Best RangeFinders: For Hunting, Mid Range and Long Range Shooting 2022

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If you are a shooting lover, you would have probably done some shooting for hunting or long-range purposes. And you might have already been to the counter at the sporting goods store to check for your ideal rangefinder.

However, you might face a difficult task selecting the right rangefinder because it seems like every product has at least 4 options! So, how can you possibly pick the right one among the numerous brands out there?

You’ll find some known brands within the price range of a little over $100 to more than $1,000. But is it worth it to buy the expensive one? What do you get for the extra bucks? There are so many questions that need to be answered.

You will get answers to all of the questions you may have in this article as I extensively review 8 best hunting range finders within a price range of $140 to $800.

Short on time? Here are the Best Hunting Rangefinders

Budget Models

Mid-Range Hunting

Long-Range Hunting

Other Options

Choosing The Best Hunting Rangefinder

Buying a rangefinder is a worthy investment; however, there are certain factors to consider when you want to buy the best rangefinder for you. These days, you don’t have to break the bank to get a suitable rangefinder as there are good products at affordable prices available.

Irrespective of what your desires and specifications are, you’ll find a rangefinder suitable for you. These rangefinders cut across various prices, ranges, optics, build, and design, among other factors. You can’t go wrong with one of these.

To help you in your purchase decision, I’ve have put together a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the product that works best. The rangefinders displayed here are a compilation of some of the best rangefinders from different categories.

All the rangefinders reviewed were carefully selected using criteria such as accuracy, range, speed, build, and quality. It all depends on your preference and budget. I aim to discuss the rangefinders that won’t let you down in the field.

These rangefinders for hunting and shooting reviews take into consideration my own experience but also different buyers’ preferences. I considered buyers such as the super price-conscious (those who want low price), as well as hunters, and long-range shooters. I’ll help you make an informed purchase decision. Read on!

Best Rangefinder On A Budget ($200 and under)

The first category we’ll talk about is price-conscious. The price-conscious category is for the buyer on a shoestring budget that wants value for their money. These three rangefinders fit that bill perfectly.

Of these three products, the Nikon Prostaff 1000 is the cheapest, and it is often a preferred choice for most people. However, the only difference in the price between this Nikon product and the other two is about 20 dollars.

These recommendations are based on experience and the comparison between two to three different rangefinders. Let’s take a look at the features of these products.

  1   Nikon Prostaff 1000 – Best for The Money

Nikon Prostaff 1000 Budget Rangefinder

Nikon Prostaff 1000 is the best rangefinder on a budget. If you desire a cheap rangefinder that will do an excellent job within 600 yards, you should consider the Nikon Prostaff 1000. The maximum distance of the Nikon Prostaff 1000 is 875 yards in good lighting conditions, so you should consider this when using this rangefinder.

In low light, the highest distance achieved with this rangefinder is 640 yards. In addition to that, on sagebrush, it has an 875 yard range as its maximum distance. Anything exceeding this may not be as efficient.

The Nikon Company has a good warranty on its products, with a sturdy battery. It also has a minimum of 15mm eye relief which is great for those of us who wear eyeglasses. The readings with this rangefinder are very accurate.

It possesses excellent accuracy when compared to Bushnell Prime 1300 and Pursuit XR 700. It is made of plastic unlike high-end rangefinders, but it gets the job done.

Furthermore, it is waterproof and helpful for shooting, even as an amateur. So, if you’re looking for something cheap yet efficient, this is the best product for you. It is a sturdy choice, with a strong build made of quality plastic.

  2   Bushnell Prime 1300 Laser Rangefinder

Bushnell Prime 1300 Laser Rangefinder

From my experience using these rangefinders, the Bushnell Prime 1300 had the most inconsistent reading. However it is compact and lightweight, and it picks up targets very quickly. This Bushnell rangefinder has similar attributes to that of the Nikon Prostaff.

It also guarantees optimum readings, even with poor lighting. The Bushnell rangefinder achieves a reasonable distance when used for hunting or sporting activities. It is efficient and solid for the price.

  3   Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Bone Collector Edition

Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Bone Collector Edition

I wanted to add another Bushnell rangefinder to our list that is affordable without sacrificing any features.

You don’t get as much distance with the Bone Collector edition as you do with the Prime 1300 model. You can range a deer up to 600 yards away with the Prime 1300, but that can be considered a useless feature to have if you aren’t taking long-distance shots.

The Bone Collector ranges up to 600 yards, with the best clarity being up to 200 yards, which is more in line with where you will likely take your shot anyway. Plus, it’s a well-priced rangefinder that doesn’t require you to sacrifice quality or functionality to save a buck or two.

