You will find only a few hunters in the wild doing what they’re supposed to do with just their bare hands.
While many hunters are taking reasonable advantage of modern technology, this is why you should use the best hunting rangefinder.
It helps in finding out the range of the target with your bow or rifle.
Rangefinders sound like complex devices, but they’re not. They are simple gadgets that help you decide how far your position is from the target. And this can go a long way in improving the accuracy of your shot.
Rangefinders are not only used for hunting but also for golfing, photography, and surveying. But in this article, we’re only going to concentrate on the best rangefinder for hunting.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Best Hunting Rangefinders
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Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC 4x20mm Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder with Clear Shot |
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Nikon 8397 ACULON Laser Rangefinder (Editor’s Choice) |
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* Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see customer reviews and current prices on Amazon.com
Rangefinders: How are they useful?
Rangefinders are nothing but visual aids that are used for measuring long-range distance. Many advanced models are now also equipped with features to detect objects at a distance. Thanks to modern technology! This is what makes the hunting rangefinders different from the golfing versions.
Rangefinders have powerful lenses that have the ability to capture a complete panorama. You can find out the ideal ballistics before you fire by using this gadget. So a rangefinder is for those who want to achieve a thorough understanding of the visual field. This they do to get the greatest accuracy with every shot.
Rangefinders: What are the different types?
Optical Rangefinders
Most golfers and hunters opt for optical rangefinders. These are not equipped with batteries and software. All they have are two lenses located at opposite ends that focus on objects.
The device’s focusing knob superimposes both the images together. Then it finds out the valuable distance reading. You get about 90 to 95% accurate distance reading. This happens once you understand the correct way to focus on your target.
Infrared Rangefinders
Laser and infrared rangefinders have similar qualities. Both generate light beams that are responsible for measuring the distance. Infrared rangefinders make use of triangulation just as soon as its IR light has been set to your target.
Once the target object reflects the light back, it creates the useful triangular angle. This angle is formed between the reflection point, detector, and emitter.
Laser Rangefinders
These types of rangefinders are used as binoculars or monocular. Time helps in determining the distance in this gadget. It all depends on how much time the light takes to travel all the way back to your rangefinder. And that is why using laser rangefinders in dark or low light conditions is not appropriate. It generates incorrect results.
But many advanced models are being created to help in negating such elements. They do so by sending out various signals. These wonderful gadgets are also equipped with sharper optics. So seeing in low light situations is not such an impossible task.
What to Kook for in the Best Hunting Rangefinder?
Range
There will be the largest range that is listed by the visual aid’s manufacturer. This is the peak range at which you will be able to spot targets. Some models cover shorter distances. And such a capacity makes them suitable for low light or rainy conditions.
Design
When hunting, you carry equipment like a hunting bag, arrows, quiver, and other accessories. So you need a rangefinder that’s lightweight and compact, right? The best option is to buy a vertically designed rangefinder.
Next factor to keep in mind is the color of the gadget. It should either be camouflage or black. Also, your rangefinder works best when it’s weather resistant or waterproof.
Target Priority
The best hunting rangefinder has two priority differences. In the first priority for hunting, rangefinders are relevant when hunting in open ground. And for the second priority, these gadgets find out the distance of farther objects.
These objects are often behind the first target object that the rangefinder covers. So you can quickly switch from first to second priority when you’re hunting.
Magnification
This is the deciding factor when buying the best rangefinder for long range shooting. Magnification means spotting your target objects some hundred yards away. The hunting rangefinder is one that offers 4x magnification.
This is applicable for bow hunters. As for rifle hunters, rangefinders with 7x magnification are suitable. But you should also know that the average magnification rate is 6x. So based on your needs and requirements, make a better decision.
The best hunting rangefinder: 5 best picks
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Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC 4x20mm Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder with Clear Shot |
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Nikon 8397 ACULON Laser Rangefinder (Editor’s Choice) |
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1. Wildgame Innovations Halo X Ray Z6X 600 Laser Range Finder
Do you want to get the most accurate distance measurement? If yes, then the Wildgame Innovations Range Finder is made for you. The Wildgame Innovations Halo Laser Range Finder tends to cut movement. This is done when you’re near to your game. Such a characteristic makes the rangefinder suitable for bow hunting.
The Wildgame Innovations Laser Range Finder comes with a Halo scan feature. What this does is calculate the distance automatically. This helps in increasing accuracy. You will also love how compact and ergonomic the rangefinder is. It’s a perfect gadget to take with you without adding excessive weight to your hunting bag.
We Like
- The distance and angle readings of the rangefinder are accurate and quick.
- The handling area and buttons are rubber coated, so the device is easy to use.
