If you’re looking to get a rangefinder, you’re in the right place. Firstly and as a general introduction, this is how a rangefinder works:
In a standard rangefinder, a laser beam bounces off your target when you press a button on a rangefinder then an internal clock calculates the distance to within +/- 1 yard using the time it takes the beam to reach the target and return. In less than a second, an internal LCD display displays the range in yards or meters. It really is as simple as that actually.
Which is to say that rangefinders are basically a tool which helps you to “find the range” of the specific thing that you are looking for which in this case would be game such as bucks, elks or even wild boars.
The rangefinder you use would serve the purpose of calculating the distance of the animal in meters/feet or any other metric you choose from the place you are standing in. You would look through the scope the rangefinder has and have a precise distance measurement.
And This is Essentially What a Modern Rangefinder is Made Out Of
Well, Who Needs a Rangefinder?
It is very important for those of you out there using a bow because it’s really not that easy to estimate the distance of the animal with all the mist or dust that you often times see on hunting grounds and terrains.
This is not to say that it is not important for those of you using guns for your hunting as scopes do not perform the same functions that a rangefinder does.
The slopes of the place may also affect your estimation so don’t be too sure of your naked eyes, even the best hunters out there need one of these so a rangefinder would be necessary for any hunter out there to really optimize your hunting experience.
Therefore, it is important that you know what to consider when you are buying your rangefinder for your hunting activities as there are many distinctive and varied features in hunting rangefinders.
Also, remember that a golfing rangefinder is different from a hunting rangefinder so you should also take a look at Golf vs Hunting Rangefinder for a better understanding of how they are different.
Important Features to Consider
1. Portability
Rangefinders are naturally small devices that can be easily handled and moved around, some smaller and some bigger than the others.
Most hunters would usually use a lanyard for their rangefinders while out hunting which makes it very easily accessible and quick. Some hunters may also want to keep their rangefinders in their bags or even pockets.
Most rangefinders come with a lanyard slot which makes it, generally a device which can always be suited for your needs. It would be recommended that you get a pouch or a case for your rangefinder, we personally recommend the Universal Range Finder Carry Bag or the Leap Outdoors Range Finder Pouch Molle Attachment which is a slightly bigger and premium product.
The point to take with you is that when you purchase one you should be sure that it is suited for your needs as a hunter, some rangefinders even come with a belt clip and some even with flip cases so be sure that the portability of the device can accommodate all your needs.
2. Weight
Being a hunter, travelling with the least amount of weight is really important, when you choose a rangefinder you would have to make sure that it is light and suitable for you.
While having a light rangefinder is good it also means that when you hold it in your hands you may actually have trouble holding it straight and to have it fully supported, often times holding very light materials would only lead to shaky hands which will not be the best thing to happen when you are tracking down an animal. Choose a rangefinder that is somewhere midrange, not too heavy not too light, just right.
3. Size
Does size matter? It does when it comes to rangefinders, some rangefinders can be pretty much larger compared to the other ones and finding the size which is best for you is important.
Sometimes when the finder is too small, people with bigger hands wont feel comfortable holding it and likewise for people with smaller hands. Choose what’s best for your capacity and your capabilities.
4. Magnification
As this is the process of enlarging or bringing closer the object that you are looking at from the rangefinder you will know that this is very important. Being able to look at further distances really does help with your hunting activities, a magnification of 5x to 7x will be the least amount you need to have a clear look at the object/animal you are targeting.
Having higher magnification is at no situation a bad idea, you will be able to see more, what’s bad with that? Be sure you do your homework on what you will need in your hunting activities, higher magnifications usually have higher prices too but it’s worth it. If you’re interested to know about Laser Rangefinders, you can check on How to Buy a Laser Rangefinder which I found to be very useful too.
5. Scanning
This is a mode that rangefinders usually come with, they allow you to scan the field of view before you and see the distance of the animal change as you scan.
For example, when you see a deer get closer to you from where it first was, the rangefinder will follow the deer’s movements so you don’t have to keep looking at the rangefinder to make new distance checks. This is great help to any hunter out there, it reduces both your time spent while also increasing your efficiency.
