Leica Scan 1200 Laser Range Finder.

[kip270]

Leica Scan 1200 Laser Range Finder.

 

 

I have had my Leica scan 1200 Laser Range finder for 4 years now, and I know that they have moved on and Leica have combined Bino’s range finders, and there is now a more compact version available.

 

For people who cannot afford the combination, a lot of people have separate Bino’s and range finders.

 

 

Here are my views:

The unit is fairly compact and weighs in at 320grams with the battery fitted.

It comes with a robust case that can be attached to a waist belt, and a neck strap, if you are using the unit on a more regular basis. The neck strap is rather thin, and after prolonged use it can be uncomfortable, so a wider neck strap would be better (a trip to the local camera shop, and this can be rectified)

The unit can be used for Yards or Meters, depends on what the user prefers to work with, I myself work in Yards.

Ease of use:

To get the range of your intended target, firstly look through the unit and locate it through the 7xlens, once you have the target in the viewfinder press the button on top of the unit, and a small red square will appear, press the button again, and this will give you the range to target. Now for greater accuracy I range my target at least three times to ensure it is correct, to eliminate user error due to not holding the unit perfectly steady.

 

 

The unit is accurate to within +- 1yard/meter, up to 400yards/meter and +- 2yard/meter up to 800 yards/meter.

Minimum range is about 49ft and max is quoted as 1200.

I have ranged things out to 1100 yards,(not animals but buildings rocks etc) To range an animal at the longer ranges is fairly hard due to the 7xlens, and keeping the unit rock steady, but you can range items that are in view of the target, tree line, rocks, feeding troughs etc.

I have not had any problems using it in all weather conditions, but it states it is better in sunny conditions. Sometimes I do not get a reading from my intended target, this is due to the angle of the target, but then I range something that is in the same location as the target to get a reading.

It is also very good for use at night as well, and it can be used whenever lamping, if my quarry is stood still long enough, but sometimes this is not possible.

 

Other occasions you may be set up at an ambush point, with no quarry in sight, so scan the surrounding area, or the Killing zone, and make notes of the furthest point’s, and where you have a baiting spot, so you know if something shows you know the distance before you take the shot, and saves you looking through the range finder then acquiring your target in your scope.

 

I use my range finder no matter what method of shooting I am undertaking whether it be Rabbits with the .22rim, or pigeons with the shotgun, this unit has helped my shooting no end, because after shooting at Targets I know my maximum limits to achieve a clean kill and before purchasing it I was taking longer shots than I should have been taking, due to the magnification on today’s scope you think the target is closer than it actually is.

 

To sum up:

For the money around £380 for the 1200 unit, it is very well built and is a sound investment and it is a must have item, that will improve your shooting.

 

Another little test i like doing is to go out with a friend and try to judge how far a certain object is with the naked eye, then range it with the Range finder, i am getting better, but it is surprising how far off you are without it

 

[craigyboy]

Good review and a great product, I have one of these and I love it, very accurate.

[Guest Smeagle]

Good on you mate, I also have one and can honestly say they are very hard to beat.

[bobt]

Shh the wife thinks I paid £50 for mine

 

one bit of kit I always take.

[Davy]

Hi All.

 

Good review.

 

I have run an LRF1200 for a long while now and find it good enough as everyday glass as well, things to look out for are battery life, the battery seems to go on forever but stops ranging at longer distances, I have a favourite 'target' at 1020m, the day it fails to range it in normal conditions I replace the battery and everything is good again, I should really keep a note of the date and replace it early.......

 

I wrap mine in green cloth tape and write my base drops on it, costs nothing and may just come in handy one day.

[gunnery]

i am waiting to pick up the new leica 1600 range finder been told by local shop this thursday cant wait

[Alycidon]

I also have one, only downside was no warning of a flat battery. May sell mine when I move to rangefinder binos maybe next year.

 

A

[Alan17hmr]

Hello

I had a pair of Leica Geovids till I put them on eBay earlier this year

Absolutely stunning clarity and accuracy

Bit heavy when stalking, but fantastic performance when used,

Regards

Alan

[eldon]

I have one of these and it is a cracking bit of kit. Note they do have a low battery warning. When a certain level is reached the reading flashes and indicates that you only have a limited life left. I change mine as soon as this happens but I do carry a spare in the gun bag.

[cloverleaf]

I have one of these and it is a cracking bit of kit. Note they do have a low battery warning. When a certain level is reached the reading flashes and indicates that you only have a limited life left. I change mine as soon as this happens but I do carry a spare in the gun bag.

Hi I have one that i want to sell if anyone is interested very light use as got a pair of zeiss range finder binos for stalking now but a good piece of kit to have with you lamping etc

[gunner]

Hello

I had a pair of Leica Geovids till I put them on eBay earlier this year

Absolutely stunning clarity and accuracy

Bit heavy when stalking, but fantastic performance when used,

Regards

Alan

hi people , i also had geovid 10x42 , awsome , in 1200mtr model but i did manage to get them to ping off houses at over 1400 ! the same downside is there slightly heavy , iv now traded them in for a custom barrel !

[paddy]

ive the 1600 not used it to much yet but seems good

[sam39]

a good review and I find a range finder a very useful bit of kit.

Does any know if there is a more compact bino out there that range finds rather than the classic 8x42 which quite a lot of the time I find  a bit bulky?