When it comes to the game of golf, precision and accuracy are paramount. Every golfer strives to master the art of distance estimation, and that’s where the Nikon Golf Rangefinder steps in. Designed with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence, this remarkable device revolutionizes the way golfers approach their shots on the course.
With a remarkable range of up to several hundred yards, golfers can accurately gauge distances to bunkers, trees, water hazards, and, most importantly, the flagstick. This invaluable information empowers golfers to make well-informed decisions, selecting the right club, and executing shots with confidence. Whether you’re a professional golfer looking for that competitive edge or an enthusiastic amateur striving to improve your skills, the Nikon Rangefinder is a game-changer. With its precision, performance, and user-friendly design, it is a trusted companion that helps golfers elevate their game to new heights.
Let precision be your guide as you navigate every shot, knowing that your distance measurements are accurate and reliable, every step of the way.
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 5 Nikon Rangefinder Reviews
- 1.1 1. Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
- 1.2 2. Nikon Coolshot 20i GII Golf Laser Slope Rangefinder
- 1.3 3. Nikon COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED
- 1.4 4. Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder
- 1.5 5. Nikon COOLSHOT 50i Rangefinder
- 1.6 Why do we pick Nikon Rangefinder for reviewing?
- 1.7 FAQs
- 1.7.1 What is a rangefinder on a Nikon camera?
- 1.7.2 What is rangefinder in Nikon D3100?
- 1.7.3 Is Nikon D3500 DX or FX?
- 1.7.4 What rangefinder does Rory McIlroy use?
- 1.7.5 Is Nikon L35AF a rangefinder?
- 1.7.6 Is Nikon Chinese or Japanese?
- 1.7.7 Why is Nikon so popular?
- 1.7.8 Why does Nikon use Sony sensors?
- 1.7.9 How does a rangefinder camera work?
- 1.8 How To Use A Rangefinder
- 1.9 Final Thoughts
Top 5 Nikon Rangefinder Reviews
Nikon Rangefinders have garnered a reputation for their exceptional quality and precision in the world of golf. Whether you’re a professional golfer or an enthusiastic amateur, Nikon offers a range of rangefinders to suit various needs and budgets. These devices provide golfers with accurate distance measurements, allowing for confident club selection and precise shot execution. With features like stabilization technology, slope adjustment, and target priority modes, Nikon Rangefinders offer a versatile and reliable tool on the golf course. Their rugged construction ensures durability, and their ergonomic designs make them comfortable to hold and operate. When it comes to choosing a rangefinder that combines performance, reliability, and innovation, Nikon remains a trusted choice for golfers seeking to enhance their game.
1. Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
The Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder is a cutting-edge device designed to enhance the accuracy and confidence of golfers on the course. Equipped with advanced stabilization technology, this rangefinder minimizes hand movements to ensure precise distance measurements. With its fast and reliable laser targeting, golfers can confidently lock onto any target, including small objects like flagsticks. The Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder is a game-changing tool that empowers golfers to make informed decisions and take precise shots with unshakable confidence.
Key Features
- Nikon’s exclusive stabilization technology stabilizes both the viewfinder and outbound laser, ensuring unmatched accuracy and control. This technology has been refined and proven through decades of use in Nikon camera lenses.
- The COOLSHOT PRO features an exclusive external LED that provides visual confirmation of the device being in a USGA conforming mode, eliminating doubts about disqualification and ensuring legality for tournament play.
- The rangefinder is equipped with a background contrasted crystal clear OLED display, offering excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. It also allows for the adjustment of brightness levels, both automatically and manually.
- The COOLSHOT PRO utilizes Nikon’s Locked-On 2 technology, which confirms lock on the target. In situations where there are background elements, such as a flagstick in front of trees, a green ring circles the target to confirm the lock.
- With a continuous measurement capability of up to 8 seconds, the rangefinder enables quick and effortless measurements of multiple targets like flagsticks, trees, and hazards, giving you all the information you need to prepare for your shot.
- The COOLSHOT PRO STABILIZED is not just water-resistant or rainproof, but fully waterproof, ensuring its reliability even in the toughest weather conditions. Additionally, it is fog proof, thanks to being nitrogen-filled, preventing internal condensation. The device is backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Compact & Lightweight
- Waterproof & Fogproof
- Exclusive Stabilization Technology
- Slope On/Off system
- Tournament legal
- Crystal Clear OLED Display
- Locked-On 2 Technology
- Advanced Pin Identification
- Quick Multi-Target Mapping
- Built to Withstand Harsh Conditions
Cons
- Sometimes slope mode button gives a little bit of trouble.
