Leica 1200CRF Range Finder

[btm_54]

Has anybody got experience with one?
I am keen to read what people who have used the Leica 1200CRF Range Finder think of them.
Thanks in advance.

 

[HillbillySniper]

I have a 900 and my buddy has the 1200 leica. We've never had any trouble with them my buddies the one that talked me into mine. I've gotten readings out to 1000 yards with the 900 and my buddy got readings of 1400 yards are really clear days with his. Ours is the older models tho not the vertical new style. Hope this helps you out.

Hillbilly

 

[itchyTF]

I had a CRF 1200 and it worked good most of the time. Out in the flats (SD) there were times where I tried repeatedly to get a reading on a dog with no success. I don't think it was the fault of the RF. The beam has to bounce off of something and come back with enough "quality" for the RF to read it. Vegetation and other stuff can dispurse the beam(don't know what the fur of the dog does but that is a mighty small target to hold on at distance).

Anyway, I upgraded to a 1600 hoping for a little more 'ooomph'. Don't know if that will solve the problem but it can't hurt. Haven't had a chance to test it yet. I didn't buy it for the other stuff the 1600 comes with (I heard it wasn't that great anyway). I was just looking for more distance (power).

 

[40X Guy]

I have a CRF 1200 and love it after suffering with a Bushnell model for years, the Leica is head and shoulders above what I had. Best thing about it is its compact, and very easy to use with no extra unneeded buttons. I have not had the chance to range much over 800 or so yards yet, but under that it is efficient and quick.

Frank

 

[Rick in Oregon]

I started out with their LRF 800 when they first came out, upgraded to the LRF 1200 soon thereafter. Also suffered with a Bushnell for a while, and agree that both the optics and overall performance of the Leica are in a different catagory altogether.

One thing to keep in mind, is that they must be held steady for ranging small targets at extended ranges. I whipped up the little device shown to use off the bench for PD's and ground squirrels to give accurate LR readings. Cheap, works excellent.

For the money and from others I've tried, this is the hot ticket.

 

[zcrackshot]

I just recently upgraded from the CRF 1200 to the 1600. I had the 1200 for a while and never had a bad experience with it. My friend carries a Swarovski and it would consistently outrange my 1200 but that is to be expected. That is no longer the case as my 1600 will easily range large objects beyond 1850. I played with my 1200 in my back yard when the elk were still down in the fields and I never struggled once to get a reading beyond 1k. I had better luck targeting other objects when I needed to get much passed 1000. Either model is great for the price and won't let you down if ranging is possible in given conditions. Hope this helps.

Zac M.

 

[coues52]

+1 on the leica 1200 crf,went the bushnell route (was ok out to 400ish yds) but needed more range so got the leica 1200 crf(ps made a mount to adapt it to my zeiss spotting scope) works great..you won.t be sorry~Danny

 

[kemen4]

went from a LRF to a CRF 1200 .. as already said above ... its good but at range on small targets needs a firm support.
The beam is narrower than a Swaro, as is the aim mark .. might benefit from a smaller X or something. At longer ranges (1200++) I find it easier to get a hold on something larger / distinctive near where I want.
Just following the reports on the 1600 "in case I'm tempted"

 

[serial # 001]

btm_54,

Soon after the 1200 came out I purchased the scan model. All these years later no problems have arisen.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

What is the going rate for these? The cCabellas link said there were out of stock and did not list a price. a

 

[ollie]

Have had my 1200 lrf for 6-7 years now and have had no problems with it. You do have to hold it very steady for long reads but the scan will help you on this. You can not go wrong with any leica..

 

[dawgmaster]

I've had the CRF1200 for about 3 years now...great piece of equipment!

 

[kemen4]

Cost ? ... hasn't it been replaced by the CRF 1600 ...??
There were some specials on the 1200 last autumn.. Sinclai shows them @ $699

 

[Clark]

I was happy with my CRF1200, but my brother wanted it, so I moved up to a CRF1600.

I can't hit much beyond 500 yards, so the move did me no good nor harm.

 

[zcrackshot]

There are quite a few of the CRF 1200's going used for around $400 in my area. The cheapest I've seen a 1600 go for is $725 NIB sold by me on our local classifieds. I sent in an LRF 1200 for my brother and they said they couldn't service it but would give credit towards a new 1600. He didn't want to pay the upgrade so I gave him my CRF 1200 and I paid them the $435 and they sent me a new 1600. The day after it arrived a second one showed up and when I called them to report the mistake they said to enjoy it on their behalf as it was their mistake! Incredible customer service! I'm a Leica customer for life!

Zac M.

 

[k80skeet]

Is everybody reading game amamails not just a bush or rock or tree?? None reflective game?? At distances of 400 to 800 yards??? I have heard the only true rangefinder that work everytime is the Leica Geiovids????

 

[Forum Boss]

The 1200 CRF is just as powerful as anything on the market and it has a good lens. However, It is so small that it is hard to hold steady. When you're trying to range a small object beyond 500 yards, the slightest jiggle in holding will make it almost impossible to range. We got excellent results with the CRF when it was strapped to a tripod mount with bungee cords (there is no tripod socket). Otherwise, it was hard to hold. I recommend the Zeiss Victory. It's bigger, but much easier to hold.

 

[itchyTF]

I was told that Leica is supposed to come out with a tripod mount for the CRF. Not sure when, though.

 

[Rem06]

i think the range finders start with the leica's anything less is a toy or for bow hunters.
i suffered with a bushnell 800 for a very short time

 

[itchyTF]

Did a little research. The tripod adapter is out & available. Don't know about stock, however. It lists for $100, the cheapest I've seen so far is $79. Here is one place -

http://www.opticsspot.com/leica-crf-tripodadapter-98750.aspx