11 Best Hunting Rangefinders in 2023 [Expert Reviewed & Tested]
ByDavid So, you are going to market to get the perfect and durable range-finding equipment for your hunting season. But consider that whether you buy a normal archery rangefinder or multipurpose rangefinder, you have enough information to make a wise decision for the best hunting rangefinders.
“That will do” just won’t suffice when it comes to the rifle range or tree stand. Hitting targets requires precision. Master the art of successful and ethical hunting with precise target distance assessment, whether you prefer guns or bows.
Thankfully, this blog will satisfy all your demands and hunting challenges. We’ve picked the top rangefinders for long-range shooters for hunting and also for bowhunters.
Our Best Rangefinders Of 2023
We reviewed and tested these rangefinders and have made a simple list for you to go over and select based on your requirements.
After reviewing and owning over 25 hunting rangefinders, here are the best of the best.Note: These rangefinders are specifically suited for hunting.
Image
Product Name
Specifications
Best Price
- Accurate Shooting
- Vast Range
- Excellent Performance
- Red OLED Display
- Long-Range Accuracy
- Ballistic Technology
- Extended Warranty
- Display Brightness Adjustments
- Available With Necessities
- Comfortable To Eyes
- Accurate Angle Compensation
- Long Warranty
- Best Rangefinder With Budget Value
- Comes With Canning Features
- Good Eye Relief With 6x Magnification
- Multi-Coated Objective Lens
- Clear Display
- Strong Rubber Design
- Angle Or Arc For Terrain Slopes
- Offers Better Resolution
- Red OLED Display
- Adaptable
- Highly Accurate To Angled Shots
- Considers The Angle
- Fantastic Range Estimation
- Sturdy Design
- Excellent For Long-Distance Hunting
How We Tested The Best Rangefinders
Let’s get real about those rangefinder claims, shall we? Manufacturers sometimes make promises that are as slippery as a camouflage company’s guarantee to make you vanish. Here’s the scoop:
Testing the Claims
- Most manufacturers highlight their rangefinders’ best distances, not the average performance. They tend to downplay factors like target size and orientation.
- Sometimes, they don’t quite tell the whole story. We’ve discovered some inconsistencies when ranging on a variety of surfaces, from gravel to grass to 3D archery targets and trees.
- Our testing covers it all, from maximum to minimum range. We explore every targeting mode and menu option to leave no stone unturned.
- To give you a taste of real-world capabilities, we’ve provided the maximum and minimum ranges we achieved on non-reflective targets.
Field-Tested Accuracy
- We take rangefinders out into the field, and they’re not alone – they’re mounted on tripods for rock-solid ranging.
- Our approach is methodical and rapid as we lock onto targets of different sizes and distances.
- But that’s not all; we also team them up with a slave rifle and a ballistic app to see how they enhance our shooting accuracy.
Scoring Breakdown
- We break down our evaluation into four main categories: ranging performance, display and optics, features, and value.
- Our overall grade is based on the average score across these categories, and we’ll dive into the details in a moment.
Top 10 Hunting Rangefinders Reviews & Recommendations
If a close friend asked me what hunting Rangefinder to buy at each price point, these would be my recommendations:
- Leupold RX-2800 TBR – Hunting Rangefinder For Long-Range Shots
- Vortex Ranger 1800 – Best Durable Hunting Rangefinder
- Sig Sauer Kilo2400BDX – Top-Rated Hunting Rangefinder 2023
- Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R – Best Bow Hunting Rangefinder Australia
- Vortex Impact 1000 – Best Budget Hunting Rangefinder for the Money
- Bushnell Engage 1700 – Best Cheap Rangefinder For Deer Hunting
- Simmons Venture Rangefinder – Good Lightweight Hunting Rangefinder Canada
- Nikon Prostaff 1000i – Best Accurate Hunting Rangefinder UK
- Leupold RX-FullDraw 4 – Good Hunting Rangefinder Review
- Nikon LaserForce Rangefinder Binocular – Best Hunting Rangefinder Binocular for Western Hunting
Leupold RX-2800 TBR
(Hunting Rangefinder For Long-Range Shots)
Features
- Accurate shooting
- Vast range
- Excellent performance
- Red OLED display
After I tested this bad boy In the genuine ranger view, the Leopold RX 2800 is an excellent Rangefinder for long-range shooting. The longest it has been for non-reflective creature shoots is 1800 yards. Similarly, I found it effortlessly detects up to 2200 yards of trees and other huge, non-reflective things.
