Rangefinders are an essential hunting tool especially if you are a long-range hunter.
So if you’re looking for a long-range rangefinder that comes with various features and excellent optics then the Leica 1600B may just be the one for you.
Leica is a German company founded by Ernst Leitz and today, they are producers of cameras, lenses, binoculars, rifle scopes microscopes on ophthalmic lenses
The company was founded in 1869 and changed its name from Leitz Company to Leica in 1986.
The Leica brand is well known for its high-quality products that provide superior performance and outstanding results.
Let’s jump right into this Leica 1600b rangefinder review.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
Leica 1600b review
- Range: 1600 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 8 oz
The Leica Rangemaster CRF 1600B rangefinder like its predecessor, the Leica Rangemaster 1600, brings sophisticated electronics to solve all your ballistics problems.
This gives hunters and outdoorsmen a huge advantage in the field.
This unit offers new and improved features, such as the ability to accurately measure the distance to the target and calculate the bullet trajectory before it hits that target.
Moreover, the rangefinder’s microcomputer also factors in any elevation, declination in the landscape as well as the temperature, and the barometric pressure in its calculations.
There is no need to study and memorize bullet ballistics tables and no hassle when measuring the distances to targets.
The optics are crystal clear and heavily coated to enhance your view.
The unit is also weather-resistant and can withstand harsh hunting environments to ensure you are on target every time.
Notable features on the Leica Rangemaster CRF 1600B
Advanced Ballistic Compensation(ABC)
The Leica rangefinder 1600b comes with a built-in ballistic solver that uses generic ballistic curves.
It uses predetermined zero ranges to give you 12 different holdover corrections in either centimeters or inches.
This way you get to choose the best option that matches your ammunition and the expected conditions since the unit also factors in the temperature and the atmospheric pressure.
This unit provides corrections for targets up to 875 yards away.
Equivalent Horizontal Compensation(EHC)
Equivalent Horizontal Compensation is also included in the ABC Mode but this feature compensates for inclines and declines in the terrain.
This allows you to shoot targets at a steep angle with unmatched precision and gives you a compensated holdover calculation of the angle as well as the distance to the target.
The ballistic solver and angle compensating feature, together, give you compensated horizontal range, the holdover, or the number of MOA clicks required on the rapid reticle adjustment.
Scan Mode
Every hunter at one point or another had a target that moves constantly which makes it hard for your rangefinder to deliver accurate measurements.
Or maybe you’ve tried to measure the distance to a smaller target but couldn’t.
With the Leica Rangemaster 1600B, that is no longer an issue as this rangefinder can be used for continuous measurements.
To activate the Scan Mode, simply hold down the Main button after powering on the device and after 2.5 seconds, the unit will start providing continuous measurements.
The continuous measurements can be seen on the display and a new measurement pops up every second or so.
Range
This Leica rangefinder 1600b has a maximum range to target from 10 to 1600 yards using an FDA Class 1 eye-safe, invisible-light laser.
However, the maximum range is only achieved to highly reflective targets.
That being said, the range of trees and deers is still pretty impressive.
The rangefinder can deliver accurate readings to trees 1000 yards away and deers from 700 yards away.
The measurements provided are usually accurate to approx. ±1 yard up to 500 yards, ±2 yards up to 1000 yards, and ± 0.5% over 1000 yards.
Optics
For optics, the Leica 1600B comes with a 24mm lens and a roof prism system featuring excellent optical properties.
The lenses of this rangefinder are fully multi-coated with High Durable Coating and Aqua-Dura coating.
The interior prism is also coated and features a P40 phase correction coating.
All the coatings combine to provide you with sharp and crystal clear images in varying operating conditions from 14 degrees Fahrenheit to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
This device has an optical zoom of 7x to bring your target closer without actually getting closer.
The field of view(FOV) is 345 feet at 1000 yards.
The FOV is good enough for a generous linear FOV to help acquire targets faster and easier.
To further help you to focus on your target, the unit auto-focuses at a very fast rate and you can acquire accurate distance to the target in mere seconds.
