Combining a state-of-the-art laser rangefinder with a built-in camera is a birdie for Canon!
I’m a big golf fan, so I was thrilled when Canon released its new PowerShot GOLF Digital Laser Rangefinder. Able to quickly measure distance and slope to the pin, the PowerShot Golf is an essential tool for golfers, whether you’re a scratch golfer or an amateur. It’s lightweight, sleek, and has intuitive controls to access its main features quickly and easily.
The PowerShot GOLF is water resistant and fits comfortably in your pocket or golf bag. It also has a built-in camera if you want to capture pics of a tricky sandtrap, a water feature, or even the golf cart girl. I rarely use the camera feature on the golf course, though I can see this being very popular on nature hikes or sports events. And it’s Canon, so you know the camera will be top-notch, allowing you to shoot video or stills with high precision and quality.
At its core, the PowerShot GOLF is a laser range finder, and it’s here where it really shines. Because it’s equipped with Optical Image Stabilization, the PowerShot GOLF helps you lock in on the flag by removing slight hand movements, which is huge when it’s windy outside or your arms are weary after a long day at the course. The PowerShot GOLF features an electronic viewfinder that has a standard view (6x) and zoomed view (12x) to get you even closer to see the flag and lock onto it.
Knowing the distance to the flag is critical to hitting your next shot, but it’s not all the information you need. Slope Correction takes elevation to the green into account and provides you with the distance you need to hit your ball to get to the flag, a feature I found very beneficial. This allowed me to change the iron I was going to swing … or my approach to the green. You can even turn the Slope Correction on or off during play through the user menu.
Price: $349.99
Key Features:
• Fast and accurate. Pressing down on the measure button activates the built-in image stabilization, and the laser to give you useful, accurate range measurements instantly.
• A digital zoom allows you to magnify your image from 6x to 12x to make it even easier to find the flag.
• Built-in Slope Correction allows you to see the true ball trajectory distance based on the incline or decline of your position to the pin.
• The Rangefinder is equipped with IPX4 equivalent specs, meaning it can handle a light shower or drizzle.
• Measurement range of 7 – 800 yards, with an accuracy of +/- 2 yards at maximum distance.
• Impressively compact and light — approx. 0.33 lbs./150g, 1.2” x 2.3” x 3.6”
• Pin Lock function vibrates the rangefinder when it locks onto the flag.
Will the Canon PowerShot GOLF Digital Laser Rangefinder make you a better golfer? Well, knowing accurate distances to the pin, fairway or green is critical to golfing success, so it should shave a few strokes off your score. I give it a 5-star rating (out of 5) and it’s now a regular accessory attached to my golf bag.
The Canon PowerShot GOLF Digital Laser Rangefinder retails for $349.99 and can be purchased on Canon’s website at: