Shooting long-range can get complicated, if not impossible, without the right accessories. If you want to take your hunting to the next level, then you need the rangefinders for long-range shooting.
After spending hours researching and consulting with expert hunters, we discovered eight top-rated rangefinders you should add to your outdoor arsenal. Our extensive reviews and buyer’s guides that follow the reviews will give enough information to help you make your pick.
Best Rangefinders for Long-Range Shooting:
1. Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Laser Rangefinder
This Ranger 1500 is an easy-to-use rangefinder designed with multiple modes. Ranging up to 1,500 yards, this lightweight accessory is unobtrusive. It has a removable utility clip and neck lanyard for simpler carrying.
As a versatile rangefinder for long-distance shooting, it has three modes: HCD (horizontal component distance), LOS (line of sight), and scan.
HCD is the primary mode, and it handles angle compensation displays. LOS calculates long-distance shots with high angles, while scan mode offers continuous readings while you track moving targets or pan the landscape.
The rangefinder has three brightness settings too, fully multi-coated lenses, and water and fog-proof capabilities. Furthermore, the objective lens is 22mm, while the eye relief is 17mm.
Much appreciation is given for the durability, thanks in large part to the sealed O-ring that keeps water out. The adjustable illuminated reticle also helps in low-light conditions. Consumers enjoy how easy it is to use from its compact size to its intuitive menu and clear display.
Although it puts out accurate readings, the readout seems slow when compared to other high-quality rangefinders.
Pros
- Illuminated reticle for low light conditions
- Sealed waterproof design
- Multiple modes
Cons
- The readout seems a bit slow
2. AOFAR HX-1200T Range Finder for Hunting Archery
Compared to other high-end models, the AOFAR Rangefinder is the 1,000-yard rangefinder for the money. With a range from 5 to 1,200 yards, this combines the latest AI technology to give you speedy, accurate readings.
This rangefinder features a range mode and a scan mode. Range mode offers 6X magnification along with professional-grade pin seeker technology.
There’s both slope and angle horizontal distance technology so you can shoot uphill and downhill. Battery life is preserved thanks to the auto shut-off mechanism that kicks in after eight seconds of no operation.
There is plenty of appreciation for the user-friendly layout that allows you to adjust the modes and magnification with relative ease. Users also enjoy the fast readout times and the quality accuracy that comes along with that.
Even though the scan mode is meant to provide high performance in bad weather, the weather resistance leaves much to be desired according to some consumers. Conditions like fog or mist may disrupt the accurate readings.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Quick readout times
- User-friendly design
Cons
- Low-quality weather resistance
3. Bushnell Engage Hunting Laser Rangefinder_LE1700SBL Multi, One Size
The Bushnell Engage Hunting Laser Rangefinder is good if you seek affordability along with quality. It delivers bright, colorful, and clear results up to 1,300 yards.
As the budget rangefinder for hunting, this utilizes quality features such as ARC (angle range compensation) technology that takes terrain angle into account.
With a 50% larger objective lens, sights are 2X brighter. The all-glass optical system is fully multi-coated, and both of the optics feature ultra-wide band coatings as well. For durability, the rangefinder uses EXO barrier technology. This repels the likes of dirt and debris so your vision isn’t obscured.
Many appreciate how easy this rangefinder is to hold thanks to the rubberized grips. Results tend to be consistent as well as accurate, and the angle compensation is a high point that many versatile shooters enjoy.
This rangefinder doesn’t appear to be user-friendly, however. In particular, consumers mention having issues setting it up as well as navigating the menu at times.
Pros
- Consistent and accurate
- Good build quality
- Reliable rubbery grips
Cons
- Tough to navigate the menu
4. Leupold RX-2800 TBR Laser Rangefinder Black
Another accessory deemed the hunting rangefinder for the money is the Leupold Rifleman RX-2800. It offers three reticle options, a durable construction, and the ability to adapt to various shooting circumstances from harsher weather to various light conditions.
The three reticle options available on this rangefinder are duplex, duplex with a plus point, and just plus point. There’s a scan mode that gives you continuous range updates so you don’t have to slow down while you track and scan up to 2,800 yards out.
With the Alpha IQ ranging engine, you may get quicker target acquisitions as well. Also, the red OLED display gives clearer images with much-needed brightness. There’s even a true ballistic range with wind technology that considers the range and incline along with ballistic information.
A much-respected trait of this rangefinder is the robust design. It’s shockproof, 100% waterproof, and holds up well against fog. Users also appreciate the wind management that helps you get more accurate shot placements. In addition, the display is bright enough to give more clarity to dark targets.
