The Best Range Finders
Range finders are incredibly useful tools. They let you pinpoint distances just by looking through them and pointing at a target. Here, we've rounded up the top range finders on the market for your consideration. These are perfect for hunting, golfing, and photography, among many other uses. Keep reading if you'd like to learn more.
What to Look For
When finding the best range finders, we looked for these key components: accuracy, range, durability, and accessories. We also considered which activities each option is best used for. For example, the Aofar HX-700N is one the most accurate on our list, with a maximum distance of 700 yards and pinpoint accuracy. It’s especially ideal for hunters. Meanwhile, our favorite kit is Wblamic’s range finder since it includes a quality travel case and a cleaning cloth. Read on below for more information on these great range finders.
Tidewe Hunting Camo Rangefinder
The jack of all trades
A range finder is a crucial piece of hunting gear, especially for archery and rifles. With this one from Tidewe, you can pinpoint targets up to 1,000 yards away. They also offer a base model that goes up to 700 yards, which is more than enough for most hunting scenarios. And like all good hunting gear, this thing is super rugged, with a strong handle that stays grippy even when wet.
Pros:
- Although it has a camo design, this rangefinder works well for photography and golf, too.
- It’s completely silent, with no beeps or clicks when turning on.
- It works great even in cloudy, foggy, and medium-light conditions.
Cons:
- The eyepiece is a bit small, so those with glasses may have to remove their lenses before using it.
Aofar HX-700N Hunting Range Finder
Knowledge is power
Nothing beats a good laser range finder for hunting. This one from Aofar proves this with its highly accurate measurements. It feels robust and well-built, but it’s also incredibly lightweight. And unlike many other range finders, this one can track the distance of moving objects. It’s easy to read, accurate, and highly affordable. What more could we ask for from this top-of-the-line hunting range finder?
Pros:
- It works reliably in a variety of conditions, including foggy, rainy, and cloudy weather. The display is still readable, and the lenses don’t fog up easily.
- Because it uses a laser, measurement happens almost instantaneously. Plus, the device turns on quickly as well.
Cons:
- The buttons are a bit stiff at first, so they can take some breaking in.
Gogogo Sport Vpro Golf Laser Rangefinder
A superior set of eyes
Golf is a sport about precision and poise. To have an edge on the fairway, you’ll want to know the exact distance to the hole, which is where this range finder comes in. It’s specifically designed with golfers in mind: it has a feature that vibrates the device when you target the flag. This ensures that the distance you’re reading is truly the distance to the hole and not another part of the green (or worse, the rough).
Pros:
- This can show the degree of the fairway or green slope you’re aiming towards.
- The distance is displayed in tenths of a yard, so it delivers a very precise measurement.
Cons:
- You need steady hands if you want accurate readings for very long distances.
Wblamic Range Finder with Lock Vibration
Stylish and practical
Knowing which golf club to use basically depends on the terrain and distance. With this range finder, you can pinpoint the precise distance in yards or meters towards the flagstick. With vibration lock technology, it buzzes when you’ve spotted the pin and sets the distance. Or you can set it to standard straight-line mode, and you can get the distance to wherever you point it. We love that it also comes with a stylish case and wrist strap. Plus, it even has a magnet built right in, making it easy to stick somewhere when not in use.
Pros:
- This weighs under a pound, so it won’t add much load to your golf bag.
- The case uses a hard material that protects the lenses and body of the range finder even in the face of drops and knocks.
Cons:
- The magnet isn’t that strong, so make sure you’re sticking it onto a magnetic metal surface that’s thick enough.
Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinder
Time for the big game
This is a top-rated range finder for a reason. It may be pricier than most, but that’s because it has unparalleled accuracy and range (up to 1,800 yards). The build quality is top-notch, and the whole device fits comfortably in the hand. It has different modes specifically for rifle shooting or archery to compensate for elevation.
Pros:
- This works even in medium darkness or hazy conditions. The lenses have anti-fog coatings.
- It has an auto-shutoff feature that shuts down the device after 30 seconds.
- This has a socket so you can attach it to a tripod for the most accurate, stable readings.
Cons:
- At longer ranges, it can be difficult to hold it still for an accurate reading. In these cases, you may need to brace your arm against a tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do range finders work?
There are two types of range finders: optical and laser. An optical range finder uses two lenses to calculate the distance of an object based on its focal length. A laser range finder uses a narrow-band laser to bounce off the desired location or object. It then calculates the distance from the time it takes the laser beam to return to the device.
What is flag lock vibration?
Range finders with flag lock vibration are specially tuned to find golf flagpoles. Once they do, they’ll buzz, vibrate, or make a sound to indicate that the hole has been found and the measured distance can be trusted.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.