Best rangefinder?

[addicted2hunting]

There are a lot of rangefinders on the market and was curious what you fellas think is the best? (I am an archery hunter by the way).

[jjhunter]

I've owned/own and hunted at least one full hunting season with each the following (multiple states/conditions):

Swarovski Laserguide 8x30
Zeiss RF 10x45
Leica Geovid HD 10x42

Of the 3, the Zeiss is head and shoulders, THE BEST.   

[go4steelhd]

I've tried most of the high end range finders and the Leica is by far the best I've used. It's got the fasted read. I have the 1600 and had the 1200 before that. Which may be more than you think you need for bow hunting but it will bounce off a ear, head, or horns if its a big buck while they are bedded. It's small light and is easy to get a read at long range.

[BrandonWatts]

Might look at the new vortex range finder. My buddy just go one and it is pretty impressive! Clear optics, nice retical, and will range over 1000 yards! We have ranges 1144 with but can get just over a 1000 all day long. Can't beat em for under 400 buck.

[Bob33]

For archery you will probably want a model that provides angle compensated distances.

[Moose-head]

At the risk of being flamed for being a sissy golfer are there any that would serve a dual role in being able to range a flag sticking out of a hole on a golf course as well as being (primarily) a hunting tool?

[addicted2hunting]

i was looking at the archers choise by nikon but ive got mixed reviews on it. I was also looking a leopold.

[RadSav]

I am starting to sour on the new fangled, super fast, DOA, long range, high dollar range finders.  I switched to them because they were smaller and had L.E.D. reticles since I have small hands and am having a hard time seeing the black reticle in the timber these days.  But I've come to the conclusion they are too sensitive.  My old RX-II and old school Lieca square block would give me accurate ranges at all archery distances rain, light snow or fog.  These new 1,000 yard jobs are so sensitive they glance off wet surfaces, are worthless in even the slightest snow and fog and are even tempermental in light drizzle.  Plus, when I leave them on top of the truck my heart skips a beat with the panic of losing $1,000.00 in a moment of complete stupidity.

I'll be getting rid of the RX-1000 DOA Leupold and the Swaro and replacing it with some old model with good glass.  They are ugly, bulky and diminish my social standing , but I know they are going to work when I need them to.  That's a lot more than I can say for the last three super dupers I've purchased.  Have not tried the Vortex though.

[muledhunter]

I am also a golfer. I use a hunting rangefinder on the course there is no difference what so ever in them. Although you can't use an angle compensating for golf... So I use my Leopold rx1000 for archery and Leica 900 for golf... If you don't play tourneys then get an rx1000tbr

[Elknut1]

Nice thing about any Vortex Optic is you never have to worry about it being broken or destroyed! Their VIP Warranty covers it! It's an unconditional warranty with no questions asked regardless of what happens to it! It will be fixed or replaced free of charge, never is there a charge to the customer! It's a transferable warranty for the life of the Optic! It's as good as it gets!

  With that said, we have 3 of the Rangefinder 1000 ones we use, they have been great! They have the Red LED just because of those dark shadowy times & it has ARC compensation throughout all distances not just up to 100--150yds like some do. I do have new ones here for a great price, but I do have one demo just like brand new that's never left the shop, I'm selling it for 325.00 that includes free shipping & no tax, it's a great buy & with Full Warranty of course!

  Here's what happened to one guys Optic & the short story from Vortex! (grin)

  "VIP Warranty at work: These binoculars were discovered after returning to camp and realizing they had an unexpected visitor. We don't recommend black bears using our optics, but if they do, you're fully covered."

  ElkNut1

[Wacenturion]

I purchased a Bushnell 1500 with Arc and rain guard  a couple years ago...camo model.  Great rangefinder.

[Bob33]

The factors I consider when purchasing a rangefinder are (1) ranging ability, (2) size and weight, (3) additional features such as angle compensation, (4) optical quality, (5) ergonomics, and (6) cost.

