In hunting, in golfing and in archery, all the three outdoor sports are in urgent need of rangefinders, and here comes Leupold. Leupold is a leading brand of laser rangefinder that comparable to Bushnell and Nikon, it has long producing history and is widely praised by customers all around the world. In this article, we will give you a detailed Leupold rangefinder review.
Quick View on the Best Leupold Laser Rangefinders on the Market
Photo | Title | Buy |
---|---|---|
Leupold RX-650 Micro Laser Rangefinder | Buy On Amazon.com | |
Leupold RX-850i TBR with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder | Buy On Amazon.com | |
Leupold RX-1200i TBR/W with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder | Buy On Amazon.com | |
Leupold RX-1200i TBR/W with DNA Laser Rangefinder | Buy On Amazon.com | |
Leupold 2017 GX-5i3 Digital Golf Rangefinder | Buy On Amazon.com | |
Leupold 119087 GX-3i2 Digital Golf Rangefinder | Buy On Amazon.com | |
Leupold gx-4i Series Digital rangefinder | Buy On Amazon.com |
About Leupold
Leupold is a family business that origins from 1907, it started with a water level recorder. In 1940, Marcus Leupold missed a buck because his scope fogged up, since then, he determined to make a better scope and that was exactly when Leupold expanded its business in scope. In 1947, Leupold company built its first fog proof scope. After that, it introduced a now-classic duplex reticle.
With constant innovation, Leupold invented industrial scope, golf rangefinder, binoculars, and all other types.
The most worth mention feature of Leupold is its fog-resistant system, it evacuated the air out of scope’s interior and filled it with pure nitrogen, making it impossible to react to sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, if you frequently use rangefinders in complex conditions, you can choose Leupold.
After getting enough knowledge of its history, we would like to give great praise for its after-sale service. As is known to us, for rangefinders on sale on the market, normal warranty is two years. However, Leupold lasts its actual service time to live long. According to users, Leupold is still providing free problem solution service even after several years.
In a word, Leupold is a worth trusting brand. As for its products, we will introduce several top-rated Leupold rangefinder in golf, hunting, and archery. On choosing, you should always determine by your own needs and budget.
Compare Leupold Rangefinders
Leupold rangefinder first started its business in scope, used in industry and hunting. After that, it expanded its business in golf rangefinder and got wide praise among customers.
In order to help save your time on choosing the best Leupold rangefinder based on your usage, we selected several top-rated types and made a brief comparison among them as follow:
Bushnell vs Leupold Golf Rangefinder
Bushnell is another famous rangefinder brand on the market, because of the similar best-praised quality and performance between two brands products, many customers get into trouble on which exactly should choose. Therefore, here we would make a brief comparison between the two brands and hope to be helpful.
Bushnell laser rangefinder
Bushnell laser rangefinders are normally golf types, they show accurate distance reading pretty fast, basically in two seconds. They are design compact and fits pocket perfectly. Most of Bushnell laser rangefinders are functional types, equipped with slope technology, multiple modes such as PinSeeker, First Target Priority mode and JOLT Technology, etc. The key useful design them are JOLT technology, they give vibrations when pinning on objects, thus are suitable for older to use. They are all water-resistant but not fog resistant. Price levels of products vary from pretty cheap type to relatively expensive types. Customer service is quite satisfying.
Leupold laser rangefinder
Leupold laser rangefinders, as we have talked pretty much, feature with their fog resistant. They are all fog resist and water resist integrity, which means you can take them anywhere and use them in any weather conditions. They are mostly hunting types and golf types. No many functions but meet the basic needs of outdoor hunting or golfing. They are one simple button design, easy to operate. Compared with Bushnell, their performance in pinning on an object is quite bad, and lack of vibration on lock onto targets. However, its service can be perfect, you will feel so warm for their thoughtful service. The price level of products is also various.
In a word, Bushnell rangefinders are better in pinning on objects and are functional, while Leupold rangefinders are excellent in fog resistant, they are perfect to be used for hunting.
