Introduction
Leica as a brand name has long been synonymous with premium optical performance and pioneering technology. Their products guarantee outstanding user experience and lifelong reliability, all wrapped up in Leica’s trademark sleek and classic design. This year is no different.
At NSSF SHOT Show 2019, the German company unveiled the new Leica Rangemaster CRF 2800.COM, a Bluetooth® laser rangefinder that works in combination with the completely new Leica Hunting App. Thanks to the newly expanded range of detection that is 2800 yards (2560 metres), this exceptional optical device is a welcome addition to Leica’s incredibly successful portfolio of hand-held laser rangefinders.
New Features
Business as usual, Leica continues to push the boundaries of innovation by incorporating quite a few upgrades from the previous model, Leica Rangemaster CRF 2700-B. The most striking step-up is definitely the introduction of Bluetooth® connectivity. It is important to note that Rangemaster CRF 2800.COM is Leica’s very first laser rangefinder of this kind, following the current trend set by Sig Sauer’s revolutionary KILO2400ABS rangefinder in 2017. Last year, Zeiss introduced Victory RF binoculars with Bluetooth® connectivity at IWA OutdoorClassics 2018. But as the industry has shown time and time again: It doesn’t matter who did it first, it’s who did it best. Therefore, thanks to Leica quality of production, this superb little device will surely be seen as a benchmark product.
First, let’s expand more on the Bluetooth® connectivity. This versatile laser rangefinder offers full access to the new Leica Hunting App, where all CRF settings (including the updated Leica Online Ballistics Tool) can be viewed and fine-tuned via smartphone screen to satisfy even the most advanced and tech-savvy users. The user can switch between the US (in yards) and EU (in metres) output.
The Advanced Ballistic Compensation® doesn’t just calculate all the important ballistic data (true ballistic range, holdover and click adjustment) – as impressive as that is already! Serious hunters will be pleased to find out that ABC® even allows the user to add their own custom ballistic data for specific types of ammunition through a smartphone. This is a key feature for those interested in long-range shooting and long-range hunting where the smallest variation in parameters can affect the path of the bullet. The Leica Hunting App app will be available in the Apple iTunes store and Google Play store from January 1 for free.
Modern hunters who value freedom and flexibility of use will be pleased to find out that all relevant information is provided by the device and can be accessed without the use of a smartphone. For the US market, Leica ABC® ballistics also utilizes Kestrel Elite wind metre, a combination that promises incredible results for long-range shooting. Note that all ambient parameters are taken into account. With that, there is truly no need for additional calculations and gadgets. Leica’s state-of-the-art temperature, air pressure and incline sensors ensure that nothing is left to chance.
For distance measurements from 10 and up to 200 yards (183 metres), the Leica CRF 2800.COM shows these measurements in decimal numbers. Archers and bowhunters, in particular, will appreciate the incredibly accurate range output. This model is no different from its predecessors when it comes to determining the EHR (equivalent horizontal range) for a hunting application. As always, Leica limits this range of detection to 1200 yards (1100 metres) in the interest of ethical hunt.
Let’s take a look at the optical properties of this model. As always, Leica guarantees razor-sharp and vivid images with incredible detail clarity. This laser rangefinder comes with a magnification power of 7x. Due to the wide field of view, targeting is fast and easy. Quality lens provide a high light transmission rate that won’t leave the Rangemaster CRF 2800.COM user hanging even in a low light environment. Inner lenses are covered with High Durable Coating (HDC®) and there is the well-known AquaDura® coating applied to the external surface of the objective lens.
Another important advancement can be seen looking at the display. The latest LED display comes with a new brightness setting that promises improved screen resolution and visibility. As with the previous model, the LED display auto-adjusts to the ambient light and provides quick but precise readings that are crucial for in the field application. When it comes to Leica, fast and fluent scan mode is a luxury made standard.
The new Leica Rangemaster CRF 2800.COM is a compact and lightweight device, fitting perfectly into every hunter’s pocket. It’s made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic material. The ergonomic comfortable and non-slip grip design makes this laser rangefinder super easy to hold in just one hand.
Leica’s target audience are long-range hunters and long-range shooters but the versatility of this device can elevate the experience for everyone, no matter the field of Rangemaster CRF 2800.COM application: from an ordinary hunter to a professional precision shooter. The wide range of usability is a definite plus.
Conclusion
Simplicity is key. Rangemaster CRF 2800.COM is a meticulously crafted Leica product and as such, the superior yet minimalist design comes as no surprise. But don’t let the fancy form and the lightweight feel of this laser rangefinder distract you. At its very core, this model offers a reliable Leica mechanism and robust housing so that users can enjoy years and years of use under all weather conditions.
Without a doubt, Rangemaster CRF 2800.COM is a perfect choice for all hunters who want no compromise between premium performance and a pleasing physical form. The product comes with 2 years of warranty and is available in all stores worldwide since January 22nd.
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