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Nikon Introduces New Laser Rangefinder "Forestry 550"

September 24, 2008

Nikon Vision Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, is pleased to announce the release of the Forestry 550, a laser rangefinder with angle compensation technology optimized for forestry use.

Ever since the release of the first model in 1999, Nikon laser rangefinders have been well received by a wide variety of users. Designed mainly for forestry use, the Forestry 550 has been developed to meet demand for angle compensated distance measurement. The built-in inclinometer provides easy readings of a tree-height, vertical separation (the difference in height between two targets), horizontal distance and angle in addition to actual distance. Measurement results are displayed on both internal and external LCD panels.

Internal display

  1. Actual (linear) Distance
  2. Horizontal Distance
  3. Height
  4. Angle
  5. Height between two points
  6. First Target Priority mode
  7. Distant Target Priority mode
  8. Battery condition
  9. Distance
  10. Unit of measure (m/yd.)
    (no unit displayed for ft.)
  11. Target mark
  12. Laser irradiation

External display

  1. Measurement unit (m/yd./ft.)
  2. Height
  3. Actual (linear) Distance
  4. Horizontal Distance
  5. Angle (°)

Measurement example (2-point height measurement)

When the measurement is successful, you see the height from the base to the top displayed on the internal LCD with Hgt + Hgt2 (solid).
For more information, refer to the external LCD.

"base" and "top" can be switched.

Key Features

  • In addition to actual distance measurement, height, vertical separation (difference in height between two targets), horizontal distance and angle can be easily measured.
  • The results are displayed on both internal and external LCD panels. The external LCD panel displays all results simultaneously.
  • Two measurement modes (Target Priority Switch System) are available:

    First Target Priority Mode displays the range to the nearest target taken from multiple results obtained with a single measurement.
    Distant Target Priority Mode displays the range to the farthest target taken from multiple results obtained with a single measurement—especially useful for forestry and hunting.

  • High quality 6x monocular with multilayer coating produces bright images.
  • Waterproof (up to 1 meter for 10 minutes) but not for underwater usage. The battery chamber is water resistant.
  • High-eyepoint design allows easy viewing even with eyeglasses.
  • Capable of measuring different distances in succession, for up to 20 seconds, when the button is held down.
  • Measurement range: 10-500 m/11-550 yd./33-999 ft.
  • The specifications of the product may not be achieved depending on the target object's shape, surface texture and nature, and/or weather conditions.

Nikon Laser Rangefinder Forestry 550 Specifications


 Forestry 550
Measurement range Distance: 10-500 m/11-550 yd./33-999 ft.(*999 ft.: 304.5 m/333 yd.)
Angle: ±89°
Distance display [Internal Display]
Act (Actual Distance):
every 0.5 m/yd., 1.0 ft. (less than 100 m/yd./ft.)
every 1.0 m/yd., 1.0 ft. (more than 100 m/yd./ft.)
Hor (Horizontal Distance) and Hgt (Height):
every 0.2 m/yd., 0.5 ft. (less than 100 m/yd./ft.)
every 1.0 m/yd., 1.0 ft. (more than 100 m/yd./ft.)
Ang (Angle):
every 0.1°(less than 10°)
every 1.0°(more than 10°)
  • *Downward angle from the horizontal line: with display "-"
[External Display]
Act (Actual Distance): every 0.5 m/yd., 1.0 ft.
Hor (Horizontal Distance) and Hgt (Height): every 0.2 m/yd., 0.5 ft.
Ang (Angle): every 0.1°
Finder Magnification (x) 6
Effective objective diameter (mm) 21
Actual field of view (º) 6.0
Exit pupil (mm) 3.5
Eye relief (mm) 18.2
Dimensions (L x H x W) (mm) 130x69x45
Weight (g) 210
Power source CD2 lithium battery x 1 (DC3V)
Auto power shutoff function equipped (after 30 sec.)
Safety and EMC VCCI class B, Class 1M laser product (IEC60825-1:2001),
Class 1 laser product (21CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11) CE,
EMC directive, Fcc Part15 subpart B Class B, c-tick, WEEE
    • The specifications of the product may not be achieved depending on the target object's shape, surface texture and nature, and/or weather conditions.
  • Note: The origin of the technique of this Laser Rangefinder with inclinometer is the Surveying Instruments incorporated measuring capability of both distance and angle which were developed by Nikon Corporation. Among such products, especially, the first highly advanced electronic model, the Total Station DTM-1, is the root (Sold in 1985).
For more information
  • The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.