Leica has introduced a new Laser Rangefinder (LRF), the CRF 2000-B, with a claimed effective range of 2000 yards. Leica says upgrades to optics, internal software, and electronics have extended the range of Leica’s top-of-the-line LRF from 1600 yards to 2000 yards. We expect the new unit may indeed have reduced beam divergence or better error correction. In any event we don’t doubt the Leica CRF 2000-B will range farther than previous models, at least when clamped in immovable test fixtures.

However, in the real world LRFs are hand-held, and there’s the problem. We’ve never found ANYone who could hold the ultra-compact Leica LRFs steady enough to range deer-sized objects even at 800 yards. Consequently very few if any folks could really effectively use the claimed 1600-yard range of the previous model. The Leica CRF units are designed to be held vertically. That’s not great ergonomically and this unit was not designed to be fixed to a tripod for extra steadiness. Therefore, we doubt most humans will be able to range 2000 yards with the CRF 2000-B, except maybe with very large targets such as barns or huge storage tanks. It’s just too difficult to hold the little Leica CRFs rock steady.

But even if the new Leica Rangemaster 2000-B’s theoretical extended range doesn’t have much practical utility, there are some interesting new features that may make the 2000-B worth its $799.00 MSRP. First, the 2000-B has air pressure and temperature sensors, along with an on-board inclinometer. That last feature will appeal to Hunters, who often take angled shots. The new CRF 2000-B also offers a variety of ballistics readouts — users can select Equivalent Horizontal Range (EHR) up to 1200 yards or Inches of Holdover, and MIL & MOA corrections to .1 decimal point. The built-in microprocessor is fast — data is delivered to the shooter in only 0.3 seconds via the heads-up four digit LED display in the viewfinder.

As with previous Leica compact LRFs, the new CRF 2000-B is very light and easy to carry. It weighs just 6.5 ounces and really does fit in a shirt pocket. The 7-power (7X) optical lens is bright and sharp, and we appreciate the fact that Leica made this unit waterproof — it will withstand rainstorms though we certainly wouldn’t recommend dropping ANY rangefinder in a river.

View Leica Rangemaster CRF 2000-B features and specifications at: https://us.leica-camera.com/Sport-Optics.