The world of archery has changed significantly over time. Each year, dozens of products and technologies emerge, making this activity a lot easier. One particular gadget that has revolutionized this space is a rangefinder.
Popular among both shooting enthusiasts and bow hunters, this nifty tool makes it easy to range to a target with maximum precision. And even though some rangefinders are pricey, there are several models that offer similar benefits without breaking your bank.
In the following guide, we’ve reviewed some of the best archery rangefinders available. We have also included an in-depth guide to help narrow down your options.
What are Rangefinders?
A rangefinder is the first type of mirrorless camera to ever be invented.
Before they gained prominence in the archery world, rangefinders were used by street photographers. In fact, they were often preferred to SLR cameras because they were more compact and unobtrusive.
Though they relied on the same 35mm that was present in SLRs, they employed an entirely different technique of focusing.
How do Rangefinders Work?
This optics equipment works in a fairly similar manner to an SLR. But in case you’re not familiar with SLRs, here’s a brief overview.
If you want to improve the focus on an SLR, then you have to look via the viewfinder. So as soon as light enters the camera through the lens, it’s reflected in your eye. Once this happens, it’s up to you to adjust the focus until the image appears clearly.
Now all that’s left to do is to press the shutter button- an action that causes the light to hit the film; hence, snapping a picture. The image that you saw through the lens is precisely what you get in the end.
With a rangefinder, the focusing technique employed is aptly named a rangefinder. Rather than observing the image through the lens, the viewfinder is a completely distinct visual system.
This latter system is positioned close to the lens and showcases two overlapping pictures of the target. Once you align these pictures, you can get an accurate estimate of the distance to the target.
Types of Archery Rangefinders
There are three main kinds of rangefinders to pick from. These are:
Optical Rangefinders
What makes this rangefinder unique is the fact that it relies on mirrors to calculate distance. This distance is then shown on a dial.
The mirrors work by reflecting two pictures. These images get rotated until only one target is displayed.
If you’re looking for a rangefinder that's easy to use in the hunting fields, the optical model might not be the best fit. The whole process of merging the images and ultimately calculating the distance to the target takes a while.
For this reason, optical rangefinders are best used in a shooting range where the targets are stationary. In this case, you’re not in a rush. So, such a rangefinder can increase your shooting accuracy, especially when you’re aiming for targets that are far off.
Laser Rangefinders
As you might have guessed from the title, this rangefinder relies on laser technology.
But how exactly does a laser rangefinder work? Well, it simply estimates the length of time required for the infrared light to reach the target and back. This distance is then showcased on a tiny inbuilt screen.
If you account for the fact that the speed of light is consistent, laser rangefinders have one of the best precision levels. That said, the distance this tool is able to compute depends largely on the kind of target.
Ultrasonic Rangefinders
The last category that you’ll find on the market entails the ultrasonic line of rangefinders.
These optics gadgets work by transmitting sound waves, which are produced by a transducer. As soon as these sound waves reach the target, they bounce off. The signal is then detected by a handheld tool, which is what estimates the distance.
An ultrasonic rangefinder offers a pretty decent level of accuracy. Unfortunately, it has its fair share of shortcomings. For one, any external noises from birds, rain, wind, and other factors can easily disrupt the sound waves.
Secondly, ultrasonic rangefinders aren’t the best for bow hunting. When it comes to hunting, the slightest changes in noise can compromise your shooting accuracy.
Finally, it’s a bit hard to calculate horizontal distances to perfection with this rangefinder. There are instances where you may be shooting from an elevated point, making this process difficult.
Angle Compensation
Whether you’re target shooting or bow hunting, it’s very rare to encounter a situation where you’re aiming from perfectly level/ flat terrain. If you’re a bow hunter, you’re likely to run into situations where you’re aiming at your game from a tree stand or other elevated point.
This is where the angle compensation feature comes in handy. It simplifies the process of estimating the distance to your target by taking the gradient of a slope into account.
Remember, aiming at a target from a horizontal distance is easy. But when you're shooting down or up a hill, there are other factors that you have to consider. And a rangefinder is able to take all these aspects into account. The Nikon Arrow ID is a good case in point. It uses an advanced ID feature that can range at different incline or decline shooting angles.
“Can’t I perform these angle calculations by hand?” Sure you can. But you run the risk of losing sight of your game. Thus, angle compensation is an imperative feature to consider. It lets you know just how high you should aim your bow to avoid missing a shot.
How to Choose the Right Archery Rangefinder
Range
Are you the kind of archer who likes to take long-range shots? If you are, then the minimum range you should go for is 1,000 yards.
Even if you prefer to take shots from a short distance, a rangefinder with a long-range is better. This is because it can help you gauge the distance to your target.
You certainly can’t aim to shoot a deer that’s 2,500 yards across the valley. But, a rangefinder can help you determine the exact distance you need to cover to get within the ideal shooting range.
