The Best Rangefinder for Hunting: Find the Perfect One for You

The Leupold brand has been making optics for hunting since 1947. This legacy is continued with the RX-FullDraw 3, which is one of the best rangefinders for hunting on the market.

It has all the features you need, plus some extras. This model is useful for bowhunters and long-range rifle hunters because it can read short and long distances accurately.

Leupold rangefinders are some of the fastest-reading ones. That is helpful when every split second counts. They also have a unique “Trophy Scale” that tells you how big an animal is. That helps you figure out if it is worth shooting or not.

Specs

• a distance of 1,300 yds
• 6x Trophy Mode Magnification
• Black LCD display in Bow mode

The Vortex Ranger 1800 is a good rangefinder for hunting because it is reliable and has high ratings. It also made the list of best rangefinders for hunting because it is affordable, and Vortex offers a lifetime warranty.

The Vortex Optics Ranger can accurately measure distances up to 1,800 yards. It is also good for adjusting to low-light conditions because it has three different reticle brightness settings that match the amount of light in the environment.

Specs

• Distance: 1,800 ft.
• 22 mm lens is used as an objective
• At 1000 yards, the linear field of view is 315 ft.
• Line of Sight and Angle Compensation

You need a rangefinder if you’re an archery sport shooter or bowhunter. It is very important to know how far away an object is. A rangefinder can help with this. Make sure to get one that has angle compensation, also known as bow mode.

Angle compensation is the adjustment you make to your shot depending on the angle of your target. Beginner bowhunters may find this confusing, so we’ve included an image from Vortex Optics to help clarify.

Besides angle compensation, there are other important features that a good rangefinder for bowhunting should have. These features include the ability to quickly range objects, water resistance (I’ve gotten mine wet many times), and good visibility in low-light conditions.

Archery shot opportunities usually happen during the first 30 minutes and the last 30 minutes of light. That’s why you need something that will work well, even in light that is not very deep.

To be successful while bow hunting, it is important that your rangefinder can give you readings quickly. This is because every second counts when an animal presents you with a shot opportunity. Some rangefinders can take up to three seconds to give you a reading, which is too long in the world of bowhunting!

The RX-FullDraw 4 has all the features you need for archery and bowhunting. It includes advanced ballistics to help you make the most challenging shots.

The lightning-fast range time on this rifle helps you save precious seconds when setting up for your shot. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you get a lot more in terms of optics.

The RX-FullDraw 4 rangefinder is perfect for hunters who want the best advantage while hunting. It has all the bells and whistles.

Specs

• Range: 1,200 Yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Red OLED: Easy-to-read measurements
• Ballistics and bow mode

This is a budget rangefinder for people starting out in bow hunting or those looking for good value. Even though it is inexpensive, this rangefinder is not cheap. It will do the job well.

The AOFAR HX-1200T has the same features as other expensive products, like angle compensation, accuracy, and quick range time. But this product is much cheaper. It might not be as good as Leupold, but it will still work well.

The HX-1200T rangefinder is well-reviewed on Amazon. Many users say it is a good value because it performs well despite its low price. This is great news for beginner hunters, who don’t have to spend much money to get a good rangefinder.

Specs

• One hundred and twenty yards
• The objective has a 6x magnification Bowhunting mode: 25 mm lens
• Compensation for varying angles

ARC stands for “Angle Range Compensation.” This feature helps the Trophy Xtreme ARC be one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting in 2023. It can accurately determine horizontal distance from 7-199 yards, which is very helpful when making that perfect shot.

This is a great choice for bowhunters who want a good rangefinder without spending too much money. It has good reviews from users, who say that it is truly waterproof, easy to use, and durable.

The Trophy Xtreme ARC is easy to use because you only need one button to get the reading you need. You save time and money when you don’t have to stumble about figuring out which button to hit. You don’t want a shot that seems like you rushed it because you did.

Specs

• Maximum range: 850 feet.
• Four times the magnification of the angle range
• Precision to a yard Black OLED display

If you want to invest in a hunting optic that will help you accurately range your targets, then keep reading. This section is for people willing to spend a lot of money on their equipment.

Sig Sauer has made a unique hunting tool that can accurately range to 3,000 yards. It also has ballistic technology, making it a handy tool for rifle hunting.

Sig Sauer rifle scopes are compatible with this set of binoculars. They help you figure out how far away things are and how that affects the way your bullet will travel. You can use them to range multiple targets very quickly.

Sig Sauer offers a lifetime warranty transferable to anyone who owns them. This, in our opinion, adds a lot of value because you know you’re insured if something happens to the gun.