Related: Callaway 300 Pro Review
2. Nikon Coolshot 20i GII Golf Laser Slope Rangefinder
The Nikon Coolshot 20i GII Golf Laser Slope Rangefinder is a powerful and compact device designed to elevate your golf game. With its advanced features, this rangefinder provides accurate distance measurements while also factoring in slope adjustments to help you make more informed club selections.
Whether you’re a casual golfer or a seasoned pro, the Nikon Coolshot 20i GII Golf Laser Slope Rangefinder offers the accuracy, convenience, and slope-adjusted measurements you need to elevate your golfing experience and make more confident shots on the course.
Key Features
- The Coolshot 20i GII is the enhanced version of the top-selling Coolshot 20, now equipped with slope adjustment capabilities for accurate distance measurements that consider elevation changes on the course.
- This rangefinder has a range of 6-800 yards, displaying measurements in 1-yard increments and providing accuracy within 1 yard (under 100 yards) and 2 yards (over 100 yards). It offers measurements in both yards and meters for added convenience.
- The rangefinder provides both slope-adjusted (play-as) distances and straight-line distances, enabling fast and precise measurements for every shot, even those involving slopes. Nikon’s ID Technology simplifies club selection when facing elevation changes.
- The Coolshot 20i GII eliminates the guesswork associated with uphill or downhill shots, allowing you to accurately determine how far a shot will play with elevation changes, ensuring better club selection.
- Built with the expertise of Nikon, a reputable optics and technology leader with over 100 years of experience. The rangefinder comes with an industry-leading 5-year warranty and is rainproof (IPx4) to withstand various weather conditions.
- Features a high-quality 6x optical monocular with multilayer coating, delivering bright and clear images. The eyepiece focus diopter allows you to adjust the focus according to your vision, while the long eye relief (20mm) accommodates the use of sunglasses or eyeglasses.
- It offers a single or continuous measurement mode, allowing for quick and easy measurements of multiple targets without the need for additional indicators like vibrations or LEDs.
- Automatically displays the range to the first or nearest target among multiple measurements, ensuring that the measurement shown is the pin and not any objects in the background.
Related: TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
Pros
- Compact
- Increased Range
- Superior Accuracy
- Dual Display
- Slope Adjusted design
- Straight Line Distances
- Eliminate Second-Guessing
- Clear Viewing Nikon Optics
- Advanced Pin Identification
- Quick Multi-Target Mapping
- First Target Priority
Cons
- It may take a moment to lock onto the primary target
3. Nikon COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED
Prepare for a game-changing experience from the moment you lay eyes on the COOLSHOT PROII. The view through this rangefinder is simply breathtaking, offering a stunning, bright, clear, and razor-sharp image, thanks to the brilliance of Nikon’s optics. With the innovative DUAL LOCKED ON ECHO feature, you receive both visual and audible confirmation that your target is the flag, eliminating any confusion with trees or background objects.
Experience lightning-fast measurements with integrated HYPER READ technology and a premium OLED display. Key distance readings appear instantaneously, providing you with the crucial information you need for each shot. However, what truly sets the COOLSHOT PROII apart is its remarkable stability. Regardless of the weather conditions or your excitement level, the view through this rangefinder remains calm and steady, instilling unshakable confidence in every shot you take.
Key Features
- The rangefinder counteracts handshake and environmental factors, providing a steady view and ranging laser for accurate distance measurements.
- It offers a visual and audio cue to confirm that you are ranging the flag and not something behind it, eliminating any confusion during target acquisition.
- The laser technology provides a quick and stable measurement response in 0.3 seconds or less, ensuring swift and accurate distance readings regardless of the distance to the target.
- The COOLSHOT PROII is built to withstand the elements, being both waterproof and fog proof. This ensures reliable performance even in wet or foggy conditions.
- With ID Technology, the rangefinder delivers a single number that takes into account incline or declines shooting angles, allowing you to make precise club selections for optimal shots on hilly terrain.
