How Good is Leica Rangemaster CRF 1000-R Rangefinder?

Leica is a renowned name in the optics industry. Their rangefinder products, especially Leica Rangemaster CRF–1000R Rangefinder 40535, have become extremely popular among hunters and tactical shooters. This extreme popularity of the Rangemaster range in the rangefinder category of Leica made the expert team of Scopelist’s reviewers inquisitive to test the gadget. Has Leica CRF1000-R rangemaster laser rangefinder 40535 been able to live up to the high standards of Leica optics? Let’s find out.

Rangemaster CRF 1000-R is a small, handy, and compact model and that’s why the manufacturer has named it Compact Range Finder or CRF. You can operate it with a single hand and therefore the user can estimate the range even when he/she is holding rifle in one hand. You can also keep the device in pocket. Leica Rangemaster CRF 1000-R Laser Range Finder 40535 is effective for ranging targets up to 1,000 yards, as suggested in the name itself. However, its function doesn’t stop here. It provides EHR or Equivalent Horizontal Range by accounting for angle of inclination/declination from as close as 10 yards to 600 yards. That’s why this device is preferred by both bowhunters and shooters, especially when they are taking the shots at steep angle.

We found Leica Rangemaster CRF 1000-R Rangefinder 40535 to be accurate to within 1 yard for ranges that are up to 500 yards range. However, from 501 to 1000 yards range, the accuracy remains within 2 yards. While testing the device, we were able to accurately range a deer, up to a distance of 500 yards. This is especially important to note because it is an amazing feat in itself, considering extremely compact size of the device, which indeed fits your pocket.

What’s so Special?

Leica CRF1000-R rangemaster laser rangefinder 40535 is a leading optical device in the rangefinding market and some of its specialties are –

#1 It has become a reference class in optics because of the excellent light transmission, amazing 7x magnification, and wide field of view. The image quality is superb. In addition, the comfortable eyepiece makes it easier for users to use the small and handy device.

#2 When it comes to the electronics of the device, Leica Rangemaster CRF1000-R is surely belongs to the reference class. You can accurately measure ranges fast. No matter whether the target is moving or the range measurement is done in low light conditions, accurate ranging facility is ensured every time.

#3 Leica Rangemaster CRF1000-R range finder is a reference class in mechanics. It is precise, rugged, and durable. With the help of light carbon fiber, optical as well as electronic components are integrated with die-cast metal housing of the device. The rangefinder remains waterproof up to a depth of 1m. Even when the weather condition is not normal, the rangefinder works fine.

#4 You can easily get a close-up view of the target. In fact, the user doesn’t have to worry about focusing the target anymore because of the fact that the image is focused automatically. You can view through the rangefinder even with eyeglasses on as the manufacturers have incorporated adjustable eyecup. More importantly, you will find a unique mode that tells you the exact horizontal distance of an object in the slope. This is important because a distance of a deer on a mountainous slope from the shooter is less than that of the same on level ground with the shooter. Therefore, the mode helps in terms of ballistic purposes, thereby helping you take the shot precisely. The built-in inclinometer does all the adjustment for you and therefore you don’t have to make any adjustments on approximation.

Is there anything Good, Bad, and Ugly?

There are both positive and some negative aspects associated with this Leica rangefinder.

Let’s first jot down the positive aspects:

#1 Leica Rangemaster CRF 1000-R Rangefinder comes with excellent accuracy

#2 Even below water, up to 1 yard, the device remains waterproof

#3 Image quality as well as clarity are fantastic

Now, let’s check the cons:

#1 It still uses the CR2 battery

#2 Ranging is accurate only to 2 yards within 500 yards

What are the impressive features?

• Leica Rangemaster CRF 1000-R Rangefinder comes with integrated basic ballistic functionality, right from 10 yards to 600 yards

• Measurement is done for both horizontal and linear distances

• Diopter compensation is integrated with 7 x 24-mm optics

• The application is flexible and enables precise targeting

• It is easy to operate and at the same time it is intuitive too

• Leica Rangemaster CRF 1000-R comes with automatic brightness control

• It is extremely compact and weighs just 220g

What are the most important technical specifications?

• 7x magnification

• 24mm front lens diameter

• 115 m per 1000 m field of view

• 15mm eye relief

• 10-915 m ranging capability

• 113 mm x 75 mm x 34 mm dimension

• Overall weight including battery is just 220 g

• Device remains waterproof till depth of 1 meter

• The laser is perfectly safe for use. Invisible light laser compliant with EN and FDA Class 1.

• Measuring mode; Scanning mode

How is the optics and light gathering capability?

Leica has fully multi-coated optics on the rangefinder, thereby increasing the light gathering capability. The automatic focusing mechanism works perfectly. The view we got through this Leica product can be compared with the view got through any other device. No matter how cold or warm the temperature is, you will get the same readings every time. In fact, image’s crispness, contrast, and detailing are excellent. The objective lens is 24 mm in size and the manufacturer has applied Aqua-Dura coating on it so that the water on lens can’t settle down on the lens. In fact, prisms have been coated so that maximum light transmission takes place, allowing users to get proper view even in low light conditions. The target image you see through it is always clear and bright. In fact, the LCD readout adjusts automatically and helps the users in reading the figures easily in all lighting conditions.

How easily can it be used?

Leica Rangemaster Rangefinder 40535 comes with two buttons – a main button and a secondary one. Therefore, navigating through the menus may be a bit tricky. If your main interest is related to knowing sight distance, this rangefinder is easy to use. Once horizontal range is elected, it remains in that mode, and becomes easier for use. Though it is easy to use, you may need some time to get accustomed to the menu.

Finally…

It can be summarized that Leica Rangemaster CRF–1000R Rangefinder 40535 is a high end laser rangefinder and that’s why this product is recommended. It is an excellent choice as a rangefinder and we are recommending shooters to buy it. They would later thank us for helping them make the choice.