General
Recently, I received a Team RealTree Laser 600 to test. In short, the Laser 600 emits infrared energy pulses that reflect off of a selected target and then returns to the instrument?s optical receiver. Complex circuitry then measures the time between the emitted pulse and the received pulse. This time is translated into distance units and displayed to the user through a digital display. The Laser 600 is advertised to be accurate within +/- 1 yard and displays readings from 11 to 99.5 yards in 1/2-yard (.5) increments and from 100 to beyond 600 yards in one-yard increments. 

The Laser 600 sports a focusing monocular with 6x multicoated optics, a 20mm objective lens and 6.3 degree angular field of view. A single CR-2, 3-volt lithium battery powers this FDA class 1 laser-generating instrument. The unit includes an adjustable eyecup/diopter ring for focusing. An LCD is mounted inside the Laser 600, which displays cross hairs, a battery life indicator, distance measurement, and units of measure (yards/meters) when activated. Other useful features include 17mm eye relief for eye glass wearers, a 3.3mm exit pupil for better low light brightness and a water resistant casing. The overall dimensions are 3.7? long x 2.8? high x 1.6? wide and weighs 8oz. A neck strap and carrying case are also included.

To operate the Laser 600 Rangefinder simply install the CR-2 battery and depress the power button. The LCD display should appear. At this time you may want to change the units of measure using the mode button (the button closest to your eye). Place the cross hairs on your desired target and press the power button again. Your yardage should be displayed ? it is that simple!

Testing:
The testing began with an overall quality and workmanship check, which proved the Laser 600 to be flawless. Next up on the agenda was an accuracy test. Basically, I physically marked off 100 yards in a field beside my house in one-yard increments. The unit performed well, measuring accurately within in just inches. For the longer yardages I went to the local rifle range for the test. Again, the Nikon was incredibly accurate.

I also wanted to see how the unit worked from the shadows of my treestand in a real situation so I replaced my Laser 400 with the Laser 600 and set off on the hunt. I like the change that was made from the red crosshairs to black. In my opinion the black is easier to pick up and appeared clearer. The unit worked well in the hunting situation just like its little brother the laser 400.

The unit is super compact and is hardly noticed in my pack. One hand is all that is needed to operate the Laser 600 making it convenient to use in most any situation. I am impressed with all of the Nikon products that I have reviewed over the years and consider them to be high quality and well worth the money.

Specifications:

• Type: Roof-Prism Monocular
• Magnification: 6x
• Objective lens diameter: 20mm
• Angular field of view: 6.3° 
• Eye relief: 17mm
• Exit pupil: 3.3mm
• Diopter adjustment: ± 4m-1
• Laser Class: FDA class1/EN60825-1 Class 3-A
• Laser wavelength: 870nm
• Laser pulse duration: 13ns
• Laser beam divergence: V: 5°-8°, H: 25°- 36°
• Laser Output: 633mW(FDA) 8.5w(EN60825-1)
• Structure: water and dust resistant
• Operating temperature: -10°C to +50°C
• Operating humidity: 20 ? 50%
• Power source: one CR2 lithium battery, 3v
• Dimensions: 3.7?L x 2.8?H x 1.6?W
• Weight: 8oz

Ease of Operation: 5 of 5
Can you push a button? It is that easy! 

Value: 4 of 5
The value of this unit comes from the accuracy, reliability and usefulness in comparison to cost. As you can see, I think the Nikon Laser 600 is a great buy!

For information on this or any other Nikon product contact:

Nikon Inc.
1300 Walt Whitman Rd
Melville, NY 11747-3064
http://www.nikonusa.com