Some don’t like how long it can take to set everything up, however, so it may need a slight break-in period.
Pros
- Shockproof and weatherproof design
- Quality response time
- Good wind management
Cons
- Setup takes time
5. Nikon Laser 50 Laser Rangefinder 6X Magnification Bundle with 3 CR2 Batteries and Lens Cloth
The Nikon RANGEX 6Ч is a noteworthy rangefinder that can deliver over two miles worth of ranging capabilities. It maintains consistency and speed and gives you two ranging modes to choose between based on your current shooting needs.
With a wide field of view, there are 7.5 degrees for the exit pupil and 18.3mm for eye relief. The red OLED display gives good contrast along with either automatic or five selectable stages of brightness levels.
Its hyper-read function offers faster readouts, while the ID technology provides assistance with incline or decline shooting angles.
For ranging modes, this rangefinder has a target priority mode that lets you range to a small object, and it has a distance target priority mode to read the furthest target.
This is a popular rangefinder due largely to how well you can receive continuous, accurate readings at a remarkable speed. It has good stability too so your measurements aren’t disrupted.
The angle compensation is appreciated too, and users speak highly about how well this holds up in rainy and foggy weather conditions.
Although it’s generally easy to read, some users report complications with eye relief. It can be tough keeping the right amount of space while also trying to adjust and otherwise manage the rangefinder.
Pros
- Easy to read the range line
- Stable and simple to hold
- Quality continuous ranging
Cons
- Eye relief issue
6. Laserworks Rangefinder for Hunting, Laser Range Finder for Hunter Long Distance Shooting
This LaserWorks Hunting Rangefinder is designed for use in harsh hunting environments. Accurate up to 1,200 yards out, this offers an ergonomic build that’s non-slip so that it’s comfortable and stable no matter the conditions you’re shooting under.
As a long-range hunting rangefinder, this offers many different modes to adapt to your circumstances. It can measure horizontal distance and angle compensation distance while also ignoring how fog or mist may interfere. Pin scan mode pans across targets to display the readings continuously and fast.
On the device, measuring and mode buttons are located separately so you won’t accidentally press the wrong one.
Many hunters view this rangefinder as a welcoming sidekick on the field as it provides precise and speedy results. The continuous mode is high-quality, while the display provides good clarity with the fully multi-coated optics.
Users also enjoy the non-slip grip and ergonomics that help them maintain a reliable hold on the rangefinder.
There may be issues with using this under low-light conditions though. This rangefinder doesn’t appear to have much use if the sun starts to go down.
Pros
- Seven versatile modes
- Non-slip grip
- Quality weather-resistance
Cons
- Poor performance in low-light conditions
7. Leupold RX-1600i TBR Laser Rangefinder
The RX-1600i from Leupold is waterproof and shockproof with three reticle options and high-contrast red OLED technology for clear, adaptable sighting. Both your angle and your rifle ballistics are taken into consideration when using this rangefinder so that you get the best shot possible.
OLED technology gives a more confident and clear image on darker targets, while the fully multi-coated lens system focuses on giving you clarity, color, and contrast.
The three reticle options (plus point, duplex, and duplex with plus point) are easy to manage, as well as with the continuous scan mode. This also features a true ballistic range with wind technology that combines your ballistic info with your target range and incline.
People seem to enjoy how well and easily you can manage this. It has three good brightness levels so you can adjust according to the lighting, and users also claim it already does well in low-light situations.
The scan mode is liked as well as it keeps giving you consistent and accurate results. However, though this rangefinder claims to be fog-proof, doesn’t seem to perform all that well in foggy weather.
Pros
- Three brightness levels
- Quality light transmission
- Clear optics
Cons
- Not well in foggy conditions
8. Sig Sauer KILO1500 Laser Rangefinder
The KILO1200 Laser Rangefinder tries to balance quality with a user-friendly interface. It offers a sleek design and lightweight build for easy one-handed use. More precise readings are granted thanks to the finder rounding off readings to the nearest tenth of a yard.
This long-range finder is reflective of up to 1,600 yards. It has multiple modes. While using the HyperScan mode, you get four range updates per second. Meanwhile, RangeLock sends reports about the last range reading. In addition, you can select from LOS and angle-modified range (AMR).
For quicker readouts, this rangefinder features lightwave DSP technology. It has a bright LCD and anti-reflection coatings for optical clarity.