It’s made of rugged, rainproof material that will withstand the elements, and it comes in the Realtree Bone Collector pattern, so it’s already camouflage.

Best Mid-Range Hunting Rangefinder

The mid-range shooters are those that desire to hunt without spending so much. Here I’ll review two remarkable rangefinders and help you make an informed choice.

  4   Gogogo Sport 1200 Hunting Rangefinder

Gogogo Sport 1200 Hunting Rangefinder

The Gogogo Sport 1200 hunting rangefinder is advertised as being able to range up to 1,200 yards. When tested, its range is slightly under 1,200 yards, but this isn’t a big deal unless you’re sniping long-distance shots.

The accuracy and clarity of the object through the viewfinder at 900 yards are clear, so you’re not losing anything in the clarity of image department. The optics are crystal clear even at long distances.

The linear distance, slope-calibrated distance, and deviation display on the screen when you look through the rangefinder. This helps you know where to aim when you’re ready to take your shot.

It can magnify up to 6x and has an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. All distances tested with this rangefinder have proven to be accurate. For less than $100, it’s one of the best rangefinders for hunting without breaking the bank.

  5   Halo XR700-8 Hunting Rangefinder

Halo XR700-8 Hunting Rangefinder

The Halo XR700-8 rangefinder ranges up to 700 yards and uses angle intelligence to calculate the true distance of the object regardless of the elevation with an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. Depending on your preference and how you have sighted your bow or rifle, you can alternate the distance reading between meters or yards.

The LCD reading on the screen is easy to read and displays the distance and angle between you and the object. You can read the display in low light and bright conditions, and it works great with a bow or rifle.

The eyepiece is also adjustable for you to focus the lens specifically for your vision. In addition, it has a non-slip grip and a carrying lanyard for you to easily keep the rangefinder on you while you hunt.

Best Long-Range Hunting Rangefinder

Dedicated hunters will invest more in getting the best rangefinder for their hunting expedition. Here are three excellent hunting rangefinders you should consider as a serious sportsman with my last pick being especially good for veteran shooters who love shooting in the long range.

  6   Vortex Ranger 1800 – Best Overall

Vortex Ranger 1800 Long-Range Hunting Rangefinder

Vortex Ranger 1800 is one of the few waterproof rangefinders on our list. It has awesome quality, lifetime warranty, and a tripod socket. However, you might not need the tripod socket because it is very lightweight.

Other features of this rangefinder include its ability to detect distances as long as 950 yards. For professional hunters who have been shooting a long while, this distance is good enough. The distance in sagebrush is estimated at 800 yards for shooting. However, in areas with dim light, the distance is 649 yards.

The vortex Ranger is a popular rangefinder, and it is good for hunting, as well as sporting activities. The vortex has a good build and is made of great quality materials. The optics have a full lifetime warranty, and when you buy it new, you can expect it to work efficiently for a long time. If you buy it and it stops working, you can send it back to the company and they will give you a new one.

This rangefinder comes with a belt clip, which makes it neat, and you can attach ballistics to it while shooting, rather than having them hang on your neck.

  7   Astra Optix HTX1600 Hunting Rangefinder

Astra Optix HTX1600 Hunting Rangefinder

If you want a rangefinder that has different modes for you to choose from, then the Astra Optix HTX1600 is the rangefinder for you.

You can choose from 6 different range modes: Horizontal Angle Corrected Mode, Angle with Line of Sight Mode, Archery Mode, Gun Mode, Scan Mode, and Golf Mode (if you’re into that sort of thing).

It has a reflective range of up to 1,760 yards and can range inanimate objects up to 1,000 yards and animals up to 800 yards. The display is one of the clearest on the market, giving you 40% more light transmission than standard LCD models. The display gives you a reading of distance measured in meters or yards along with the angle of elevation measurement which is a great feature. It’s weatherproof and comes with a lifetime warranty.

  8   Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX – Best 1000 Yard

Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX Long Range Rangefinder

This rangefinder is great for long distances. It has the biggest frame overall and comes with a plastic frame. It is also worthy to note that this product does not have extra features for the added expenses, and it is a bit bulky.

The special feature of the Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX is that it can range long distances. The Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX also has built-in ballistics. It has an excellent magnification of 7x25mm. With the Sig Sauer Kilo 2200, the maximum distance obtainable when shooting or hunting is 1300 yards.

It has a maximum reflective range of 3400 yards. On the other hand, with dim light, one can only achieve a maximum distance of around 1700 yards. Long-range shooting is not often comfortable, but with this rangefinder, you can reach maximum performance.

The Sig 2200 is great for long-range shooting with the price a bit on the high side. The magnification is 7 times more, making it outstanding. Although it is a bit pokey, it’s organized and can reach long distances. For practical shooting, the loop hold is more than most rangefinders in this category. It is also larger and a bit heavier.


