Rangefinders have become a necessity to a lot of golfers and like most markets in this game, it is quite extensive. This is a premium offering from Canon, but it is also much more than just a rangefinder. It can also be deployed as a camera to take photos and videos of the golf course. So, how did we find this Canon rangefinder? Find out in our full Canon PowerShot Golf Rangefinder review….
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Canon Powershot Golf Rangefinder Review: NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
This is a quality addition to the rangefinder market. Equipped with all the latest and best technology, it was really easy to dial in distances for an accurate yardage. I think the addition of a camera is a fun feature. It is especially useful to look back over shots you played and to capture the magic of different golf courses.
There is also no need to worry about it being overly complicated to use either. The menu button can seem a little fiddly at first but is very simple to get accustomed to. The only slight blemish is the lack of charging cable. They are sold separately and after two rounds you’ll need one.
PROS
- Camera is a cool addition
- Steady focus for image stabilisation
- Compact and easy to store
CONS
- Doesn’t come equipped with a charging cable
First Impressions
I must admit, I was slow to the rangefinder scene. I never really saw them as a necessity until a few years ago and now I use them non-stop. So, I was interested to see how this offering from Canon would perform considering the elevation in price from what I have previously used.
Originally what hit me was how small the rangefinder actually is. Normally rangefinders tend to be quite bulky and usually I end up clipping them onto my bag as they take up too much space in a pocket. This was no issue with the Canon Powershot golf laser as it easily slipped into any pocket in my golf bag.
Despite being on the small side, I had no problem stabilising it to zap a distance. Especially when you’re battling the cold and wet weather keeping your hands still to get an accurate distance can be quite the challenge. Canon’s image stabilising technology means everything is kept steady. So, I wasn’t questioning whether I had the right yardage when stood over a shot. It also means I only needed to operate using one hand and with the size of it the rangefinder fit perfectly in my palm for a comfortable grasp.
On course testing
Although I tested it during a pleasantly warm spring day, the Canon Powershot Golf Laser is completely usable all-year round thanks to its IPX4 water-resistance. This is especially good news for us in the United Kingdom who see our fair share of rain in and out of the golf season.
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As is the case with most rangefinders now, Canon deploy pin-lock technology to help get a more accurate yardage to the pin. The readings are quick, precise and easy to view as a result. Canon also say that you are able to get an accurate measurement from as far as 800 yards away, even by today’s tour standards that should be far enough for you to get a full measurement of a complete hole.
Other useful features include a slope mode. This adjusts the yardage based off any incline or insulation in the greens and fairways alike. This clearly displays in yellow above the original yardage. When playing in competitions this can of course be switched off to comply with rules, so you can’t be accused of cheating.
But, I think the main feature of the Canon Powershot Golf Laser rangefinder is the accompanying camera. The view is equivalent to 6x magnification for an excellent view and the qualities of the photos are not too bad either.
Every click yardage recording is saved as an image and can be viewed in the menu part of the rangefinder. Operating the menu section can take a little getting use to but is completely user friendly and instructions are visible when you look through the lens.
A slight grumble I do have isn’t with the actual performance of the rangefinder but with Canon themselves. A charging lead isn’t supplied as standard with the rangefinder and requires an extra purchase which is a bit disappointing.
But, most of us have iPhones and subsequently iPhone charger cables which can be used to restore the battery. In fact any USB-C to USB lead and power pack you may have will do the trick.
Overall, this is a fantastic rangefinder that oozes performance and class. It is certainly a unique option in the market with its camera. I found it to be quite cool having images of all the yardages I measured and shots I played to look back on. I think this is especially the case if they are from a course that you have only played the once.
Additionally, for the quality of product, I think the price is fairly competitive.
Canon Powershot Golf Laser Rangefinder Review: The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £243.33 / $329.99
More Information: Amazon UK / Amazon US
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