Pros
- Easy to operating
- Quick and accurate reading
- Stabilized
- Dual locked-on echo system
- Hyper head
- Waterproof and Fogproof
- ID Technology
Cons
- No integrated magnet
- Low aesthetic value
Related: Top 10 Bushnell Golf Rangefinder Reviews
4. Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder
Featuring advanced optics from Nikon, the Coolshot 20 delivers clear and crisp visuals, allowing you to quickly lock onto your target with confidence. It is powered by a single battery, which is included with the rangefinder, ensuring you can start using it right away.
Key Features
- Unprecedented Size Weighing just 4.4 ounces, it is the most compact model in the Nikon Golf line, offering portability without compromising precision.
- Easy Way to Find Forgiveness Provides precise distance readings to the flagstick, hazards, trees, mounds, and other objects on the course, aiding in game management and shot selection.
- The 8-Second Continuous Scanning system Allows for continuous ranging for eight seconds, ideal for obtaining measurements of multiple or small/thin objects like hazards, pins, mounds, and trees.
- First Target Priority Mode is one of the perfect Revolutionary technology that prioritizes the closest targeted object, making it easier to range the flagstick even when surrounded by trees or other objects.
- Weatherproof design helps to withstand inclement weather conditions, with a wide temperature tolerance and rainproof construction, ensuring reliability and usability in adverse conditions.
- Versatile Tool Capable of ranging any object within sight, including hills, doglegs, trees, bunkers, lakes, golf carts, and flagsticks, eliminating the need for additional satellites or reflectors.
- These features make the COOLSHOT 20 Golf Rangefinder a powerful and convenient tool, delivering precision, versatility, and durability for golfers looking to enhance their club distance proficiency and game management skills.
- It simply measures the distance to a tree in front of the corner and then measures the distance to the woods to accurately determine the distance to the center of the fairway.
- It ensures a safe approach by using the COOLSHOT Golf Rangefinder to measure the distance to both the edge of the green and the hazard.
- It aids to measure critical points on the course, including the front or back of the green, bunkers, and the flagstick.
- With the COOLSHOT’s 6x optical monocular, you gain enhanced visibility, allowing you to assess what lies ahead before taking your swing, further aiding your strategic planning on the course.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Ease of use
- Accurate measurement
- Reliable device
- Single-button design
- Convenient to carry
- First Target Priority technology
- Waterproof
- Eliminate guesswork
- Versatile device
Cons
- Included soft carry case with snap close lid is not so durable
5. Nikon COOLSHOT 50i Rangefinder
The Nikon COOLSHOT 50i Golf Rangefinder Magnetic Mount Bundle offers everything you need for accurate distance measurement on the golf course. With its advanced technology and convenient accessories, this bundle is designed to enhance your golfing experience. With the Nikon COOLSHOT 50i Golf Rangefinder Magnetic Mount Bundle, you have the essential tools to accurately measure distances and improve your game on the golf course.
Key Features
- The COOLSHOT 50i Rangefinder provides precise distance measurements, allowing you to gauge distances to the flagstick, hazards, trees, and other objects on the course.
- Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry in your golf bag or pocket, ensuring that you have it readily available for every shot.
- The bundle includes a magnetic mount that securely attaches the rangefinder to a golf cart or other metal surfaces, keeping it within reach and easily accessible.
- It features a 6x power monocular with anti-glare and high-contrast coatings on the glass that ensures clear and sharp visuals and allows to easily spot the target on the golf course.
- The rangefinder offers a diopter adjustment, enabling you to fine-tune your vision for optimal clarity and accuracy while using the device.
- THE DUAL LOCKED ON QUAKE feature provides a visual cue and a gentle vibration, ensuring the targeting of the flag, not any objects in the background.
- It also includes three CR2 batteries, ensuring that you have a reliable power supply for extended use on the course.
- Included a lens cloth allows to keep the lens clean and free from smudges or debris, ensuring optimal performance and clear visibility.
Pros
- Compact design
- Innovative technology
- Clean and clear display
- A 6x magnification
- Waterproof
Cons
- A little bit pricy than other Nikon models
- A little bit tricky to operate
Why do we pick Nikon Rangefinder for reviewing?
There are several reasons why Nikon rangefinders are often chosen for reviewing:
Optics Expertise:
Nikon is renowned for its expertise in optics, backed by over a century of experience. They apply their optical knowledge and technology to produce rangefinders with high-quality lenses, delivering clear, sharp, and accurate visuals.
Reliable Distance Measurement:
Nikon rangefinders are known for their reliable distance measurement capabilities. They use advanced technology, such as laser technology and precise algorithms, to provide accurate distance readings to targets on the golf course.