How to choose?
As for specific diversion between two brands, one needs to compare with specific products. Each product has its own advantages and shortcomings, they are designed to fit different usages and different needs. Therefore, in choosing the best rangefinder, you should take all the factors into consideration. Of course, we have made a Bushnell rangefinder review for you, if you have an interest in getting more knowledge about the brand and its top-rated products, please feel free to read our review.
Common Features And Technology of Leupold Laser Rangefinder
Being one of the top-rated laser rangefinders brands on the market, it is no wonder that some technology and feature make it outstanding and keep its top position. Here let’s list the shining features that Leupold rangefinder brings for a wonderful performance.
 Internal Design
DNA:
It refers to digitally enhanced accuracy, which allows you to get the accurate distance measurement in rapid speed. Compared with traditional rangefinders of other brands, you will find Leupold rangefinder with this feature more accurate and faster. Electronic devices have always been faster than optics, and it is good to get the product that making constant upgrades in keeping up to date.
Last Target Mode:
It is a common phenomenon for hunters ranging through branches and grasses especially in the woods. That is why Leupold insists on equipping the majority of its product with the last target mode, it gives you the distance of the two objects when the rangefinders hit two objects at once.
TBR:
It stands for True Ballistic Range. To explain the mode, you need to first make clear of its three types, LOS, Bow, and Rifle.
LOS mode:
it means the line of sight, or in other words, the linear distance to the target.
Bow mode:
Bow mode is of course designed particularly for bow hunting use, for it returns you with true horizontal range, which means the angle compensated readings out to around 120 yards. If further distance goes, it returns in LOS distance.
Rifle mode:
Rifle mode is another mode that makes it possible for rifle hunting. All the readings you need in the process are given in detail, such as:
- True Horizontal Range
- Inches and centimeters both available
- Adjustment in Mil
- Adjustment in MOA
Scan mode:
Hunting isn’t like playing golf that focuses only on one object, you need to measure the distances of multiple objects at the same time in a short period of time. That is what scan mode works for. By holding down the range button constantly on your target then the distance readout display on the screen in a few seconds. To make it more convenient to use, either meter or centimeter can be available to read.
External Design
Lightweight and compact shape:
If searching for the laser rangefinder on the market, you will find basically all the models are designed into a small shape, so that you can hold it easily in use. Especially for Leupold rangefinders, the vertical design comes with 6x magnification bring you a clear view on further object. In a variety of big hunting games in rifle or in archery, pack it in your pocket is an easy piece.
Grip:
The major difficulty for outdoor hunting is the complicated weather conditions and complex terrains, it requires all the devices including your laser rangefinders to be water resistance and rust-resistance. While Leupold laser rangefinders are built with various materials, the rubberized gripping surface is what they come in common. It helps you to hold tight in hand in wet conditions or as your hands get wet.
Battery:
CR2 batteries are widely used for Leupold laser rangefinders, which you can easily found it in any small market. If worrying about the battery life, you can pick those with auto-shutoff design.
Leupold Rangefinder Review
-RX series
Rx series Leupold rangefinders are normally used as golf device, they work well in getting flag sticks and have accurate readings pretty soon.
1. RX-650 Micro Laser Rangefinder
This laser rangefinder is both waterproof and fog proof, able to be used in various situations for outdoor life and entertainment. It is quite simple and is an entry-level laser rangefinder. Powered by a readily available CR2 battery, it can be used pretty long.
The maximum distance range is 650 yards, with fully multicoated optics and 6x magnification, you can get a natural and clear view in golf and hunting. It is pretty small and compact, that you can easily put it into your pocket.
With a soft rubber grip, it feels excellent in hands. Any cons? Well, it is a bit hard on keeping on one object for a long time, and short eye relief can be a trouble thing for users with glasses.
