This is a review on the superb Swarovski Laser Guide 8x30 1500 yard (maximum) range finder. I used the Laser Guide all fall this year in all weather conditions. It performed flawlessly. It is small, light weight and very easy to use. Just point and click and the target distance is displayed instantly.

This is the longest distance range finder that I have used to date and I was not to sure as to how well it would work when the animals were really out there.

The longest distance I ranged deer with was 783 yards. It was a small group of 2 does and 3 fawns feeding. As I switched from deer to deer the distances were displayed for each one. Scanning back to a deer in the distance was repeated if it had not moved. 

During wet rainy days I had no trouble getting readings with it. It performed well when targets were in the bush with minimal obstructions. From ground blinds I could use it through the smallest openings and get accurate readings, as long as there was a clear line of sight. Cold weather did not affect the range finder's readings either. At least -20C didn't affect it.

For long range use I was impressed. Cows and horses were displayed as being up to 1634 yards. That's a long way!

The optics are 8X and "Swarovski" clear. I was able to use it right up to heavy dusk and still get good readings. The display is always in view, so there is no need to drop them to look and see. Scanning is also available making it very useful to range several objects at a single viewing. Like the Swarovski binoculars the Laser Guide has the screw-in eyepiece that will not break and it allows those of us with glasses to see properly through it.

My main use is not on animals, but on the areas surrounding my blind, or wherever I set up. I am a traditional bow hunter and have a limited range for shooting with longbows and re-curves. In a minute I can scan my surroundings and know how far every object is. Knowing where my "shoot zone" is helped me take this nice elk.  When he stopped walking and looked into the field I knew he was 15 yards away and well within my comfort zone. He first appeared at a stump that was 40 yards out and too far to shoot. I know this because I scanned the area when I first set up. No guessing, just known distances for the surrounding areas.

When this buck was taken I had scanned the area when I set up the double bull blind. I knew my decoy was 18 yards away, and also knew what distance every feature around me was. I did not have to ask myself if he was in range before I shot; I already knew.

Rifle hunters that shoot longer distances will be able to actually range the animals before shooting. We normally do not have that luxury when we are so close with our bows.

I used this range finder exclusively this year and took a lot of readings on every outing. The battery was still good at the end of November. The Laser Guide comes with a neck strap and a belt clip that both have their place. I preferred the belt clip for my use, as it also acted as a lens protector.

The Swarovski Laser Guide is the best performing range finder that I have used to date. It is definitely recommended as a very good product that doubles as a high quality monocular and a laser range finder.

It makes you feel great when you succeed and have trust in your gear.

 (photo taken after I took my first ever Elk with a long bow).