Best Rangefinders

What Features to Compare

Purpose and Effectiveness

When tracking down the best rangefinder, first of all, chose the type of activity you’re gonna use it for. Today, there are different models of digital rangefinders: for playing golf or hunting, both with a rifle or a bow. Keep in mind that golf rangefinders have the close target priority because there is usually an open field between a player and a hole. Hunting models, on the other hand, have the priority set on the furthest target for ignoring trees or bushes between you and your prey. Another important feature is the maximum object finding range. The bigger this value is, the further distances to your target can be calculated. And if you are going to use it at close ranges, look for the minimal operating range. Accuracy is also important as it influences the precision of measurements. We picked up the rangefinders with accuracy no lower than +/- 1 yard.

Lens Parameters

The next important parameters to look for in rangefinders are lens specs. Here the main parameter is the magnification. The bigger zoom is, the better view on the object you can get. Laser rangefinders usually have 5-6x zoom. The lens diameter is important as well. A bigger diameter permits more light, increasing the quality of the image in the eyepiece. If you are going to use the device at dusk, consider rangefinders with 24mm lenses and multilayer coating. Angle or field of view is another parameter to look at. Normally, it is indicated in feet/yards or simply in angular degrees. The angle of view determines how much you can see in your rangefinder. The higher this value is, the wider part of the world in front of you is visible.

Features and Power Supply

Finally, we’d also recommend you to look at extra features and power supply. Waterproof design will allow you to use the rangefinder in harsh weather conditions such as rain or snow. Some models have the option to change measuring units during scanning. Automatic shutoff after a particular period of inactivity will save battery life. More advanced laser rangefinders even have continuous scanning mode that immediately shows distances to different objects – just point rangefinder from one target to another. More functional rangefinders with special technologies can pinpoint distances even if there are small objects or raindrops between you and the target. Furthermore, certain devices produce a small vibration to inform you that measuring is completed, and others have a socket for a tripod for even more precise results. Additionally, there are special pouches and cases for safe keeping and comfortable transporting. 1 CR2 battery is the standard power supply for the rangefinders, however, a battery is not always supplied with the device. Last but not least, look at the size and weight of rangefinder as you are likely to carry it around for a long time.