Can a Laser Range Finder measure the distance to a 5'' dia. metal ball which is located about 12Kft from it?

Question

The nominal distance (12Kft) is unknown. I'd like to know about the technical capability of the LRF devices.

Answer 1

the further the distance the more mirrors ( bigger target ) you required to reflect back the beam to know the distance

Answer 2

I am not an expert, but I would think that is doable. You can certainly collimate a laser to much better than 5" over 12 kft (lasers have been bounced of targets on the moon). The sensor should be able to be sensitive enough to receive a reflection from a metallic object from that distance. So I believe it is easily doable. But how much it would cost to buy one with that range is unknown to me.