Best Rangefinders for Hunting of 2021

One excellent piece of hunting equipment is a high-performance rangefinder. Without it, a hunter is unable to determine range, aim, and fire accurately. Coincidence rangefinders were developed in the early stages of World War II. Over the last 80 years, they have become a ubiquitous leisure shooting tool, having further advanced and become more compact over time.

With recent developments in the technology of rangefinders, including features such as wind factor prediction and bullet drop compensation, rangefinders can significantly improve the aim of huntsmen.

However, such developments of rangefinders have ultimately rendered cheaper or budget rangefinders obsolete, and you’ll struggle to find low-budget options when searching for new models. This ultimately forces hunters, both beginners and experts, to invest in the more high-end, pricey models that come with all the modern features.

Choosing one of these contemporary models can be a very difficult task, as you don’t want to invest in one that simply doesn’t fit your requirements. To help you with this task, we have done some reviews and comparisons of the best rangefinders for hunting on the market today. Let’s take a look.

Rangefinders For Hunting Reviews

Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinder

This Impact 1000 model from Vortex helps hunters assess distance and improve their aim with built-in angle compensation and intuitive platform functions. The maximum range of the rangefinder is 1,000 yards, and the angle compensation allows shooting to be performed with ease from any distance within that range, which also makes this rangefinder suitable for both hunters and shooters.

Review

This rangefinder lives up to its 1,000-yard range promise, as having tested it, targets are just as clear at 700 yards as they are at 1,000 yards. By clear, we mean crystal clear. The angle compensation and LOS modes seem to function well, too, even at 1,000 yards.

The controls feel natural on the fingers and can be easily manipulated while standing still and aiming at a target. One of the most important features, the 6x magnification, is easily controlled and provides an accurate magnification.

Plus, the automatic adjustments seem to correspond with the target and lighting. The optics appear to work well in clear light, obviously, as well as low and darker lighting conditions.

On top of these features, this Vortex model also boasts other features, such as LOS mode, which assists the shooter with precision and high-angled shots. There is a scanner that allows for continuous range for moving targets or while panning.

The adjustable diopter has a maximum magnification of 6x and can be adjusted smoothly while targeting. Also, the multi-coated optics allows for this Vortex to be useful in all levels of lighting. Plus, this rangefinder comes with a lifetime warranty.

However, this product does not work that well in fog or mist. Another drawback is that the screen is not illuminated, which means it may be difficult to read for some.

This product also benefits from the fact it is lightweight. It can easily fit in your pocket and isn’t bulky enough to get annoying. Plus, it is waterproof. It is expensive, but it is worth it due to its many benefits for both beginners and experts.

Pros

1,000-yard range guarantee
Angle compensation
Comfortable control
Accurate magnification
Automatic adjustments
Works in low light situations

Cons

Expensive compared to similar models
Screen is not always clear
Doesn’t work in fog

AOFAR HX-1200T Range Finder

This camouflaged rangefinder from AOFAR promises to provide accurate range perception in all weather conditions – including fog and dust. It uses AI technology and pin seeker, and it is thoroughly up to date with the latest rangefinder capabilities.

Review

The range on this product works exactly as it claims to, and the extra 200 yards that it offers makes for guaranteed long-range precision, particularly in open terrain. Plus, the objective lens works better than other similar options for guaranteed targeting through fog or other unfavorable shooting conditions. However, this product does not do too well in dim lighting as promised, as it is particularly difficult to make out the markings in darker conditions.

Shooting horizontal and downhill is also taken care of by this nifty device, and it saves you time when trying to calculate yardage.

The product is comfortable to hold, and the grooves fit well in your hand. Its controls are also easily manipulated as you look through the lens, and they are all positioned in ways that make sense. The case is sturdy enough to ensure that the rangefinder won’t become damaged if dropped. The camouflage design is also a nice touch and is perfect for woodland shooting.

Its battery is built to last through long hunting trips, as the rangefinder switches itself off automatically after just 8 seconds of inactivity. It then turns itself back on again whenever required, picking up where it left off.

This model boasts 6x magnification and an impressively wide range perception between 5 and 1,200 yards. The product comes with a handy carry pouch, a carabiner, and a cleaning cloth.

It would be prudent of shooters to invest in another battery for this range finder, as despite its automatic switch-off feature, the battery seems to drain quickly.

Pros

Guaranteed precision and accuracy
Works in foggy environments
Horizontal and downhill shooting
Comfortable to hold for longer times
Sturdy case for easy transport and protection

Cons

Doesn’t work in dim lighting conditions
Poor battery quality

Bushnell BoneCollector 850 Laser Rangefinder

The Bushnell BoneCollector prioritizes creating a brighter view for the user with a bigger optics lens than its competition. It is made of all glass, which ensures that optimal lighting gets into the lens – no matter the weather, conditions, or lighting. The fact that it’s all-glass also ensures that what you’re seeing in the lens are colors that are true to life and that the image is not altered in any way.