We Don’t Like
- The rangefinder doesn’t offer proper aiming for long range shots.
HALO X RAY Commercial
2. TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder
You know that a rangefinder is best when it provides 6x magnification. The TecTecTec Hunting Rangefinder has the capacity to reach 540 yards. Thanks to the 6x magnification! The gadget can hand over accurate measurements in a speedy manner.
The optic lens of the rangefinder is multilayered. This makes reading the distances on the LCD display quite clear. The TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder is one of those models that are portable. It has a valuable camouflage design. Plus, it’s waterproof too. What more could you have asked for!
We Like
- The cross hairs of the rangefinder are clear enough to pinpoint your target.
- The outer case of the gadget is mud resistant too.
We Don’t Like
- The rangefinder doesn’t offer any illumination in the readout. So it’s not suitable for low light conditions.
3. Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC 4x20mm Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder with Clear Shot
The best rangefinder for bow hunting; the Bushnell 202442 Truth ARC Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder. And do you know why? It’s because this model has Clearshot technology. It calculates the flight path of your arrow to provide you with an instant feedback for your shot.
The feature is also responsible for warning you about possible obstructions. Such obstructions might deflect the arrow when in flight.
Once your target has been ranged, a dot will be displayed. This will show your arrow’s greatest height for travel. And this, in turn, has the ability to note obstructions in the flight path of the arrow. The best part about this rangefinder is that it can be calibrated. The visual aid can be calibrated to correspond to your bow’s speed.
You will also be glad to know about two other exceptional features. The Bushnell Rangefinder is equipped with 4x magnification and an ARC mode. The former makes the process of acquiring your target easier. And the latter is useful when you’re shooting at declining or inclining angles.
We Like
- The design of the rangefinder is lightweight and compact.
- It displays your distance reading quickly.
We Don’t Like
- The rangefinder is not fog proof or waterproof.
ClearShot™ Technology by Bushnell
4. Nikon 8397 ACULON Laser Rangefinder (Editor’s Choice)
The best thing about this hunting rangefinder is the optics. And we all know why that is, right? Nikon is a renowned camera manufacturing company. And it hasn’t failed to surprise us with the Nikon 8397 ACULON Laser Rangefinder.
The small visual aid is versatile in nature. What I mean to say is that it can be used for all kinds of activities and in all types of environments.
The Nikon 8397 ACULON Laser Rangefinder is supplied with 6x magnification. This feature offers a range of at least 550 yards. With the push of a single button, you can achieve continuous, instant measurements.
This is done while you’re sizing up the target in the LCD. Switching between first and second priority is pretty easy with such a hunting gear. And you will also be glad to know that it’s as portable and waterproof as it is efficient.
We Like
- The rangefinder has an auto off feature. This shuts down the device after at least 8 seconds when not in use.
- It comes with a long and comfortable to use eye relief to offer a better experience.
We Don’t Like
- The pin of the rangefinder requires reflectors to provide the greatest accuracy. Without them, the accuracy gets compromised beyond 250 yards.
5. Sig Sauer Kilo 2000 Yard Graphite Rangefinder
Let me begin by saying that the Sig Sauer Kilo 2000 Yard Graphite Rangefinder has a range of 3400 yards. The far-reaching range is what makes this the best rangefinder for bow hunting. So the magnification rate of the gadget is 7x more than normal sight.
The central features are as magnificent as the rangefinder’s great capacity. The scan mode of the visual aid refreshes at least 4x every second. And its reticle has been illuminated with bright red light. On top of that, the rangefinder is equipped with unique Lightwave DSP feature. This is useful in determining farther ranges with the largest accuracy and at high speed.
We Like
- The rangefinder comes with an OLED display. This makes the device suitable for all kinds of light conditions.
- It consists of two modes; one for rifle hunting and the other for bow hunting.
We Don’t Like
- Leaving the battery inside the rangefinder when not in use tends to drain it down.
SIG Electro-Optics KILO2000 Laser Rangefinder
The final note
When choosing the best hunting rangefinder, it’s important to think about other factors. These are things like the controls, battery life, and measurement accuracy. These are important if you want the device to provide you with the best experience.
So pick a rangefinder that offers all these features. This way you can make the most of the modern technology. And one such model is the Nikon 8397 ACULON Laser Rangefinder.
The Nikon 8397 ACULON Laser Rangefinder gives you an impressive range of 550 yards. It is supplied with the exceptional ACULON technology. This provides you with the distance of your furthest target among many. And all this is achieved by the push of a single button.
Apart from this, the rangefinder is rainproof, water resistant, lightweight, and compact. But the Nikon lens is what you will fall in love with once you start using the visual aid.
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