This device allows me to compute the distance to any bright object up to 2800 yards, just as it claims. I can also get wind readings and determine the actual ballistic distance. With its rigid construction and 100% waterproofing, I can confidently use it even in powerful settings.
Accuracy is crucial for long-range gunning down out to 2800 yards. The precision of the measurement is 1 yard.
It is equipped with Lightning Alpha IQ technology and a sophisticated rangefinder optics system. For quicker and more precise measurements, it features more laser pulses.
It has established itself as the finest Leopold rangefinder when opposed to the competition, thanks to its high-end features and affordable pricing for a more extended range.
The modern optics and OLED red screen increase overall clarity and crispness even for dim subjects at long distances. The icing on the cake is the 7x magnification strength.
- Accurate shooting
- Vast range
- Excellent performance
- Red OLED display
- Not a battery saver
Vortex Optics Ranger 1800
(Durable Hunting Rangefinder)
Features
- Available with necessities
- Comfortable to eyes
- Accurate angle compensation
- Long warranty
The Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 is a great rangefinder for hunters like me who use bows, rifles, or arrows. It offers HCD, which corrects for slope angles. Additionally, it has a line of sight (LOS) feature that provides straight-line range measurements without accounting for angles.
I field-tested the Vortex Optics Ranger and found that It’s a durable and tough device due to its fog and water resistance, smooth rubber grasp, and sturdy frame.
I am a big fan of the Vortex Ranger 1800’s performance, which is unquestionably the most well-liked rangefinder. It has a wonderful rubber-based durable build quality and is an excellent rangefinder for hunters.
It is water-resistant and includes a belt clip. The best rangefinders for aiming at a range of more than 1,000 yards come with tripod installation options.
1800 yards is the maximum range for glossy or reflecting surfaces. It goes up to 900 yards for darkish objects like deer, elk, or trees. Its range in dim lighting is up to 700 yards. It is typically the best equipment for rifle hunting.
The guarantee, which is life and may be changed or replaced at any time, anywhere, is the most outstanding benefit.
It is the ideal instrument because of its 6x magnification, 17 mm eye comfort, small and sturdy construction, lanyard, tripod installation possibility, and waist fastening functions.
- Available with necessities
- Comfortable to eyes
- Accurate angle compensation
- Long warranty
- Short range for dark objects.
Sig Sauer Kilo2400BDX
(Top-Rated Hunting Rangefinder)
Features
- Long-range accuracy
- Ballistic technology
- Extended warranty
- Display brightness adjustments
We’ve positioned this superb rangefinder on top. I struggle to find a flaw as it functions ideally and without wobbling at 1400 yards. IT WAS SPOT ON when I was ranging down a buck last year, and there was no shaking. I also use it for deer hunting or elk.
At 1700 yards, you can see gray and substantial structures. It extends beyond 1700 yards and easily reaches 3000 yards for bright objects.
Long-range shooters and hunters can both use a rangefinder with ballistic physics. It has to be calibrated with an Android tool installed from the app store on a smartphone.
Based on the hunter’s gear, the rangefinder app reduces variation and reaches pinpoint perfection. It functions as stand-alone equipment after tuning.
The Ballistic Data Exchange technique, often known as 2400 BDX, assesses the impact of gravity on long-range shooting rounds.
For extended distance measurement, you can set it on a tripod. For targets farther than 1400 yards, it is routinely performed.
- Display brightness adjustments
- Long-range accuracy
- Ballistic technology
- Extended warranty
- Not budget friendly
Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R
(Best Bow Hunting Rangefinder Australia)
Features
- Durable
- Fast scanning
- Waterproof
- Auto brightness adjustment
It is first and foremost regarded as the most outstanding rangefinder for bow hunting.
It features EHR technology for angular distance calculations for non-reflective objects from 10 to 1000 yards. Up to 2400 yards can be calculated for linear, non-angular distances.
For long-range, dim light aiming, the Red Display screen is perfect. The anti-fogging nitrogen solution and waterproof capabilities enhanced the durability and construction quality.
It can flip between yards and meters and has a large range of observation. The display also includes auto-adjustable lighting.
The smooth, stylish black frame provides stability while long-range shooting the aim and fits nicely in hand.
A CR2 battery, connecting wire, and case are included. The only drawback we could identify is the need for a scanning method, which is overlooked if you are not aiming for a swift item.
However, it cannot be placed on a tripod, which is unnecessary and ideal for beginning hunters.
