Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Review and Guide

Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 10:16 pm

The unit debuted at the PGA Show in Orlando and The Hackers Paradise got a first look at it there. Here are some of the features we learned about at the show.

* LCD screen with backlight
* Easy to Use Interface, Distance at a Glance
* Distance to Center, Front, & Back
* Store up to 10 courses
* Bag/Belt clip
* Auto Shut off/ Sleep Mode After 30 Minutes
* Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
* Battery Life up to 15 hours
* USB PC interface for downloads

Bushnell was kind enough to send one over on loan to review and we were delighted to give it a test drive. We will base this review on four things.

1. Accuracy – What good is a GPS device that is not accurate.
2. Ease of Use
3. Durability
4. Features

Once armed with the device we headed out to play a few rounds of golf with it. We used it two golf courses both with built in GPS on the carts to compare accuracy. We also had a Skycaddie with us to use in comparison as well. For 5 rounds of golf we used these devices and in terms of accuracy, the Bushnell Yardage Pro was spot on. Never more than 1 yard difference between any of the devices. Ease of use was a complete breeze. You really only ever use a single button interface to move to the next hole. Each time you move, the correct yardages were displayed for front, center, and back of the green.

The only thing that I did not like about the Yardage Pro was the difficulty in navigating around the unit.

Here are the Legend’s basic specifications:

* Dimensions – 1.75×3.9×3.1 inches
* Weight – 7.2 ounces
* Accuracy – +/- 1 yard
* Magnification – 6x
* Display – LCD (even and odd numbers)
* Power source – 3-volt lithium battery (included)
* Field of view – 320 feet at 1000 yards
* Eye relief – 20mm
* Exit pupil – 4mm
* Modes – Standard, Scan, and >150
* Range – 15 to 930 yards, depending on target reflectance
* Accessories – battery, case, strap
* Limited warrantee – 1 year, parts and labor

Illuminated indicators in the viewfinder warn when the laser is active and when the battery is low. The fixed focus eyepiece is provided with a rubber eyecup that can be rolled down to allow eyeglass wearers to get closer to the ocular lens.

There are some points to remember that are common to all laser rangefinders. Don’t look directly into the emitting laser for long periods, especially with a magnifying optical device. Also, the ambient lighting conditions can influence the Legend’s range. Very strong sunlight decreases the maximum ranging capability, and dim ambient light increases the maximum ranging distance.

I have used the Sport 450 for some time now and have found that the range for deer size game and trees to be accurate. I have not tried it on a golf coarse, and I have yet to find alarge reflective object that is 999 yards away. I have ranged moving vehicles out to 598 yards and I even got a reading of 295 yards off of an Elk on a ridge line one time. I have found that the accuracy on game with in200 yards is dead on.

Check out more optical range finders advice at opticalrangefindes.com. You can also read some great reviews on the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 there as well.

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