Garmin makes a fresh play in the rangefinder space with the new Approach Z10

For obvious reasons, we generally tend to associate Garmin with the GPS side of golf navigation. Their golf watches and handheld GPS devices are, after all, the benchmark by which all others are measured.

Garmin does, however, have a history in the rangefinder space – albeit a small one. The Approach Z30 and Z82, which came out two years ago, received good reviews, but the brand's lasers have always struggled a little to make noise against big name competitors like Bushnell and Nikon.

The launch of Garmin's most compact, affordable rangefinder yet may change that, while putting Garmin into an even more accessible space at a time where rangefinders are getting more and more expensive.

Named the Approach Z10, the new rangefinder is designed as a no-frills, no fuss option that delivers simple distances, added course insights and through Garmin's App, access to an expanded pool of data to help you shoot your best scores.

There are no crazy range stats with the Z10, the emphasis instead being on simple functionality, affordability and compactness. The Z10 is tiny, and weighs just 180 grams to boot.

The range is a simple 350 yards, with the lens providing 6x magnification. What it does have, however, is a Range Relay feature, which distances to compatible Garmin devices, showing a laser range arc with distance to the front and back of the green. Once this is synced up, the distances will automatically adjust as players approach their target

Garmin Golf members also receive access to premium features, such as green contour data, aerial imagery of over 43,000 courses worldwide and detailed shot planning aids.

All of this comes at a pretty reasonable price of £259.99, placing the Garmin Z10 firmly in the mid-range category for those who want ease of use and world-renowned accuracy in a more accessible package. It's available from July 24 at the link below and through Garmin's website.