Specs

• Range: more than 3,000 ft.
• Advanced built-in ballistics: 10x
• OLED display for Bluetooth 4.0

These binoculars are very accurate and can help you take shots from a long distance. They compensate for angles, so you don’t have to worry about making any mistakes.

The “AB” in the name of this product refers to advanced ballistics. When paired with the Vortex app, this product becomes a powerful tool for shooters looking for excellent ballistics and shooting data. This advanced technology takes windage, weapon caliber and grain, and other vital factors into account for long shots.

As mentioned above, Vortex has great customer service. If anything ever breaks on your Vortex product, you can send it back to Vortex, and they will fix it for you with no questions asked.

Specs

• Distance: 5 to 5,000 yds
• a horizontal component distance mode (HCD) and a BAL mode for extending the range (Ballistics). The scan is available in both methods.
• Magnification: 42 mm Advanced Red OLED Objective Lens for 10x

What makes these binoculars different is the Leica glass. This type of glass creates unmatched image quality.

The Perger-Porro prism system and state-of-the-art glass types bright and color-neutral images. They also have unique three-dimensional plasticity and provide excellent contrast and maximum light transmission.

But that’s not all. Leica has also created a hunting app that pairs well with a cellphone. This app helps you compensate for angles and gives ballistic information directly to an OLED screen.

Specs

• Distance: 3,200 yds.
• 10x magnification with a 42 mm objective lens
• In conjunction with a smartphone app, advanced ballistics can be achieved

What makes these binoculars different is the Leica glass. This type of glass creates unmatched image quality.

The Perger-Porro prism system and state-of-the-art glass types bright and color-neutral images. They also have unique three-dimensional plasticity and provide excellent contrast and maximum light transmission.

But that’s not all. Leica has also created a hunting app that pairs well with a cellphone. This app helps you compensate for angles and gives ballistic information directly to an OLED screen.

Specs

• Distance: 3,200 yds.
• 10x magnification with a 42 mm objective lens
• In conjunction with a smartphone app, advanced ballistics can be achieved

Shooting long distances and hunting are difficult sports because you must consider many different things. The distance, the angle, the wind speed, the temperature, and the barometric pressure all have to be considered. You’ll need a rangefinder that can do all of these things and figure out how they affect your shot if you want to shoot correctly at a long distance.

This is an essential piece of hunting gear that should not be overlooked. Sadly, there aren’t many affordable options for powerful gadgets like this one.

Bushnell is a company that makes affordable optics. The Elite 1- A mile is a good option for long-range shooters. People who shoot long distances say this product performs well.

The downside of this rangefinder is that you’ll need to purchase a Kestrel unit to use all its features.

The Kestrel paired with the Elite 1-Mile, and the mobile app can help you account for weather, barometric pressure, and wind speed. This will help you make accurate shots at a distance.

Specs

• Ample room to maneuver: 5-1,760 feet
• 7x ARC This mode enables MOA or Mils drop/holdover in MOA or vs. I choices for sight-in distances of up to 300 yards.
• Vibrant display technology: Bluetooth wireless VDT

This rangefinder is the most popular choice for skilled and professional long-range shooters. You get features like applied ballistics and the ability to quickly and accurately range objects.

The Vectronix is a great product because it can be used by both the military and civilians. The maximum range found is over 3,200 yards, which is why the government approves it.

People who have used this rangefinder say that it has a very clear view and is easy to use. They also say that it is perfect for long-range shooting and pairs well with a Kestrel unit for even more accuracy.

Specs

• Range: 3,260 Yards
• Advanced Ballistics
• Magnification: 8x
• Built-in compass
• Military-grade material strength

The Vortex Optics 1,000-yard model is the best hunting rangefinder for the third year in a row. This model has all the features hunters need, which is very reliable.

Know that Vortex provides unmatched customer service and a lifetime warranty if you haven’t checked out other reviews on this page. This provides great value, especially for someone looking to spend less than $200.

This is a popular model of rangefinder that is often listed as one of the top ten choices on hunting blogs. This model has good features, and it is also affordable.

Specs

• Range: 1,000 Yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Scan mode
• Angle compensation
• Red OLED

This Halo Z is simple, affordable, and accurate.

The Vortex Ranger 1000 is a great product with a lot of features. It is very reliable and surprisingly functional, ergonomic, and durable.

Specs

• Range: 1,000 Yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Angle compensation mode
• Scan mode

Handy and strong are just two words to describe the HX-800’s capabilities. On the other hand, Archery hunters say that the angle correction tool helps them shoot more accurately.

