I am looking into getting a rangefinder. Ive looked through reviews and stuff on the internet but there are a lot of reviews and a lot of oppinions. Im looking at the $300 range, i prefer to stick with Leupold products but from what ive found so far they dont know their head from a hole in the ground when it comes to electronics. Realistically the only thing im going to use it on is rifle hunting coyotes and target shooting becuase i bow hunt everything else and i dont need a rangefinder to tell me a deer or turkey is 40 yards or less. I would like it to be able to reliably read out to 600 yards but from the sound of it that may not be realistic for coyote size targets at the $300 range. Just looking for some pointers and some opinions on all the products out there. Thanks.
Rangefinder reviews
- Thread starter Rock Knocker
- Start date
I have a Nikon 800. It is a discontinued model - replaced with the 800s model, but you can still find them for under $300. I paid $279 couple years ago from a buy it now E-bay vendor.
It will range something like a truck at 800 yards; can't get it to range smaller or less reflective items consistently at that range. I get lots of mis-readings and then I'm never sure which is right.
I can range things pretty good at 500 yards. Deer on a hillside that far away are pretty easy, although I can't say I'm picking up the deer or the stump or dirt behind the deer. Close enough though. Animals at 300 yards or closer are ranged with confidence and the 6x magnification make it easy to determine what I'm getting a range on is actually what I'm pointed at.
It will range something like a truck at 800 yards; can't get it to range smaller or less reflective items consistently at that range. I get lots of mis-readings and then I'm never sure which is right.
I can range things pretty good at 500 yards. Deer on a hillside that far away are pretty easy, although I can't say I'm picking up the deer or the stump or dirt behind the deer. Close enough though. Animals at 300 yards or closer are ranged with confidence and the 6x magnification make it easy to determine what I'm getting a range on is actually what I'm pointed at.
CaptainMal
Silver $$ Contributor
Sat along a pasture in Ga. last week with three. Mine is a Bushnell Yardage Pro. Friend had another new Bushnell ARS model and his old Leica.
Oh man. There is no comparison. That Leica ranged individual cows with no land backstop out into the 800 yard area. The Bushnells' worked to just under 500 yards.
All range hills and reflective objects well. When it's flat with a small target, the Leica shined.
Oh man. There is no comparison. That Leica ranged individual cows with no land backstop out into the 800 yard area. The Bushnells' worked to just under 500 yards.
All range hills and reflective objects well. When it's flat with a small target, the Leica shined.
Re: Range finder reviews
I have a Bushnell Elite ARC 1500 and would be greatly disappointed if I had not picked it up at a cheap price from Ebay.
Despite the 1500 yards claim I have not been able to get a reading for anything over 900 yards - and that was a row of white houses!
I initially thought that I had a water mark on the lens then realised that I could see a reflection of a circuit board when looking through it. Not the end of the world, but a little distracting.
For normal ranges and work I find they are OK but think their claimed 1500 yards is a little ambitious to say the least.
Dave
I have a Bushnell Elite ARC 1500 and would be greatly disappointed if I had not picked it up at a cheap price from Ebay.
Despite the 1500 yards claim I have not been able to get a reading for anything over 900 yards - and that was a row of white houses!
I initially thought that I had a water mark on the lens then realised that I could see a reflection of a circuit board when looking through it. Not the end of the world, but a little distracting.
For normal ranges and work I find they are OK but think their claimed 1500 yards is a little ambitious to say the least.
Dave
I've read a lot about range finders . it seems in the same model there are ones that work better than others . luck of the draw I guess . I had a nikon 800 . it had trouble ranging a caribou at 400 yards in the flat , barren, tundra .but other guys will swear that they can range deer out to 600 yards . I now have a Bushnell 1500 arc , I have ranged a large hemlock tree at over 1200 . usually the rating that is advertised is about double the distance than it will work on fur . so if you want 600 yards on fur , you better be looking at ones with 1200 yard ratings , or longer .they will range longer distances with a good steady hold too . here is an old article that could help give you a little more information . hope this helps . Jim
After reading that full article ive got enough confidance in my eyes that i dont even need a rangefinder any more... Thanks.
But seriously it seems like a crap shoot to actually get what youve paid for. I guess spend the money and know youve got at least what you need, if not more. I still cant justify spending $500--$800 on something that would really just be a novelty for me. If i go out and get a $300 unit i will have to make sure i can bring it back for a refund if i want to. Thanks for the pointers though.
But seriously it seems like a crap shoot to actually get what youve paid for. I guess spend the money and know youve got at least what you need, if not more. I still cant justify spending $500--$800 on something that would really just be a novelty for me. If i go out and get a $300 unit i will have to make sure i can bring it back for a refund if i want to. Thanks for the pointers though.
Wow thanks for the info saved me a bunch of bucks wanting something good for a min of 1200 yards for my 50 bmg
playtime but after reading this I think next time I get one
of my deer rifles out I will tie the deer to a tree and use a tape measure. Sincerly though I live in the rough terrain Applichian mountains no perfect conditions here high humidity tall grass and brush on the old strip mines I was about to waste a lot of money.
good info like this online is priceless.
Thanks
Thetrader1
playtime but after reading this I think next time I get one
of my deer rifles out I will tie the deer to a tree and use a tape measure. Sincerly though I live in the rough terrain Applichian mountains no perfect conditions here high humidity tall grass and brush on the old strip mines I was about to waste a lot of money.
good info like this online is priceless.
Thanks
Thetrader1
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