Rangefinders in winter

titch--

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
42   0   0
Location
Regina SK
I would like to compile a list of rangefinders that work good in snowy winter conditions, if theres even any....

Ive got a Sig 2000 and I find it works pretty good for me in the summertime, but come wintertime the best I can get out of it is 600-700. I was maybe looking at selling this Sig and trying out the new Leica 2400.

If you could name you rangefinder make/model and what you get for ranges in summertime and wintertime that would be sweeeeet!
 
I would like to compile a list of rangefinders that work good in snowy winter conditions, if theres even any....

Ive got a Sig 2000 and I find it works pretty good for me in the summertime, but come wintertime the best I can get out of it is 600-700. I was maybe looking at selling this Sig and trying out the new Leica 2400.

If you could name you rangefinder make/model and what you get for ranges in summertime and wintertime that would be sweeeeet!

I tested my Leica 2400R yesterday. It worked on some snowy hills. I never really ranged that many though, I always had a reference object. This thing is great though, from the truck window got consistent 1840 yards off a barn, clumps of bushes, same thing. No problem. Ranged some antelope out at 400, no problem, even being shaky. I need a cradle for it to get it on my mini tripod still. I don't think many rangefinders work in fog and snowfall conditions. My older Nikon sure won't, I have not tried the Leica but I feel it won't work in that scenario.
 
Looking back I kind of worded it wrong there. Meant to say with just snow on the ground and bushes. Not when its actually snowing out. :)

Thats perfect timing that you were trying out the 2400. Could you next time you go out, can you see how far you can get ranges of hills/bushes with snow on them. That would be awesome. :)
 
Yeah when you said snowy it threw me off. But had an afterthought you just meant snow. All good..
 
Looking back I kind of worded it wrong there. Meant to say with just snow on the ground and bushes. Not when its actually snowing out. :)

Thats perfect timing that you were trying out the 2400. Could you next time you go out, can you see how far you can get ranges of hills/bushes with snow on them. That would be awesome. :)

Ok, I will try and take it out tomorrow.
 
So looks like most dont buy leica cause they cost little more, now you know why. They work that's it That's all. I got the 1600 when it came out and replaced it by the 2700 last year and I have nothing else to say than it works when I need it to.
 
I just got a Nikon black 4000. Been very impressed with it. Trees to past 2200. Single pole hydro pole to 1800. Reflective targets to past 4050. Its rated 4000 on reflective, 1700 or 1800 in trees and 1500 on deer. I havent found a deer yet to test it.
 
I had that Nikon on the short list to buy, but since it was new, and my friend had great luck with his Leica 1000, I went that route. The Leica also fits in your pocket a bit easier. The only negative on the Leica is no integral tripod mount screw provision.
 
Ok, so I went for a drive towards the river. Full sun at 12:30pm

-1087 yards-snow hill facing north west, yes
-over 1500 yards snow hill facing north, no (about 1600 is my guess as I could range bushes at 1440ish close by )
-547 cow facing north, yes
-1512 yards snow bank facing north west, yes
-897 yards snow bank facing north west, yes
-1449 yards snow bank facing west, yes
-809 yards snow field hill facing south west, yes
I'd say its pretty good.
 
Thats fricken sweeeeet LH!

Thats what Im looking for. :) Thanks for taking the time and doing that and writing it out for us. Looks like Ill need a new range finder for next winter.
 
No problem. I never tried flat snow covered fields, but I never range that anyway. I always look for a structure, hill, trees or animal. None of that testing was from a tripod, just leaning on my side window of the truck.
 
I agree with ranging a hill or something too, but.... we live in sask and theres ALOT of flat land kicking around here. :p

Still would like to hear about some other rangefinders
 
My newest LRF is the Leica 2700b. I've been very happy with it's performance so far. Ranging 2200-2300M on extremely cold, bright days over snow covered ground, free hand. Further when braced or supported. I do keep it in a jacket or pants pocket to transfer at least a little body heat, as I've noticed performance suffers greatly in the cold with previous rangefinders.
 
Back
Top Bottom