rangefinder recommendation

[tikka-guy]

I'm looking for a rangefinder recommendation. I don't want to spend much over $200 (and less would be great!).

It'll mostly be used in the field for archery. We don't get long rifle shots around here, so I'll likely never need it for rifle shooting.

Cabela's is running a sale on the Leupold RX-750 right now, which brings it down close to the price of their Redfield rangefinders and some of the lower end Nikons. However, the RX-750 is a few years old now. Would I be better off going with the Redfield, which should be lower-end, or one of the new Nikon Prostaff 3 or 5? I'm thinking the newer ones might have better battery life, or be a bit more compact.

Anyone have any experience with any of these, or any thoughts? Maybe I should go check them out in-store, but ordering is a lot more convenient.

Thanks!

 

[Sniper66]

The Leupold is a fine range finder. A few years ago, I opted for a Nikon...paid about $200, but don't recall the model...it's at home and I am in my office Anyway, the Nikon has been a very good range finder. I use it when shooting P-dogs. You will never go wrong with the Leupold and i can also recommend the Nikon.

 

[Rembrandt]

These don't fit your budget criteria.....but you need to do some research as to the benefits and features of any rangefinder regardless of price. Check out the maximum distance the unit is capable of, does it have multiple applications like being used as a monocular in place of carrying binoculars. Clarity of the glass and other options should be considered.


I went with these because of the quality of the optics and the range.....will do 1600 yards plus.

 

[Allen in MT]

Check out the Vortex rangemaster 1000. It has a belt clip and a tripod mount and is really compact. It is a little more in cost, been thinking of selling my Bushnell 450 and getting a Vortex

 

[tri70]

I have a Nikon that will range 800-1000 yds, plenty good for me.

 

[wild willy]

You better read the reviews on the Leupold.I had a Leupold RX IV didn't range 1/3 the distance it was rated for.

 

[Scott_R]

I just bought the Bushnell Bowhunter "Chuck Adams Edition" for $159 (free shipping) @ BHPhotovideo.com

I only JUST got it today.

It has the ARC feature to compensate for angles when bow hunting from a stand. This feature is automatic anytime you range under 100 yards. (It gives both actual measured distance, and compensated distance)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/765274-REG/Bushnell_202206_Bowhunter_Chuck_Adams_Edition.html

Like I said, I just got it today, so I have only just used it around the house. Seems great, though.

 

[tikka-guy]

The reviews of the RX-750 don't seem great on Cabela's, although on Amazon they are ok.

The ARC would be nice, but I don't think it's very necessary for me. I hunt in a treestand often, but not usually higher than 10 ft.

Right now I'm leaning towards the new Nikon Prostaff 5. I saw a couple reviews on Youtube and it looked pretty nice. Waterproof, rugged, compact.

 

[Scott_R]

The prostaff 5 has 6x magnification, which might be a bit much for bow hunting. YMMV.

Looks like a good unit for the price point, though. I've been happy with everything I own that says Nikon on it.

 

[Kingcreek]

I've got a Leupold and I would trade my buddy for his Nikon in about a half a second. I love Leupold scopes but if my rangefinder is any indication, I suggest you avoid them.

 

[tikka-guy]

Leupold is my first choice in riflescopes, but it looks like I might be wise to avoid the rangefinder.

6x for archery is a bit much... i hadn't thought of that. I didn't really find any good alternatives around my price point though. Likely I'll use it to range various trees at the beginning of my hunt, rather than range an actual deer, so that minimizes the effect of the relatively high magnification.

I know I said I won't use it much for rifle hunting, but we do go out west occasionally, so it may see some light use there. The 6x will allow me to use it for that purpose as well.

I think I will go ahead and order the Prostaff 5 tonight. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

I have a Leupold RXII and love it. It is a 750 yard rangefinder. I believe I paid just over $200 for it, maybe even $225. I cannot remember exactly. But anyway, it works great and has ALOT of great features for the price.

 

[Victor1Echo]

Why is six time for archery too much? I ask because I was thinking how cool it would be to leave my 7x binoculars behind when I am stalking and just use a 6x range finder. I have simmons 4x, and I thought it would be great for archery since we mostly shoot under 50 yards.

 

[Bush Pilot]

I ordered a Nikon Prostaff 5 from Weby Corp thru Amazon a few days ago. I felt the price was right at $229.95 plus 7.95 shipping. I only have high praise for the shipper, I ordered the unit late in the afternoon on a Thursday and it arrived on Saturday, the shipper is in Texas and I'm in Washington. I normally like to support my local dealers, when the price is 10% cheaper and there's no sales tax it seemed like a no brainer.

 

[tikka-guy]

How do you like it? I still haven't pulled the trigger on the purchase. I had been saving points/gift cards to Cabela's for a bigger purchase, and can't decide whether i really NEED to have a rangefinder.

 

[aubie515]

I don't have a sub $200 range finder, but I recently sold my Leica 1200 to get Leupold 1000i TBR/DNA model because it adjust for angles for bow hunting.

The Leupold is tiny compared to the Leica, which I appreciate since I can operate it with one hand while hunting.