What is the best long range rangefinder?
If you’re looking to improve your shooting capabilities, then choosing one of the best long range rangefinders is the next logical step. Trying to decide what the best long range rangefinder is for your needs, can be a somewhat difficult task. There is a huge selection available, and they can be priced at anywhere between the low hundreds, up into the thousands.
There are a few things to consider when trying to decide what rangefinder you need:
- Are you limited financially?
- Do you need a complex rangefinder, or will a simple one be sufficient?
- Will size and weight make a difference?
- Does it need to be waterproof?
- Do you need an extended warranty?
- Is objective lens size important?
- How much range do you realistically need?
- Is the amount of eye relief important?
- Do you require a specific amount of field of view?
- What type of batteries does the rangefinder take?
After you have answered all of the above questions, you can then start to narrow down exactly what type of long range rangefinder is best suited for your needs. This review will look at some of the leading products in the industry, so if you have no idea where to start, then you won’t go far wrong by choosing one of the following.
#1 Vortex Optics Ranger Laser 1800
The Ranger 1800 is the gold standard in rangefinders for its price range. Of course, there are lots of rangefinders that are more expensive but, with such decent specifications, as well as Vortex’s lifetime warranty, it’s understandable why so many serious hunters choose this rangefinder.
Range capabilities
The Ranger 1800 has a max range of 1800 yards and 900 yards for soft targets. Although there have been reports of hunters managing to range deer as far as 1100 yards out or more. Of course, accuracy is important, but having reliable readings is just as important. While other rangefinders may be faster at judging distance, they’ll unlikely be as reliable as the Ranger 1800 is on a first attempt.
Ease of use
The rangefinder body is very compact, although it does not feel flimsy by any means. A rubberised armor shell encases the whole rangefinder to ensure that any bumps on marks will not damage it. Like most of Vortex’s products, this rangefinder is easy to use and has a simple interface. There are just two buttons which control all of the rangefinder settings. You take measurements by clicking one of the buttons or hold it down to continuously scan. As you get more confident with using this rangefinder, you can then start playing with some of the more advanced features.
Specifications
- Excellent optical performance due to the multi-coated lens coating
- It has a 6x22mm lens which has an accuracy of up to 1800 yards
- 315 feet field of view
- Precision focus control due to the diopter
- Waterproof housing enables this rangefinder to be used in all types of weather
- It’s capable of being mounted on tripods, and other accessories, with the use of an adapter
- Has three modes of use: line of sight, horizontal component distance, and scan mode.
- Easy to use menu system that is illuminated
- It uses a CR2 cell battery which are common to find as well as providing it with a long life
Verdict
For the average hunter, this rangefinder provides all the functions and specifications that one would need. However, to get an accurate reading requires that the measure button is to be pressed three times, which some people may find takes too long. Still, with a device and brand of this quality, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The Ranger 1800 is a beast!
#2 – Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11
Nikon is a very famous lens brand, so it’s no surprise to find that they have made products for the hunting world too. What makes this rangefinder so great, is the fact that it has superior quality, and is less than $200.
Range capabilities
This rangefinder allows a lot more light to be taken into the optic, which results in a crystal-clear picture. It has a magnification capability of 6x, which is fairly impressive for its price and size. However, it’s been found only to be accurate to 550 yards. This distance is, of course, sufficient for beginners.
Ease of use
This is a really small and compact rangefinder, weighing in at only 4.4 ounces. This allows it to be easily transported in your pocket, and you’ll barely notice it. The screen is clutter free and open, as well as having no complicated settings. Essentially, this is a very basic point and click rangefinder and is best used by hunters who are in the seated or prone position, as it can struggle to lock on if you are slightly shaking.
Specifications
- At only 3.6″x2.9″x1.5″ in size, it’s a really small range finder
- Easy to read screen that displays the target distance in 1 m intervals
- Multilayer coating allows more of the light spectrum to enter the lens
- Water resistant housing
- 6x magnification and a 20mm lens with 16.7mm eye relief
Verdict
This is a great budget rangefinder which has a surprisingly high-grade finish. For the price, this can’t be beaten. However, if you’re fairly experienced, you may wish to look elsewhere.
# 3 -Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 BDX Laser Rangefinder 7×25 mm
Usually referred to as a KILO2200, this rangefinder is fairly new to the market. However, it has received a lot of admiration and respect in the shooting community, regardless of it being a newcomer to the scene.
Range capabilities
The range capability of this rangefinder is incredible and is perfect for someone looking for the ultimate long-range shot. It’s able to ping reflective targets at 3400 yards, trees at 1500 yards and deer at 1200 yards. Being able to acquire a hard target at 3400 yards is incredibly impressive.
Ease of use
This rangefinder has automatic brightness adjustment for its red illuminated display. This means that regardless of the weather conditions, you will be able to see optimal visibility. It also has a built-in inclinometer which allows it to account for basic bullet physics, whether you’re shooting up or downhill. The user interface is also not cluttered with unnecessary information, allowing ample viewing space. The 7x magnification allows perfect visibility when pinging targets thousands of yards away.
