBR
Vortex's Ranger 1000
Nikon's Archer's Choice
Zeiss Victory RF
Leica 800, 1200, 1000, 1600 (but not the 1600-B yet!)
Swarovski's brick of a rangefinder
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/13/2012 at 10:15
Thanks for sharing.  Next you should move onto the Bino RF combos.  You will wonder why you ever messed with them individually.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TV-PressPass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/14/2012 at 14:16
Oh I have tried all the Bino RF combinations. The new swarovskis were . . . disappointing. I used to love all their stuff, but these days I think the only swarovski product I'd buy is their CTS. And even then, Zeiss has a pretty strong alternative.

My problem with all the combination units I've tried has been that either the glass in the bino isn't good enough, or the display in the rangefinder isn't good enough.

Similar to my less qualified musings about rangefinders, my slightly cynical thoughts on the bino-combos I've used are:

Leica has a great rangefinder in there, but the left handed button is odd, especially for archers or anyone else using the units one handed. The glass is not as sharp as unadulterated Leica glass. Spend 10 minutes looking through Ultravids or an APO spotter and then transition to the Geovids. You will see it.

Swarovski killed their open bridge ergonomics with the Swaro-Range binos. Also their display is the most wishy washy form of LED illumination I have ever used, and when the sun is out the numbers are nearly unreadable.

Zeiss charges an exorbitant amount for a unit that is very heavy. For the same weight I could carry a set of binos a rangefinder and a compact spotter.

Bushnell is the cheapest of any Bino-RF combo, but the glass in them has a strong green cast that I cannot abide.

I would love to see an offering from Leupold, Meopta, or Vortex into this arena. Something at the $1200-$1600 mark would do very well for them. But as it stands now, there isnt a combination unit on the market I'd spend my money on. Big Grin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/14/2012 at 14:57
Oh come now, the Zeiss is not that heavy. 

The laser in the Zeiss smokes the one in the Leica.  Absolutely no comparison IMO. 

I have compared the Zeiss RF in one hand the Zeiss FL in another.  If there was mcuh diff I could not see it.  Same with the Leica RF and the Ultravid, not that much diff. 

Lets see Leica RF  7.8 ozs.  Leica Ultravid binos 26.5, Nikon 50 fieldscope 16.6   Nearly 50 oz. 

Ziess, 36
Leica 33
Swaro 32

Heck even just carrying a bino and seperate RF is as much as any of those binos RF combos.  Plus you only have to carry one thing. 

The Meopta with a good RF would be very cool, I agree.  But it would weight the same as any of the other combos.  I dare bet we will see one for Vortex before to long.  Vortex seems to be really innovative.

You talk about speed and easy to deploy.  The combo units blow away carrying to separate units.  IF you are glassing for game and suddenly need to range one, you have to put the binos down dig out the RF and start again.  With the combo it just takes a flick of the finger.  you talk optical quality.  No RF I have ever used even compares to the glass quality of the Leica or Zeiss combo units.  plus you are only using one eye to view things.  Monoculars suck vs a good bino

Just my opinion, but having used the separate bino/rf for several years and then having them combined, I would pick them combined any day.  The weight issue is moot IMO.  If you have a good bino harness like the S4gear a few ounces you don't even feel.   And it is much easier to deploy than pulling it out of a pouch or pack.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/15/2012 at 18:51
I thought it was a good honest review. Thanks for taking the time to produce it and then also sharing it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TV-PressPass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/17/2012 at 12:28
Thanks guys!

Supertool, I'll give you some credit: if I was offered a bino/RF combo I doubt I'd turn them down.

I just feel like there's other places I use my binoculars and rangefinders. Such as on the range with a Spotting scope and RF, but no binos.

You're right, the speed though does make bino-combos pretty popular these days.

I got to try a set of Vectronix RF/binos at shot show this year. 25km range! German glass! Sign me up for a pair.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/WildGunmenOsborne
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Prieto9000 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/18/2012 at 17:21
Originally posted by TV-PressPass TV-PressPass wrote:

Thanks guys!

Supertool, I'll give you some credit: if I was offered a bino/RF combo I doubt I'd turn them down.

I just feel like there's other places I use my binoculars and rangefinders. Such as on the range with a Spotting scope and RF, but no binos.

You're right, the speed though does make bino-combos pretty popular these days.

I got to try a set of Vectronix RF/binos at shot show this year. 25km range! German glass! Sign me up for a pair.

I'd like to see the price tag on that little piece of gear!!! 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FOsteology Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2012 at 18:45
Nice review.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TV-PressPass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/24/2012 at 12:53
@Prieto Government prices. Like over ten thousand dollars. D:

Amazing stuff though. Just mind-blowing.
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