Since a rangefinder’s primary purpose is to range, that’s where I start my evaluation. There are a few considerations: (1) maximum distance you can range, (2) repeatability, and (3) ability to range in adverse conditions. The maximum distance you can range will depend on the inherent capability of the rangefinder, light conditions, and the reflective nature of the object. I have experienced conditions where I could range a light reflective object at over 1500 yards, but yet not range a dull subject at 600 yards.

How far is far enough? That depends, but as a rifle hunter my answer is definitely not “as far as I can shoot”. I hunt antelope a lot, and use my rangefinder as a stalking tool as much as anything else. I may range an antelope at 1200 yards, and a ridge between me and the antelope at 900 yards. I know that if I can get to the ridge I will have a 300 yard shot. I frequently use my rangefinder at distances well in excess of what I may shoot. If you’re an archery hunter, then you may only need to range 100 yards or less but consider everything you will use the rangefinder for: not just shooting distance.

A specification that you have to dig for is the angle of convergence of the laser beam. Some units have large angles, and some have quite small angles. To exaggerate, that means you’re shooting a rifle versus a shotgun. The rifle is harder to hit with, but more precise. If you’re trying to range an object at 600 yards you really want to be certain you’re ranging the object, and not a bush just beside, in front of, or behind it. The Leicas generally have the smallest convergence of the less than $1000 models.

If you hunt like I do, the rangefinder needs to be instantly available and not stuck in a pack somewhere. Size and weight matter to me, and I don’t want a bulky rangefinder hanging around my neck in addition to binoculars.  Some hunters get a dual binocular/rangefinder. That’s not for me, but it’s one solution to the size/weight issue although it makes the entire unit heavier than a pair of binoculars alone.

I don’t shoot far enough at steep enough angles to really be concerned with angle compensation. Unless you are shooting at extreme angles like 30 percent, at very long distances, the difference in ballistics is usually not enough to be overly concerned with. As an archery hunter shooting from a tree stand, I definitely would.

I would not advise using a rangefinder as a replacement for binoculars, but optical quality does matter particularly if you are using the unit in low light.

Ease of use is a consideration. How quickly and easily can you get a reading? Is the unit bulky or easy to range with?

Finally, cost will fall out from these other factors. The “top end” consumer models like the Leica, Zeiss, and Swarovski models will generally run between $600 and $800. If you want military grade models, you’re into the $1500 range at least.  At the lower ottom end, you can get “good” models for $200 or less. These may suit you just fine depending on your expectations.

I’ve had Leicas since they first came out.  I’ve tried others from Bushnell, Nikon, Leupold, Swarovski, and Zeiss. I wouldn’t (publicly) bad mouth any of them, but I have a strong preference for the Leicas.

[deleted BGS]

Might look at the new vortex range finder. My buddy just go one and it is pretty impressive! Clear optics, nice retical, and will range over 1000 yards! We have ranges 1144 with but can get just over a 1000 all day long. Can't beat em for under 400 buck.

on deer, trees, or reflective targets? i have a scout 1000arc and hate it! im wondering how far the vortex can range trees or rocks. i am in the process of sending back my bushnell and gotta find another one

[Bob33]

Might look at the new vortex range finder. My buddy just go one and it is pretty impressive! Clear optics, nice retical, and will range over 1000 yards! We have ranges 1144 with but can get just over a 1000 all day long. Can't beat em for under 400 buck.

on deer, trees, or reflective targets? i have a scout 1000arc and hate it! im wondering how far the vortex can range trees or rocks. i am in the process of sending back my bushnell and gotta find another one

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/ranger-1000-rangefinder

According to Vortex the maximum ranging distance for deer is 500 yards with the Ranger 1000.

[Elknut1]

Yes, it does say that but I assure you it's well beyond that. I was ranging deer with mine this year in the 700yd range & elk & single trees to 900yds. We get 1000yd readings regularly on mtn sides. When ranging animals there are many occasions where you cannot get a fix on the animal itself due to underbrush so you range the landscape, tree, rocks, etc.  I've never had it not read 800yds on such situations. It is very quick in its readings. If this isn't for you it's understood, just sharing some personal findings & we have 3 of them we use regularly.

  ElkNut1