Durability and Weather Resistance:
Nikon designs their rangefinders to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. They often incorporate rugged construction and weather-resistant features, such as waterproofing and fog proofing, ensuring that the rangefinders can perform well in various weather conditions.
User-Friendly Features:
Nikon pays attention to user convenience and ease of use. Their rangefinders often feature intuitive interfaces, clear displays, and ergonomic designs, allowing golfers to quickly and effortlessly obtain distance measurements and navigate through different modes and settings.
Brand Reputation:
Nikon has built a strong reputation as a trusted brand in the optics industry. Their products are known for their quality, reliability, and innovation, making them a popular choice among golfers and reviewers alike.
Considering these factors, Nikon rangefinders often stand out as reliable and high-performing devices, making them a preferred choice for reviewing and evaluating golf rangefinders.
FAQs
What is a rangefinder on a Nikon camera?
In the context of Nikon cameras, a “rangefinder” typically refers to a focusing aid or a focusing mechanism found in certain Nikon models. A rangefinder system allows photographers to manually adjust the focus of the lens by aligning overlapping images or patches in the viewfinder. When the images or patches coincide perfectly, the subject is in focus.
Rangefinder focusing systems work independently of the main lens and utilize a separate rangefinder window or a split-image rangefinder patch within the viewfinder. This mechanism is commonly found in older film cameras or select digital rangefinder models. It offers an alternative to autofocus and can be particularly useful for precise manual focusing, especially with lenses that lack autofocus capabilities.
It’s important to note that rangefinders are distinct from autofocus systems commonly found in modern DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Rangefinder focusing is a separate and specific method of achieving focus in certain Nikon camera models.
What is rangefinder in Nikon D3100?
The Nikon D3100 includes a helpful feature known as the “rangefinder,” which assists with achieving accurate focus. This feature presents a set of lines within the viewfinder, indicating if the focus is off to the left or right. When the lines align and a “0” is displayed, it signifies that the subject is in focus. This feature proves particularly beneficial when using manual focus lenses, as it provides visual guidance, aiding photographers in achieving precise focus.
Is Nikon D3500 DX or FX?
The Nikon D3500 is a DX-format camera. The “DX” designation indicates that it uses Nikon’s DX-format sensor, which is specifically designed for APS-C-sized sensors. The DX format is smaller than the full-frame (FX) format, which is used in Nikon’s high-end professional cameras. The D3500 is a popular entry-level DSLR camera that is compatible with Nikon’s DX lenses and accessories.
What rangefinder does Rory McIlroy use?
During practice rounds, professional golfers Rory McIlroy and Charley Hull utilize the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized golf rangefinder to check yardages. This advanced laser rangefinder assists them in accurately measuring distances on the golf course, aiding in their strategic decision-making and shot selection. The Coolshot Pro Stabilized model offers stabilization features that help ensure steady and precise measurements, contributing to improved performance on the course.
Is Nikon L35AF a rangefinder?
No, the Nikon L35AF is not a rangefinder camera. It is a compact, point-and-shoot camera with autofocus capabilities. The L35AF features a fixed lens and automatic exposure control, making it easy to use for casual photographers. It does not utilize a rangefinder focusing system, which is a separate focusing mechanism commonly found in rangefinder cameras. Instead, the L35AF uses an autofocus system to automatically focus on the subject, allowing for quick and convenient shooting.
Is Nikon Chinese or Japanese?
Nikon is a Japanese company. It was founded in 1917 as Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushikigaisha and has its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Nikon is known for its camera and optical products, including digital cameras, lenses, binoculars, microscopes, and other imaging-related equipment. While Nikon has a global presence and sells its products worldwide, it remains a Japanese company with its roots and primary operations based in Japan.
Why is Nikon so popular?
Nikon is popular for several reasons, contributing to its reputation and widespread use among photographers:
- Long-standing Legacy: Nikon has a rich history that spans over a century, and it has established itself as a reputable and trusted brand in the photography industry. Many professional photographers and enthusiasts have been using Nikon cameras for years, building brand loyalty and trust.
- Quality and Performance: Nikon cameras are known for their high-quality construction, reliable performance, and excellent image quality. Nikon has a reputation for producing cameras with robust build quality, advanced technologies, and impressive optics. Their cameras are often praised for their dynamic range, low-light performance, and accurate color reproduction.
