If you’re a hunting enthusiast like me, you’ll agree that a good rangefinder can make or break your hunting experience. It’s one piece of gear that I wouldn’t dare step out without.

The Importance of a Quality Rangefinder for Hunting

A quality rangefinder, in essence, measures the distance between you and your prey, enabling you to make a precise and ethical shot. Ever wondered how professional hunters make those spot-on shots? The secret lies in their rangefinder!

Key Features of the Best Hunting Rangefinder

So, what should you look for in a hunting rangefinder?

Maximum Range

This is how far the rangefinder can effectively measure. As a rule of thumb, for hunting, you’d want a rangefinder with a range of at least 1000 yards.

Magnification

Higher magnification allows you to see further and in more detail. I recommend at least 4x magnification for hunting.

Optical Quality

Clear optics can make all the difference in low light conditions, which are common when hunting. You should aim for multi-coated lenses for the best optical clarity.

Durability

Hunting rangefinders need to withstand tough conditions, so ensure the model you choose is waterproof and has a sturdy build.

Best Hunting Rangefinder Models

Vortex Optics Ranger HD 4000

Vortex Optics is well known for producing high-quality optics for a variety of outdoor and shooting applications. Here are details on the Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder:

Range: The Razor HD 4000 has a ranging capability of up to 4,000 yards on reflective targets, 2,200 yards on a tree, and 1,600 yards on a deer. This makes it suitable for long-range hunting and shooting applications.

Display: The device comes with an HD optical system and features a clear display with intuitive menus.

Modes:

• Normal Mode: Provides a single distance reading.
• First Mode: Displays the distance of the closest object.
• Last Mode: Displays the distance of the farthest object, useful in wooded areas.
• Extended Laser Range (ELR) Mode: Useful for very long-range distances.
• Scan Mode: Provides continuous distance readings as you pan across a landscape or track a moving target.

Construction: The rangefinder is built with a durable, non-slip grip, making it suitable for use in rugged conditions. It is also waterproof and fog-proof.

Size & Weight: The Razor HD 4000 is compact and lightweight, making it convenient for carrying around during hunting trips or shooting activities.

Angle Compensation: The device comes with an incline/decline feature, which can provide the horizontal distance to the target, regardless of the angle. This is crucial for shooting in hilly or mountainous terrain.

Battery Life: The rangefinder is powered by a CR2 battery. Battery life is typically good, though, like all electronic devices, can be affected by how often it’s used and the conditions it’s used under.

Other Features: It also includes features like LOS (Line of Sight) mode which shows the actual line of sight range. There’s also an intuitive, easy-to-use menu and a clean illuminated display.

Bushnell Bone Collector

The Bushnell 4×21 Hunting Laser Rangefinder, often associated with the Bone Collector series, is a collaboration between Bushnell and the popular hunting TV show “Bone Collector.” Michael Waddell and his team from the show endorsed the product, which has hence given the rangefinder additional credibility and popularity in the hunting community.

Specifications & Features:

• Magnification and Objective: The “4×21” in the product name indicates that it has 4x magnification and a 21mm objective lens. This means that the image you see through the rangefinder will be four times closer than with the naked eye.
• Design and Camo: The “Realtree Xtra Camo” indicates that this particular model comes in a camouflage pattern known as Realtree Xtra. It’s designed to blend into a variety of environments, making it great for hunting.
• Range: The rangefinder is capable of measuring distances from 10 to 600 yards with impressive accuracy, usually within +/- one yard.
• One-button Operation: It’s designed to be user-friendly with a simple one-button operation. Press the button once to turn it on and then again to get your range.
• Display: It uses an LCD display to show the distance readings. The display is clear and easy to read under most conditions.
• Size and Weight: This model is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around during hunts. Typically, it weighs less than 10 ounces.
• Battery: It usually runs on a 9-volt battery, which is not always included with the purchase. The battery life tends to be fairly good, but as with all electronic devices, it’s advisable to carry a spare, especially during long hunting trips.
• Durability: The rangefinder is built with a durable, water-resistant housing. However, it’s important to note that “water-resistant” doesn’t mean “waterproof.” It can handle light rain, but submersion in water can damage it.
• Additional Features: Some models may come with additional features or functions, such as ARC (Angle Range Compensation), which can be particularly useful when hunting in hilly or mountainous terrain.

