Range Finder suggestions

I’m looking to pick up a range finder and looking for suggestions. I don’t want the cheapest but not the most expensive either. Primarily for archery hunting but have plans to chase antelope next year so longer range too.

Most range finders for under 600 yrd use is a coin flip. Ive used so many and ALL brands have minor issues.

I would never buy one that is less than a 1000 yrd. For medium size game like deer or speed goats, target reflection can be a challenge at 300 to 500 yrds. Ive found if you double the distance of what you anticipate use, youll get your reading faster. Others will brag up how great their 550 or 600 yrd unit is. We find one works great and the identical brand / model sucks.

I have the Vortex Impact 850. I’ve been happy with it, but I wish that I had gotten the Copperhead just for the illuminated display. During low light it can be hard to read the black display on the impact.

Vortex Ranger 1800. Illuminated display, very bright glass, lifetime no questions asked warranty.

I’ve been happy with vortex products. I’m not 100% sure what my max range is but I think it’s either 1200-1600 yards…but that’s for REFLECTIVE targets only. For deer or alike it’s only 600 yards. So just know going in that different objects will have a different range and not necessarily the MAX the unit claims.

I have the Nikon Aculon and it’s been great so far. Compact and gives quick reads which is important in crunch time. Only $150. No illumination, but I have never found an illuminating one in the lower price range. I’ve mostly used it archery hunting, and have also used it at the rifle range out to 330 with no issues. No experience beyond that range, though. Great for the price.

If you can drop more $ on a rangefinder, definitely go with the Vortex Ranger like Bob mentioned. My buddy has it and it’s sweet, plus the lifetime warranty is legit. He had an older discontinued Vortex model that broke, and they replaced it with the newer Ranger 1800.

I’ve got the vortex 850 Impact, works well for archery. But as said before, during low light it can be a pain to see the reticle. Maybe step it up to the Vortex Ranger to get the red display.

I have the Nikon Aculon as well. Quick readings and easy to use, but the only downside is no illuminated reticle. I really got it for archery use.

I have ranged out to 400 yards consistently and I’m not worried about going any further because the only thing a rangefinder could tell me beyond 400 yards is that it’s too damn far for me to be shooting a rifle at anything on the hoof. I know it’s all the rage now to want to be shooting 500+ yard game and so equip accordingly. All I can say is it’s a lot harder to connect with a pronghorn-vital sized target off of shooting sticks in a good western wind than most cement-bench/lead-sled long range guys would have you believe. It’s a totally different game when have to shoot quickly and off of an imperfect rest.

Grouse

Like already stated. They all have their quirks. I’d find one in the price range you like from a reputable brand with the absolute longest range available/marketed because it’s effective range will be half that lol.

And don’t buy into the angle compensation. Unless it’s extreme angles and distances it won’t make a bit of difference

I have a RX IV Leupold and it is JUNK. I bought a Leica 1600 and it works awesome every time. It ranges everything I need it to every time. Its also easy on batts. I kept the Leupold for the grandkids to use.

I just bought the Bushnell Prime 1300 6×24. So far I’m very impressed with it. It is not illuminated but it was only $180 at Fleet Farm. Faster speed reading than the $200 Vortex I looked at. I haven’t ranged any game at a long distance but did range a tree line at 1025 yards. My $300 Leupold couldn’t even do that.
DT