Users enjoy how well this rangefinder accounts for incline so you have good accuracy in your readouts. They also appreciate the one-handed design and built-in lanyard attachments so you can carry them any way you’d like.
Although the LCD is bright to help make it simple to read, the black text can be difficult to notice under lower light conditions. So, this rangefinder may perform best with good lighting.
Pros
- Good accuracy
- Lightweight
- Fast readouts
Cons
- Text may be difficult to read at times
Factors to Consider
Perhaps even with our rangefinder reviews, you’re still left undecided. Understanding more about this helpful shooting accessory may help resolve your dilemma.
There are certain considerations to look into when shopping for one. These include features like optics (lens, range, etc.), durability, and the type of rangefinders. All of these things play into the overall performance.
Once you know what to look for, you might be able to better choose from our rangefinder recommendations. Remember to look at our FAQ section afterward as it should answer more questions for you.
Rangefinder Types: Which is Best for Shooting?
It’s true that if you want to shoot long-distance, you need quite a bit of quality gear, and rangefinders are high on the list.
If this is your first time shopping around for one, you may have noticed that there isn’t just one type of rangefinder.
Rather, there is a handful of them such as infrared, laser, and optical. When it comes to long-distance shooting, laser tends to stand out the most.
Laser ones are known as hunting rangefinders for a reason. They have a high amount of accuracy, and as long as you find a high-quality product, the technology is something to admire.
These work on measuring the distance between an object using the time of flight method so that you have greater precision. They can indeed be expensive, but they are common among anyone interested in successfully shooting long-range.
Optics
Now that we understand the most common type of rangefinder long-range shooters use, let’s address one of the most important factors about them: optics. Without proper optics, your rangefinder may be essentially useless.
Magnification
How good is its range? Also, do you still have clarity the closer or further away you zoom? Do note though that the higher the magnification, the less stability you may have.
On the notion of range, how far out are you planning to shoot? Answering this question can easily help narrow down your choices as different rangefinders have different ranges and magnification levels.
Lens
Lenses are designed with varying amounts of coating applied, and this coating determines the image quality you’ll get on the screen.
Fully-coated lenses cover both surfaces, and they are ideal if shooting under bright, well-lit conditions. Meanwhile, multi-coated lenses or fully multi-coated lenses may offer the clearest image available.
Something to keep in mind, however, is that the price may increase when the number of coatings increases.
Angle Compensation
This isn’t necessary for everyone, but it can greatly help those of you who tend to shoot from an elevated plane. Rangefinders with angle compensation assist in giving you good accuracy while you sit on raised terrain.
Not every rangefinder says ‘angle compensation’ though. You may see the terms AI and ID technology, which is just another way of speaking about angle compensation.
Durability
Besides losing your target, nothing’s worse than having your gear break down. So, consider a rangefinder that’s built robust while still being compact and easy to carry. This includes having quality construction and weather resistance.
FAQ
Why do I need a rangefinder for long-range shooting?
Rangefinders can help eliminate any guesswork for any of the most seasoned shooters. By giving you a better idea of how far your target is, you increase the likelihood of striking the target. In turn, you won’t fire random shots that wind up wasting your time and ammo.
Should a rangefinder have weather-resistance?
Elements like fog and mist can easily disrupt your readings or even damage your rangefinder. Good protection against these weather conditions, in addition to having waterproof construction, can protect your accessory and prevent inaccuracies.
How important is the size?
You don’t want anything unnecessarily weighing you down while you’re out hunting, so it helps if a rangefinder is designed to be compact. A contained design with good ergonomics is easier and more comfortable to hold. This might also give you better stability.
Does a rangefinder work in the dark?
Since the purpose of a rangefinder is to check targets that are far out for long-range shooting, they’re not usually meant for nighttime shooting. You must be able to see the reticle in order to get accurate readings, and in many cases, the reticle is black, which becomes obscured in the dark.
Sometimes you may find quality rangefinders that have various brightness settings that can assist in low-light conditions. Otherwise, you may be better off using night vision or other assistance to see.
Making the Decision
The long-range rangefinder can transform your long-distance shooting, helping you land more consistent and accurate shots. We think the Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinder is the right choice in this case.
It features an illuminated reticle for low light conditions, precise readouts, and durable construction that’s waterproof. The multiple modes are great for versatility’s sake, and the compact size makes it easy to carry around.
Whether you go with our number one pick or decide among the others on our list, a rangefinder is a worthy investment you should consider adding to your shooting gear.
