Nikon’s New Arrow ID 5000 Laser Rangefinder
Russ Chastain 10.10.14
Nikon makes good optics and have been doing so for years. I have owned several of their rifle scopes over the years, and in the past I have done considerable work in land surveying and know their reputation there is also good.
As you can imagine, land surveying requires precision. One of the best features ever developed for surveying was the electronic distance meter (EDM), which measured the distance between the instrument and an object, even on a slope, and reported the actual horizontal distance to the user. This saved a lot of trouble and reduced the incidence of human error–and was very convenient.
Nikon put that experience to work with the Arrow ID 5000 Laser Rangefinder, which they say combines quality optics with technology “to help ensure that arrows arrive at their intended destination.”
They start with the ID (incline/decline) technology, which does what I described above: measures and displays a true horizontal distance to an object, even if your line of sight is on a slope. It even allows you to measure at extreme angles–up to 89 degrees (and 90 degrees is straight up or down).
Another thing it has is “Tru-Target Technology,” which as near as I can tell is their version of “brush” mode. The rangefinder will report the shortest or the longest distance measured in a cluttered view, which is helpful when a screen of leaves or other brush interferes with shooting a range.
It includes a neoprene case, which offers some protection while not fully covering the rangefinder so you can use the case while you use the rangefinder. It doesn’t seem to come with a case that fully encloses it for full protection.
Although marketed for bowhunting, this rangefinder reaches out to 600 yards, making it just as useful for rifle hunters.
Specifications:
- Angle Compensation: Yes
- Tru Target Technology: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Fogproof: Yes
- Range: 5-600 yards
- Increment: .1 yard
- Magnification: 6x
- Objective Diameter: 21 mm
- Exit Pupil: 3.5 mm
- Angular Field of View (Real): 7.5°
- Angular Field of View (Apparent): 43°
- Viewfinder Display: meters/yards
- Eye Relief: 18.3 mm
- Diopter Adjustment: +/-4°
- Power Source: 1 CR2 Lithium Battery
- Size (Length x Width x Height): 4.4 x 1.5 x 2.8 inches
- Weight without Batteries: 6.2 ounces
- Neoprene case in RealTree APG® camo
- Warranty: 2 Years
- MSRP: $279.95
- Site: Nikon Sports Optics
