Range Finder

[Hank]

I just bought my first bow today. Parker Inferno package deal $799.95. So my play money account is pretty low right now. I would like to get a range finder next. I have seen them from $150.00 to $350.00. What is the difference between the cheaper models and the most expensive models? What do some of you use and what would you recommend?

[sakoshooter]

Most times, you get what you pay for. Rangefinderss would be no different.

[257 Wby Mag]

I picked the swarovski laser guide a couple months ago. When compareing it with the lieca, I liked the optics way better, for bowhunting a guy could get away with just carrying it, by itself "8x30 instead of 7x20", plus it ranges farther, faster, more accurate. Worth the investment.

[TheHunt]

I purchased a Lieca about a few years ago.   I like the Lieca because it has red letters on the distance when it is too dark and your setting up for that shot when legal day light is coming.  If you are hunting in fog or an absolute down pour of rain your range finder will be off from an estimated distance or not work at all. 

[MtnMuley]

Shop around for a used Leica LRF/CRF 800/900.  I've seen a few sell as little as $200 on various sites lately.  This is a way to get a higher ended rangefinder at a lower price.  If you only plan on using it for bowhunting out to a hundred yards, any good deal on any rangefinder would be my recommendation.

[iRem]

The biggest difference between the higher end and lower end range finders is the quality of the glass. The higher the quality of glass the more light it will allow in and in turn you will be able to use it in low light conditions. This is ever important at first light, last light and rainy or cloudy conditions. 

[Todd_ID]

The biggest difference between the higher end and lower end range finders is the quality of the glass. The higher the quality of glass the more light it will allow in and in turn you will be able to use it in low light conditions. This is ever important at first light, last light and rainy or cloudy conditions. 

I made the mistake of buying a Nikon 400 more on name brand than anything quite a while back; now I'm kind of stuck with one I don't like too well.  It's optics are good for what they are, but they are 8 power (way too high, 4x would be much better) and 28mm objective (WWWWAAAAAYYYYY too small for anything less than sunlight); the optics looked great in the store, though.  It tells me a range if I can do my part and see through it, but sometimes that doesn't work out so well.  One good thing is that it is extremely easy to use and has never let me down as far as mis-ranges or false readings go. 

[Ihuntelk2]

I got the Nikon riflehunter with Arc because it ranges further than the archers choice. ..i like the boot around the eye piece.. really nice range finder

[Bob33]

The biggest difference between the higher end and lower end range finders is the quality of the glass. The higher the quality of glass the more light it will allow in and in turn you will be able to use it in low light conditions. This is ever important at first light, last light and rainy or cloudy conditions. 

I had a Leupold rangefinder once and could not read the distance to an elk in fading light.  I sold it and have a Leica now.  Never again.

[huntnfmly]

I got the Nikon riflehunter with Arc because it ranges further than the archers choice. ..i like the boot around the eye piece.. really nice range finder

:yeah:I really like mine never had any problem with it

[MtnMuley]

I believe there's a Leupold RXII for $170 shipped on MM right now.........and a Bushnell yardage pro in like new shape for $95...........................

[seansfire]

SPORTSMANS GUIDE . COM. Best prices i have seen anywhere and WAY  cheaper than Cabelas or Sportsmans Warehouse.

[Bean Counter]

Most times, you get what you pay for. Rangefinderss would be no different.

IMHO, this principal is multiplied as far as rangefinders go. I can't normally tell the difference between most middle market binoculars in bright sunlight. However, even in the store under flourescent lighting, I could see how much better Swaro  and Leica were than the Nikons and Leupys. I went with a Leica 800. Farthest I've ever got a reading was 989.

Best luck.

[halflife65]

The biggest difference between the higher end and lower end range finders is the quality of the glass. The higher the quality of glass the more light it will allow in and in turn you will be able to use it in low light conditions. This is ever important at first light, last light and rainy or cloudy conditions. 

I had a Leupold rangefinder once and could not read the distance to an elk in fading light.  I sold it and have a Leica now.  Never again.

Dang it, Bob.  I was going to try and sell the guy a nice Leupold.    Of course, I want to get rid of it for the same reason you did.  Couldn't see the numbers in low light.

The range finder works fine but I would seriously consider a red reticle because of the difficulty of seeing the numbers in low light conditions (ie. heavy rainstorm under thick canopy of trees first thing in the morning.  I know this from experience.)

You mentioned being on a budget due to the purchase of a new bow (congrats, by the way, you're going to LOVE/HATE archery hunting - the most rewarding and, at the same time, the most frustrating thing ever) so look for that used Leica if you can find it.  The new ones might be out of budget but they are head and shoulders almost everything else (in league with Swaro, etc.)  Otherwise, some of the new Nikons are pretty good, I think, and might be closer to realistic if you're budget conscious.

[Taras_ukrainian]

you get what you pay for.

biggest thing is Incline Decline Compensation. to shoot steep angles.

i personally Recommend Bushnell Legend 1200 ARC. 6X zoom

i use to use Bushnell Scout 1000 ARC 5X zoom but its not water proof. its water resistant.

i now use Nikon Archers Choice MAX. its gay 200yd range BUT it has a reticule that lights up and thats VERY COOL

Spend the Extra Buck! Get Waterproof! Get Incline/Decline Compensation!!!

[GreatWhiteHunter]

 

[MIKEXRAY]

I got the Nikon Archers choice last year & like it . It surprised me though how little fog it takes to mess it up. Pretty much any little whisper of fog / rain & it doesn't read. I do like the arc but have not fully tested it. One of my goals is to take my set up into the mountains & test steep angle shots as I hunt in steep. Mike

[Webfoot]

I still have one of those that shows two blurred images and you turn the dial until the two merge into one clear image and then you read the yardage.
We've come a long way!!

John

[runningboard]

I still have one of those that shows two blurred images and you turn the dial until the two merge into one clear image and then you read the yardage.
We've come a long way!!

me too! about a foot long periscope looking thing

[k_rex]

I'll give another good vote for the Nikon rifle hunter.  It ranges to 500yds, does incline/decline comp, and the price of about $200 was just right for my budget.