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.
This article was written without bias or paid advertisement from the products listed in the article. Affiliate links were placed in the article after submission from the author. If you found this article helpful, and plan on buying one of the products – you can support our work by using the links in the article to purchase the products. Thank you.
Our Staff Tested 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 (Shop Now)
- Best Hunting Rangefinder for the Money: Muddy LR 1300X (Shop Now)
- Best Hunting Rangefinder for Max Distance: Maven RF.1 (Shop Now)
- Best Hunting Rangefinder for Magnification: Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 (Shop Now)
- Best Rangefinder for Bowhunters: Leupold RX 1400I (Shop Now)
- Best Compact Hunting Rangefinder: Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 (Shop Now)
- Best Budget Hunting Rangefinder: Bushnell Bone Collector 1800 (Shop Now)
- Best Overall Hunting Rangefinder: Sig Sauer KILO4K (Shop Now)
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: Maven RF.1
Retails for $450 – Click Link Above
Key Features:
- 4500 yard effectiveness
- 5 brightness levels
- Field / Forest function
- Tripod adaptable
- Lifetime warranty
- 5 reticles / 5 brightness levels
Pros:
- Water resistant
- Very advanced and accurate
- Crisp, clear image
- Extremely fast ranging
Cons:
- More expensive than some models
The Maven RF.1 is another great selection. It measures 4.7 by 3.1 x 1.8 inches. It is heavier than some models at 10 oz. Range deer up to 4,500 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.
Q: Can Weather Affect Range Finder Accuracy?
A: Yes, extreme weather affects the accuracy of range finders, especially laster and ultrasonic types.
Q: What Should I Look For When Buying A Range Finder?
A: Consider the following:
- Purpose: Choose one that fits your lifestyle – do you do items other than hunt that you’d want the capability from? (birding, boating, golfing, etc)
- Range: How far are the distances I typically encounter?
- Accuracy: Look for most accurate devices
- Size/Weight: How portable and light do I need my rangefinder to be?
Q: Where are the best places to buy Rangefinders?
1. Specialized Sporting Goods Stores
Stores like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and REI are excellent places to start your search for the perfect rangefinder. These retailers specialize in outdoor and sporting goods, offering a wide selection of products tailored to specific activities. Shopping at these stores allows you to get hands-on experience with different models and receive expert advice from knowledgeable staff. Additionally, they often offer warranties and easy return policies, providing peace of mind with your purchase.
2. Online Marketplaces
Amazon, eBay, and Walmart’s online platforms offer a vast array of rangefinders from various brands and manufacturers. The main advantage of shopping on these sites is the extensive selection and the ability to compare prices and reviews from a wide range of users. Often, online marketplaces provide competitive pricing and deals that brick-and-mortar stores cannot match. However, when purchasing from online marketplaces, it’s crucial to buy from reputable sellers to ensure the authenticity of the product and the validity of the warranty.
3. Directly From Manufacturers
Purchasing directly from the manufacturer’s website, such as Nikon, Bushnell, or Leupold, ensures that you’re getting an authentic product with a valid manufacturer’s warranty. Many manufacturers offer exclusive deals, bundles, and the newest models directly from their website. Additionally, customer support is generally more accessible and helpful when dealing directly with the brand in case of any issues or queries.
4. Golf and Hunting Specialty Stores
Golf and hunting specialty stores, though more niche, provide a curated selection of rangefinders specifically designed for these activities. These stores offer the advantage of staff who are often enthusiasts themselves, providing valuable insights and recommendations based on their personal experiences. Specialty stores also sometimes offer demo days or events where you can try out different rangefinders in a real-world setting.
5. Outdoor and Electronics Trade Shows
Attending trade shows and expos dedicated to outdoor activities or electronics can be a great way to see the latest advancements in rangefinder technology firsthand. These events offer the unique opportunity to compare different brands and models side by side, ask questions directly to the manufacturers, and sometimes snag show-exclusive deals.
In the quest for the perfect shot, the precision offered by a high-quality hunting rangefinder can be the difference between success and missed opportunities. Through our exploration of the best hunting rangefinders on the market, we’ve seen a variety of options that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of hunters. Whether you prioritize long-range accuracy, durability in harsh weather conditions, or advanced features like ballistic calculations, there’s a rangefinder out there tailored to enhance your hunting experience.
Choosing the right rangefinder involves considering several key factors, including range, accuracy, size, weight, and additional functionalities. The best hunting rangefinders combine ease of use with sophisticated technology to provide clear, accurate distance measurements that take the guesswork out of your shot. Moreover, investing in a device that offers durability and weather resistance ensures that your hunting expeditions are fruitful, no matter the conditions.
Remember, the ultimate aim of using a rangefinder is to ensure ethical hunting practices by making each shot count. With the right tool, you can increase your accuracy, reduce wounded game, and enjoy a more fulfilling hunting experience. As technology continues to advance, we can expect rangefinders to become even more innovative, offering hunters new ways to engage with the environment and their prey. Therefore, staying informed about the latest developments in rangefinder technology will help you make informed decisions and keep your hunting skills sharp.
In conclusion, the best hunting rangefinder is one that aligns with your specific needs, enhancing your hunting skills and contributing to a more ethical and satisfying hunting practice. With the insights provided in this article, you are well-equipped to select a rangefinder that will serve as a reliable companion in all your hunting adventures.
- Best Budget Hunting Rangefinder: Bushnell Bone Collector 1800 (Shop Now)
- Best Hunting Rangefinder for the Money: Muddy LR 1300X (Shop Now)
- Best Hunting Rangefinder for Max Distance: Maven RF.1 (Shop Now)
- Best Hunting Rangefinder for Magnification: Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 (Shop Now)
- Best Rangefinder for Bowhunters: Leupold RX 1400I (Shop Now)
- Best Compact Hunting Rangefinder: Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 (Shop Now)
- Best Budget Hunting Rangefinder: Bushnell Bone Collector 1800 (Shop Now)
See Also:
10 Must Haves for DIY Elk Hunt
