To determine the distance to the target in Russia, rangefinder scales on telescopic sights have been used for a long time. However, this method, for all its simplicity, is not sufficiently accurate and reliable. In addition, the observer needs a landmark with a predetermined size, which is an impossible condition, for example, in an open field.

The way out of the situation can be a portable laser rangefinder for hunting . The principle of operation of a laser rangefinder is that the pulses sent by the device are reflected from the target. The built-in microprocessor then calculates the distance versus time from the moment the pulse is sent to the moment the reflection is received. Lasers installed in rangefinders operate in the infrared wavelength range, their radiation is not visible to the naked eye. Despite the fact that class 1 safe infrared lasers are used in modern laser consumer rangefinders, nevertheless, all manufacturers strictly prohibit pointing devices that are turned on at people - this can lead to eye injuries, especially at close distances.

For the first time in the West, they went on the free market in 1992. Then Leica, and then Swarovski, released the first rangefinders with a safe laser. A little later, Swarovski offered a rangefinder model integrated into the telescopic sight. However, the cost of these devices (several thousand dollars) was very high, and laser rangefinders have actually become available to the general consumer since 1996, when Bushnell offered relatively inexpensive devices.

Since then, some other firms have also begun to actively work in the same direction, among them Nikon (Japan) and Newcon (Canada). But still, at the moment, according to foreign press, only Bushnell has managed to seize a leading position - it owns up to 95% of this market in the United States, while in the Bushnell lineup there are five basic models, Nikon - two, Newcon - two, Leica - two. Bushnell, Newcon and Leica have in their arsenal one model, made in the form of binoculars, the rest of the assortment is monoculars, devices with one optical channel.

We chose the most popular models of laser rangefinders-monoculars and tested their consumer properties - after all, not everyone can afford to buy several devices at a price of $300-500. So, let's briefly describe the "participants" in our test. These are the most powerful models with a nominal maximum range of 800 to 1500 m. In addition to the "veterans" Bushnell and Nikon, we have taken two new items - the Canadian rangefinder Newcon, which is still little known in our country, and the product of the legendary Leica.

Indication

All devices have a service indication reflected on the eyepiece. This allows you to obtain information about the range to the target without taking the rangefinder away from your eyes. The Germans approached this topic most succinctly: the Leica laser rangefinder displays only the range to the target and the "sighting" mark. Nothing else. Even when the batteries are depleted, no new icon appears, just the numbers and the mark start flashing. The labels and numbers themselves are red, with automatically adjustable backlight brightness. As we have seen, the Leica is the only device on the test that is comfortable for use in low light. The red mark is conveniently pointed and fixed on the target, and to view the result, you do not need to look for a light background to see the numbers.

The Nikon rangefinder has several display elements. The dark blue mark consists of two horizontal and two vertical lines that do not intersect with each other. The lines are thick enough, apparently, so they were not closed so as not to overlap the target. In addition to the label, the battery charging status (in the form of an icon), target range, and current mode are displayed.

The laser rangefinder from Bushnell has a mark in the form of a square with risks diverging from its sides, the display shows the operating modes of the rangefinder, indication of units of measurement and indication of laser operation. In addition, when the rangefinder is operating, the signal reception quality is indicated in the form of a strip.

On the Newcon rangefinder, the aiming mark can be selected: either a cross or a square. In addition, the operating mode is displayed in the form of a lightning in the upper left corner, the status of the batteries and the indication of units of measure. The signal quality is shown in the form of labels: "high", "average", "low" (HIGH, MED, LOW).