Don’t Guess, use the Best Rangefinders for Bow Hunting

Those perfect shots are indescribable moments. You raise the bow, draw the arrow, and as you release it, everything comes together. You know the shot will hit true while it’s still in the air.

It might seem like something mystical, but those shots are actually the result of smart bow hunting strategies. One of those should be using a rangefinder. A good rangefinder doesn’t just measure distance. It let’s you prepare to use your bow as effectively as possible.

Before you choose a model, figure out what you need from your rangefinder. We’ve put together guide below to help you do that and followed it with reviews of our picks for the best bow hunting rangefinder models that cover a wide range of situations.

What rangefinder features does a bow hunter need?

Lens and magnification

The kind of bow you use makes a big difference when you’re choosing a rangefinder. It helps determine exactly what maxiumum range rating you need to look for.

If you use a crossbow, you most likely take shots from about 50 yards. If you use a compound bow, you’re probably looking at a maximum of 40 yards.

Considering these yardages, maximum sight range isn’t the only factor you’ll want to look at. Each individual component is one piece to knowing how your rangefinder will work. For instance, you also want to think about the lens and magnification specs carefully.

Every rangefinder comes labeled with a set of numbers. The first number represents the amount of magnification. The second number is the size of the lens. If your rangefinder is labeled “6 x 32,” for example, it magnifies by six, and that the objective lens is 32mm.

The greater the magnification number, the better precision you have when you find a range.

Increased magnification does come with a con, though. The greater the magnification is, the less space you’ll be able to assess at one time. You have to decide whether the trade off is worth it for you.

The second number, the objective lens size, gives you an idea of how well your rangefinder will perform. The larger the lens number, the more light is brought into the unit. This makes it easier to see. Like with the magnification, this comes with a downside. The larger the objective lens, the bigger the rangefinder is in general.

In other words, you sacrifice compact size and light weight for stronger performance.

Accuracy

Obviously accuracy is a big deal, especially for hunters. It’s not just important to successful bow hunting, it’s an ethical imperative too. Plus, broadheads aren’t the cheapest. The newest rangefinders come equipped with the latest technology and innovations. This includes their ability to give accurate readings.

Like any other piece of equipment, there are expensive models as well as more economic options. Even cheaper products should give you accurate readings to about one yard.

What about the advertised accuracy rates of rangefinders? It’s important to note that these rates are determined under optimal conditions. You may find there’s a significant variation in accuracy when you’re out in the field—especially if conditions are heavily compromised by weather or lighting.

The advertised accuracy (or inaccuracy) of a rangefinder may also not be applicable to your specific use. Your rangefinder has been tested at 1,000 yards and has between one and five percent inaccuracy, but what if you’re using it at 50 yards? You should expect your rate of inaccuracy to be less.

Ease of use – one click and quiet

A rangefinder can have all the necessary features, but if you can’t figure out how to use it, it won’t do you any good at all. The same is true if it makes too much noise.

Make sure you know whether you can change the unit-of-distance output. If you usually work in yards and the rangefinder only reads in meters, it’ll be off. Some models have a feature that allows you to move back and forth between imperial and metric.

Some rangefinders are equipped with just one button. This makes them simple and fast to use. Of course, a rangefinder that comes with more buttons probably also has more options and greater versatility.  

There are also rangefinders that allow you to select multiple points of measurement. This means you can toggle between identified objects in your view. All of these factors contribute to a smoother process.

You may also find there’s a learning curve to a new rangefinder. That’s to be expected with any piece of new equipment. It’s worth doing some practice with your rangefinder in the off season to get a good feel for how it operates.

Tilts and elevations calcs – great for tree stands

The “tilts and elevations calculations” function determines angle compensation for shots. This is sometimes called a ‘shoot-like’ distance. You’ll also get a “line of sight” distance.

When you’re up in a tree stand, you need additional calculations to determine how far away your target is. You need the height of where you’re sitting plus the horizontal distance between you and your target to know the true range.

This calculation becomes your shoot-like distance.

Having a ‘tilts and elevations’ function is invaluable if you’re doing any shooting that involves angles, like from a tree stand.

Waterproofing, armor and camo

Don’t bother getting a rangefinder that isn’t water- and fogproof. Think about it—when you’re out bow hunting, it’s frequently during early morning hours when condensation is higher. Rain is no reason to cancel a hunting trip, either.

You want to be able to use your rangefinder in all weather conditions.

Just because a rangefinder claims it’s waterproof, doesn’t mean you should submerge it in the first pond that you come to. But, it does suggest that a light shower won’t hurt its function. If a rangefinder doesn’t claim to be weather-resistant, move on.

While it’s important to have lenses that resist moisture, you also want something that comes with armor. Armor comes in many different types of material but is often a silicone skin.

Not only will armor help protect your rangefinder from unexpected weather, but it’ll also help absorb shock from an unexpected fall. We’ve all slipped over or set our belongings down too roughly–or even dropped something out of a tree stand. With armor, you can have a little extra peace of mind.

This may bring camo-patterned rangefinders to the forefront of your selection as well. There’s no reason to deck yourself and your equipment in camo only to spook a quarry with your rangefinder

Keep it close – tethers

Many rangefinders come with a tether or utility clip. This can be a great way to keep the rangefinder close in your stand. It also makes it easier to carry.

If you have a preferred method, or if your rangefinder doesn’t come with a tether, it’s easy enough to add your own. Whether it’s a lanyard, shoulder strap or belt clip, you’ll have your rangefinder at your fingertips in an instant.

A quick note on eye relief

When shopping for a rangefinder, you may come across the term “eye relief.” This is the distance your eye needs to be from the eyepiece of the rangefinder to see clearly.

Eye relief – usually measured in millimeters – is especially important for people who wear glasses. Without eye relief, glasses would prevent you from looking through the eyepiece. And of course you can’t take the glasses off, or you won’t be able to see well enough.

Every device has a specified eye relief. You can usually find the figure in the manual. Knowing how far away you need to be from the eyepiece will give you the best view possible.

Can I use my golfing rangefinder?

If you also like to golf, you can use your golfing rangefinder for bow hunting too. Ultimately, it’s performing the same primary function: measuring distance.

However, distance isn’t the only informationthe rangefinder provides you with. Golfing rangefinders usually have golf-specific features, and the inverse is just as true. Hunting rangefinders can give you information pertinent to hunting.

You might miss potentially helpful features by not using a hunting-specific rangefinder.

For example, a golfing rangefinder might be equipped with an adaptive-slope feature not especially useful for bow hunting, but it might lack a display that’s easy to read in low light. You could also be missing your “tilts and elevations” calculation.  Specialty equipment exists for a reason, and we strongly recommend sticking with a rangefinder made with the hunter in mind.

Reviews of Rangefinders with Angle/Tilt Compensation