Review

In comparison to its competition, the Bushnell BoneCollector has obvious limitations, including its limited range of 850 yards – which is at least 150 yards less than some of the other high-end rangefinders. There are also next to no additional features that come with this model.

This rangefinder also offers a maximum clear range of 850 yards. It uses ARC technology to compensate for whatever angle you are shooting from, allowing you to view the true distance whether you are standing lower or higher than your target.

The display screen shows all essential information, including the remaining battery life. The intuitive design also features two holes so that you can attach a lanyard to the rangefinder and hang it around your neck.

However, Bushnell does not try to conceal these facts, and they advertise it exactly how it is. Once these limitations are overlooked, the BoneCollector still performs as well as it promises to. This is a compact device that is easily packed away and is ideal for lengthy hunting trips. It feels durable, and its camouflage design keeps it hidden.

It’s one of the more straightforward devices to use, with no additional gimmicks causing confusion. All it requires is for you to push a button and look through it – that’s it. The optics are clear, and items only start to get blurry after 850 yards.

Although it costs over $100, the BoneCollector is still considerably cheaper than its competitors. You’re getting what you pay for, though. The only minor annoyance in regards to this model is the CR-2 3-volt batteries that it requires, which can be difficult to find.

Pros

Compact and durable design
Basic, straightforward use
Clear optics at very long distances
Good price – cheaper than competitors with great quality

Cons

Limited range and no additional features
Requires obscure batteries

TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder

Available in both 700-yard and 1,000-yard models, this hunting rangefinder from TIDEWE boasts desirable features, including 6x magnification and both horizontal and vertical distance adjusters. This product is easily gripped in time of need and promises to provide accurate range readings from anywhere between 3 and 1,000 yards in under half a second.

Review

The image afforded by the range is superb and delivers a clear image both up to 700 and 1,000 yards, depending on what model you purchased. However, the magnification lets this product down and renders its fantastic range less effective, as the alleged 6x magnification becomes extra blurry after just 200 yards. This product also performs poorly in fog or otherwise undesirable conditions.

At a practical weight of 0.35 pounds, this device is built for portability. With a handy rubber-grip design, waterproof coating, and durable build, it will also withstand numerous drops and all kinds of weather conditions.

The eyecup is twistable, so you can change the focus of the range. Also, the buttons located along the top, which are comfortable to reach and press when in use, adjust the sight and allow the user to alternate between different modes. The LCD is also illuminated, so it can be read in all lighting conditions.

There are a lot of minor details about this product that are commendable, including its lightweight compactness, as it fits easily into a pocket of almost any size. Also, its rechargeability means that you never need to purchase new batteries for it, and the way it shuts off after inactivity keeps its power preserved for longer when out in the field.

The case it comes in is also excellent and features a magnet instead of a zipper or Velcro. This allows the rangefinder to be slipped out discreetly when you need it fast.

Pros

Good range for precision and accuracy
Compact and lightweight
Rechargeable battery
Preserves power for longer battery life
Quiet case with magnet closure for protection

Cons

Poor magnification compared to other options
Doesn’t work in foggy environments

Gogogo Sport 1200 Yards Laser Range Finder

The Gogogo Sport 1200 is one of the cheapest rangefinders available today, and it performs all that is desired from a high-end model. This includes 1,200-yard range perception, an LCD, and several different modes depending on the activity, including speed mode, scan mode, and golf mode.

Review

The range finder works excellently – even at 1,200 yards – as long as the device is held steady while the button is being clicked. This is not a hard thing to do, as the button is within comfortable reach and doesn’t require a lot of pressure. The point is marked by the rangefinder each time it is used.

This device weighs 184g, is built with a sturdy outer shell, and boasts a lithium battery with a charging port, so you don’t need to worry about buying new batteries for it. The range finder both calculates the yardage for you and the speed, saving you a lot of time and effort.

The product offers a one-year warranty and comes with a carry pouch, a USB cable for charging, a connectable strap, and a cleaning cloth.

The field of view requires you to press your face right up against the device, which is fine for some but understandably uncomfortable for those who wear glasses. Even then, when your face is pressed against it, although accurate, the field of view remains limited. The magnification is average and far less powerful than advertised.

The device is comfortable to hold, has a nice grip, and lasts a long time after just a couple of hours of charging. It is also very well priced. It doesn’t exactly perform consistently throughout the day, and its visibility suffers at nighttime, but during the day it works fine.

Pros

Excellent range for added accuracy
Comfortable to hold
Long, reliable battery life
Rechargeable battery
Good price for what you get

Cons

Limited field of view doesn’t work in dim lighting
Uncomfortable to look through for longer times
Average zoom function

Conclusion

All the rangefinders we’ve reviewed excel in their own way, and there’s one for every kind of hunter out there. Overall, our top pick for the best rangefinder is the Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinder, as it delivers all you’d expect from a high functioning rangefinder. It is sure to be appreciated by hunters of any experience level. If you’re looking for something cheaper, go with the Gogogo Sport 1200 Yards Laser Range Finder.