6. Display Quality
With a rangefinder in hand the priority is to spot the animal or target and measure the distance of it from where you are but you will also want to see what exactly is that animal or target that you are planning to shoot.
With a clear magnification and display you will be able to tell the type of animal and also know the sex of it. Which comes down to the magnification and clarity, some may have magnification but clarity is another thing.
Having an unclear rangefinder will often times lead to eye irritation so get yourself a good rangefinder to avoid all of that.
And Here’s Our 10 Picks of The Best Rangefinders You Can Get- Just Click on Them To Check Prices and Specs:
7. Battery Life
A good rangefinder will have a battery life that is more lasting compared to other rangefinders and that is exactly what you should be looking for.
As this entire article will list down the top best, you’ll be seeing rangefinders with really good longevity in terms of battery life.
It is important to have a rangefinder that is lasting because unlike other hunting aid the rangefinder is a game changer, whether you have the right estimate to shoot or not.
Therefore be sure that you choose a rangefinder with a goof battery life but also be sure that the battery life is comparatively fair with the features it comes with, you don’t want to have a rangefinder that has minimal functions with crazy good battery life too.
It also comes down to your usage, more you use it the faster the battery drains out so don’t be too disappointed if the rangefinder doesn’t last long if you were using it throughout the day while sharing it with your hunting buddies. Be a wise consumer they say.
8. Durability
Just like anything else you buy you must be sure that it is both durable and long lasting but the chances that a rangefinder will get more damage than other stuff you buy is much higher as you will be going out hunting with it.
Finding a rangefinder which can take a few hits when you are out there in the wild is important so you won’t have to spend more money purchasing another one once the one you have is damaged.
Be sure that the rangefinder you get is strong both internally and externally, loom for units that have a hard outer shell and a system within that can withstand a few drops and hits on the ground.
9. Water Resistance/Proofs
Weather is everything when you go out for your hunting activities, when you go out hunting you are going to have to face rains and bad weather conditions inevitably, you therefore need to get a rangefinder which can withstand the harsh conditions.
If you have a water resistant or waterproof rangefinder you will be ensured to have a more lasting rangefinder. Usually the rangefinders get spoilt easily due to moisture and humid conditions which will affect the batteries within it, protecting the battery and the internal magnification system is the priority and what makes it last. So be sure to read the IP of the rangefinder when purchasing one.
10. Ease of Use
The usage of these rangefinders are usually most when you spot an animal in a distance and you’re ready to take a shot, you immediately take it out to measure the distance to be sure that your initial estimate is right or to check the distance itself, so you need something that is easy to use and not take time because, you don’t.
The lesser the buttons you see on a rangefinder, the easier it is to use.
(This is a golf rangefinder but the way you use it is essentially the same)
You will also have to ensure that it is easy to read and has an overall clean viewing. Some rangefinders come with features that allow you to measure the climatic conditions, the altitude and also the time which all come to be really handy to take your shot later on.
Using one of these obviously takes time, you will have to learn the skills and the angles which will get you to see the target immediately when you put your eyes against it.
11. Budget
Probably the most important aspect of a rangefinder that people look forward to, as the price of these rangefinders have a range of its own the prices are pretty moderate considering the features that they offer.
Rangefinders can range anywhere between 80$ up to 500$ and it comes down to the brand and quality you are going after, they essentially perform the same functions but they usually come down to the specifications such as the battery life, the durability and overall quality which we will see as follows.
Final Advice…
Regardless of the type of rangefinder you buy they perform the same tasks, to improve your hunting game, to help you measure long distances and give you an estimate on the target’s distance.
Although some rangefinders may be more compact than the other or more accurate than the other you must be sure of the purpose the rangefinder is supposed to fulfill.
The price is inevitably usually the decision-maker in buying things, in general but some rangefinders here, although may be a little pricey have features that would actually really be worth it, you will be able to enjoy every bit of the money spent if you invest in something that is really fruitful and rewarding. You can also check on HOW TO CHOOSE A HUNTING RANGEFINDER for further understanding and learning on rangefinders. Be sure to also check on How to Buy a Binocular | Everything in 10 Points if you’re looking for advice on how to get a binocular for hunting too.
Once you’ve gotten your rangefinder, you should learn some additional tips on h