The Laser Rangefinder – An Increasingly Popular Optical Device

Posted on | September 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The following extract is from a series of digital product articles and videos about laser rangefinders …

“How far away is that?” Most of us have asked this question at one time or another. From the surveyor looking to establish a position from a known point, to the hunter|hunters zeroing in on his sights, to the golfer on approach to the green, they all need to calculate an accurate distance. Many tools and techniques have been used for measuring. Tapes, wheels, and even pacing have been used, but none are as simple or accurate as the laser rangefinder. Found in binocular and monocular form, all you have to do is set your sight on an object, push a button, and an accurate measurement, from your position to the object, is displayed for you.

The workings of a laser rangefinder are pretty simple when you pause to consider it. A short pulse of a laser is fired at a set target and the time it takes to bounce back is then measured. The internal system of the range finder calculates the distance between you and the object, and that measurement is the given feet, yards etc. It all began as technology used for the military and certain high-end users, yet handheld versions for personal use have now become popular, especially in with golfers. You can even find binocular accessories to go with the range finders nowadays!

With all this technological implementation on optical components, there is a downfall. The laser beam needs to be able to reflect back in order to calculate the range. This also narrows the distance to approximately 1500 yards, in consumer versions, as greater distances prevent accurate reflection. Also, an object behind trees or brush can become obscured, with early returns giving inaccurate measurements. The technology is still rather expensive, as a Nikon Monarch monocular system will cost around $400. Cheaper systems with a reduced range can be found for no more than $100. Specialized optical systems with a higher range, and designed for harsh environments, can cost you in excess of $17,000!

There are many different applications for which you can use a laser rangefinder. Professional and amateur golfers and hunters still make up a large portion of the consumer market but new applications are developing for the laser binocular rangefinders and monoculars. These instruments are no longer as expensive as they once were, so more people are now finding everyday uses around their homes for a laser range finder. It certainly makes hanging those pictures easier!

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