- Durable
- Fast scanning
- Waterproof
- Auto brightness adjustment
- Expensive
Vortex Optics Impact 1000
(Best Budget Hunting Rangefinder for the Money)
Features
- Best rangefinder with budget value
- Comes with canning features
- Good eye relief with 6x magnification
- Multi-coated objective lens
The Vortex Impact 1000 is their entry-level vision, perfect for gun hunters and treestand shooters. With built-in ballistics, the aiming range for elk or deer shooting is 500 yards.
For full details check the Vortex Optics Impact 1000 Review, we have tested and reviewed Vortex Optics Impact 1000 in a separate post.
For hunters in mountainous terrain or archers in tree positions, the HCD mode provides an angle-corrected range. The LOS mode offers a perfect line of the site area.
The specified minimum is 5 yards. For flora, the basaltic range is 800 yards, and for shiny targets, it can easily extend to 1000 yards. With a 6X magnification, the data can be converted to either meters or yards.
The scanning feature can scan a large area or several targets by pressing the button just once. The 15 mm eye comfort is designed for hunters who wear spectacles. The power source is a standard 3-Volt CR2 battery.
- Best rangefinder with budget value
- It comes with canning features
- Good eye relief with 6x magnification
- Multi-coated objective lens
- Not suitable for dark objects
Bushnell Engage 1700
(Best Cheap Rangefinder For Deer Hunting)
Features
- Clear display
- Strong rubber design
- Angle or arc for terrain slopes
- Offers better resolution
I have to admit that at first I didn’t really like this device! I was used to using other models, but then I got used to the optics and features and I kinda started loving it.
This Bushnell rangefinder features a new and enhanced display and light adjustment for varied light intensity. The rangefinder is effective for deer shooting from 5 to 900 yards and 1300 yards to bright objects.
For best target accuracy, the brush method disregards bushes and tree limbs. It was advantageous for both long-range hunters and tree-position shooters thanks to the ARC, or angle range adjustment, mode.
This relatively quick and affordable rangefinder has a 6X zoom and a CR2 power. The exo barrier coating is resistant to water, grime, and dirt. For optics, the guarantee is lifelong; for electronics, it is not.
Once the basic setup is complete, using it is relatively simple and intuitive. Tripod installation is not included, even though it is not required.
- Clear display
- Strong rubber design
- Angle or arc for terrain slopes
- Offers better resolution
- Not good for black objects
Simmons Venture Rangefinder
(Lightweight Hunting Rangefinder Canada)
Features
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Take angle into account
Simmons Volt and venture rangefinders come in Regular and Angle variants. For angled pictures, the tilt variant accounts for the angle.
For reflected targets, the range is more significant than 400 yards for trees and shrubs. Long shots are difficult to keep steady.
The rangefinder measures both yards and meters. The construction is robust plastic that is also long-lasting.
Based on angle adjustment, there are two variants. Firstly, you may require the one with angle adjustment if your level differs, or in other terms, if the target’s distance from you is more significant than usual.
It has a hole that can be inserted into a thread but does not go with a lanyard. It uses a CR2 battery, whereas earlier models used 9V batteries, and the construction is somewhat flimsy and weak.
Branches make it challenging to grasp. With a guarantee, it performs satisfactorily.
The demand for daylight to obtain an accurate reading was the only negative we could see. It has yet to produce great results at nightfall or in dim light.
It could be disregarded because it has excellent characteristics and doesn’t have nighttime body hunts.
- Good rangefinder
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Take angle into account
- Thin frame
Nikon Prostaff 1000i
(Best Accurate Hunting Rangefinder UK)
Features
- Multi-coated lens
- Accurate
- Continuous scanning
Nikon Prostaff can detect objects persistently for up to 8 seconds with a single click. The aim position does not fixate when the switch is clicked, a common complaint among seasoned hunters and golfers. In this case, this function is handy.
The objective lens’s multi-layer covering offers more motion. Additionally, Nikon Prostaff is made waterproof using a recent advancement in weather protection material. When using glasses, the eye comfort can shift 15 mm.
The Nikon advanced angle computation can determine the distance for slopes up to 89 degrees. It utilizes a monocular magnifier with a 6x magnification.
In addition to a cr2 battery, it includes a comfortable carry case and lanyard. You can use the settings of the Tru-target system to determine the distances between closer and farther objects.
Precise ranged weapons can hit any object within 500 yards, even hunting creatures. Above 700 yards, bright targets with shining surfaces are aimed.
