Rangefinders - a guide to their uses

Dropping prices and minature electronic components partnered with low-cost but high quality optic lenses have brought high-quality rangefinders into the orbit of most sportsmen and women.

The basic purpose of a rangefinder is to give you an accurate approximation of the distance to an object. This data can trim many shots of a golfer's round and improve the accuracy of a huntsman, to bring up but two uses.

This hub aims to give you an overview of the rangefinders which are available and the main uses for these devices.

Golf Rangefinders - when you've bought the best golf-clubs and most innovative golf balls the next step to better your game is a golf rangefinder. Your main consideration will be size of the rangefinder, a big, bulky rangefinder will be awkward and soon be left in the changing room. The best rangefinders these months are able to evaluate the distance to a flag with a 1 yard accuracy from one mile away.

Hunting rangefinders - if you are an active hunter and have expended respectable sums on your gun and additional gear you should consider buying a hunting rangefinder. Distance to your quarry is a very important element in determining your accuracy and a rangefinder will give you this distance exactly. The main features you should also seek are a small compact rangefinder and one that is waterproofed.

Optical Rangefinders - optical rangefinders approximate the distance to the target by sending a light beam which reflects off the target area. Rangefinder Electronics then assess the response time and calclate the distance involved. To work there needs to be a uncluttered line of sight to the target area and good weather conditions.

Laser Rangefinders - laser rangefinders are not brand-new, having been employed by the armed forces for several years. Commonly employed by surveyors a hand-held laser range findercan be employed to rapidly measure the size of a room or property for sale.