Other specs include the LED display that provides a red readout so even in low light conditions, your distance measurement will be clearly visible.
Glasses wearers can also make use of this unit since it comes with an eye relief of 15mm.
Operation
Operating this unit is simple and fast due to its two-button design.
Both the main button and the secondary button make things pretty easy once you familiarize yourself with the unit.
The main button operates the ranging feature while the secondary button it’s used for measuring atmospheric conditions and the angle of the shot.
To acquire the accurate distance to the target, you simply press the main button to illuminate the aiming square.
Next, move the rangefinder until the target in the square then press the button again to range that target.
After a few seconds, the distance measurement will be shown on the LED display.
On the other hand, the secondary button is used to activate the different modes and to display the pressure, air temperature, and angle of fire measurements.
Making use of this secondary button takes practice and can be a bit more of a learning curve however once you’ve gotten the hang of it it is pretty easy to understand and make use of.
If you’re having a hard time, the company includes a user manual.
You can also find a downloadable version online as well as several videos that can assist you so that you get the most out of your rangefinder.
Battery
The battery life of this rangefinder can be considered excellent.
This unit is powered by the included single 3V CR2 battery.
The battery is expected to last up to 2000 measurements depending on operating temperatures and other factors.
When the battery is weak, the display will start to flash, alerting you to its status.
This usually happens when you’re down to 100 measurements left.
At this point, it is recommended to keep a spare battery handy.
To replace the battery, the process is fairly simple and does not require the use of special tools.
The power consumption on this Leica rangefinder is excellent, the unit even shuts off 6 seconds after the main button is pressed.
Design
The Leica rangefinder is made from highly durable carbon fiber reinforced plastic that can withstand a 3.2 feet water depth.
For minor mishaps and falls, this rangefinder is also water-tight for up to 30 minutes.
The housing has a soft lacquered finish which gives it a really cool look.
On the other hand, the unit comes with a cast aluminum interior chassis to further strengthen the device.
This rangefinder is fog-proof with nitrogen-purged lenses so you can get out there and hunt, no matter the time of day or weather condition.
This unit is tough, rugged, and built with the hunter in mind.
It was made to survive harsh hunting environments and still perform at its best.
- Reliable ranging up to 2, 700 yds. - Highest range in Class/ resolution for its range is 10x better...
- Enhance your individual precision with micro SD card for ballistic Data input/ ABC ballistics - get...
- Get the angle compensated distance for "a real long range distance"/ high performance LED display...
Pros: Leica 1600
- Advanced Ballistic Compensation(ABC)
- Equivalent Horizontal Compensation(EHC)
- Scan Mode
- Temperature and atmospheric pressure information
- Measures the distance to targets 1600 yards away
- 7x magnification
- High Durable Coating and Aqua-Dura coating on lenses
- P40 phase correction coating on the interior prism
- Two-button operation
- Excellent battery life
- Durable and rugged
Cons: Leica 1600
- Understanding how the buttons work can take some time
- Expensive
Alternatives to the Leica 1600-B rangefinder
The Leica 1600B rangefinder is an awesome rangefinder for the long-range hunter.
However, at its price point, many hunters may not be willing to spend that amount.
If you are someone on a budget and looking for a rangefinder that comes with similar features and capabilities as the Leica 1600B, then this list of alternatives is for you.
Here, we will talk about 3 alternatives to the Leica 1600B that will give you value for your money.
Bushnell 6x24mm Nitro 1800 Gun Metal Gray LRF
- Range: 2000 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 12 oz
First off, we have the Bushnell Nitro 1800 laser rangefinder with long-distance capabilities that comes in at a lower price than the Leica 1600-B.
This rangefinder can range targets up to 2000 yards away with accuracy within +/- 1 yard.
It has 6x magnification with a powerful computing engine and an advanced ballistic App for both Android and iOS.
This device provides shooting solutions including hold-over and hold-off values out to 875 yards.
However, with a software upgrade, you can stretch the ballistics capability out to a whopping 2000 yards.
This increases the value of this rangefinder significantly and makes it more appealing to hunters.
