mad as h*ll range finding in the snow

[greentimber]

I talked to several people in the Swarovski booth at SHOT show last month before finally getting to the lead technical guy who could actually answer this question. He told me the beam was not round and that it measured 2.2MILS wide by 0.5 MILS high. He also said that this was different than what is in the manual. I was surprised that nobody had a clue until I talked to this guy. I don't recall his name unfortunately.

 

[Broz]

I talked to several people in the Swarovski booth at SHOT show last month before finally getting to the lead technical guy who could actually answer this question. He told me the beam was not round and that it measured 2.2MILS wide by 0.5 MILS high. He also said that this was different than what is in the manual.

Hmmmm, I see. Is there a way to test this??

Maybe my friend and I both got bad ones. Mine is on its way back as we speak. I did confirm I have the latest and greatest they have to offer. My SN indicates mine was built in 2008. The tech I talked with also confirmed that the Swaro 8x30 laserguide came out in 2005 and has not been updated or improved since. Also that I am stuck with the hard to see huge reticule and display. I sent back my 8x30 bino's that fell apart too, but that is another story..

I blamed the beam for not ranging that huge WT in kansas. It would toss back numbers like 890, 925, 1050, 912 etc and yes it was on a bipod. I thought I was getting ground, deer and the tree line behind since it was so flat. Maybe it was just my lemon rangefinder but I have never had the problem before. It usually repeats perfect if it is held solid. like it did a couple nights later with the doe on a hillside at 1137.

Jeff

 

[ss7mm]

I bought my Laser Guide in 2005 and have not had any problems with it. I emailed Swaro recently and just received a response as to whether there are any upgrades available for this unit and she said the same thing. The new ones are no different than the original.

I just sent her a reply and asked her about the beam divergence and quoted their original response vs. the post above where the tech stated the difference in size of the beam.

I'll let you know what their response is.

 

[ss7mm]

I just got a reply back from Swarovski and this is what they said.

"The mrad is just what he told you at the shot show....2.2 mrad wide by .5 mrad high. ( Just so you know, I did go to the tech specialist that you spoke with for this information)."

She referred to me as if I talked to the rep at the Shot Show but as you've read above, that's not the case.

If what they told me about the size of the Leica beam is correct then the Swaro beam is rectangular just like the Leica although the Swaro is slightly smaller. Just because a brand/unit has a smaller aiming device doesn't necessarily mean it's tighter or more accurate evidently.

What I'd recommend no matter which brand you use is to range using a dead solid rest and use the very center of the "reticle". That's what I do and it's worked so far.

 

[Broz]

Well I stand corrected, thats what I get for reading the manual

Thanks greentimber for the correct info and you too ss7mm. I really try to post accurate ifno. Now we know.

The good news is that gives me a bit more hope for the Swaro. But I still am going to test all 3 mentioned.

What I need to do is figure out where the screw is to increase the powder of the laser. The we may have one that kicks butt.

Thanks!

Jeff

 

[Broz]

Anyone know who makes a mount to put a Nightforce for my rangefinder..

 

[Eaglet]

The new ones are no different than the original.

ss7mm,
you may recall when geargrinder offered to let me use his dad's swaro for last year's deer hunt. I spent 5 days using it in the field. Also as I mentioned before, I had been playing with the one at Sportsman's Warehouse. My Swaro I bought it on 1/27/2009, the first thing I noticed was the neck strap, they're different and adjust very nicely. I have been using this instrument for many days now and I'm very pleased with it. It ranges much faster, the display is a lot easier to see and I know I'm not having night mares. I'm not disagreeing with any one here, I'm just stating my experience for what ever is worth. The first day I used it, I was having problems with inconsistency in measured ranges, from time to time the range "31" would appear on the screen not making any sence. I went home disappointed thinking I would have to return it. Re-red the manual and decided to do some more testing. I moved away from electrical lines, big generators, areas with medical buildings, signal lights and a Hospital close by... etc. etc.
I moved out of the city and my my... what a difference.
I admit it's getting scary how much difference from one rangefinder to another, specially if they have not changed then it speaks pretty badly of swarovski's quality control.

OK! I was not going to say it but I did also prayed over mine! I don't know how many of you guys would be willing to do that.

 

[haywire05]

This is all great info cant wait for the results hoping to try out a swaro this weekend see how it works on the big snow covered fields tons of dogs out on the fields still breeding . They are everywhere .



Shure sounds like the quality control on all of the range finders is below sup par . Doesnt matter what model make etc you own . Buddy just stoped by with his bushnell arc and it ranges twice as far as mine ever did and works great out in the fields . Even right before dark . Never fails I always get the lemons .

 

[nolo263]

money no object huh.. Try a vectronix!!! I will range anything..

 

[jwp475]

The Lieca is a good laser range finder for those that do not need tje longer ranging ability of the Swaro. My Swarovski will range things that the Lieca simply will not and a lot farther away as well

 

[Jon A]

But I still am going to test all 3 mentioned.

When are you planning this test? If fairly soon, I could send you my Newcon if you like. It would be nice to see how they all compare. Not the best optics but they range the **** out of things.

 

[FEENIX]

WOW! Excellent crossfeed ... very informative. I too am in the market for (my first) rangefinder. My local sports store can't keep the Leicas on their shelf so I was not able to try them ... just the Swaro and the Zeiss. IMHO, the Swaro has slight advantage optically. But I do like the feel of the new Zeiss 8X26 PRF, it has built in ballistic information system (BIS)/holdover. Took the Zeiss out of the store for a test and range a target @ 895 yds on a cloudy Montana day ... I was too shaky to range farther/smaller objects .

One of the asst managers field tested all 3 and he recommends the new Zeiss. Just wondering if others have personal experience or have considered the Zeiss. I have a few months to decide before I buy.

ADDED:

Beam divergence: ~ .4 x 2 mrad

Measuring time: ~ 1.5s max

Thanks!

V/R

Ed

Zeiss debuts laser rangefinder binoculars (optics.org blog) - optics.org

 

[Broz]

When are you planning this test? If fairly soon, I could send you my Newcon if you like. It would be nice to see how they all compare. Not the best optics but they range the **** out of things.

Jon, that is a very nice offer. Which newcon do you have? A friend of mine has the 2000 (??) and his shooting buddy has the 3000 (??) or what ever two modles. I am not familiar with their mod. numbers. Like you they state the glass does not compare but they will range looonnng distance. The reason I had not considered one is the size and weight. My long range hunting load is getting out of control. That is why I am going to go with the Swaro, Leica or Zeiss.

As for when. I just sent my Swaro off for repair yesterday and in talking with them I asked that they do a complete check and make sure it is up to standard and as good as a Swaro gets before returning it to me. They said they would. So we will see when it comes back, I would expect 3 weeks or so. I will have a new Leica in a week and then decide where I can buy or borrow a Zeiss. I do have a friend with one in Wy.


Jeff

 

[Broz]

money no object huh.. Try a vectronix!!! I will range anything..

I amost bought one of those once off e-bay. It was a great deal and I am still kicking my self.

Jeff