- Diverse Product Lineup: Nikon offers a wide range of camera models, catering to different types of photographers and varying levels of expertise. They have options for professionals, enthusiasts, and entry-level users, ensuring there is a Nikon camera suitable for every skill level and photography genre.
- Extensive Lens Selection: Nikon has an extensive lineup of lenses that covers various focal lengths and lens types. Their Nikkor lenses are highly regarded for their optical performance, allowing photographers to achieve the desired results in terms of image quality and creative expression.
- Innovation and Technology: Nikon has a history of introducing innovative technologies and features in their cameras. They continually strive to improve autofocus systems, low-light capabilities, image stabilization, and other aspects of camera performance to meet the evolving needs of photographers.
- Professional Endorsements: Many professional photographers and industry experts have chosen Nikon cameras for their work, further enhancing the brand’s reputation. The endorsement and use of Nikon cameras by professionals in different fields of photography contribute to its popularity and perception as a reliable and capable brand.
- Customer Support and Services: Nikon has a well-established customer support network, offering services such as warranty coverage, repairs, and technical assistance. This commitment to customer support helps build trust and loyalty among Nikon users.
It’s important to note that popularity can vary depending on geographical regions, individual preferences, and market trends. Different photographers may have different reasons for choosing Nikon, and ultimately, the best camera brand for someone depends on their specific needs, preferences, and shooting style.
Why does Nikon use Sony sensors?
Nikon does not exclusively use Sony sensors in all of their cameras, but they have used Sony sensors in some of their camera models. The reason behind this is that Sony is a major manufacturer of image sensors, known for their expertise and advancements in sensor technology. Sony sensors are highly regarded for their image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance, making them a popular choice among camera manufacturers.
By incorporating Sony sensors into their cameras, Nikon can leverage advanced sensor technology to deliver better image quality and performance to their customers. It allows Nikon to focus on other aspects of camera design and functionality while relying on Sony’s sensor expertise.
It’s worth noting that camera manufacturers often use sensors from various suppliers, including Sony, Samsung, and others, depending on the specific camera model and its intended purpose. The choice of the sensor depends on factors such as performance requirements, cost, availability, and the specific needs of the camera model.
How does a rangefinder camera work?
A rangefinder camera is a type of camera that utilizes a rangefinder mechanism for focusing. Here’s a general overview of how a rangefinder camera works:
- Viewing and Focusing: In a rangefinder camera, the viewfinder and the focusing mechanism are separate. The viewfinder provides a view of the scene through a window or an optical system, while the focusing mechanism helps determine the distance to the subject.
- Rangefinder Patch: The viewfinder typically includes a rangefinder patch, which is a small area within the viewfinder that allows for focusing. The rangefinder patch can appear as a split image or a superimposed image within the viewfinder.
- Split-Image or Superimposed Image: In a split-image rangefinder patch, the image is divided into two halves horizontally, and the user manually adjusts the focus until the two halves align and merge together. With a superimposed image, a secondary image or patch is overlaid on the main image, and the user adjusts the focus until they are in alignment.
- Measuring the Distance: The rangefinder mechanism in the camera measures the distance to the subject by utilizing parallax. Parallax is the slight difference in perspective when viewing an object from two different positions.
- Focusing Adjustment: To achieve focus, the photographer adjusts the focus ring on the lens until the images or patches in the rangefinder align or merge together. This indicates that the lens is focused at the proper distance for the subject.
- Exposure and Image Capture: Once the focus is set, the photographer then determines the exposure settings, such as aperture and shutter speed, and captures the image.
Rangefinder cameras are known for their compact size, quiet operation, and accurate focusing. They have a distinct shooting experience compared to other types of cameras like DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, and they are often favored by street photographers, documentary photographers, and those who appreciate their unique characteristics and capabilities.
How To Use A Rangefinder
Final Thoughts
Nikon golf rangefinders are reliable and accurate tools designed to enhance the golfing experience. With advanced laser technology, they provide precise distance measurements, helping golfers make informed decisions on the course. The rangefinders often offer features like stabilization, slope compensation, and target priority modes, catering to various playing conditions and preferences. Nikon’s commitment to quality optics and durable construction ensures longevity and consistent performance. Whether you’re a professional golfer or a passionate enthusiast, a Nikon golf rangefinder can be a valuable asset in improving your game and achieving better results on the fairways.