At 500 yards, it is simple to predict large creatures. It functioned up to 300 yards for little hunts like those for swooping geese and fowl.
- Multi-coated lens
- Continuous scanning feature
- Accurate rangefinder
- Not perfect for longer distances
Leupold RX-FullDraw 4
(Good Hunting Rangefinder)
Features
- Red OLED display
- adaptable
- Highly accurate to angled shots
- considers the angle
For bright objects, the Leupold Full Draw 4 offers a range of 1200 yards and 1100 yards for non-reflective aims. The precision of the angle correction ranges from 0.5 yards to 175 yards. As a result, it is the best and most sophisticated ballistic rangefinder available.
This rangefinder produces unparalleled results by calculating distances based on arrow mass, arrow speed, and eye height while considering the archer’s requirements.
Leupold RX Full draw will assist you in achieving perfect precision with horizontal components distance measuring for long-distance and sharp-angle shootings.
Whether you are shooting in dense forests, rocky terrain, or mountainous areas is essential.
This rangefinder is robust, tried, and accurate for anyone who hunts in a wooded or bushy setting. The peak is displayed on the screen as a solid line, thanks to flight path intelligence.
It will assist you in avoiding low-hanging bushes when shooting. The limbs of trees that hang in the course of arrow movement allow almost any archery shooter to omit at least one shot.
It has a small design, an armored rubber covering, a pocket, and a lanyard for protection.
The red OLED screen is crucial to keep in mind in this situation because it allows you to shoot at daylight and dusk when you have greater possibilities of seeing target species.
One of the greatest rangefinders, it has a red Oled screen that works well at night with a 6X zoom.
- Red OLED display
- For bows and arrow users, it is adaptable
- Highly accurate to angled shots
- Considers the angle
- It does not offer bush/target mode
Nikon LaserForce Rangefinder Binocular
(Best Hunting Rangefinder Binocular for Western hunting)
Features
- Fantastic range estimation
- Sturdy design
- Excellent for long-distance hunting
Nikon Laser Force Rangefinder Binoculars combine a rangefinder, a pair of binoculars, and a scaled-down detection scope.
The brand-new laser rangefinder binocular offers a clear view. It can shoot non-reflective objects at distances of up to 1000 yards and 1900 yards for reflecting targets. The foam eyecups provide eye comfort.
To maintain optics clean at all times, they are sent with objective lens covers affixed. It can effortlessly focus the object according to the user’s eyes by adjusting both the left and right eye toric lenses.
The 10/42 binoculars have a strong rubber shell, are waterproof, fog-proof, and run on a lone CR-2 battery. From 10 to 1900 yards, the red OLED screen displays precision to within 10 yards.
It has an incline-decline feature that figures out the angle for long-distance angles. Height must be calculated to perform an exact hit at a distance.
Due to the equipment and lens employed, every laser binocular is a little bulkier than standard ones.
Nikon Laser Force, however, outperforms its rivals in terms of total weight and aesthetics. Extra-low dispersal glass gathers light according to daylight.
- Fantastic range estimation
- Sturdy design
- Excellent for long-distance hunting
- Dim display on the screen’s bottom
What We Look For When Buying A Great Rangefinder
There is a valid reason why we never leave behind our rangefinders. With many capable options available in the market today, it all comes down to your unique hunting and shooting requirements. Before making a decision, take into account these key factors to ensure you hit the mark:
Angle Adjustments:
It is an essential aspect of hunting. A bow or archery hunter may miss the target because the arrow falls with gravity. Angle correction is crucial when hunting from height.
Distance:
Higher ground will assist you in swiftly locating targets—the hunter’s scan zone with bright sun, observable ridge sections, and clear tree limbs. Animals typically eat or sleep on pastures. Seek out regions that are herbaceous and lush.
Go into the mountainous tops and ridges as another helpful rangefinder tip for detecting deer or elk. Choose a fortress that has a view of a hill that rises above the woods and faces additional blind spots.
Tripod Installation:
There is no requirement for a tripod attachment for short- to medium-range rangefinders. It features targets with a range of up to 1000 yards (Find some best 1000 yard rangefinders for the money here).
Hunting at distances more than 1,000 yards is regarded as long-range and requires more stability to estimate angles and distances precisely.
The scanning option is another essential element that ensures stability and aids data collection. Although the tripod stand may add to your weight, only long-range hunters using powerful weapons carry one.
