If you are in the market for the best rangefinders for hunting, you have come to the right place. A good rangefinder is an indispensable gear for every modern hunter toolset. It improves your long-range target acquisition; helps you find targets up or downhill and makes your hunting more competitive.
What Makes a Great Hunting Rangefinder?
The best rangefinder for hunting comes with a decent shooting range to meet the needs of every hunter out there. The rangefinder is also light and easy to carry around. The display has an angle compensation to eliminate any guesswork for accurate target acquisition. The rangefinder should also be water-resistant and fog-free to ensure all-weather reliability.
Types of Rangefinder Priorities
The best rangefinders for hunting come in two priority types; first priority rangefinders and second priority rangefinders.
First Priority Rangefinders
They are mostly used by golfers than hunters. First priority rangefinders can fully ignore any background objects such as trees, brushes, or mounds. They provide the most accurate target distance within the shortest period.
Second Priority Rangefinders
They are mostly used for hunting where the second target is the main priority. A second priority rangefinder works contrary to the priority mode and fully ignores any object in the foreground. However, such a device features both first and second-priority modes. You can therefore use it to shoot different targets of your choice.
7 Best Rangefinders for Hunting
In this review, we are going to take you through the best range finders suitable for various hunting activities. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
1) Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder
We start this buying guide with the Vortex Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder. This optic delivers an unparalleled performance which is what every small and big game hunter needs. It is easy to use and extremely effective.
If you are a long-range hunter, you will find this unit handy. It has a deer range of up to 1,600 yards in normal mode and up to 2,200 yards in ELR mode. You can trust it to perform even in the most demanding hunting situations.
Built for rugged hunting environments, this product withstands everything thrown at it. It has rubber armor to enhance durability and provide a secure, non-slip grip. It also uses an Armorer coating to protect the lenses from scratches, dirt, and oil. On top of that, the rangefinder is O-ring sealed to provide water-resistant performance.
When it comes to optical performance, it has an HD optical system that delivers incredible resolution as well as true-to-life colors. Not to mention that the lenses are fully multicoated for peak brightness and clarity regardless of the lighting conditions. To top it all, the range finder provides 4 different target modes and 2 ranging modes to cover different targets and any environment.
Features
- Water-resistant
- Fully multicoated optics
- Clean illuminated display
- Armorer lens coating
- Tripod adaptable
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
Pros
- Easy-to-use menus
- Fairly light
- Very accurate
- Durable housing
- Long eye relief
Cons
- A bit pricey
2) Bushnell Engage Hunting Laser Rangefinder
If you are a seasoned hunter looking to take your hunting to a whole new level, the Bushnell Engage Hunting Laser Rangefinder is your best option. With this unit, you get to hunt different sized targets from small to large.
What makes this unit stand out among other similar products is the ARC technology. It gives you the true distance to the target whether uphill or downhill. In every second, the scan mode updates the range four times and gives you instant feedback on your target.
The maximum range of the range finder is commendable. The 6x magnification delivers up to 600 yards when hunting deer-like targets. When you are hunting small-sized targets, you can use the Bullseye mode and avoid accidental shooting of other targets in the background.
The 24mm objective lens paired with the high-quality optical system provides you with excellent optical performance. Not to mention the EXO barrier coating on the exterior surface of the lens that gives your clear vision all through. Overall, this unit is durable, easy to use and highly reliable. It is also a great product for hunters on a budget.
Features
- High-quality construction
- Intelligent scan
- EXO barrier lens coating
- ARC technology
- Fully multicoated objective lens
Pros
- Affordable
- Highly reliable
- Accurate
- Incredibly low light performance
Cons
- Batteries used are hard to find
3) Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinder
Hunting gets better with the Vortex Ranger Laser Rangefinder. This isn’t an ordinary rangefinder. It is highly accurate and great for long-range hunting. It’s capable of ranging up to 900 yards when hunting deer.
This laser rangefinder is highly versatile. It is easy to use and ideal for both beginners and seasoned hunters as well. It features a continuous scan mode and an advanced LOS mode which gives you the option to calculate long-range high-angle shots accurately.
In terms of construction, the unit is built to withstand the test of time. It’s crafted from high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting durability. Not to mention the waterproof and fogproof properties.
Another notable feature of this device is its unparalleled optical performance. The lenses are fully multi-coated for optimal light transmission. If you prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk, this is a handy feature for you.
