What is target reflectivity?
Because rangefinders “bounce” a laser beam off the target in order to take a measurement, their range is partially determined by the reflectivity of the target. In other words, hard or “reflective” targets – like a rock cliff or semi-truck – can be measured at greater distances than soft surface targets – like a deer. Ranges for moderately reflective targets, like trees, fall somewhere in the middle. The harder the target the more reflective it will be, allowing for greater measurements of distance.