Rangefinders... how long do they last?

[jpmulk]

How long do rangefinders last? I'm assuming the laser wears out at some point?

I ask because I have used my Vortex Ranger 1800 for several years. This year, it suddenly really began struggling to pick up objects past 300 yards. Worth sending in for warranty? It still works, just not great.

 

[35WhelenAI]

You answered your own question. "It still works just not great".

 

[BRTreedogs]

Vortex best warranty you will use all the time.

 

[35WhelenAI]

It goes without saying, the lenses for the laser are clean?

And there's a fresh battery in the unit?

My Leuplod R 1200i TBR from 2015 took a dump on the battery between last season and this season. The first few readings were erratic then I saw the battery level and replaced it.

As well it's not hard for that laser aperture to get a bit dirty and then all bets are off.

 

[jpmulk]

Yes clean and new battery. I guess i was more looking to see if anyone knew anything about the actual laser and if they tend to wear out.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Most places get lasers from very similar suppliers if not the same one, IMO. Laser failure isn't typically something that occurs.

I would send it to Vortex and be done with it.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Vortex best warranty you will use all the time.

And leupold the worst warranty you’ll need all the time, but won’t have.

 

[Boarmaster]

I bought my Leica back in 2004/5 ish. So long I cant really recall. It spent the first 15 years or so in a atv saddlebag getting banged around outside its case. I used it in temps from 20-90 degrees very dusty conditions and 7 month long seasons. I have no idea how many thousands of ranges it has done for me.
These days it lives in my bino harness but still gets 4 months of use. At the end of every season I cleaned it up and removed the battery and tossed it. Ever start of a new season I put a new battery in it. The rubber case is pitted and deteriorating but the glass is flawless and the dang thing is still ranging. It seems expensive at the time I bought it but either by the year or by the range its been pretty inexpensive.
I half wish it would crap out so I can upgrade to a new Leica 2400. I’m 60 years old now and Im starting to think its going to outlast me. So they can last a long time.

 

[Wrench]

The original leica lrf800 will last until you lose it.

 

[Axlrod]

I get a new Leica every couple years, hand mine down to my son, and let him sell his. I would rather it worked when I need it, than to think about warranties.

 

[Kurts86]

My vortex Ranger 1000 did the same thing after 4 seasons or so. The minimum distance range increased from 11 yards to 19 yards and it got more finicky further out.

The way rangefinder technology has moved forward it’s usually best to get a new moderate priced one every few years and ride the technology wave. My current rangefinder was 25% less than my previous just 5 years later and ranged 2x as far.

To me rangefinders should almost be treated like cell phones and less like a pair of alpha glass binoculars that have a useful life measured in decades.

 

[JRS3]

I have had my Leicas since the early 2000’s and they are still going strong. I use them now mainly for turkey hunting and other closer range hunts, as I have other RF options that are just better with more, current features for long range situations.

 

[jpmulk]

Sounds like leica people are pretty happy with their purchase!

 

[35WhelenAI]

I agree to ride the technology wave, per se. For me it would be about the additional features and functions. My 1200 TBR is going on 7 years and works like the day I got it. I'm very familiar with how it works and it's second nature, don't have to relearn things. I don't see or have a need for more than what it does so I'm standing pat for now.

 

[manitou1]

Yup. My Leica has been going strong for years.

 

[Mr Drysdale]

My Vortex Ranger 1000 is its ninth season. I have only replaced the battery once. Ranged an animal at 614 yards with it yesterday. I’ve been happy with it thus far. BTW I don’t have to range animals inside of 20 yards when I’m bow hunting.

 

[dtrkyman]

I had a Leupold rangefinder that was 12ish years old that started giving inconsistent ranges, called them and spoke to a rep.

Gave me a great deal on a new rangefinder, all I had to do is send him a pic of mine destroyed, I shot it with an arrow!

Was about to just get a Vortex due to their warranty but the offer I got from them was more than fair in my opinion.

Send the Vortex back!

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Have a Nikon from 2003ish still works great. Leica for past 7 years, zero issues. I tried a vortex and sold it after the first hunt.

 

[grfox92]

No idea how long they are supposed to last, but I've had my Nikon Pro Staff 550 for just over 20 years.

I've changed the battery 3 times. Dropped it out of a treestand 18 years ago directly onto a rock and cracked the whole side in. I put a piece of camo tape on it, and it's been there ever since. I've used it year round for archery practice, 3d courses, and hunting.

This year I ranged my first rifle kill, an antelope at 320 yards, and my first mule deer ever at 211 yards.

I highly doubt when I do eventually have to replace it that the next one will last even 1/4 of that time.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[Crusader]

I've had my Leica CRF1000 for 12 years and it's been flawless, never a single issue. Used for scores of hunts in many states. Absolutely love it, may be my most favorite piece of gear.