The HX-800 is helpful but cheap and not very good-looking. It also doesn’t have many features, but it does what it is supposed to do. You can use the HX-800 for several seasons before you need to upgrade.

Specs

• Distance: 800 ft
• 6x magnification with angle adjustments

When looking for the best laser rangefinder, there are various options on the market. A golf rangefinder is separate from a hunting rangefinder. This article will look into the best hunting (yardage) rangefinders for bow hunting, rifle hunting, and precision shooting.

Before you take a shot while hunting, there are two essential things to know: how accurate you are and how far away the animal is. Even if your hunting device has a rangefinder built-in, it’s a good idea to have an external one as well. That way, you’ll be sure to hit your target.

The majority of golf rangefinders provide the functionality that hunters require. Before choosing and using rangefinders for your game, you should be aware of their full capabilities. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the top hunting rangefinders that can also be used for golf. And provided a detailed buying guide to choosing the best rangefinders for hunting or shooting.

Why Use a Rangefinder?

It is difficult to calculate the distance of your aim with just your eyes.

It is possible to calculate distances using your eyes, but this method is inaccurate for long distances. If you make a mistake while calculating the distance, you might miss your shot. That’s why it is important to use a hunting rangefinder when hunting to ensure accuracy.

Rangefinders help you measure how far away an object is from you. There are three types of rangefinders: those for hunting, those for golfing, and ones that can be used for other activities.

• Optical Rangefinder
• Infrared Rangefinder
• Laser Rangefinder

Hunters like to use laser rangefinders. When you look through the lens and hit the button, a laser beam is emitted that may be seen for kilometers.

The beam will bounce back after you’ve targeted it at your target, and you’ll be able to determine how long it took to return. The distance calculated will subsequently be displayed on display.

Hunters utilize the bow and arrow and rifle to capture their food. Rangefinders are classified into three categories according to these weapons:

• Bow Hunting Rangefinders
• Rifle Hunting Rangefinders
• Dual-Purpose Rangefinders

Rangefinders can be used for many activities, such as hunting, golfing, photography, surveying, and wildlife observation.

You may shoot deer or elk from a distance of 1400 yards with the rifle scope. At 1700 yards, we were able to see sturdy buildings and grayish structures. The riflescope can fire beyond 1700 yards, up to 3000 yards, for reflective or bright objects.

This rangefinder is perfect for long-range hunters and shooters. You can use it by calibrating it with a free app from the app store. The app will help ensure that your shots are accurate, no matter what equipment you are using. After calibration, the rangefinder will work on its own.

Ballistic Data Exchange (BDX) technology evaluates the influence of gravity on long-range hunting shots using the 2400 BDX. The 2400 BDX can be mounted on a tripod for a long-distance estimate. This is usually for targets beyond 1400 yards.

Sig 2400 BDX is a new and improved product backed by a company with a good reputation. They offer customer support for life, so you can be sure you’re getting what you need.

The rangefinder with the Equivalent Horizontal Distance feature is the finest for archery and rifle hunting. This feature calculates the angular range from 10 yards to 1000 yards for non-reflective targets. It can also calculate straight non-angular distances up to 2400 yards.

The Red LED display is good for shooting in low-light conditions. The waterproof ability and anti-fogging nitrogen filling make it more durable and high quality.

The field of view on this product is quite large. You have the option of choosing between meters and yards. The display’s brightness can be changed. It is sleek and black with an ergonomic design that fits your hand and gives you stability when ranging the target at a long distance.

The Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R is a great rangefinder for beginner bow and rifle hunters. It is versatile and provides good quality.

The camera comes with a CR2 battery, carrying cord, and case. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a scanning mode. But if you’re not targeting a fast object, this won’t be a problem. It’s also unnecessary to mount it on a tripod, making it good for beginners.

With a single click, the Nikon Prostaff can measure targets continuously for up to 8 seconds. Experienced hunters and golfers always complain that their hands shake when they press the button, and the target point is not focused. This functionality is quite helpful in this circumstance.

The Nikon Prostaff has a multi-layer coating on the lens that makes it resistant to damage. It also uses a new rain protection technology to keep it working well in wet weather.

If you wear eyeglasses, the eye relief on this product has 15 mm of movement.

Nikon’s advanced angle calculation can determine an inclination or decline range of up to 89 degrees. The 6x monocular magnification power also comes with a soft carry pouch, lanyard, and cr2 battery. The Tru-target technology helps you calculate nearer and far object distances via modes.