Most hunters agree that the Bushnell Nitro 1800 is the ideal rangefinder for long-range hunters and even long-range shooters who compete in shooting competitions agree as well.
This device comes with Bluetooth technology to connect your phone for easy data input whether at home or in the field.
You can even add weather variables by using this unit in conjunction with a Kestrel Weather meter to up your odds.
The optics on this device is sharp and clear as you’d expect from Bushnell.
It features a simple and robust 2-button design and very user-friendly.
- Made from the best quality materials
Bushnell Elite CONX Rangefinder
- Range: 1760 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 12.1 oz
Next on the list, we have the Bushnell Elite CONX rangefinder that costs a bit more than the Bushnell Nitro but not quite as much as the Leica 1600B.
It comes with 7x magnification like the Leica 1600 B but the maximum range is out to 1760 yards, slightly more than the Leica rangefinder.
This rangefinder interfaces with your smartphone which can be connected via CONX.
Once connected, you can set up 3 different custom ballistic curves to get holdover values in inches, MOA, or MILs which can be displayed on your phone or the rangefinder’s display.
Using this unit with the Kestrel Windmeter, advanced ballistic data like wind and environmental conditions are also taken into consideration before delivering holdover values.
The Bushnell Elite can also compensate for extreme uphill and downhill angles in the landscape when calculating the distance to deliver accurate results.
With several modes, hunters can choose the best Mode to suit their current situation.
The VSI Rifle Mode, for example, provides holdover and bullet drop information for your rifle’s zero.
You can choose between 100, 150, 200, and 300 yards with measurements in inches, centimeters, MOA, and MILS from 5 to 1,000 yards
The Bushnell Elite CONX rangefinder provides superior contrast, clarity, and light transmission, thanks to its fully multi-coated optics.
This unit is completely waterproof and fog-proof protection and includes complete immersion so feel free to range in all weather and temperature conditions.
- Ranges from 5-1,760 yards with 1/10-yard display precision and 7 times magnification
- Laser wirelessly communicates with the conx app on both iOS and Android platforms and allows…
- Wind data is incorporated into holdover values with the use of approved kestrel wind meters (not…
Leupold RX-1600i TBR Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 1600 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.8 oz
The Leupold RX-1600i TBR laser rangefinder offers quite a lot at a reasonably fair price like the Leica 1600-B rangefinder,
This high-quality and dependable rangefinder comes with digitally enhanced accuracy, quick setup, and a built-in inclinometer for extreme precision.
Additionally, this Leupold rangefinder also uses Leupold TBR/W technology which takes several environmental factors into account before delivering holdover values.
This means that the unit corrects for wind using complex ballistic calculations instead of simple trigonometry.
Moreover, the built-in inclinometer provides horizontal distance since the bullet trajectory won’t be the same if you shoot at an incline or decline angle.
This is a must-have for shooters that shoot from tree stands or any other elevated locations.
The maximum range of this Leupold rangefinder allows you to range out to targets up to 1600 yards with 1/2 yards accuracy.
Maximum range is achieved to highly reflective targets and the range to trees is at 1400 yards and 1000 yards on big to medium-sized animals.
Magnification power of this device is less than the Leica unit but still good enough at 6x with a FOV of 315 feet at 1000 yards.
The OLED display is easy to read and the multi-coated lenses can adjust light levels to meet your conditions so you can track your target no matter the lighting conditions.
Final thoughts: Leica 1600b Review
The Leica Rangemaster CRF 1600B is a very powerful unit that comes decked out with awesome performance features that makes it worth the price.
As we can see in this Leica 1600B review, this model consists of various modes which hunters can benefit from in the field.
The built-in ballistic solver with angle compensation and 12 different ballistic curves for extreme precision to guarantee success.
The range can go all the way to 1600 yards and the 7x magnification brings targets closer and still provides a wide enough FOV.
The display and optics are top-class as you’d expect from a Leica product while the design and build are robust and rugged enough to withstand almost any mishap on your hunting trip.
If you want to read about more rangefinders, here’s the best hunting rangefinder and best rangefinders for long range shooting articles for you.
Rangefinder
Features
Price