Specifications
- Has a magnification of 7x
- 15mm eye relief and 3.6mm exit pupil
- Continuous scan mode
- Max range is an astonishing 3400 yards
- Weight 4 ounces
Verdict
For someone looking for one of the best long range rangefinders available, you can’t go far wrong with the Kilo2200. It’s unlikely that you will need to use its maximum capabilities, but being able to reliably hit a deer from 1200 yards is certainly favorable for a hunter.
#4 – Bushnell Elite Rangefinder 1 Mile 7×26 with CONX
This elite rangefinder has high-end technology which allows it to present precise measurements with minimal error. It also has a selective targeting system that can provide multiple modes of information depending on the terrain you are hoping to use.
Range capabilities
Bushnell Elite Rangefinder 1 Mile 7×26 with CONX can quickly acquire targets up to 1760 yards away, with a 2-yard drop in accuracy. It has 7x magnification capability which uses vivid display technology to improve clarity, light transmission and contrast. It also features powerful object recognition to help you find your desired target.
Ease of use
Due to being one of the most expensive rangefinders available, it’s understandable that it will be easy to use as well. It’s fully waterproof and is incredibly fast at acquiring target location and distance, with the click of a button. The lens is very clear, and it can also show bullet drop calculations to help you compensate for the terrain and the weather. However, all this power does come with the added extra of weight and size. Although it is significantly heavier, it’s worth the additional weight.
Specifications
- Incredibly high-speed target acquisition
- 7x magnification
- 1760 yard range
- Bullet drop information at the click of a button
- Built in tripod mount that’s compatible with most attachments
- Fully waterproof with a lens ring guard
Verdict
The Bushnell Elite Rangefinder 1 Mile 7×26 with CONX is an astonishing piece of technology, but it also isn’t cheap. If you can find it under $400, then you should definitely snatch it up, as it’s certainly worth the hefty price tag. It is heavier than most long range rangefinders, but it is barely noticeable, and it’s worth it for the extra power that this can provide.
#5 – Simmons Hunting Laser Rangefinder
Here we have a rangefinder that is suitable for those on a strict budget, or beginners who don’t want to commit to something that has unnecessary features and power. This is a great small and light rangefinder that’s really affordable, yet still brings enough power to be worthwhile.
Range capabilities
The Simmons Volt Rangefinder has a 4x magnification capability which allows you to ping targets up to 600 yards away. It can also accurately detect objects from 10 yards in front of you as well. While this is certainly not as impressive as some of the other rangefinders that we have looked at previously, 600 yards is far beyond the needs and wants for the average hunter and shooter.
Ease of use
This rangefinder is small enough so that it fits snugly in your hand when you’re using it. You also only need one hand to operate it, and it comes in a case that can fit on a belt loop. It only has one button which you press to operate the whole device. Not only is it a power button, but it initiates the rangefinder and can be used to switch the metrics from yards to meters.
Specifications
- 4x magnification
- Up to 600-yard range capacity, accurate by +/- 1 yard
- Only uses one button for the whole device
- LCD provides accurate distance to your target
- Small and lightweight
- Runs on a 9V battery that is not included
Verdict
This rangefinder is one of the cheapest that you will be able to find but still gives enough features to be worthwhile in purchasing. It is small and lightweight, water resistant, and will give you a hassle free reading for up to 600 yards. Ideal for newcomers to the sport who are on a strict budget.
#6 – Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt
Here we have another top tier long rangefinder. While one of the most expensive rangefinders that we have reviewed, it is packed full of advanced features that fully justify its price. What makes this rangefinder so special, is that it uses the famous JOLT technology. What this does is, it will make the rangefinder vibrate slightly when your target has been locked. This means that you don’t have to worry about keeping still, and that the reading that you see through the lens is an accurate one.
Range capabilities
The Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt can accurately ping targets up to 1760 yards away, as well as utilizing its 7x magnification capabilities. If your target is less than 125 yards away, the accuracy will be within half a yard of the displayed distance. Due to the JOLT technology, you can be sure that you will get the most accurate readings possible at longer distances.
Ease of use
With all the added technology that this rangefinder has, you may assume that it will be complicated to use, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The additional technology does make this rangefinder a lot heavier than most, but with the addition of the JOLT technology, you will have assurance that your displayed target distance is the correct one.
Specifications
- Can acquire targets up to 1 mile away, or as close as 5 yards in front of you
- Vivid display technology increases the clarity, contrast and light transmission when looking through the lens
- Fully waterproof with a carry case included
- 7x magnification capability
- JOLT technology, which ensures that your target distance is accurately acquired
Verdict
Another great option for those that are looking for one of the best long range rangefinders available.The JOLT technology is without a doubt, the most accurate available as there will be no second guesses on what object the rangefinder has pinged.
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