Hunting rangefinder used for archery or shooting

How Does A Rangefinder Work?

Now that we understand the very basics of the parts of a rangefinder from the above product reviews, we can look at a very elementary example of how it works.

The process begins when we have spotted a target, let’s say 1000 yards away through the optics and press the button to send the laser downrange. We will assume we are using a quality modern rangefinder that emits a pulse of laser beams.

We will also assume a consumer rangefinder as professional or military rangefinders may work with entirely different technology. Most consumer rangefinders use ‘Time in Flight’ to calculate range. The longer the beam takes, the farther away it is.

FROM THE UNIT TO THE TARGET

While it’s easy to assume the laser will fly perfectly straight, that would be incorrect. There are several factors that can affect the way the beam travels.

The most devastating of those would be anything between you and your target. This could be anything from leaves, weeds, brush, or any other visible barrier. It could also be water vapor, dust particles, smoke, or other things that you can’t see with the naked eye.

The second factor is the vibration of the unit either by shaking of the hand, your pulse, or anything in the environment around you that is emitting sound. Generally, the amount of deflection caused by these is very small.

The fact that our example rangefinder emits a pulse is a bonus, even with some of the light being deflected, a few will hit our target a thousand yards downrange and begin their return journey.  Since light could travel around the earth 7 ½ times in one second, the amount of time this took is incalculably small.

Speaking of incalculably small, most of the deflections you will experience could be fractions of a millimeter over 1000 yards. Just a point to keep in mind.

FROM THE TARGET TO THE RECEIVER

Since we have a laser pulse and some of the light was deflected away from the target, or was interrupted and reflected back before hitting the target, we will get different results back from each beam of that pulse that hits our receiver.

All of the same factors that affect the beam on its way to the target will also affect its return trip. 

Additionally, the angle of the surface and how reflective it is will affect the return of the light. A target that is less reflective will return a weaker signal. A target that is angled will send the beam off at a different angle. The pulse may have sent out hundreds of small beams. Some of them will hit the receiver.

CALCULATING THE RESULTS

This will be a very simplified explanation of the way calculations occur. There are a variety of methods used to calculate results and many companies have a variety of different ways of handling those results. Understanding every possible method would be a massive undertaking.

In short, the computer will look for trends in the results to try to determine what reflected values came from your target and what ones can be discarded as errant beams. The predominant two methods used in a pulse rangefinder are clusters and spikes.

A cluster reading will look for the most returned beams in very close range to each other to try to identify what you were pointing the rangefinder at. If you range a target and the rangefinder gets 7 readings back that are very close together, it may assume that is the target. Sometimes this can be the most accurate, especially at closer ranges.

Spikes are measured by the number of returned values at the same range. If you were to get back 6 readings that were in the same range, or VERY close to the same range, it would be a spike. At longer ranges or when there are a lot of various surfaces throwing off beams, this is typically more accurate.

Some of the most advanced units may use both methods and even some proprietary methods. When the calculations are complete, the range to the target will be displayed. Considering the speed of light and the speed of modern processors, the time elapsed should still be well under a second.

While this is a very simplified explanation it should be sufficient to allow you to become more proficient with a rangefinder. Understanding the mechanics of a laser, the limitations of the receiver, and the incredible complexity of the calculations would take a book or more. Things have come a long way since those early models.

This explanation leaves out some of the finer details of rangefinders used in hunting which may have additional calculations to help you with a rifle or bow.

The important points to take away from this are:

  • Time in Flight = Distance
  • Rangefinders use a pulse and not a single beam
  • Any obstruction from leaves to water vapor can cause issues
  • The computer is smart enough to get around most issues with obstruction

To avoid most issues with a rangefinder, buy a high-quality unit, use a tripod, and practice like you would with anything else. Head to the firing range and use pre-marked targets with known range to make sure you are getting a good reading.

Deer looking at hunter before taking shot.

How To Use A Rangefinder When Hunting

If you are a serious hunter, it’s pretty likely that you already own a rangefinder. If not, I am sure you have considered one at least once and need to go ahead and bite the bullet. Having and knowing how to use a hunting rangefinder will be one of the biggest steps you take to increase your odds.

In hunting, there are a lot of things that have to come together to get that perfect shot. There is a lot of timing, luck, and preparation involved. Just like when we are choosing the right rifle scope we have to also do our homework when choosing a good hunting rangefinder.

You have put a lot of effort and money toward having that opportunity. We owe it to ourselves not to miss because we failed to accurately account for range.

KNOW YOUR RANGEFINDER

With any new device, this starts with understanding how it works and its limitations.