But what worth mentions most is its cheap and affordable price, it suits people who lack enough budget but want one meeting basic functions.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Soft rubber grip
- Simple one button
- Resist nearly all weathers
- Well constructed
Cons:
- Black display makes it hard to read in low light
- Non reflective objects at great distance can not be read out
2. RX-850i TBR with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder
This unit is also water proof and fog proof, that can be used in all fields of conditions. Durable aluminum housing is shrouded in a rubber armor coating to provide a positive grasp. Its ergonomic shape design makes it pretty steady and comfortable in hands.
It has a built-in inclinometer with TBR that calculates ballistic range to your target, which serves features as angle compensation, making it possible to be used for both bow and rifle hunting.
With only one button, you are able to control it easily in case of getting trouble in adjusting different modes all the time.
Its fully multi-coated lens system gives you brightness on clear and natural views. However, it also adopts black display, therefore is quite hard to recognize in dark light.
Pros:
- Small, light weight and easy handle
- Glass is bright and clear
- Multi purpose use
- Quick and accurate distant
- Accurate and durable
Cons:
- Not perfect for moving objects
- Display is quite dim that it can not be read in moderate daylight
3. RX-1200i TBR/W with DNA Digital Laser RangefinderÂ
This is a large range distance device that can be used for long distance hunting, it allows archers to obtain True Ballistic Range readings to 125 yards.
It has built-in inclinometer technology to calculate ballistic range and display it as holdover aim point. Red OLED display offers you bright and clear distance reading in all sorts of light conditions. By the way, it shows distance both in the yard and meter.
6x magnification offers you great user experience in long-distance hunting. As a Leupold mid-range range finder, it is surly water-resistant and fog-resistant, so you do not need to worry about unit getting fogged that missed a great chance for hunting.
For golf course or amateur game, there is additional function on showing angle compensation, which calculate and adjust horizontal distance without adjusting your positions.
Pros:
- Very accurate, only 1/2 yards variations
- Ranging information is easy to see and sort out
- Perfect for archery
- Solid, easy to setup
Cons:
When getting long distance readings, you need to hold steady all the time, a tripod may be helpful
4. RX-1200i Tbr RangefinderÂ
From appearance of this rangefinder, we could judge directly that it is used for hunting and archery. Of course it can also be used as golf rangefinder if you want. It has long distance range, reaching up to 1200 yards, meeting the demand of long distance hunting.
Fully multicoated lenses reduce the loss of light and improve the brightness of distance reading on screen, together with its red color display, you can get a fast and pretty clear readout.
The eye relief is 14mm, quite low for users with glasses to use. Designed as one button, you do not have trouble on changing modes and settings. It provides true ballistic range distance for either rifle and archery mode. Ergonomic shape with rubberized grip make it feel good in hand, and small compact shape suits your pocket perfectly.
Pros:
- Red color read out
- Accurate, easy to use
- Perfect for long distant ranging
Cons:
Have wind feature but is not useful
-GX series
GX series normally have large distance range, some reaching up to 1000 or even 1200 yards, which make them suitable for hunting use.
1. Gx 5i3 Rangefinder
This Leupold range finder is a high end type with multiple functions and excellent working performance. With 6x magnification, you can get a wide field of view on tracking game.
DNA (digitally enhanced accuracy) enables you to provide clear and precise distance reading in just a few seconds. Fully multicoated lens system ensures maximum brightness.
If you would like to get fast distance readings on multiple objects, its one-touch Scan mode can help you a lot. By pressing the button, you are able to constantly get update accurate distance measurements.
When using for tournament play, its wonderful slope system can be turned off. It is pretty accurate and fast in getting distance reading, but do take longer to lock on objects than other brands.
Pros:
- High quality optics
- Compact, accurate and easy to use
- Feels extremely high quality
- Finding target quickly
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Lack of jolt feature
- Takes longer to lock on object than other brands
2. 119087 GX-3i2 Digital Golf Rangefinder
This rangefinder is quite the same as GX 5i3 type, but is cheaper and less functional than that. Equipped with DNA technology, it gets yardage pretty soon and accurate.
