Rifle scope with range finder
Range finders of today have evolved from the old triangulating telemeters of the late 1800s and are extremely accurate in measuring the distance from one object to another. Distance-measuring devices, first used in military operations and photography, are now popular instruments for both hunters and golfers.
Golf Range Finders
Until recently, the United States Golf Association (USGA) considered measuring distance with a mechanical or electronic instrument a rules violation. But in 2006, the USGA changed its interpretation of the rules and now range finders are considered legal. Golf range finders are typically used to obtain a near-exact distance to the flagstick, or some other object, such as a tree indicating the beginning of a "dogleg." Knowing distance helps the golfer choose which club to use.
Hunting
Before range finders, hunters relied on their experience in judging the distance to their quarry. Rifle scopes often included horizontal crosshairs to assist the hunter in judging distance, but they were not exact and relied on the hunter's eye and the size of the game. Modern-day range finders take the guesswork out of the distance, but if the game is on the run, a range finder is all but useless.
Laser Technology
Laser range finders shoot a beam to the target object, and when that beam bounces back, the distance is displayed on an optical screen. The best and most accurate lasers are also combined with the most expensive optical lenses. Manufacturers boast accuracy up to 1,500 feet, with accuracy of as little as one foot, but much of these claims depend on the steady hand of the user. The longer the range, the more difficult it may be to hold steady on the target. Hunters often use a tripod for a secure base when hunting long-range game such as antelope.
Size
Range finders vary in size, depending on their intended use. A golfer wants a small unit that can easily fit into the pocket of a golf bag, but hunters usually won't enjoy that compact option. Many range finders look like binoculars and operate in much the same manner. The longer the distance you want to accurately measure, the larger the range finder will be.
Cost
Golfers can typically purchase a quality range finder that can easily obtain an accurate reading from a flagstick for a few hundred dollars; usually the distance to be measured is a few hundred yards at most. Hunters, on the other hand, find themselves spending several thousand dollars for the most sophisticated laser and optic technology for those long-range shots.
Tags: range finders, range finder, judging distance, measuring distance, Range finders, that easily