A look at some of the best, new hunting rangefinders available this season.
Prior to the hunting technology boom, hunters had to guestimate yardage distances. That was true for bowhunters and gun hunters alike. Enter the rangefinder. Now, hunters can get ultra-accurate shot distances with angle compensation and other innovative technologies. Over the past 20 years, but especially the last five to 10, rangefinders have advanced even further. This resulted in stiff competition between brands and pushed products to even new levels.
Today, we have numerous market options to choose from. This has led to its own challenge of sifting through the offerings to determine the right rangefinder for you. Of course, specific situations and scenarios impact this. Here’s what you need to know, including some great rangefinders for 2023.
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Testing the Best Rangefinders
Rangefinders have become essential tools for big game hunters worldwide. While being able to estimate yardage on the fly is still necessary, it helps to have the accuracy and insurance provided by a rangefinder. In this product roundup., I’ve analyzed numerous market offerings, and have made selections and designations for some of the top options available to archers and hunters.
Best Budget Hunting Rangefinder: Bushnell Bone Collector 1800
Retails for $199.99 – click link above
Key Features:
- 1,800-yard max range
- Applied Ballistics Ultralite for accurate shooting solutions
- Bushnell connection to the Bushnell Ballistic App for easy setup
- Fast ranging with Scan Mode
Pros:
- Angle range compensation
- Clear viewing
- 50% larger objective lens
- All-glass optical system
- Brighter low-light imagery
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Less yardage than other models on the market
The Bushnell Bone Collector 1800 is a great buy. It offers 6x25mm magnification, a vivid display reticle, and more. It’s powered with a CR2 battery. It features an 1,800-yard max range (reflective), and 650 yards on a deer. Coming in at $199.99, the Bushnell Bone Collector 1800 is a great buy.
Best Hunting Rangefinder for the Money: Muddy LR 1300X
Retails for $149.99, click link above
Key Features:
- 1,300-yard max range
- Angle measurement and compensation
- Durable housing material
Pros:
- Water resistant
- Integrated lanyard
- ABS housing
Cons:
- Lower max yardage than other options
The Muddy LR 1300X is a great selection. It features 6x magnification, very durable material, and reliable ranging. It is the ideal rangefinder for short- to mid-range yardages. Therefore, keep the Muddy LR 1300X in mind when purchasing a new one this season.
Best Hunting Rangefinder for Max Distance: Sig Sauer KILO4K
Retails for $540 – click link above
Key Features:
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
- 4X Scan Mode
- Onboard temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors
- Five target modes (first, best, last, fog, extended range)
- Five range modes
- Drop remote waypoints with BASEMAP app
- BDX 2.0 enabled
Pros:
- Add up to 25 bullet profiles
- Very advanced and accurate
- Crisp, clear image
- Extremely fast ranging
- Waterproof
Cons:
- More expensive than some models
The Sig Sauer KILO4K is another great selection. It has 6X magnification, and measures 4.1 by 3.1 inches. It is heavier than some models at 7.5 oz. It has a 4,000-range run time. Range deer up to 1,600 yards, trees up to 2,000 yards, and max reflective at 4,000 yards.
Best Hunting Rangefinder for Magnification: Vortex Diamondback HD 2000
Retails for $299.99 – Click link above
Key Features:
- HCD-Corrected Shoot-To Range Reticle
- Two ranging modes (HCD and LOS)
- Two target modes (normal and last)
Pros:
- Tripod adaptable
- Max angle reading (+/- 60 degrees)
- 16mm eye relief
Cons:
- More costly than some models
The Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 is a great selection. It offers a 2,000-yard max range, 1,800 yards on trees, and 1,400 yards on wild game. It boasts 7X magnification, and even does well in low light. It weighs 7.6 oz.
Best Rangefinder for Bowhunters: Leupold RX 1400I
Retails for $199.99 – Click link above
Key Features:
- Flightpath technology (to avoid obstructions)
- Bow mode (calculates angle compensations)
- True Ballistic Range and Wind Technology (calculates rifle solutions)
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Bright-red TOLED display
- LOS (Line of Sight) mode
- Great warranty
- Durable build
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer some of the advanced tech other Leupold rangefinders have
Give the Leupold RX 1400I is a great buy. It offers clear, 5X magnification, great ruggedness, and more. With all the technology built in, and it’s $199.99 price point, it’s very difficult to go wrong. Max range on a deer is 900 yards, trees is 1,200 yards, and reflective surfaces is 1,400 yards. Consider giving it a try this season.
Best Compact Hunting Rangefinder: Vortex Crossfire HD 1400
Retails between $199-$269, see link above
Key Features:
- HD optical system
- Three target modes (normal, first, and last)
- Two ranging modes (HCD and LOS)
- Red TOLED display
Pros:
- XR lens coatings
- Adjustable diopter
- ArmorTek
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Lesser max yardage range capabilities
Keep the Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 in mind for 2023. This option has a 1,400-yard overall max range, a 950-yard max range on trees, and a 750-yard max range on deer. It has 5X magnification. It measures 4 by 1.3 inches and weighs 4.8 oz. MSRP is $269.99.
Best Overall Hunting Rangefinder: Sig Sauer KILO4K
Key Features:
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
- 4X Scan Mode
- Onboard temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors
- Five target modes (first, best, last, fog, extended range)
- Five range modes
- Drop remote waypoints with BASEMAP app
- BDX 2.0 enabled
Pros:
- Add up to 25 bullet profiles
- Very advanced and accurate
- Crisp, clear image
- Extremely fast ranging
- Waterproof
Cons:
- More expensive than some models
The Sig Sauer KILO4K is another great selection. It has 6X magnification, and measures 4.1 by 3.1 inches. It is heavier than some models at 7.5 oz. It has a 4,000-range run time. Range deer up to 1,600 yards, trees up to 2,000 yards, and max reflective at 4,000 yards.
Alternative Market Options
There are many different rangefinder brands and models on the market. Some of these are excellent brands with effective product. Others are not, especially some foreign-owned and operated companies. Many of those still run excellent, reliable businesses with safe, secure transactions. But there are those that don’t. Always research a company’s reputation before pulling the trigger on a purchase.
FAQs
Q: What is a good maximum distance for rangefinders?
A: This varies depending on what you need, but the Sig Sauer KILO4K seems to be miles ahead with a 4,000-yard max range. If you are rifle hunting, having a long-range capability is fairly important. If you are bowhunting, you would seldom need much more than 2–300-yard accuracy.
Q: What technologies are ideal for rangefinders to have?
A: Again, this depends on the type of hunting you plan to do. Select one that checks the right boxes. Some key items to consider is accuracy to within a yard, waterproof, ability to calculate angles and adjust the distance, and durability.
Q: How much does a good rangefinder cost?
A: Of the rangefinders in this roundup, MSRPs range from $199.99 to $779.99.
See Also:
10 Must Haves for DIY Elk Hunt
