Laser Rangefinders: What's the REAL difference between them?

[cpileri]

What is the real world, finctional difference between all the different versions of the Bushnell Laser Rangefinders ??
Model 500, model 800, nodle 1000, trophy, sport, legend??????

Obviouisly some are designed for longer ranges, I got that much.
But is the 500 which is much cheaper than the 800's a lesser quality item? not as accurate? not as clear?
or is it simply 'yesterday's model' so not hyped up too much?

My dad is looking into getting me one for Christmas, so he doesn't want to get me junk. But he isnt made of money either.

Help me and my dad out!

Thanks,
C-

 

[bobby68]

bumps

i have seen other boards where a question needs to be bumped to the top of the list to help get an answer. I am interested in learning more about the range finders also so i am hoping that someone might respond.

 

[cpileri]

yeah

Thanks Bobby68. i appreciate the bump.
C-

 

[Mikul]

Those rated to shorter ranges are not of lesser quality, they are simply not that sensitive. For a hunter in Pennsylvania, a 200yd rangefinder is probably all that he needs. It would be foolish for him to buy one that can range to 1,200 yards.

Other factors to consider are the surfaces that the rangefinder will work on. Most work best on hard metallic surfaces because it reflects the most light back to the unit. They tend to work poorly on softer surfaces (like deer fur) while trees and leaves fall in between. Most manufacturers list the maximum range for each surface.

For example, here is one for the Bushnell Trophy Rangefinder
Reflective 800
Tree 500
Deer 300
Flag 300

 

[Sodbuster]

The heart of a range finder is its crystal. A higher quality crystal keeps the laser beam more concentrated, or narrower, at longer ranges. This makes the range finder more accurate. For most hunting applications, the Bushnell Scout does fine; it's range for animal-sized targets is 300 meters. Its maximum range is further, but only for larger targets as mentioned earlier. In a Leica 900 or 1200 range finder, you are paying for both higher quality optics and a higher quality crystal. But if you plan on shooting at extreme long range, this is what you need. A lot of range finders aren't even made with a rain mode anymore. The cheaper range finders are accurate, but only to certain distances. They loose accuracy quickly if used past their stated maximum range.