Leica CRF Pro Rangefinder

[mthayr]

Can confirm the new pro unit has a compass. Haven’t used basemap, but have experimented with the tracking feature within the leica ballistic app (protrack). Early impressions are good. You just connect via bluetooth and enter the protrack menu. From there, whatever you range gets sent to the app and displays the nav to that previously ranged spot

Thanks!

One last question, in the Leica Ballistics app, using the AB-Lite enabled device, are Custom Data Models (CDM) available for bullet BC, or still just G1 and G7? If not, any idea if upgrading to AB Elite provides access to the CDMs (I checked the manuals and specs, and surprise... couldn't find anything)?

 

[autumnaspens]

Thanks!

One last question, in the Leica Ballistics app, using the AB-Lite enabled device, are Custom Data Models (CDM) available for bullet BC, or still just G1 and G7? If not, any idea if upgrading to AB Elite provides access to the CDMs (I checked the manuals and specs, and surprise... couldn't find anything)?

AB-Lite is just G1 & G7. I just decided to upgrade to AB-Elite. I have to admit I am still learning how to fully take advantage of the upgrade, but I can tell you that once upgraded it does give you a third custom option called "CC". Also, I found at the link below that CDM is a confirmed option you gain when you upgrade to elite.

Applied Ballistics FAQ | Leica Camera US

leica-camera.com

 

[Tod osier]

so the CRF-R is no EHR first, and the CRF pro has EHR first capability?

I spoke with someone at Leica that seemed to know the units well and the CRF PRO is the only rangefinder in the lineup that offers EHR only (not LOS first then EHR). The CRF-R is the same as the CRF 2400-R in that it is LOS then EHR. I pushed on trying to discern if there was a way to make the CFR-R/CFR 2400-R do EHR only and he said no.

 

[bigbuckdj]

Thanks, in the past, I've spent some time on the phone trying to get them to push some kind of update for the 2800.com. The optics and laser quality keeps driving me back to Leica so ill probably end up with a pro.

 

[dreamingWest]

I'm testing out the Leupold Full Draw 5 this evening next to my old Sig Kilo 2000 and my Swaro SLC 10s.

Question for the OP @autumnaspens, do you see any downside to the CRF Pro for archery? EHR is pretty much instant? What's the low end range?

 

[MT_Wyatt]

How long is the ballistic solution display on this unit, vs say the sig products??

 

[autumnaspens]

I'm testing out the Leupold Full Draw 5 this evening next to my old Sig Kilo 2000 and my Swaro SLC 10s.

Question for the OP @autumnaspens, do you see any downside to the CRF Pro for archery? EHR is pretty much instant? What's the low end range?

Only downside would be losing out on archery specific ballistics when compared to the LP Full Draw units and Bushnell Broadhead. I know the Sig Kilos also incorporate arrow speed when updating software. Otherwise, you’re not losing anything when compared to other RFs that use trig for cuts.

Lowest I can get my unit to read is 11 yards, so no issue there for me. EHR is first and only reading in EHR mode, so happy with that too. I have owned some Full Draw units (both 4 & 5) and I am still planning to use the CRF Pro as my do it all unit for the foreseeable future. What got me converted to the Leica alone was the optics, EHR first update, and the updated warranty also

 

[autumnaspens]

How long is the ballistic solution display on this unit, vs say the sig products??

I’ve tested both and there wasn’t a discernible difference in my opinion. Both are brief.

Timing is similar and both display in sequence (yardage, elevation correction, windage correction). Sig units do give you angle and battery indicator info on screen which Leica does not

 

[dreamingWest]

Just got a CFR Pro. It's solves my primary issues with others I've tested. I.e. no blue tint and EHR first. So this may be a winner.

I'll have to play around with ballistics later.

Curious if other CFR Pro users had to put brightness at level 5? Even at level 5 I had a hard time seeing the display in bright conditions. It was fine in low light. I'll test again tomorrow.

 

[bigbuckdj]

Man I need to get one of these. The leicas I had always got a range for me and the optics were far and away better than any other ranger I’ve owned. The EHR thing eventually bugged me too much.

 

[Axlrod]

Just got a CFR Pro. It's solves my primary issues with others I've tested. I.e. no blue tint and EHR first. So this may be a winner.

I'll have to play around with ballistics later.

Curious if other CFR Pro users had to put brightness at level 5? Even at level 5 I had a hard time seeing the display in bright conditions. It was fine in low light. I'll test again tomorrow.

I had to put mine on 5 as well. No clouds full sunshine day.

 

[dreamingWest]

In full morning sunshine I couldn't read the yardage against my white Morrel archery target at level 5. This is with two different batteries. I'm going to purchase a new battery and retest. My Sig Kilo 2000 on Med2 brightness level is much brighter and has three brighter settings (with the same old batteries).

I bought used. I'm worried it may have an issue.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

In full morning sunshine I couldn't read the yardage against my white Morrel archery target at level 5. This is with two different batteries. I'm going to purchase a new battery and retest. My Sig Kilo 2000 on Med2 brightness level is much brighter and has three brighter settings (with the same old batteries).

I bought used. I'm worried it may have an issue.

I don't think mine is all that bright at level 5 either honestly.

 

[dreamingWest]

I tested the Leica CFR-Pro with a new Energizer lithium CR2 during my lunch break. I couldn't efficiently range my yellow Labrador at 18 yards. I couldn't see the reticle or read out. I had to move it around a bit to see anything. This is level 5 brightness.

I think I have a faulty unit. I tested the CFR-R, CFR-2400R, and Leupold Full Draw 5 last month and didn't even consider brightness being an issue. My CFR-Pro seems to change brightness as I move it around. i.e. If I range at a downward angle it is very faint, but then if I move the unit back to level it seems brighter. It's difficult to test this on similarly colored backgrounds but I've now used it enough to consider it faulty.

I now have to find out if it's better to return to store or send to Leica.

The struggle is real to find the ideal archery rangefinder! I just want something that works like my Sig Kilo 2000 but looks like my Swaro binos. It seems simple. I take the Levi Morgan approach and use my rangefinder constantly while holding my bow during a hunt.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I tested the Leica CFR-Pro with a new Energizer lithium CR2 during my lunch break. I couldn't efficiently range my yellow Labrador at 18 yards. I couldn't see the reticle or read out. I had to move it around a bit to see anything. This is level 5 brightness.

I think I have a faulty unit. I tested the CFR-R, CFR-2400R, and Leupold Full Draw 5 last month and didn't even consider brightness being an issue. My CFR-Pro seems to change brightness as I move it around. i.e. If I range at a downward angle it is very faint, but then if I move the unit back to level it seems brighter. It's difficult to test this on similarly colored backgrounds but I've now used it enough to consider it faulty.

I now have to find out if it's better to return to store or send to Leica.

The struggle is real to find the ideal archery rangefinder! I just want something that works like my Sig Kilo 2000 but looks like my Swaro binos. It seems simple. I take the Levi Morgan approach and use my rangefinder constantly while holding my bow during a hunt.

does it appear to flicker? I've noticed when moving my reticle is weaker, it's almost like a flicker, then I stop and it's solid again. I wonder if that's an abberation with the LED display.

Would be interested to hear what Leica says about it. I was going to do the 5K sig for their archery mode but couldn't resist getting a Leica, haven't tested how close I can range something yet though. They say the lower limit is 10 meters.

 

[dreamingWest]

Yes it flickers.
I was able to range to 11.1 yards.

 

[dreamingWest]

I like the CRF-PRO enough that I decided to send it to for Leica rather than return it. I'll report back the diagnosis/repair.

 

[dreamingWest]

Leica is sending me a new rangefinder. I'll update again once it's here.

 

[FrankAbagnale]

Very curious if the replacement fixes your issue. Definitely update when you get it.

 

[dreamingWest]

I still don't have my replacement unit. Leica USA says they are waiting on a shipment and will notify me as soon as my replacement ships.