It has solid aluminum housing in rubber armor, together with fog and water-resistant feature, it feels quite good in the hand and can be used in all sorts of using conditions.
Red OLED display is lighter and more easily recognized compared with common black display. When locking in onto a specific object, there is a beep and reticle that shows on display screen instead of vibration or sound as Bushnell rangefinders do.
Because of its scan mode, you can continuously get updated distance measurement on multiple objects by constantly pressing button down.
Pros:
- Bright numbers
- Long battery life
- Good customer service
- Quickly pick up the target
- Fog mode equipped
Cons:
- Hard to lock on object
- A bit heavy
- Bad battery indicator
3. Gx-4Ia2 Rangefinder
This one is another mid range range finder of Leupold that comparable with Bushnell Tour X and Tour V4 Slope because of similar price level and performance.
Digitally Enhanced Accuracy system, known as the DNA system, makes it measure the distance of the object accurate and super fast, takes only about a few seconds. Prism Lock Technology ensures the exact distance.
The optics are pretty clear and in good quality, multicoated lenses minimize loss of light as much as possible, ensuring the brightness of the display. Red OLED display helps you to read the distance reading pretty clear. When it locks in onto objects, there are three selectable aiming reticles showing on the screen.
If you want to get horizontal distance on uphill or downhill play, its slope technology can be very helpful, it quickly becomes a tournament legal device by changing faceplate.
Pros:
- Quick, clear and easy to use
- Optics are clear and units are pretty solid
- Have slope adjustment
- Feel solid in hand, has good weight
- It returns yardage pretty quickly
Cons:
- Takes a second to stabilize objects
- Difficult in locking on the target
4. GX-1 Digital Golf Rangefinder
This unit inherits classic shape of Leupold rangefinder, ergonomic and rubberized grip makes it feel wonderful in hands. One button design makes it pretty simple to operate, minimize waste time on changing modes and settings all the time.
As a Leupold golf rangefinder, it is equipped with PinHunter and prism Lock functions help determine the distance of flag and hazards. With good quality optics, you can have a clear and bright view of distance.
Fog mode reduces the influence on fog weathers, it is also water-resistant so you can use it in any weather conditions. By pressing down the button, you get a quick measurement on multiple objects continuously.
Instead of vibration on pinning on objects, it beeps as a reminder. In order to prolong battery life, it automatically shuts off in few seconds.
Pros:
- Easy to get distance with only one hand
- Long battery life
- Without slope features, can be used in tournaments
- Compact, easy to use and well built
- Simple one button design
Cons:
You need to hold it still enough to catch the pin
5. GX 2i2 Rangefinder
This Leupold rangefinder is super easy to operate, with only one button. If you pay much attention on its lens, you will find it adopting multicoated lens, it minimizes the loss of light and improves brightness of display screen.
Digitally Enhanced Accuracy system and advanced infrared laser give you fast but accurate distance reading. It is also compact and small, fits your pocket perfectly and feels good in the hand.
With Slope/True Golf Range and Club Selector system, you can customize your unit based on your individual needs.
Water proof feature enables you to use it anywhere you want, one single button design makes it simple to use.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Super accurate
- Can be adjusted from slope and non slope system
Cons:
Struggle to pick up flag-stick consistently
6. GX1i Rangefinder
This laser rangefinder has good quality optics, together with multicoated layers, it provides clear and bright distance reading in just few seconds.
PinHunter and Prism Lock Try ranges a pin or fluttering flag from over 300 yards away, it improves accuracy on distance ranging by separating those returns from objects in the background.
Digitally Enhanced Accuracy system improves speed and precision on getting distance readings. As a mid-range distance device, it is pretty sturdy and durable, can be used for a long time.
Fog mode enables it to be used in various complex situations, it cuts through weather and provides fast and accurate measurements. Scan mode gives you constantly updated measurement readings by pressing the button for several seconds.