Besides, there are three reticle brightness settings ideal for different light conditions. Weighing just 1 pound, the rangefinder is light, compact, and convenient for hunting. It’s also compatible with a tripod adapter for hands-free viewing.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Scan feature and illuminated display
- Long-range application
- Textured rubber armor
- Compatible with a tripod adapter
Pros
- Intuitive menu
- Lifetime warranty
- Fairly light
- Neck lanyard and removable utility clip included
Cons
- Less accurate after 600 yards
4) Leupold RX-2800 TBR Laser Rangefinder
The Leupold RX-2800 TBR Laser Rangefinder offers exceptional optical performance under different lighting situations. It’s the perfect option for hunters who prefer hunting at dusk or dawn.
The rangefinder provides incredibly accurate views on extremely long-range targets. It has a +/-1 yards precision of up to 2800 yards on reflective targets, 2400 yards on trees, and 1800 yards on deer-sized targets.
With a red OLED display, this unit provides bright and clear image views even in dismal environments. Not to mention the high-quality glass and fully multicoated optics that enhance light transmission. Given that hunting takes place outdoors, this unit is fully waterproof, fog-free and shockproof.
It also features a sturdy aluminum housing that is coated with rubber armor. The rubber armor enhances the unit’s durability and gives you a non-slip grip even when hunting in wet conditions.
Weighing about 7.9oz, the unit is very light. It is also compact and easy to use single-handedly. You can also slip inside your shirt or trouser pocket for convenient carrying. Although the unit has a simple design, it is packed with tons of capabilities. It is easy to use and great for beginners and professionals alike.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Fully multicoated optics
- Solid aluminum housing
- Rubberized armor for ultra-firm grip in any conditions
- Superb long-range accuracy
- Red OLED display and illuminated reticle
Pros
- Compact and light
- Single hand operation
- Easy to use
- Multipurpose application
Cons
- Depletes the battery quickly on scan mode
5) Nikon BLACK RANGEX 4K Laser Rangefinder
The Nikon BLACK RANGEX 4K Laser Rangefinder makes hunting easier. It lives up to the excellence of Nikon optics to provide accurate range measurements needed during extreme long-range shooting.
What makes the unit a favorite amongst many hunters is the extreme long-range accuracy. It identifies targets quickly and gives you clear visibility for deer-sized targets up to around 1,500 yards.
The optical performance of this rangefinder is commendable. First, the 6x magnification gives you brilliant and well-contrasted images. The high-visibility red OLED has 5 selectable brightness which provides better contrast on distant targets. You can use the rangefinder to hunt on flat or sloppy terrain. It features Nikon’s ID Technology for shooting at inclined or declined angles.
The BLACK RANGEX 4K is designed to withstand anything thrown at it. It’s fully waterproof and fogproof as well. You can therefore trust it to perform well under any weather condition. In addition, it has rugged housing to withstand falls and impacts.
Another impressive feature of this range finder is its ease of use. It is compact, lightweight and easy to handle with one hand. The eye relief is decent and generous for people who wear glasses. You’ll also find it easy for you to identify and isolate different targets as far as 1,600 yards regardless of the terrain or hunting environment.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- High visibility red OLED display
- Extreme long-range precision
- Rugged housing
- Advanced technology for better-ranging
- 6x monocular
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight
- Hassle-free target identification uphill or downhill
- Wide field of view
- Bright and clear views
6) Leupold RX-1300i TBR Laser Rangefinder with DNA
The Leupold RX-1300i TBR is a versatile rangefinder with top-notch reliability and performance. You can use it for hunting, shooting, or any other outdoor activity. The range finder offers a decent 6x magnification suitable for long-range hunting. You get a decent maximum range of up to 900 yards when hunting deer-like targets.
Featuring a high-light transmission LCD, this rangefinder will work under any lighting conditions. The lenses are fully multicoated to provide bright and clear images from dusk to dawn. Besides, it is equipped with Digital Enhanced Accuracy (DNA).
Another impressive thing about the rangefinder is the unique Trophy Scale. You can easily estimate the size of an animal while you are ranging it and confirm it’s a shooter. At only 7 ounces, the range finder is extremely light and easy to carry around. It is also armor-coated to enhance its durability and provide a secure non-slip grip.
Features
- 6x magnification
- Rugged housing
- Armor coated
- High transmission LCD
- Unique trophy scale
- Digital Enhanced Accuracy (DNA)
Pros
- Fairly light
- Affordable
- Great accuracy
Cons
- Less durable
7) Sig Sauer Digital Ballistic Laser Rangefinder
The KILO2400ABS is a high-end laser range finder with top-notch features and performance. This unit will take your hunting skills to a level that you have never imagined.
