Leica/Leupold Laser Rangfinders..............

I have looked into this a little. From my conversations Swarovski Canada will not warranty it. Swarovski USA will not warranty product unless it's owned by a US citizen. So I think they have no warranty. Shame really as Swarovski has without a doubt one of the best warranty policies going.

Interested to hear what the buyer's of these units have been told?
 
That's a good point. However....
The guys at Cameraland were very good to deal with. You might have to send it to them to get warranty stuff done. That being said, on quality high end products, it's very rare under normal use for warranty stuff to be required. Buy the lower end stuff, and you will probably need the warranty even though it's often not worth the hassle. :(

Even with warranty issues, the Swarovski was around $400 less than in Canada. If I did have to bite the bullet on it, I could buy a 1200 LRF for the difference. For $400 dollars on a top end product. I'm willing to risk it. I also think when push comes to shove, it's a legally purchased and exported product. It would be pretty hard for them to refuse to have it covered under warranty.

With the dollar pretty much at par right now, and the huge savings on the "demo" model. It's a risk I'm willing to take.
 
The fellow at cameraland said all warraties were included. Maybe he didn't know about Canada. I doubt it though, he seemed very knowledgeable.

bearhunter
 
I just recieved my demo Swaro rangefinder and my Pentax 65mm ed spotting scope, the rangefinder looks brand new. For the price I paid 729.99 it is a bargain compared to what my friend paid his, price & tax included was 1220$, mine cost me landed to my door tax included+shipping 837$ thats just shy of 400$ savings. Great deal guys.
Elmer
 
What's the Pentax like? I've been thinking about getting a spotting scope but haven't researched it yet.
 
They are within spitting distance in clarity and resolution of the mega dollar brands like Leica, Swarovski, etc.

Big issue is the standard zoom that comes with the 65ED. Eye relief SUCKS if you wear glasses.

The one off the 80ED is much better and clearer at higher mags too. However, neither are exactly eyeglass friendly.

Optical quality is fantastic and that you saved $1000 makes up for the slight edge the Euro brands have.

Jerry
 
Thanks for the info mysticplayer.
Well I bought the Pentax 65mm Ed as well. Because of the time with the order of the range finder I got the package deal on the Pentax.
For the price it's pretty tough to beat. $500 including the 20-60x eyepiece. Thanks Mystic player for the advice. I was hesitant without hearing some first hand knowledge of this product. So far it sounds like an excellent piece of equipment for a very good price.
 
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Just received my Swarovski Laser guide 8x30. :D. Money well spent.

So it was a bit beyond getting dark tonight. It was at about the point where there is some light but you look out the window with the lights on and it looks dark. Well I had to test out the optics ;)

So first I grabbed one of my Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x 50mm scopes and checked it out. Wow, excellent optics. Very light, very clear. I'm very happy.

Then I grabbed the Swarovski. :D exceptional quality optics. A slight grade above the Zeiss Conquest (which was fantastic anyways). It's pretty amazing. The houses and distant cars were ranging consistent distances, even when I went back later and retried them. The range finding was fast and very easy. Just push the Hawk on top. Only one button. Even I can figure that one out.

I'm looking forward to trying this out in real conditions. The quality of the product definately instills confidence. No buyers remorse so far.
 
Leica CRF

Pretty sure mine's a CRF 1200, not an LRF - got it out of the States for $500 - and it's more than I expected. I don't think Leica can be beaten for some types of lenses, especially cameras and rangefinders. The clarity and low light ability is amazing. If compared to the Swarovski, the biggest difference I can see is simply the size and weight - the Leica is considerably smaller and lighter and actually will fit in a breast pocket. The Sw'ski is probably as accurate and as bright, but it's also considerably more expensive. You don't really need to be able to see very well at all for them to work, as a laser couldn't care less what time of day it is!
 
The Swar is better at longer range than the Leica.

As for optics. In order to get that crosshair on the target at longer distances with low magnification, you need good optics. A higher grade optic with less magnification beats out higher mag and lower optics. That being said the Swar has an 8x with 30mm while the Leica is 7x with 24mm? I'd have to double check the size of the objective. The Swar optics are slightly better than the very good Leica glass.

The Swar is more accurate after about 800 yards, or so the reviews say. The Swar is the better product but you pay more for it. The Leica will do everything I would need it to. But... the Swarovski will do it slighty better and give me a bit more range. Either product and I think most of us would be happy. They are both excellent.

For me the fact that the Swar was $730 compared to $1150 here in Canada. Sealed the deal for me. With the dollar at par it was the best bargain I've seen in a long time. Too good for me to pass up.
 
My Pentax PF-65 ED just arrived. I'm very happy :). Camera land is definately first rate. That was some good advice Mysticplayer. Thanks.
 
bearhunter said:
Well the Swarovski, Laser Guide 8x30 arrived today.

Perfect clear day to check them out. Ranged a couple of cattle at 1329yds. INCREDIBLE.

I don't think it would pick up a deer at that range but, they are rated for 1500yds.

The optics are crystal clear but I'll still cary my binoculars.

I was surprised to find that I was hit for pst and gst though.

Tried them against a Bushnell 600 yardage pro, no contest. The optics on the Bushnell, though acceptable, don't even compare. The range on the Bushnell poops out around 575 yds. There is virtually no difference in sight readings though and I wouldn't feel hard done by if the Bushnells were what I had. Out to 575yds anyway.

bearhunter
Click to expand...
Just ranged some old dark brown barns at 1883,1884 and 1992 yards with my swaro demo from cameraland!
Elmer
 
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