Pros:
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Good quality
- Quick and accurate distance reading
- Lightweight
Cons:
The black display makes it hard to view clearly in low light
7. PinCaddie 2 Golf Rangefinder
Compared with high end and mid-range distance devices, this rangefinder is perfect for low budget users to choose from. It costs only around $200, but meets basic needs on getting fast and accurate distance reading in a few seconds.
6x magnification offers a wide and clear view in long-distance use, it has PinHunter Laser Technology to eliminate false readings caused by background hazards, when you are measuring objects near bushes and tall trees, it evaluates laser return data and displays distance to the nearest object.
Multicoated lens system minimizes loss of light and offers you a bright and clear view. However, the display shows on the top thus making it a bit hard to read, and if you are wearing glasses, you may need to take it off for using.
Ergonomic shape design makes it perfectly put into your pocket. It works perfectly within 200 yards for golf use.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Compact and small
- Water-resistant
- Reasonable and affordable price
- Simple one-button design
- Measurement display in both meters and yards
Cons:
- Need to take glasses off in using
- Yardage appears on top makes it hard to recognize
Leupold Vendetta Rangefinder Reviews
Many buyers are hesitating on whether to get a Leupold Vendetta bow-mounted rangefinder, it costs not less and is also equipped with several modes and functions. So is it really worth buying? You can find answers from our following Leupold Vendetta 2 Rangefinder Reviews:
Leupold Vendetta Bow Mounted Rangefinder
This rangefinder is not listed on our best Leupold rangefinder review because we think its performance and value is not comparable to its price, in other words, it is not so cost-effective.
It is pretty accurate, read distance pretty fast and accurate, but it picks up everything around objects and thus gives false readings. While it is used mainly for bow hunting, you can install on either side of the bow, suitable for left-handed archers also.
It has a spot and continuous scan modes, able to get continuous readings on multiple objects. Remote pressure switch, angle compensation system, clear and good optics, all other features work as well as other types.
In a word, it works fine but not as good as expected, thus we do not suggest this one to you.
After getting the basic knowledge about each top rated best Leupold laser rangefinders on our review, we classified them into different types to save your time on choosing, you can just select through your usage and needs.
Leupold Golf Laser Rangefinder Reviews
A best golf laser rangefinder needs to get flag stick accurately, it pins on objects precisely. In terms of Leupold golf laser rangefinder, all the GX series are a perfect choice. They are designed pretty easy to operate with one simple button.
Apart from GX series rangefinders, PinCaddle2 we have reviewed for you is also perfect for golf use.
Gx 5i3 Rangefinder
119087 GX-3i2 Digital Golf Rangefinder
Gx-4Ia2 Rangefinder
GX-1 Digital Golf Rangefinder
GX 2i2 Rangefinder
GX1i Rangefinder
PinCaddie 2 Golf Rangefinder
If you want to get more products on the best golf laser rangefinder on the market, please read our best golf laser rangefinder reviews.
Leupold Bow Mounted Rangefinder Reviews
Rangefinder for hunting or bow-mounted used must be accurate and fast in distance reading, for long-distance hunting, the distance should also be large accordingly. Leupold started with hunting and industry rangefinder at its beginning period of development, therefore, it is more professional in producing bow-mounted types.
RX series are particularly made for hunting use.
RX-650 Micro Laser Rangefinder
RX-850i TBR with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder
RX-1200i TBR/W with DNA Digital Laser RangefinderÂ
RX-1200i Tbr RangefinderÂ
Leupold Archery Rangefinder Reviews
RX-650 Micro Laser RangefinderÂ
Leupold Rangefinder With Slope
Slope system is quite helpful in getting the distance in both uphill and downhill playing, it calculates and adjusts horizontal distance and gets angle compensation, which shows on the screen.
This technology has been adopted in many rangefinders on the market, for both amateur games or golf course, it can be a perfect helper. But for tournament play, you need to get one without this system because of its rules.