One unique and excellent feature of this unit is the AB ballistic engine. The accuracy of the ballistic solver is unparalleled. Equipped with an onboard inclinometer, it reads uphill or downhill angles and alters the effective ballistic shooting range of the target.
This unit provides one of the longest shooting distances. It ranges up to 2 miles and 1300 yards for deer. This makes it a favorite among seasoned long-range hunters. The reticle on this device is customizable. You can easily change how it looks by adding or removing parts of the milling grid.
When it comes to optical performance, this 7x25mm monocular has SpectraCoatTM anti-reflection coatings for optimal light transmission and image clarity. The OLED display provides high brightness during the daytime and dims down to near-night vision levels at dismal conditions. Overall, it is a high-quality range finder suitable for all hunting environments.
Features
- The most accurate AB ballistic engine
- SpectraCoatTM anti-reflection coatings
- Bright and clear OLED display
- Temperature, humidity and pressure sensors
- Customizable reticle
- 7x25mm monocular
Pros
- Superb long-range accuracy
- Smartphone connectivity
- Fairly light
- Advanced ranging technology
Cons
- Costly
Related Post: Best Laser Rangefinders
Best Rangefinders for Hunting Buying Guide
What to Consider when Buying a Rangefinder for Hunting
Weatherproof
We all know that Mother Nature is always unpredictable. You can be out there hunting then the heavens start pouring. If you plan on spending your hard-earned money on a quality laser ranger, make sure that it’s water-resistant. The unit should also be fog-resistant to prevent internal fog build-up caused by thermal instability.
Angle Compensation
The range finder’s angle compensation is the other important factor to look out for. The range finder should be able to compensate for the sloppy terrain and give you an accurate reading. This eliminates any guesswork. If you are a bowhunter, you’ll want to have all slopes compensated as that can make a huge difference in the shot you make.
Range
The other important factor to consider is the measuring range. If you are planning on doing long-range shooting, try to look for a unit suitable for long-range shooting. However, if you primary intend to use the rangefinder for hunting purposes, you won’t require a super-long range unit. One with about 450+ yards will do.
Compact and Light
A compact laser range finder fits easily in your shirt or trouser pockets. It is also easy to hold single-handedly. Not to mention that a compact range finder gives you a better, non-slip grip.
Since most range finders are compact, they are also very light. When you are trekking for a long, every ounce counts. A light range finder will let you carry it for a long without adding unnecessary weight on you.
Hunting Rangefinder vs Golf Rangefinder
The main difference between these two is, golf rangefinders require a first target priority mode to determine the closest target where you can land the ball. On the contrary, hunting rangefinders have a second target priority mode for long-range targets. Hunting rangefinders are more versatile compared with the golf rangefinders counterparts.
Read: Best Golf Rangefinders with Slope
Bow Hunting Vs Rifle Hunting
Most hunters prefer rifle hunting to bow hunting because it’s easier to use. However, both have their pros and cons. It all depends on your preference, your hunting expertise and hunting distance.
Bow Hunting
Bowhunting involves using a bow and an arrow. The main advantage of bow hunting is the quiet operation. Not to mention that its season lasts longer. The downside of using a bow and arrow is, sometimes you might end up injuring the animal and not kill it.
If you are not a seasoned hunter, you must master the skill. You’ll need to perfect your aiming and shooting skills at varying ranges. However, bow hunting works for short-range shooting only. You must get close to the target to get the maximum impact of your arrow.
Pros
- Durable
- Cost-effective
- A lot quieter
Cons
- Limited to short-range hunting only
- Less humane
- More challenging
Read: Best Crossbow Scopes for Hunting
Rifle Hunting
Most people prefer to hunt with rifles. Rifle hunting is simpler, great for professionals and beginners and suitable for long-range hunting. You don’t have to be too close to your target to make an accurate shot.
Rifle hunting has its drawbacks. The initial investment cost is higher than that of bow and arrow. Not to mention that you’ll be paying for the bullets. Rifles also produce noise which might scare away the targets if you fail to take an accurate shot.
Pros
- Suitable for long-range hunting
- You don’t have to get too close to the targets
- Works on targets of all sizes
- Easy to use
Cons
- Noisy
- More expensive to run and maintain
Read: Best Hunting Rifle Scopes
Conclusion
We hope that the information given above has helped you understand your choices better. For general hunting either close range or long range, all of the range finders listed above are quality products to add to your hunting gear. We hope that you get to love them too.