Leupold RX-FullDraw 5 Rangefinder with DNA

The RX-FullDraw series is tailored specifically for archers and bowhunters. Here are some features:

True Ballistic Range (TBR) Technology:

Most Leupold rangefinders with TBR provide readings that calculate the angle of your shot, which is crucial for archery where elevation changes can significantly affect where an arrow lands.

DNA (Digitally eNhanced Accuracy):

DNA technology is designed to improve both the speed and accuracy of the rangefinder. It allows for faster target acquisition and offers an improved level of precision.

OLED Display:

The OLED display typically provides a clearer, sharper reading under varying lighting conditions, compared to the standard LCDs. The display colors, which can improve visibility in different environments or times of day.

Compact and Durable:

Like most Leupold rangefinders, you can expect it to be designed for field use – durable, water-resistant, and compact enough to be easily carried without being cumbersome.

Bow-specific Features:

Given its focus on archery, the RX-FullDraw series offer features like specific trajectory calculations, bow-specific ballistic data, or other functionalities tailored for bowhunters.

Nikon Prostaff 1000i

The Nikon PROSTAFF 1000 is a popular rangefinder known for its affordability combined with reliable performance. Here’s a detailed overview of the Nikon PROSTAFF 1000:

Specifications & Features:

• Maximum Range: The PROSTAFF 1000 can measure distances from 6 to 1000 yards, making it versatile for various outdoor applications.
• Display: It offers a clear and crisp display, providing quick readings.
• Size and Weight: Compact and lightweight, the PROSTAFF 1000 is designed for portability, making it ideal for hunters and golfers alike.
• Measurement Speed: This rangefinder offers quick and steady measurements, usually in less than a second.
• Optical System: It has a 6x magnification and a 20mm objective lens, which ensures that the target remains in focus and is easily identifiable.
• Long Eye Relief: The design caters to those who wear glasses, ensuring they can see the full field of view.
• Waterproof/Fogproof: While the rangefinder is rainproof, it’s essential to note that it isn’t submersible. It’s also resistant to fogging, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.
• Tru-Target Technology: This technology allows users to switch between two different ranging modes. The first priority mode provides a reading of the closest targeted object, while the distant target priority mode displays the distance of the farthest target among a group.
• Power Source: It operates on a CR2 lithium battery, which is known for its longevity.

Pro’s:

• Affordable price point, offering excellent value for money.
• Lightweight and compact design.
• Reliable and fast distance readings.
• Suitable for both hunting and golf.

Cons:

• While it claims a maximum range of 1000 yards, achieving this maximum distance can be challenging, especially on softer targets like animals. It might be more consistent at shorter ranges.
• The display does not illuminate, which can be challenging in low-light conditions.

Conclusion:

The Nikon PROSTAFF 1000 is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable rangefinder. Whether you’re into hunting or golf, its features cater to a wide range of outdoor applications. However, as with all products, it’s crucial to understand its limitations and determine if it meets your specific requirements.

Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R

The CRF 2400-R is tailored primarily for hunters and sport shooters, especially those who might not need the advanced ballistic capabilities found in more expensive models but still require accurate distance measurements. Its ability to provide equivalent horizontal range makes it a great choice for hunting in mountainous or hilly terrain.

Specifications & Features:

Design and Build:

• Dimensions: The CRF 2400-R is designed for portability and ease of use, measuring around 113 x 75 x 34 mm.
• Weight: It’s lightweight, weighing approximately 185 grams without batteries, making it convenient for one-handed operation.
• Durability: The CRF 2400-R is built to withstand outdoor conditions. It’s both waterproof (to a depth of 1m) and rugged.

