Leica 2800 vs 3500.com

[Silentnight]

Looking to upgrade my 1600. Anyone have any experience with either or both?

Are the 3500s really worth the extra $$?

[tommy1005]

My understanding is the only difference is the laser. I went with the 2800 and accurately ranged deer to 1100 free handed and steel targets to 1600 which was the farthest the range I was on went. Without a Kestrel they will only give firing solutions to 1000 yards, but with a custom curve loaded mine is dead on to that distance giving first round hits if I do my part on judging the wind. It makes for a really nice setup for hunting and takes some of the thinking out of it to just be able to range and have it tell you how many clicks to come up.

[Silentnight]

My understanding is the only difference is the laser. I went with the 2800 and accurately ranged deer to 1100 free handed and steel targets to 1600 which was the farthest the range I was on went. Without a Kestrel they will only give firing solutions to 1000 yards, but with a custom curve loaded mine is dead on to that distance giving first round hits if I do my part on judging the wind. It makes for a really nice setup for hunting and takes some of the thinking out of it to just be able to range and have it tell you how many clicks to come up.

Good to hear. I have a kestrel with link so pairing them together will be nice.

I’m kinda leaning towards the 2800, I just don’t know if the 3500 is worth the extra money.

I don’t see me taking game much past 1000yds unless it was a perfect situation.

[Silentnight]

The only other thing I heard was that the 2800s would go to sleep after a short period of time and you would have to reconnect them to the kestrel which took time. I thought they fixed that issue with the 3500 but I’m not positive. I’m not sure if this would be a big problem during a hunting situation or not.

[TX03RUBI]

I’ve had the 2700R for about 3 years now, and have been contemplating the 3500. Ive researched the crap out of them since the introduction of both the 2800 and 3500, and played with both a couple of times in the field.

The 3500 has a bit smaller beam divergence, and will range more accurately at distance. Meaning it’s easier to hit your target than something beside it, not that it’ll give you a more accurate range reading itself. The Bluetooth connectivity of the 3500 is much improved, but not without issues. If you dont plan to link it with a kestrel I’d run the 2800 and be happy. The main advantage to the 3500 to me is using Applied Ballistics with my 5700 AB Elite Kestrel. The Leica software is about useless IMO, which the 2700, 2800, and 3500 all share. I can hit deer at just shy of 1300 when properly rested, and steel targets to 2100. I’ve hit rocks and houses to 3000+, and cattle at 1870. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in withers ranging abilities.

[SNKETR]

I have the 2800 and i'm happy with it. It'll range farther than i'll ever take a shot. I think the most recent firmware update might have fixed the bluetooth issue but im not 100% sure.

[Silentnight]

I have the 2800 and i'm happy with it. It'll range farther than i'll ever take a shot. I think the most recent firmware update might have fixed the bluetooth issue but im not 100% sure.

Can anyone confirm the firmware update on either the Leica and/or kestrel fixing the Bluetooth connectivity problems?
If so I think the 2800 would be plenty for what I’m wanting to do. I know the 3500 is faster but I don’t know if faster is worth an extra $500

[txagyotebuster]

You don't even use your 1600 ��

[Silentnight]

You don't even use your 1600 ��

I’m expecting that to change in the next year... maybe sooner

[TX03RUBI]

Can anyone confirm the firmware update on either the Leica and/or kestrel fixing the Bluetooth connectivity problems?
If so I think the 2800 would be plenty for what I’m wanting to do. I know the 3500 is faster but I don’t know if faster is worth an extra $500

The issue isn’t with the kestrel. It’s with the Leica. They work just fine with Sig, Vectronix, etc. I rarely outshoot my 2700 very often anymore, which is disappointing. I really want an excuse to upgrade

[Silentnight]

The issue isn’t with the kestrel. It’s with the Leica. They work just fine with Sig, Vectronix, etc. I rarely outshoot my 2700 very often anymore, which is disappointing. I really want an excuse to upgrade

I really like the idea of being able to link the kestrel to the rangefinder. You don’t have to manually input the range in the kestrel, which takes time.

Do you know how the Leicas compare to the Sig BDX and terrapin X? I’ve heard pretty good things about the sig, and vectronix is always high on the list of the best rangefinders.

Sounds like the sig and terrapin connect better to the kestrel, but the Leica 3500 is better than the sig as far as ranging and just about as good as the terrapin X at ranging, and is quicker with getting the range back.
Does that sound right?

[TX03RUBI]

I really like the idea of being able to link the kestrel to the rangefinder. You don’t have to manually input the range in the kestrel, which takes time.

Do you know how the Leicas compare to the Sig BDX and terrapin X? I’ve heard pretty good things about the sig, and vectronix is always high on the list of the best rangefinders.

Sounds like the sig and terrapin connect better to the kestrel, but the Leica 3500 is better than the sig as far as ranging and just about as good as the terrapin X at ranging, and is quicker with getting the range back.
Does that sound right?

My 2700 will beat every Sig out there but their new 3000 Binos. They’re pretty comparable to the 2800 in abilities, and the 3500 will smoke them both. I’d put the closest competitor as the Terrapin X, but the original Terrapin will beat either. You’re correct with the Sig and Terrapin X having better Bluetooth connection.

Sig makes a fantastic range finder for the money, but the Leica has smaller beam divergence and considerably better glass. The glass of the Terrapin X will be up there as well, if not slightly better than the Leica.

[Silentnight]

So to rank them in order from best to worst as far as ranging abilities and reliable Bluetooth connectivity it would go:

1) Terrapin X (pretty good ranging and reliably connection)

2) 3500.com (good range, spotty connection)

3) Sig 3000 binos (similar to 2800 as far as range, reliable connection)

4) 2800.com (not as small beam divergence as 3500, but still ranges far out there, worse connection than even the 3500)

5) any other sig BDX (not as good at ranging, has reliable connection to kestrel)

That about sum it up?

[TX03RUBI]

That sums it up pretty well.

[Silentnight]

Euro optic has the Sig 3000BDX on sale for $960. That’s pretty tempting I’m just not sure I would want my rangefinder in my binos. I like how compact the leicas are.

Decisions, decisions