Translation guide
A device for measuring distance, often used in photography, golf, hunting, or surveying. Japanese uses different terms depending on the context.
A device on a camera that measures distance to help with focusing, or a camera type that uses such a device.
The most common term for a camera range finder, borrowed from English. Used for both the focusing mechanism and the camera type.
This rangefinder camera is light and easy to carry.
Literally 'distance meter'. A more technical term, sometimes used for the focusing aid in older cameras.
The rangefinder on this camera is very accurate.
A handheld device or app that measures distance to the hole or hazards on a golf course.
Specifically a laser rangefinder, the most common type used in golf. Often shortened to just 距離計 in context.
Using a laser rangefinder in golf lets you know the exact distance.
Explicitly a golf rangefinder. Used in product names and descriptions.
This golf rangefinder has a slope function.
A device mounted on a weapon or used by a spotter to measure distance to a target.
Standard term for a laser rangefinder used in hunting or tactical situations.
Waterproofing is important for a hunting laser rangefinder.
A more formal or military term for a rangefinder, often an optical coincidence or stereoscopic type. Not typically used for consumer devices.
Generic term, can be used but less specific than レーザー距離計.
An instrument for measuring distances in land surveying or building layout.
Commonly used for handheld laser distance meters in construction and surveying.
I measured the room dimensions on site using a laser rangefinder.
A more precise surveying instrument, often a total station or EDM. Literally 'light wave distance meter'.
Generic term, may be used in less formal contexts.
The best translation depends heavily on the field. For cameras, レンジファインダー is standard. For golf and hunting, レーザー距離計 is most common. In formal or military contexts, 測距儀 may appear.
Directly translating 'range finder' as 範囲探し機 or similar will not be understood. Use the established terms above.
Sometimes used for golf rangefinders, but less common than 距離計. May be understood from context.
He uses a rangefinder for golf.
戦車には測距儀が搭載されている。
The tank is equipped with a rangefinder.
スナイパーは距離計でターゲットまでの距離を測る。
The sniper measures the distance to the target with a rangefinder.
A light wave rangefinder is indispensable for surveying.
この距離計は最大100メートルまで測れます。
This rangefinder can measure up to 100 meters.