Leupold RX-1000i Compact Rangefinder Review

Leupold RX-1000i TBR Compact Rangefinder with DNA

Just the Facts:

Actual Magnification 6.00 x
Objective Clear Aperture (mm) 22.00 mm
Max Range (Reflective) (yd) 1000.00 yd
Max Range (Trees) (yd) 700.00 yd
Max Range (Deer) (yd) 600.00 yd
Min Range (yd) 5.00 yd
Min Range (m) 4.60 m
Linear Field of View (ft/1000 yd) 320.00 ft
Linear Field of View (m/1000 m) 98.00 m
Angular Field of View (degrees) 6.00 degrees
Twilight Factor 11.50
Weight (oz) 7.80 oz
Weight (g) 221.00 g
Length (in) 3.80 in
Width (in) 2.80 in
Height (in) 1.30 in
Exit Pupil (mm) 3.60 mm
Eye Relief (mm) 16.00 mm

The Story:
I love my Leupold RX-1000i TBR (True Ballistic Range) rangefinder with DNA (Digital eNhanced Accuracy). Having shuffled through a few rangefinders of lower quality in the past, I was on the lookout for a rangefinder that met certain requirements: consistent readings out to the claimed distances, angle compensation readings, and optical clarity. After using this rangefinder over the past year, it has proven to do all 3 of those things well.

On my OTC Idaho archery elk hunt last year, I left my binoculars and spotting scope in the truck on a few of the days. The 6x magnification and optical clarity that comes from Leupold allowed me to use this rangefinder as a monocular and go in light for the day. I was able to identify a 6×6 bull in a herd at 3/4 of a mile. On “Line of Sight” mode, the rangefinder claims 1000yds and a house across the river from me consistently comes back at 991 yds. The True Ballistic Range mode will give angle compensation which comes in handy while archery hunting, but will also give angle compensated readings out to 800yds which is useful for rifle hunting as well. Display readings are RED in color which is great for low light and has 3 brightness levels.

There are 7 programmed ballistic groups which you can match to your caliber rifle and will then give a read out in how many inches, mil or moa to hold high. While I like this feature, I utilize rifles from two different groups and can find that I never remember which one I’m in or which one I need to switch to. A nice feature, but can be difficult to keep straight and fully utilize.

Overall, I really like the Leupold 1000i DNA with TBR. It is nice and compact for easy carry and one-handed use. Readouts are clear, fast, accurate, and have more than adequate range. For hunting applications, this rangefinder has everything needed and then some!