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Leica or Swaro

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Stud Duck View Drop Down
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    Posted: December/18/2013 at 08:04
I'm considering the purchase of a rangefinder and need a little help with the two I'm currently considering.

The Leica is an older model LRF 900, my main concern is customer support/repair on this model. Since it has been around for quite some time, I wonder if Leica is still able to service this model should need be?(The cost of the Leica is $250)

The other rangefinder I'm considering is the Swaro 1600. I realize this is newer technology, but I done a review several years ago when my brother-in-law purchased his and I really wasn't impressed. The "ranging button" was extremely stiff and the reticle looked like an over-sized basketball when ranging deer sized targets over a couple hundred yards. The only reason I'm considering this model is because I found a lightly used unit for less than half the cost of a new unit.

Any input you could provide me on the pros and cons of these units would be appreciated, i.e., which one ranges quicker, do they both function in inclement weather (rain and snow), which one is more accurate.

Thanks,
Rodney
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2013 at 08:40
Check out the Zeiss, it is a great design and mine has served me well.
 
On the Leica, if it has an issue, you are out of luck, they will not service it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2013 at 08:52
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:


 

On the Leica, if it has an issue, you are out of luck, they will not service it.


That decides it.

Thank you.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2013 at 09:28
I would spend extra and get a Zeiss as well.  They are very nice. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2013 at 09:34
... or a new Leica.

I have an older crf1200 and love it. I would purchase another Leica range finder and not look back.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/22/2013 at 06:36
I'll check the Zeiss before I lay down my money.
 
Thanks all.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/22/2013 at 08:16
If the Zeiss is truly "as new", there shouldn't be a question.  Zeiss makes one of the very best LRFs on the market.
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/24/2013 at 11:50
What style reticle does the Zeiss utilize; square, circle, cross hair?
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/24/2013 at 12:04
Circle with crosshairs that stops at the circle. My singular complaint is that it is bright in low light (the aiming reticle.) Someone needs an aiming point that is adjustable for light level.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/29/2013 at 06:58
Ok, I've done a little reading over the holidays, the Zeiss looks like a viable option, but I have a couple more questions:
 
How does the reticle on the Zeiss unit compare in size to the Swarovski reticle? I'm sure there is an MOA size out there, but I haven't found it.
 
Is there any difference in the 8x26 T PRF and the 8x26 PRF other than the LotuTec lens coating?
 
Is the lens coating worth the extra money?
 
Thanks again. 
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