You can accurately range any target within 500 yards. Game animals and reflective targets with gleaming surfaces fall into this category. On the other hand, large creatures may be easily calculated within 500 yards. When hunting tiny animals such as turkeys or flying geese, the target can be up to 300 yards distant.

The Leopold RX 2800 is a great device for long-range targets. It can easily calculate the distance to any reflective target up to 2800 yards. For non-reflective animal targets, the maximum it has gone to is 1800 yards. Similarly, for trees and large non-reflective objects, it is easily measured to the range of 2200 yards.

The ballistic range and wind measurements make it a great choice in various extreme environments. 100% waterproofing and rugged design mean it can withstand harsh conditions.

To be accurate when shooting at distances up to 2800 yards, you must be precise. The accuracy of the distance matters a lot and is counted as ±1 yard. The Lightening Alpha IQ technology makes it possible to have an advanced engineered optics engine in your rangefinder. This will give you faster and more accurate readings.

The Leopold rangefinder is the best compared to other rangefinders because it has premium features at a reasonable price. Even in low-light situations, the contemporary optics combined with the OLED red display make it simpler to concentrate and see what you’re shooting at. And the 7x magnification power just makes everything even better.

The TBR-W is a ballistic range that considers the wind and the angle of your shot. This makes it necessary for long-range shooters who want to hit their target. It is made with a rugged and compact build with a CR2 battery, tripod mount option, lanyard, and protective case.

It is very important to understand your needs before buying a hunting rangefinder. It is important to know what you need it for. There are different kinds of rangefinders. Some are for golf, and some are for hunting. This shopping guide will assist you in determining what you require and making an informed decision.

Angle Compensation:

Arrows fired from a bow or an archery hunter drop because of gravity. This can make it hard to hit the bullseye.

Distance and Area Hunt Area:

The hunter’s scan region with direct sunshine, prominent ridge areas, and visible tree trunks will help you discover prey fast from higher terrain. Animals usually rest or graze on pastures. Look for places that are greenish and herbaceous. Another helpful tip for using a rangefinder to find deer or elk is to look into the trunks and ridges of mountains. Choose a fortress with a view of more blind areas and a hill above the forests.

Stability of Rangefinder:

When choosing a range find0er, it is important to consider how easy it is to use. The button should be easy to press so that the reticle on the screen does not shake when you are trying to focus on the target. It is also important that the switch is easy to move to avoid getting a false reading.

Tripod Mount:

Some short to mid-range rangefinders do not need a tripod mount. This is because they can measure distances of up to 1000 yards. Targets further away than 1000 yards are considered long-range and need more stability to accurately measure. Scanning mode is another important factor that helps maintain stability and gather accurate data mode. Tripod stands might increase your carrying load, but only long-range hunters who carry big guns need them.

Scan Mode:

The scan mode lets you take multiple readings of different objects simultaneously. This mode is especially useful for estimating the most accurate reading of an object.

Bow Hunting and Archery:

To be a successful bowhunter, you’ll need three things: practice, silence, and patience. You’ll also need to choose a suitable ambush location where you can remain silent. The disadvantage is that if you aren’t careful, you may hurt the animal rather than kill it instantaneously. On the other hand, bowhunting is a lot quieter than other types of hunting. Rifle hunting is better for long-distance shots, but it’s also noisier and can scare away other animals.

Anything further than 1000 meters is considered to be a long-range target. That is why it is helpful to buy equipment based on the target’s range. For example, even a small difference in distance or angle can lead to a miss in archery. According to experts, the difference between 30 and 40 yards when bowhunting can mean between a flawless shot and a miss/wounded animal.

Multi-Coating Optics:

To be a successful bowhunter, you’ll need three things: practice, silence, and patience. You’ll also need to choose a suitable ambush location where you can remain silent. The disadvantage is that if you aren’t careful, you may hurt the animal rather than kill it instantaneously. On the other hand, bowhunting is a lot quieter than other types of hunting. Rifle hunting is better for long-distance shots, but it’s also noisier and can scare away other animals.

Anything further than 1000 meters is considered to be a long-range target. That is why it is helpful to buy equipment based on the target’s range. For example, even a small difference in distance or angle can lead to a miss in archery. According to experts, the difference between 30 and 40 yards when bowhunting can mean between a flawless shot and a miss/wounded animal.

Conclusion

Some people love using rangefinders when they go outdoors. They can be very helpful when hunting, playing golf or archery, and more. But before you buy one, it’s important to figure out which one is right for you.