Serious hunting requires capable accessories. Being able to measure the distance of targets and the accuracy of your shots to help you improve is always a positive factor. Laser rangefinders can measure distances with precision and hence they are the most sought after devices for this purpose. Nikon is one of the best international optical device manufacturers and they also have many great rangefinders to select from.
Nikon ProStaff 3 Laser Rangefinder Review with Detail Features
Easy to Carry and Lightweight
The device is pocket sized and can easily fit in the smallest space inside your backpack or accessory kit and can also be worn on your belt. Also, the Nikon Prostaff 3 is extremely lightweight at only a mere 6.3 ounces. Its compact and sturdy build makes sure that it is always ready to take on any environmental situation. The ergonomic design factors ensures an easy grip on the device and ease of use.
Prominent Non-Cluttered LED Display
Sometimes it is difficult to read numbers and letters on a LED screen in bright light conditions. But this is absolutely not the case with the Prostaff 3. It features a bright and crisp LED display that is non-cluttered and thus easier to read and capable of working even in the brightest daylight conditions without any kind of trouble. The device has an exit pupil of 3.5mm which produces bright, crisp images even in low lighting. The adjustable eyepiece (+ / – 4 diopter adjustments) is provided with 18.2mm eye relief and a 6 degree angular field view.
Good Range
For hunting purposes, having to measure distances more than 500 yards is not a very common occurrence because as distance increases, accuracy decreases. However with intense training, hitting a target at 500 yards can happen. This rangefinder can measure targets up to 550 yards which is valuable. In real life conditions, this particular model is reported to accurately measure objects located as many as 620 yards away.
Excellent Battery Life
Prostaff 3 has a brilliant battery life. Since the LCD display is one of the most battery consuming parts in a device, Nikon has included an auto shutoff which turns it off after the reading has been displayed for 8 seconds. The rangefinder is reported to have a long-lasting battery life of about a month with moderate usage. With such a battery life, you do not need to worry about running out of power while you are on a hunting trip.
Waterproof and Fogproof
Hunting is a sport where diverse environmental conditions can take a toll on your accessories. As with most electronics, rain and fog are the two most commonly encountered problems which can render them useless and even destroy a device completely. The Prostaff 3 is waterproof and fogproof which means you will have full functionality even in those conditions. Though the battery chamber is not waterproof, that is not something that should be of too much concern.
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PROS:
- Ergonomic, compact and lightweight design complimented by being waterproof and fogproof.
- Non cluttered LED display can be read with ease even in very bright outdoor conditions.
- Has 18.2 mm eye relief.
- Measures 550 yards accurately (but unofficially more than that) and gives measurements in yards or meters.
- Power saving features and excellent battery life.
CONS:
- The battery compartment is not waterproof or fogproof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q) Can this measure the height of a tree or take any upward measurements?
A) This device cannot take upward measurements unless it has a solid object to focus on.
Q) What kind of battery does it use?
A) It uses a single CR2 type battery.
Q) Can this rangefinder be mounted on a tripod?
A) No it does not have the necessary attachment to be mounted on a tripod.
Final Verdict
As this Nikon Prostaff 3 Laser Rangefinder Review nears its end, it is specifically important to note that this is a very budget friendly device, yet it has tons of features. Also, the Prostaff 3 is very compact, sturdy and weatherproof and almost a perfect accessory for beginner hunters and professionals alike. Coming from one of the best international optical hardware brands, Nikon, the Prostaff 3 can be trusted for its quality and ability to perform. If a laser rangefinder is on your shopping list, give it a try and chances are you will fall in love with this device.
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You can check out a few other Best Hunting Rangefinder Reviews with Buying Guide.
