Just like scopes, quality is everything when it comes to clear optics.
I had a Leica 6x20 objective lens with a 7mm ocular lens, it was sharp enough to pick out small spikes on a White Tail out to 200 yards. It was very difficult to see well during that last fifteen minutes of shooting light. Because the ocular lens was so small, it was very difficult to center the laser on the target.
Now, I use a Swarovski, 7X30 with a 15mm ocular lens. It works very well during legal light conditions. Clear and sharp, with good light transmission. The light transmission is every bit as good as on my better scopes, such as IOR Valdada/Zeiss/Leupold or my Zeiss binos. Not as good as the Swarovski spotting scope.
The one thing they all seem to do is share similar technology for their laser projectors, receptors.
A couple of friends and I got together to compare different range finders for accuracy at known distances. We used Bushnell, Zeiss, Swarovski and Leupold types.
They were all with a yard or two of each other, right out to 500 yards.
The Bushnell was only regulated for 600 yds but wasn't accurate after 500 yards.
The Leupold performed better, it was regulated for 950 yards but wasn't accurate beyond 800 yds. Likely due to the small ocular/objective lens
The Zeiss, wasn't plagued by small lenses, 8x25 with a 15mm ocular. Its rangefinder worked well on Deer sized logs, out to the 1000 yds it was regulated for.
The Swarovski (15 years old) outperformed the new Zeiss, with supposedly enhanced technology, right out to 1350 yards. It was supposedly regulated for 1500 yds, which was achievable, if you were setting the laser on a building. It really depends on the reflective quality of the object/animal you're distancing.
Each of these units gave readings within a yard or two of each other right out to their dependable distances.
Only the Zeiss gave accurate readings all the way out to its stated regulated distance.
Now, there are all sorts of things that can effect the reading or lack of on any rangefinder. Mist, rain, mirage, density of the object you set the unit indicator on. I've heard some folks complain about low light, but I've never experienced that. Same goes for very bright light, again, unless there is mirage being created, I haven't had any issues with it and some days are very bright, in the middle of January over a snow covered field.
Basically, you get what you pay for.
I didn't get to try out a Nikon, which have some pretty good reviews.
