Reviews - Nikon Monarch Laser 1200 Rubber-Armored Black Waterproof Rangefinder, Black 8358 Reviews - NI-RF-8358

Author: RB (verified customer) , use this tripod for a chronograph with handload development, from Fresno, CA on Apr 30, 2013
Pros:  It is able to make instant readings well-beyond normal hunting distances
Cons:  it is a separate unit, not built-in to a binocular
Would recommend:  yes

RB wrote:

I purchased a Nikon 1200 rangefinder after trying two inexpensive, entry-level rangefinders. The inexpensive rangefinders started to hesitate on ranging trees after 400 yards. The Nikon 1200 gives instant readings at double that distance, though it will hesitate, too, when the distances get over 1000 yards. For practical hunting where someone wants a quick reading on an animal around 300-400 yards away, or where someone needs to filter-out a closer tree or branch and read the more distant object, the Nikon immediately pays for itself. This is where the bar is set for serious hunters. The Nikon 1200 rangefinder makes a great pair with the Nikon 10-42 Monarch binoculars. The only way to outclass these would be to spend $2500 for the Leica Geovid binocular-rangefinder in one package. I've compared the Geovid in hunting conditions and can honestly say that the Nikons took a very respectable, almost imperceptible, second place, despite the huge price differential. The Nikons are a great ...
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Author: rjtscuba from carrollton texas on Mar 2, 2013
Would recommend:  yes

rjtscuba wrote:

Great Buy!! Was able to range out to 1000 yards with no problem

Author: Cuse17 , Golfer, from Boca Raton FL on Dec 25, 2012
Pros:  Waterproof/easy to read
Cons:  Cant give you one
Would recommend:  yes

Cuse17 wrote:

Most golf range finders are tough to read..sun makes it worse. Eye piece really helps. Viewing mode helps avoid picking up secondary objects. G First Target. Waterproof not resistant. Lots of where did you get it...most Pro Shops don't carry Nikon

Author: DV (verified customer) from Austin, TX on Jan 28, 2012
Would recommend:  yes

DV wrote:

I bought this Nikon after researching rangefinders that can measure out to 1K m/y and settled on this one. I am not sure if this is a faulty unit. I was only able to range out to ~200m or so and not beyond that. I tested out on a slightly cloudy day and a very sunny day here in beautiful Austin from up on the hills here. I tried to range buildings, light poles, bridge, cars parked in a parking lot. The only thing it was able to consistently range was a light pole about ~200m away. I am not sure if its a faulty unit, returned it to get a Zeiss Victory 8 x 26 PRF Rangefinder instead.

Author: Stas (verified customer) from Moscow Russia on Jul 27, 2011
Pros:  Excellent tool
Cons:  no
Would recommend:  yes

Stas wrote:

Excellent tool. The accuracy of the measurement range at the highest level. Measures the distance without interference, even on the water. Super. Highly recommend.

Author: Alex123 (verified customer) from Deep in the heart, TX on Jul 22, 2011
Pros:  Fast, excellent image clarity, not too heavy.
Cons:  No backlight intensity adjustment
Would recommend:  yes

Alex123 wrote:

I like my new Nikon 1200 Rangefinder. I find it very easy to operate with reliable yardage results. I like the fact that the viewfinder is not cluttered with a bunch of information I don't want to see every time I look through it. My only gripe is that there is no adjustment of the backlight feature. It's ON or it's OFF.

Author: Rabbitsniper (verified customer) , varmint shooter, from victoria australia on May 29, 2011
Pros:  good value for money
Cons:  would like it smaller.
Would recommend:  yes

Rabbitsniper wrote:

Bought the Monarch laser 1200 and was quite happy with its ranging capabilities. Optics are slightly degraded by what looks like the visual display overlapping the optics. It is therefore not as nice optically or as small as the leica that my brother purchased. It is however very good value for money and does the job well.

Author: Roger (verified customer) from Des Moines Iowa on Dec 18, 2010
Pros:  Accurate, Compact, Ease of Use, Light Weight
Cons:  None so far.
Would recommend:  yes

Roger wrote:

Works night or day, measured light pole in the dark at 651 yards with just enough light to make out what it was and to my surprise it was right on. Measured billboard at 1323 yards in daylight and only 3 yards short had no idea it would measure that distance. Deer at 436 spot on, wow. Nikon has it right for sure. Glad I made this choice. One day service from Opticsplanet, could not ask for more. Very Happy.

Author: 2ndchance (verified customer) , Long Range Terror... Run ya little varnmints... you'll only die tired., from Glendale AZ on May 28, 2010
Pros:  Lightweight, ranges in day or night
Cons:  Does not adjust for trajectory, just line of sight.
Would recommend:  yes

2ndchance wrote:

After a long search, I was left with two choices. This Nikon 1200 or the Leica Rangemaster CRF 1200. Leica has the better name and finer laser but it has three big drawbacks. 1) only water resistant up to 1 meter. 2) $150+ more than the Nikon 1200. 3) relies on an antiquated "reflective" laser ranging. This Nikon is waterproof! It also ranges in the dark since it does NOT use reflective technology like most other laser rangefinders! At under $400, it's a great value for something that ranges up to 1200 yards/meters. Easy one-button operation and one-button mode change. Nice battery saver feature and the 7x zoom is FANTASTIC! The view is also not cluttered with a bunch on useless junk so you get full view of what you want to range. It also has a backlight feature for low light use. The ranging time is fast... almost instantaneous. FREAKING AMAZING! No regrets here!

Author: thomas mcdowell , lifelong hunter and gear tester. , from chesterton indiana on Nov 18, 2009
Pros:  low cost,can range deer to >600yds,brightness
Cons:  cannot change backlight intensity can only switch on/off
Would recommend:  yes

thomas mcdowell wrote:

On my nikon monarch 1200 I have found the following. Deer-300yds facing/575-600yds broadside, large concrete columns grey/white (RR bridge) 1368yds, yes it will range beyond 1200yds, trees beech smooth white 25" dia. 938yds, oak rough brown 30" dia. 787yds these I would say are non reflective targets . All where at mid day no precipitation with no secondary interfering brush/limbs or ground rise between the unit/target. "Not useful beyond 800yds" I dont agree . I shoot a 300win. mag. with 6.5-20X leupold to a max. hunting range of 600yds and find it very useful. Monarch 1200 Brightness scale rating -10 thru 0 (0 being your un aided eye) thru +10 I give the unit a +2 which is just slighty better than bare eyes at twilight with no moon. For reference the 6.5-20X scope listed above gets my rating of +6 @ 6.5X , +2 @ 10X , and -4@ 20X. The backlit recticle feature of the monarch 1200 is to be used after ranging in low light to see the recticle and yardage/meters not during due to its being ...
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