By Wes Littlefield
For first responders who find solace in the outdoors, hunting offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. A reliable rangefinder can enhance this experience by ensuring accuracy and precision, whether tracking game or scouting terrain.
Accuracy is most important when it comes to choosing the best range finder. Most range finders will be reasonably accurate out to 1,000 yards, but the best can accurately tell you distances over 5,000 yards. Now, we would never shoot that far, but it allows you, as the hunter, to know how much distance you need to close before setting up.
I always look for lens clarity when buying a range finder. If the picture isn’t clear, finding the target is challenging, which can make for a very frustrating day. I also try to bring along as little gear as possible. I’m likely already bringing too much, so when I can combine my binoculars and a range finder, I consider that a win!
My budget is also a significant factor, as I’m sure it is with you, so I’ve chosen a wide range of range finders for hunters and target shooters.
Our top range finder picks for hunting & target shooting
Range finders for budgets of $1,000-$2,500
Sig Sauer KILO10K-ABS HD Ballistic Rangefinder Binoculars
These Sig Sauer rangefinder binoculars are incredible because they combine binoculars with a range finder and a ballistic calculator. They can measure the distance of reflective targets up to 10,000 yards and deer-sized targets up to 3,000 yards, giving you plenty of time to plan and set up for the perfect shot.
Sig Sauer is a trusted brand within the shooting community, and you don’t have to worry about the rain as they have an IPX-4 waterproof rating.
Leica Geovid R Rangefinder Binoculars – 10x42mm
If you don’t need the crazy distances of the Sig Sauer rangefinder binoculars, nor the price, don’t overlook the Leica Geovid R rangefinder binoculars. They are lightweight and compact, measure targets up to 2,000 yards, and give ultra-fast distance measurements.
The rubber coating is excellent for shock absorption and extra grip.
Vortex Fury Laser Rangefinder Binoculars
Vortex is one of my favorite brands because its clear glass and prices are on point. It combines two critical hunting tools into one package, keeping your hunting bag lighter. Hunting gear will inevitably get wet, so fog-proofing and waterproofing are crucial.
These binoculars have two modes. The Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) mode automatically compensates for shooting from stands and steep terrain. In contrast, the Scan mode continuously updates distance as you sweep across varied terrain or track moving animals.
Range finders for budgets of $500-$1,000
Cabela’s CX Pro HD Rangefinder Binoculars
Cabela’s CX Pro HD rangefinder binoculars are incredibly fast at determining the distance from the target, allowing you to make stalking decisions quickly and accurately. The IPX7 waterproofing and fog-proofing ensure they won’t fail during a wet hunt, and you can see in various conditions. The price is nice as you can get an accurate distance reading on targets 1,800 yards away.
Sig Sauer KILO 5K Ballistic Rangefinder
The Sig Sauer KILO 5K ballistic range finder might be a step down from the other Sig Sauer product above, but it still offers hunters an excellent tool for a much more affordable price. You can use it with the free SIG Ballistic App. Use it with a Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) or Bluetooth-enabled scope to automatically illuminate a holdover dot on the scope’s reticle to compensate for bullet drop.
The Angle Modified Range (AMR) offers actual horizontal distances to the target, factoring in the curve of the Earth’s crust. At the same time, the Line-Of-Sight (LOS) mode accurately ranges closer targets.
Bushnell Fusion X Rangefinder Binoculars
Bushnell has been a favorite of hunters for decades because they make quality products at a reasonable price. These rangefinder binoculars are IPX7 waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring you can use them in various conditions to spot and stalk game using one of the several modes, whether you’re using a rifle or bow.
Range finders for budgets of $100-$500
Leupold RX-FullDraw 5 Rangefinder
Speaking of archery, the Leupold RX-FullDraw 5 is the ideal range finder for bow hunters because it helps you calculate accurate distances based on your arrow weight, shot angle, velocity and peep height. It also has 6X magnification, which most range finders don’t, and can spot arrow obstructions out to 85 yards.
I’m shocked the Muddy LR850X doesn’t cost more, considering its features, such as IP54 waterproofing, angle measurement and compensation, and 6X magnification. The 6X magnification reduces the need to bring along binoculars, while the angle measurement and compensation allow you to make accurate shots. The IP54 waterproofing means this rangefinders is usable in nearly all conditions you’ll face in the field.
If you don’t plan to hunt animals over 850 yards away, this ranger finder should be in your hunting bag.
About the author
Wes Littlefield has been hunting since he could carry a gun. Many of his most incredible memories involve hunting with his dad, daughter and friends because the outdoors is where he feels the most alive. He’s probably fishing, hiking or kayaking when he isn’t writing about hunting. Wes is the lead writer at Ammo.com and Anglers.com and operates OKDiscGolfer.com.