At its most basic level, a rangefinder is simply a laser, a light meter, and a clock. When you shine the laser at an object, a part of the beam will bounce back and register with the light meter. The time it takes to make its round trip is measured by the clock and can be used to accurately estimate the distance between you and the target.

All things reflect light, it’s just a matter of how much, so anything you shine the laser on will reflect it back. Some objects, like harder objects, will return a more powerful beam whereas softer objects tend to diffuse the beams more.

A rock will return a sold beam and therefore can be ranged accurately farther away. A deer is soft and its fur will diffuse the laser light and the reading may not be as accurate, depending on the distance. While many rangefinders boast of ranges near or over a thousand yards, they may not be effective against an animal that far, the best ones at maybe half that distance.

Understanding those limitations, we can then look at best practices.

BEST PRACTICES IN THE FIELD

This is what I would call the basic operations of a rangefinder. How I use one from the time I identify my hunting location all the way up to the time I take my shot. Accurately planning and practicing these steps will help you get the most out of the investment you made in your rangefinder.

CARRY IT SCOUTING

Always carry your rangefinder when you go into the woods.

If you’re a rifle hunter, being able to gauge the ground distance to locations that show deer activity gives a good idea of where we can set up our blind or hide. At this point, I don’t need to be dead-on accurate, I just need to know the difference between 150 yards and 300 yards.

For a bowhunter, knowing the distance from the base of the tree you may use, to locations where deer sightings are likely, will help you assess how good your location is or if you would benefit from moving your stand to a different tree. Either way, a hunter can use the rangefinder to effectively locate where he will hunt from.

ON THE HUNT

Once the season starts and you are in the woods for real, range early and often. You don’t have to have an animal in front of you. It’s good to know the location of ‘landmarks’ in your hunting area. This can help you decide what shot to take and when to wait a little longer.

For a bowhunter, get points on trees around your area that are in locations you could take a clean shot. Sometimes a deer won’t stop and wait for you to get a bead on him and KNOWING, not guessing, the range to his location could be the difference between a kill and a missed opportunity.

Similarly, with a rifle, I want to take notes on landmarks around where I hunt. I don’t restrict myself to areas that I think are likely for deer but any location around that I might be able to make a clean shot. Deer don’t follow plans and may pop up where you don’t expect them.

As a rifle hunter, you usually have more time to make your shot so don’t rush it. You may know the distance to the wood line but it pays to get a second reading to make sure, especially if you are an extreme range hunter.

DEER IN SIGHT

When you actually have an animal that you can get a shot at or that will likely move to a position where you can get that shot, the rangefinder will really pay for itself. The key here is slow, steady movements to not alert the animal, this is especially true for bow hunters.

Having a rangefinder with scan mode really shines if you are tracking an animal and waiting for him to get in a good position. With a bow, I don’t like to be ranging when he stops in a clearing. By that time, I want to have my bow drawn and ready. 

I range as the animal moves and stop a few yards before I would want to shoot. If I ranged my area well, I should have a solid number in my head for that range.

If you have the time or it’s a farther rifle shot, don’t settle on just ranging the animal, remember they don’t read as well on a rangefinder as hard targets. Also range the tree or rock he is near. Anything you can do to get a more solid range. If you are out at 300 yards, the difference between a hit and a miss can be very small.

Remember, slow and steady. You want your movements so clean and silent that your prey never knows you are there.

If you hunt in steep terrain, watch this video for helpful tips on angle compensation.

3 Tips When Buying A Hunting Rangefinder

  • Get the best one you can afford. Buy once, cry once
    The differences between a good rangefinder and a bad one are huge, don’t make that mistake.
  • Get a rangefinder suited to your chosen hunting tool
    One for either bow or rifle will have features better suited to that tool. You may not think you need them now but it’s better to have them upfront than to pay for them twice.
  • Buy more than you need
    Because of the limitations on range, get a rangefinder that has the longest range you can afford. Very few people hunt at 1000+ yards but a rangefinder that will read well past that will likely be more accurate at shorter ranges than one that is near its limits.

Final Thoughts

For general shooting, hunting, and some long-range shooting, my top pick is the Vortex Ranger 1800.

I hope now you have some great new rangefinders to choose from depending on your budget, hunting needs, and professional level.

If you need a rangefinder for hunting, you know the best to choose, and if it is for long-range shooting, you clearly have a choice as well. I hope this article was helpful in your purchasing decision for a great hunting rangefinder.

L.P Brezny has been writing and reviewing products as well as how to projects for the past 50 years. He has authored four books on shooting with three on long range, and one covering shotgunning. With 26 years on a metro police department as a street officer and the rank of SGT / training L.P. has covered all the bases regarding weapons and street survival.