Best Range Finder For Hunting and Golfing In 2018

Before getting busy with the particular specifications of rangefinders, you should know how many types of these devices are available on the market. So far, we have experiences using five types of rangefinders. Fortunately, you can get your pick in any category if you know how to choose one that comes with the required bells and whistles.

Golf rangefinders

When it comes to golfing, you will come across two types of these devices, such as the laser and GPS rangefinders. Laser rangefinders require charting of no certain courses but some time to bring out distance calculations. However, GPS rangefinders take a little time to verify the distance of a hole around the course.

Hunting rangefinders

Different people pursue the game of hunting differently, and each style requires people to have rangefinders that come with distinct features. To help you choose the right range finder for hunters, we will discuss the basics of hunting rangefinders in the next section of this article.

Surveying rangefinders

These devices are useful when you need to verify the exact distance between a plot center and nearby trees. When you want to find the distances from an area to another while learning the height of surrounding trees, these forestry devices are a gem to have.

Ballistics rangefinders

These devices are used with firearms when the shooters pursue their target objectives from or over a long distance. The main task of this type is to calculate the distance of the target object from the user’s location and enable a projectile release.

Photography rangefinders

These devices are originally called cameras with the features of a rangefinder. Such a camera yields an appropriate balance of flexibility, mechanization, and quality. So, photographers are now becoming more eager in buying these units.

Intended uses

The type of applications you are going to use your rangefinder for is the principal factor that lets you know which features to look for. The features that are ideal for bowhunting may not be that convenient for those used in rifle-hunting. Similar is the case with rangefinders used for precision-shooting.

What to look for in an archery rangefinder?

Forget about the huge collection of bullet ballistics and lasers that cover distant horizons. Do not get afraid of the cost because these devices do not have to be more expensive than whatever price you already have in mind for an affordable rangefinder. Here are the key points to remember:

Desirable features

• An Angle-Compensation program for computing the accurate distance to the target (For high accuracy when the target is at an extreme angle to the user)
• The Last-Target/Far-Target Priority Mode for measuring the distance to the target instead of assessing the distance to the distracting clutter (Also for rainy and misty weathers)
• Close-Target Sensitivity (Within 10 yards and readings displayed in fractional values)
• A dimmable LED display (Red color preferable for visibility in cluttered or dark settings)
• Fastness and responsiveness up to 900 yards
• Accurate Ballistic Range
• Polycarbonate design
• Reasonable pricing

The above features if included in a unit can be considered the best range finder for archery and hunting.

What to look for in a rifle-hunting rangefinder?

If your goal is to detect a target located at a distance like 1,500 yards, you have numerous options because the majority of laser rangefinders can do that. But, you need something that is exclusively designed to meet your rifle-hunting demands.

Desirable features

• Ballistics software (For ensuring compatibility with the caliber and load of the rifle)
• Consistency in providing accurate readings on targets with different compositions (Targets, such as bright rocks and reflective signs to bushy terrain or woods
• Capable of detecting a target with the reflectivity and size of deer out to 1,000 yards
• 7X Magnification
• An Angle-Compensation Mode
• A Fast-Scan Program (For tracking moving targets)
• Fastness and accuracy
• Highly affordable pricing

Although the above features may not be easy to find in a particular model, you can look for the famous brands as listed in this article.

What to look for in a precision-shooting rangefinder?

If anybody says that a precision-shooting rangefinder is great under certain conditions, experts will have no different opinions. It is because the features these rangefinders come with. Users look for this type with a particular set of requirements and demands in mind. To be honest, precision shooters do not want to compromise on anything critical to their shooting job.

If you are one of the discerning shooters with the sweet desire to go on a long-distance hunt, you are almost bound to look for the following features in your next rangefinder.

Desirable features

• Ability to emit a strictly focused laser pulse to detect a small target at a long distance
• Horizontal style or tripod mounts instead of vertical units
• Ability to provide precise holdoff or holdover in view of the load dynamics and caliber
• 7X to 8X Magnification
• Very bright LED display (Red color preferable)
• Built-in environmental sensors (For calculating hold in spite of factors like elevation, temperature, wind, etc.)
• Mid-range to very high pricing

Final Verdict

Up to now, we have received thousands of questions, talked to hundreds of individuals including golfers, hunters, defense professionals, and photographers. What did we get? Most of them came with the same question, “How can I get the best range finder?”

You know the solution cannot be a one-word reply. But, we care about the fact that buying the ideal range finder for your shooting panache is more of a systematic approach than mere guesswork or research.

All we suggest is you avoid the common mistakes like considering the price as the only matter, depending on hearsays, buying from unknown brands, etc. The whole thing requires tests, practices, and keen observations.