Laser range finders are designed for applications requiring measurement of distance and other values such as speed, slope and angle. They can be used to range a target for precise distance & aim before shooting, for picking a club for golf...navigation, surveying parcels of land, etc. Usually a light source (laser beam) is sent out...bounced off an intended target...and relayed back to the unit that calculates the measurement into readable data for the user.
Names like Steiner, Swarovski, Leupold, Zeiss, Nikon, Redfield, Vortex, and Bushnell come to mind...with each costing according to magnification power, accuracy, lense & optics coatings, weatherproofing, options such as different reticles, ease of use with eye glasses, as well as size, weight, and camo/color options.
I too have been looking at the different options, variations, functions and costs for some time now...and have visited this site
more that any other...due to cost / option description and comparison, and easy of navigation.
Hope this helps:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/rangefinders1-best-rated.html