Rangefinder Freezer Test

[Formidilosus]

I left my vortex Razor 4K GB out again all day/night. Temp was -25 when I tested it again today. I used the same tree as yesterday, and it functioned well again. The screen was even more sluggish than yesterday but it was still functional. Now the question is do I want to be hunting at -25?

Something to note is the often they will range close- seems to be two different ranges depending on unit- very common that they can’t range past 30-50 yards, and then a second group is right around 230-270 yards.

 

[Bowfinn]

That’s a fair question, -25 is rough! Thanks for letting us know how it did. What is your max normal ranging distance vs the -25 performance? Thanks for posting!

500 was as far as I was able to see today and yesterday, so I was unable to test beyond that distance unfortunately. In the past I left it -8F(or close) for a couple days, and was able to make 2k ranges with a few tries and under 1200 was routinely first try. This is just a guess, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a me to range past 1k at this temp. A Sig 3k I had previously had SIGnificantly reduced performance at 10ish degrees.

 

[HuntHarder]

I have had my Sig 5k out in -20 degree weather without any issues. I do notice that the battery life indicator can be suspect tho. It will often say it is full or missing 1 bar and then when you get in really cold weather, magically it is dead or close to it, after a few ranges. Batteries are inexpensive and I always carry a spare one in my kit, somewhat insulated.

 

[Elk botherer]

A Sig 3k I had previously had SIGnificantly reduced performance at 10ish degrees.

I see what you did there! Thanks for the feedback and good to hear the Razor’s performance wasn’t impacted much. Thanks for contributing!

 

[Elk botherer]

I have had my Sig 5k out in -20 degree weather without any issues. I do notice that the battery life indicator can be suspect tho. It will often say it is full or missing 1 bar and then when you get in really cold weather, magically it is dead or close to it, after a few ranges. Batteries are inexpensive and I always carry a spare one in my kit, somewhat insulated.

When you replace your battery, your 5k functions normally again? Thanks.

 

[HuntHarder]

When you replace your battery, your 5k functions normally again? Thanks.

Yeah, almost seems like it doesn't know the battery is low until you get it in cold temps. Admittedly, I did not pro-actively change the battery out the couple times it did it. I make it a habit now to change my battery before each season and put the other new one in my kit. With my Previous Leica CRF, the battery would make it a couple seasons, no problem. The CRF's hated black archery targets at certain angles tho. Sig battery life, in my experience, is far less than the Leica.

 

[Elk botherer]

Yeah, almost seems like it doesn't know the battery is low until you get it in cold temps. Admittedly, I did not pro-actively change the battery out the couple times it did it. I make it a habit now to change my battery before each season and put the other one in my kit. With my Previous Leica CRF, the battery would make it a couple seasons, no problem. The CRF's hated black archery targets at certain angles tho. Sig battery life, in my experience, is far less than the Leica.

That mirrors my Sig Kilo 2200 in battery behavior and I’ve taken up the same habit of packing extra batteries. It seems to really start to crap put when it gets below 20 degrees. Glad to hear your 5k still works at colder temps.

 

[3gunyotehtr]

I have been using Sig bdx 3000 binoculars for the last several years. They have seen some pretty frigid temps (it gets somewhat cold in ND, and I hunt all winter), and so far haven't had any issues.

 

[Elk botherer]

I have been using Sig bdx 3000 binoculars for the last several years. They have seen some pretty frigid temps (it gets somewhat cold in ND, and I hunt all winter), and so far haven't had any issues.

Any chance I could get you to test your Sigs? Be interesting to see how they perform.

 

[3gunyotehtr]

Sure will! I apologize, I guess I glazed over the part about leaving out anecdotal examples.

 

[Elk botherer]

Sure will! I apologize, I guess I glazed over the part about leaving out anecdotal examples.

Not a problem! Most others have as well but at least there’s a bunch of information shared here. Thanks!

 

[Bowfinn]

Something to note is the often they will range close- seems to be two different ranges depending on unit- very common that they can’t range past 30-50 yards, and then a second group is right around 230-270 yards.

Are you saying that some units of the Razor GB will give some false readings among possibly correct readings, or that it’s common for these units to not be able to range further than the distances you listed?

 

[Wendlingd15]

Anyone test the maven RF.1

 

[Formidilosus]

Are you saying that some units of the Razor GB will give some false readings among possibly correct readings, or that it’s common for these units to not be able to range further than the distances you listed?

No. I’m saying that it seems there are three general categories that all RF’s seem to fall into when cold soaked-

1). Maybe turn on, but won’t range beyond 30-50 yards.

2). Turns on and will range, but limits out somewhere around 230-270 yards.

3). Full ranging capability.



The first two happen more than people would think, and the last one way less than most people think.

 

[Bowfinn]

No. I’m saying that it seems there are three general categories that all RF’s seem to fall into when cold soaked-

1). Maybe turn on, but won’t range beyond 30-50 yards.

2). Turns on and will range, but limits out somewhere around 230-270 yards.

3). Full ranging capability.



The first two happen more than people would think, and the last one way less than most people think.

Got it, thanks.

 

[Derek-307]

I have a pair of Meopta Optika LR 10x42’s. I’ve not put them in the freezer. But on elk hunts here in Wyoming if it was below 20 degrees they were very inconsistent on ranging. Even if they had a new lithium battery. Once the temps warms up for the day it was no problem. I may do the freezer test with a loaner pair of Leica geovids to see how they fair.

This is a great thread. I can’t say how many times with different rangefinders I’ve had them not work because of the cold.

 

[Formidilosus]

I have a pair of Meopta Optika LR 10x42’s. I’ve not put them in the freezer. But on elk hunts here in Wyoming if it was below 20 degrees they were very inconsistent on ranging. Even if they had a new lithium battery. Once the temps warms up for the day it was no problem. I may do the freezer test with a loaner pair of Leica geovids to see how they fair.

This is a great thread. I can’t say how many times with different rangefinders I’ve had them not work because of the cold.

The original Europe only Meopta RF Binos from 2016’ish would not range past 230+/- meters below 20° F. Two different pairs.