Optics:

• Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm. This provides a good balance between size and light-gathering ability.
• Magnification: 7x magnification, ensuring a clear and detailed view of distant objects.
• AquaDura® Coating: Like other Leica products, the lens features the AquaDura coating that repels water and dirt, ensuring a clear view in adverse conditions.

Rangefinding Capabilities:

• Distance Measurement Range: As the name implies, the CRF 2400-R can measure distances up to 2,400 meters or around 2,624 yards.
• Accuracy: It provides measurements with a high degree of precision. For shorter distances, accuracy is within ±1 meter/yards. At longer distances, the margin of error can increase slightly.
• Speed: The device offers fast readings, usually in just a few seconds.

Display and Interface:

• LED Display: The CRF 2400-R comes with a red LED display. The brightness adjusts automatically to ambient lighting, ensuring visibility under various conditions without dazzling the user.
• Intuitive Interface: The device is designed for ease of use with straightforward controls, making it simple to obtain measurements or adjust settings.

Additional Features:

• Equivalent Horizontal Range (EHR): While the device does not offer a built-in ballistic calculator like some of its siblings, it can display equivalent horizontal range (up to 1,200 meters or 1,312 yards) which is useful for hunters in uneven terrains where the shooting angle can influence the true ballistic distance.
• Battery Life: Operated by a CR2 battery, the Rangemaster CRF 2400-R can provide about 2,500 measurements at 20°C, though this number can vary with conditions and usage patterns.

In conclusion, the Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R offers a blend of simplicity, accuracy, and reliability. Its features are designed with the user in mind, ensuring that whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just someone who requires precise distance measurements, the device serves you well.

Criteria for selection of the Best Hunting Rangefinder

When selecting the models and brands of rangefinders to recommend, I considered several important criteria to ensure a comprehensive and balanced recommendation. Here’s an overview of these criteria:

Reputation of the Brand

Brands with a strong reputation and history in the market were given priority. All five brands – Vortex Optics, Bushnell, Leupold, Nikon, and Leica – are well-established and widely respected for their quality optics.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The selected models have consistently received positive reviews from users, reinforcing their quality and reliability.

Performance and Features

The chosen models offer a robust set of features, such as a high maximum range, good magnification, quality optics, and durable build, which are essential for hunting.

Value for Money

The models were chosen to represent a range of price points, offering good value within their respective segments. For example, the Bushnell Bone Collector and Nikon Prostaff 1000i are affordable yet perform well, while the Leica Geovid HD-B 3000 is a high-end rangefinder that offers top-notch features and performance.

Specific Use-Case

Each model was chosen for its suitability for hunting, considering factors like range capability, ruggedness, and optical clarity. For instance, the Leupold RX-2800 TBR and Leica Geovid HD-B 3000 have exceptionally high maximum ranges, ideal for long-range hunting.

Remember, the best rangefinder for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. It’s always a good idea to do your research and compare different models before making a decision.

FAQs

1. What is the best rangefinder for hunting?
   It depends on your hunting style, but Vortex Optics Ranger 1800, Bushnell Bone Collector, and Leupold RX-2800 TBR all make excellent rangefinders for hunting.
2. Why is optical quality important in a rangefinder?
   Good optical quality ensures you can see clearly in various light conditions, which are common in hunting scenarios.
3. Is a waterproof rangefinder necessary?
   While not absolutely necessary, a waterproof rangefinder is a good idea since hunting often exposes you to various weather conditions.
4. How does magnification affect my hunting?
   Higher magnification allows you to see further and in more detail, improving your aim.
5. How important is the range in a rangefinder for hunting?
   The range is critical because it determines how far you can effectively use your rangefinder. A minimum of 1000 yards is recommended for hunting.