Here are some top-rated Leupold rangefinders with slope we selected out for you:
Gx 5i3 Rangefinder
Gx-4Ia2 Rangefinder
GX 2i2 Rangefinder
Leupold 1200i Rangefinder Review
1200 yards can be perfect yardage for hunting use, no matter for bow hunting or rifle hunting. Several are some types that have the long-distance range and can be perfect choices on the best 1200 yard range finder.
RX-1200i TBR/W with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder
RX-1200i Tbr RangefinderÂ
Cheap Leupold Rangefinders
In terms of cheap Leupold rangefinder, or the best price type, we would like to strongly suggest this RX-650 type for you. It is perfect to use as both bowing hunting and archery devices.
With its black shape and water&fog resistance features, it can be perfectly used in all weather conditions. One button design makes it super easy to operate with a single one hand.
Though in cheap price, its functions and performance are both in top-rated conditions, even compared to more expensive types. Therefore, it is worth buying rangefinder and can meet your basic needs for outdoor games.
RX-650 Micro Laser Rangefinder
Which Leupold is Best for You?
Well, among all the Leupold products we have reviewed for you, the RX – 1200i TBR is what we believe to be the best suit for you with any demands.
RX – 1200i TBR with DNA Laser Rangefinder Review
6x magnification gives you the chance to measure the distances of further objects, while built-in TBR mode calculates the ballistic range to your target. The four basic readouts, including the MOA adjustment, holdover aim point, Milliradian adjustment, and equivalent horizontal distance are available for you. CR2 batteries serve as the major power to run the device and DNA features battery power indicator. With the fast-focus eyepiece, it brings you fast and accurate measurements.
RX – 1200i TBR with DNA Rangefinder Q&A:
1. What kind of angle calculation can this device provide?
There are four types of calculation you can get from this device, which includes holdover aim point (measurement for either above or under target point), MOA adjustment (time measurement of angle to get a zero), BAs (equivalent horizontal range measurement) and Mil(milliradians of angle of elevation to get a zero in scope adjusting).
2. Is the measurement display easy to read?
Yes, it is pretty easy to read and easy to use. The OLED screen enables you to use it in low light conditions, the red readout is also the reason for its popularity, because it displays the readout clearly in any type of weather conditions, whether for day or night light. And intuitive on-screen gives you options to adjust certain settings you need.
3. How does this laser rangefinder handle very long distances?
This product features a digitally enhanced accuracy that gives accurate and precise distance readout within 1/10th of a yard, you can use it perfectly within 1215 yards. However, there is still a limit for the rangefinder to handle a longer distance and give a clearer image. Then you can use an adapter as a nifty gadget for help.
4. Can I use it upright or in other positions?
Yes, you can. Not only for vertical positions, but you can also even use it on its side, thanks to the avid shooters.
5. Does it come with other colors I can choose from?
There are two colors available on Amazon, gray and black.
- 6x magnification gives you plenty of power, while maintaining a wide field of view to track game on the move
- Advanced OLED technology is user adjustable to match display intensity for changing light conditions
- Built-in inclinometer with TBR that can calculate the ballistic range to your target, then display it as a holdover aim point, an MOA adjustment, a Milliradian adjustment, or the equivalent horizontal distance
- Powered by the readily available CR2 lithium camera battery, the RX-Rangefinders with DNA feature a convenient battery power indicator
- Includes fast-focus eyepiece with precision clicks for quick adjustments in the field
Summary
Top 5 Best Leupold Laser Rangefinders
Best | Type |
Best multi-purpose rangefinder | RX-650 Micro Laser Rangefinder |
Best golf laser rangefinder | Gx-4Ia2 Rangefinder |
Best hunting rangefinder | RX-1200i Tbr Rangefinder |
Best rangefinder with slope | Gx 5i3 Rangefinder |
Best long distance rangefinder | RX-1200i TBR/W with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder |
If you want to get more information on products and updated price details, please feel free to check on Amazon.