Scan Mode:
The hunter and golfer can perform many computations for varied goals with only one click, thanks to the scan function. You can determine the most accurate result by taking several readings of the same thing in this technique.
Understanding Your Optics:
Your bow rangefinder’s optics’ material and surface coating are also crucial to take into account.
The greatest rangefinders are completely multi, which signifies that every air-to-glass touch has many coatings of a protective layer. The brightness and resolution tend to increase, albeit at a price.
Our good friend Randy Newberg over at Fresh Tracks explains what you need to know about rangefinders and how to find the best one for you.
For many people, the numbers and letters can be overwhelming and incoherent. Randy explains what line of sight means when it comes to true ballistic range.
Eye Comfort:
Spending a fortune on top-tier hunting optics and excellent glass is pointless if the range finder’s effectiveness is constrained by poor eye relief. The distance your eye must be from the optics to see what you are gazing at is known as eye relief.
Battery:
Even though this is typically less of an issue if you only sometimes practice aiming at a distance, if you’re a bowhunter, you should consider battery life.
There’s nothing more annoying than being in the thick of a hunt only to notice your rangefinder is completely depleted.
Severe weather can make this situation worse. Therefore, do your homework and consider purchasing battery packs in your collection.
Water-Resistance:
The slightest bit of dampness in the glass can cause focus malfunctions and even fungus growth, which practically renders your optics worthless. Optics are delicate and intricate devices. You may avoid many problems by using decent, sturdy, high-quality cases.
Durability:
It should go without saying that you will require something durable, waterproof, and resilient to minor bumps and changes in weather.
Considerations Before Buying The Best Hunting RangeFinder
We’ll give an account of how to choose an excellent best hunting rangefinder with a budget-friendly value, outstanding accuracy, and durability.
Are Expensive Rangefinders Worth It For Hunting?
Well! It relies on your hunting or shooting challenges and surfaces.
Most hunters do not require the most pricey range finders, even though they never shoot beyond 400 – 500 yards. And you can bet those who make more extended angles have accurate rangefinders and put in a lot of practice.
Therefore, for most hunters, notably on flat surfaces, any standard range finder that instantly measures the range to the point of 500 yards is all they require.
While for all ranges more than 20 yards and up to about 70-100 yards, bowhunters require precise predictions. Some of the more affordable rangefinders might work well for bowhunting.
Still, they might be unable to reliably range objects quickly beyond 200 yards to be suitable for rifle shooting on western public lands.
So, it’s worth saying that an expensive rangefinding tool is not essential for hunting purposes.
Conclusion
Good luck, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which rangefinder you’ll require for your future hunting after reading this post. Hundreds of alternatives are available, but we’ve selected the top 10 rangefinders for hunting only.
Go no further than the selections listed above if you’re a long-range hunter or just searching for a superb high-end rangefinder you can afford.
Any hunting rangefinders in our collection will be of great use to you throughout your hunting season and afterward. We would never intentionally lead our viewers in the wrong way.
People Also Asked
The best laser rangefinder manufacturers are:
- Bushnell
- Gogogo Sport Vpro
- TIDEWE
- Nikon
- AOFAR
- Vortex
- Leupold
- WOSPORTS
- Sig Sauer
- Halo Optics
The Nikon LaserForce Rangefinder Binocular is the top laser rangefinder. Its lens’ sharpness makes it simple to focus on a target and determine an exact distance.
You can use a golf rangefinder for hunting but only at short distances. And similar to it, a hunting rangefinder is also acceptable in golf. However, object focusing or aiming will not be accurate as usual.
About Author
Hi, I’m David. a professional hunter. I’m hunting since my childhood I used to go with my dad in the States of Montana. We used to hunt mule deer and white-tailed deer. I made this blog to share my experience and help beginners with this experience. More about me here.
![9 Best Rangefinder Binoculars for Hunting [Reviewed 2023]](https://huntingmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Best-Rangefinder-Binoculars.jpg.webp)
from Optics Planet website: (I have not verified elsewhere – just FYI)
Product Discontinued by Manufacturer
The Vortex Ranger 1800 Laser Rangefinder with HCD has unfortunately been discontinued by Vortex and is no longer in stock. However, our knowledgeable product experts have carefully curated a selection of available alternatives for you to consider. Feel free to explore our range of Rangefinders & Accessories to find the perfect replacement that suits your needs.
Thanks Mark, I will leave it there because its one of my favourite rangefinders and the brand it top notch. You can get this at Amazon if you want.