Magnification
If you’ve been window shopping archery rangefinders, you may have noticed that they don’t have a very big magnification. Most of them have a magnification that ranges between 5 and 10X.
The good thing about having this magnification power is that you’re able to zoom in on a target; hence, aim at it with better precision.
And if you were accustomed to using binoculars, this magnification also makes it easier to transition to a rangefinder. In fact, if your hunting expeditions take place primarily in densely forested areas, you likely won’t need binoculars if you already have a rangefinder.
Lens
Once you’ve confirmed that the rangefinder offers magnification, the next thing you should focus on is the lens. More specifically, pay attention to its size or diameter.
In case you’re new to optics equipment, the lens diameter is simply an estimate of the viewing field that’s generated by the exit lens. Generally, the bigger the diameter of the lens the better. This is because it’s able to allow more light without compromising your field of view.
That said, the lens diameter of a rangefinder is typically smaller than that of binoculars. It falls somewhere between 20 and 25 mm. By comparison, the lens diameter of binoculars ranges between 40 and 50 mm while that of spotting scopes falls between 50 and 100 mm.
Size & Ease of Use
Another crucial factor you should consider is the size of the archery rangefinder. You don’t want to buy one that’s overly big as it can weigh you down when you’re traveling. This can be particularly problematic if you plan to climb up trees to get a better view of the target.
Thankfully, the majority of rangefinders currently available are lightweight and compact. As such, you can easily pack it in your backpack or tuck it in your pocket.
Keep in mind that the size of the battery and lens can affect the weight of the rangefinder. If you’re carrying more than one battery or a bigger lens, then be prepared to carry a heavier rangefinder.
At the same time, pay attention to the dials of the rangefinder. Even though big-sized buttons are easier to operate, they can also lead to heavier optics equipment.
So before making any purchase, think about its usage. For instance, if you plan to use it in low-light conditions, a bigger lens is inevitable. However, if you’ll be using the rangefinder in brightly-lit settings, then a small lens will suffice.
Display
Although this is not as crucial a factor as others, it’s good to consider it. Specifically, examine how easy it is to use and read.
The best archery rangefinder often includes a user-friendly LCD screen. This panel promptly and clearly displays the distance readings; thus, helping you aim with precision.
Extra Features
Lens coating
When checking the lens diameter, pay attention to the type of coating used as well. Lens coatings are necessary to minimize light loss; thus, maximizing light transmission. Based on this, rangefinder lenses are classified into four:
- Coated - this rangefinder contains just a thin coating on either side of the lens system.
- Fully-coated - this means that an anti-reflective coating has been added on both sides of the lens.
- Multi-coated - such a rangefinder contains several coatings on one or more of the lens surfaces.
- Fully multi-coated - in this case, the tool has multiple coatings on all of its surfaces. This then guarantees maximum light transmission.
Waterproofing
Do you plan to use the rangefinder for bow hunting in inclement weather? If you do, you’ll want to pay attention to the lens housing. It should be made of waterproof/ water-resistant materials to avoid damaging the lens.
Not every rangefinder is water-resistant so you'll need to choose wisely. Examples of waterproof models include the Nikon Arrow ID and Vortex Optics Impact.
Eye Relief
One other thing you should check is the eye relief. Put simply, this is the distance between the last lens in the rangefinder and your eye.
This distance matters because it determines how comfortable your eyes are when you're looking at an image. It also affects whether you'll get a full field of view. The standard eye relief for rangefinders is between 15 and 18mm.
Some models like the Nikon 16224 Arrow ID offer a generous 20.3 mm eye relief. This rangefinder, which offers two target priority modes, is particularly suited for archers who wear glasses.
Best Archery Rangefinders
1. Halo Z1000-8 1000 Yard Laser Range Finder
Have you been searching for the best 1000-yard archery rangefinder? If you have, you’ll be pleased to learn about the Halo Z1000-8 model.
There are several things you’ll love about this range finder, starting with its magnification power. This optics tool provides a whopping 6X magnification in addition to the 1000-yard range.
Another thing we like is that the Halo Z1000 is designed with ease of use in mind. For one, its eyepiece is adjustable, giving you the freedom to tweak it as you see fit.
It also includes an angle intelligence feature. This element determines the specific horizontal distance of targets, regardless of the elevation. Better yet, it displays this distance in both yards and meters.
The scan mode is another excellent addition to this range finder. This technology enables you to estimate the range of several targets with just one click of a button. This comes in handy when you're hunting animals that travel in groups.
That said, the Halo Z1000-8 laser rangefinder is a bit pricey. The silver lining to this is that it comes with everything you’ll need to use it. These include a carrying lanyard, protective case (made of nylon), CR2 battery, and a lens cloth.
Vortex is, without a doubt, one of the most renowned manufacturers of optics equipment. As such, it’s not surprising that their Impact 1000 rangefinder for bow hunting comes highly recommended.
One aspect that makes this unit stand out is the fact that it offers different modes of operation. If you choose the HCD bow mode, the tool showcases an angle that’s already compensated for distance. This works well for the majority of hunters and target shooters.
However, if this doesn’t work for you, you have an alternative LOS mode. With this feature, you’re able to compute long-distance and high-angled shots with better accuracy. And like the Halo Z1000 we reviewed earlier, this unit can also display the distance in meters or yards.
The Vortex Optics Impact laser rangefinder has 6X magnification, bringing targets for a closer view. This then improves your chances of landing a shot, especially when you're hunting.
We also like that its optics contain multiple coatings. This significantly improves the gadget’s light transmission in dim-light conditions. And with waterproof and shockproof housing, you can rest easy knowing that this rangefinder will last for the long haul.
Are you looking for the best rangefinders on a shoestring budget? If you are, the Revasri Hunting Rangefinder fits the bill. It has a price tag of less than $100, making it affordable for the majority of archers.
Despite its fair pricing, it has a nice selection of features that are sure to impress you. For starters, it offers 7 different functions that include an all-in-one mode, scanning mode, and ranging mode among others.
One thing that we really loved entails its memory capability. This rangefinder automatically remembers the mode it was in before being shut down. This saves you time and adds to the tool’s efficiency, which is very important when you're out in the field hunting.
Boasting 6.5X magnification to 1,000 yards, this rangefinder gives you an unobstructed view of your target. This, in turn, increases your shooting accuracy.
Another feature that contributes to the clarity of images is the advanced transmissive LCD display. Besides, it has a multi-layer coated lens, providing efficient light transmission.
Unlike other rangefinders that tend to weigh you down, the Revasri unit comes in a very compact and lightweight profile. In fact, it weighs just 140 grams, making it easy to carry around.
Undoubtedly, one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting is the Bushnell BoneCollector 850.
This rangefinder is chock full of features that make it well-suited for hunting. First off, it has a camo design that blends in nicely with your surroundings.
Secondly, it uses a multi-layer coated lens that is 50% bigger than other models. Thanks to this, it captures more light, which translates to clearer and brighter images. This factor comes in handy when you’re looking to hunt at dusk or dawn.
Its arc technology is yet another feature that makes the BoneCollector 850 among the best rangefinders for bow hunting. It compensates for sloping terrains, providing the exact distance to your target. This enables you to aim at the game accurately; regardless of whether it's a horizontal distance or not.
Better yet, this rangefinder for hunting has a user-friendly design. It has only one button, making it easy to access and range a target in a timely fashion.
Want to invest in the best rangefinders for archery? Well, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a unit better than the Halo XL600.
Despite being fair-priced, this rangefinder comes packed with features that are sure to impress you. For instance, it offers unmatched precision to 1 yard. It also boasts an ergonomic design resulting in a slip-resistant grip
Another reason why we consider this the best rangefinder for 3D archery and field archery entails the Angle Intelligence (AI) tech. This feature allows the rangefinder to automatically detect changes in slope and compute the true horizontal distance based on the elevation.
As for the range, it offers 600 yards on reflective targets. However, it’s also available in other ranges, starting from 300 all the way up to 1,600 yards.
The Halo XL600 lets you choose from two modes of operation. In its Standard bow mode, it gives you an exact distance reading with a single press of a button.
You can also opt for Scan mode which allows for more than one target priority. Put simply; it can range several targets simultaneously. This eliminates the need to reconfigure the laser for each of the targets.
FAQs
What is the best rangefinder for archery?
The Halo XL600 is an excellent rangefinder for archery. One thing that makes it the perfect unit for this application is its AI technology. This angle compensation tech is designed to detect and recalculate distance based on the degree of slope that an archer is facing.
What is the best rangefinder for the money?
The Revasri Hunting Rangefinder fits this description perfectly. It’s priced at under $100, yet it offers an excellent assortment of features. Some of the most impressive things about the Revasri are the 1000-yard range, accuracy, multilayer-coated lens, and multiple functions.
What is the best 1000 yard rangefinder?
The Halo Z1000-8 model is the best 1000-yard rangefinder. It offers up to six times magnification while boasting an accuracy of up to one yard.
Do you need a rangefinder for bow hunting?
Yes, you do. While you can rely on other optics equipment, bow hunting rangefinders offer several benefits that make them beneficial for this activity. The most important of these is that it helps you get an accurate distance range.
When you’re bow-hunting, the slightest mistake in estimation can cost you your game. Thankfully, a rangefinder offers the most accurate measurement of the distance to your target. This then enables you to take clear shots.
Conclusion
Have you been looking for the best archery rangefinders? Well, one that comes highly recommended is the Halo Z1000-8 Rangefinder. Suitable for both target shooting and bow hunting, it provides a range of up to 1000 yards.
It’s equipped with an angle compensation feature that takes sloped terrains into account. This gives you an accurate distance of how far your target is. It also offers 6x magnification and a scan mode that can range multiple targets at once.