There are dozens of rangefinders on the market and while they all claim to be the ‘best’, they’re not made equal.
But how to pick the best rangefinder?
A rangefinder is one of the most important pieces of equipment a shooter or hunter may own.
It increases the chances of success by improving night vision while also making it safe to shoot or hunt at night. Moreover, even hobbyists such as bird watchers and archers can benefit from a rangefinder.
However, the key lies in choosing the right product.
There are dozens of rangefinders on the market and while they all claim to be the ‘best’, they’re not made equal. It is important that you study the different features a rangefinder comes with and understand what’s of importance to you so you can get your hands on the right one.
Laser rangefinders appear to be the most in-demand as they are easy to use and very reliable. ATN is one of the best companies offering laser rangefinders that are both affordable and durable. Plus, they’re known to be versatile and come with some great features.
Now without much ado, let’s talk about how to pick the best rangefinder for different purposes.
Picking an Archery Rangefinder
Go for a laser rangefinder as it’s less likely to be unreliable.
Here are a few things to look for when selecting an archery rangefinder:
Angle-Compensating Software: The most important factor is the equipment’s angle-compensating used to compute the distance to a target. This is vital because your target may often be at an extreme angle as it is common for archers to find themselves in an elevated position or on steep mountain terrains.
Such positions offer better visibility but create hurdles as the angle makes it difficult to measure the true distance to the target. It isn’t much of an issue when you are using a gun but it can be a problem if you’re using a bow.
The angle can influence the trajectory because of its arching path. Only a rangefinder that offers angle-compensation software can save the day.
Magnification: Magnification works the same as ‘zoom’ and can help you see clearly. It allows the user to pick up small details such as branches or other objects interfering with the reading.
Some devices only offer 0x magnification, i.e.: no magnification at all. Though not very popular, they may be of use if you don’t plan on standing too far from the target. However, for better results, pick something that offers 2x or higher.
Some machines go up to 20x but more is not always better because the image starts to blur after a point. You should know how much zoom you need and pick a device that maintains quality so that you can enjoy all the perks of this feature.
Fast: Very few people pay attention to this feature despite it being one of the most important aspects.
You need to be very quick when you’re out hunting. A device that takes too long to show results can hamper your performance as your target may move by the time you get the result. Hence, pick a device that shows the target in a few seconds.
Other than this, pay attention to usability, ease of use, additional features such as Bluetooth, the range or distance covered by the device, warranty, last- or far-target priority mode, and precise close-target sensitivity.
Archery Rangefinder: ATN LaserBallistics 1500
ATN LaserBallistics 1500 is a digital rangefinder with some impressive features, including a view angle of 7.2 degrees, which is pretty good and perfect for archery. The device offers 6x zoom without compromising on quality.
Moreover, it hits the bull’s eye when it comes to the range – from 5 to 1,500 yards. Highly durable and easy to carry, this device only weighs 152g and comes with an impressive battery life of 50,000 measurements.
Furthermore, this best laser rangefinder features Bluetooth that can be used to connect to any pairable ATN Smart HD Scope for instant Point of Impact Corrections.
Pros:
- Waterproof hence perfect for outdoors
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Very affordable
Cons:
- May not be the best option for pros
Picking a Rifle-Hunting Rangefinder
If you are a hunter then you must add a rangefinder to your collection as it will help you save time and prove to be very beneficial. Most rangefinders on the market are suitable for hunting but it’s important to be aware of factors to consider so you can pick the best from the lot.
Recording: The best laser rangefinder for hunting is one that allows you to show off your skills. After all, this is the era of social media and most users want to be able to share their biggest catch with their friends and family.
Hence, look for a device that allows you to record photos and videos.
Ease of Use: Of course, you want to have fun and don’t want to bear the trouble of having to deal with a machine that is difficult to handle. Hence, look for a device with neatly placed buttons and the ability to easily match your hunting-rifle caliber and load.
Range: This is an obvious one because you’d typically be hunting from a distance. This is usually not an issue because most rangefinders cover about 1,000 yards, which is enough in most cases. However, some more expensive models may offer up to 2,000 yards.
However, it isn’t only about the distance a rangefinder covers but about how reliable it is. The device should be able to identify all kinds of objects, including small animals, so that you face no challenges when out hunting.
Other than this, consider battery life, weight, and warranty.
Rifle-Hunting Rangefinder: ATN AUXILIARY BALLISTIC LASER 1000
One of the best laser rangefinders for hunters, ATN AUXILIARY BALLISTIC LASER 1000 is powerful and durable.
One of the best features of the device is the layout. It comes with smart controls and gives users the option to activate all the controls via Smart Sight without having to deal with additional buttons. This can prove to be handy in critical situations.
The machine works like a pro and can quickly adjust your POI to match your distance. Made of hardened aluminum alloy, this machine is very durable and can work with high-caliber weapons.
It has an impressive range of 5-1000 y/m. At 360g, the machine is lightweight and easy to carry. Plus, it is waterproof. Furthermore, it displays the distance to the target so you can easily show off your skills.
Pros:
- The battery offers an impressive run-time of 12 hours
- Has some impressive social features
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Magnification could’ve been better
Picking a Precision-Shooting Rangefinder
Picking a precision-shooting rangefinder can be a little tricky because you need to take care of several things and not just the range. Here’s what to remember so you can choose the best value laser rangefinder for precision shooting.
Range: Once again, the range is vital. Look for a device that covers about 1,000 yards as it will usually be enough. However, if you plan to go past 1,000 yards then make sure to consider a machine that offers more range.
Precision: This is the most important thing because a rangefinder that isn’t able to distinguish between targets will make it difficult for you to make an impression. Also, make sure the device is stable as a rangefinder that doesn’t remain steady will not be very effective.
Rangefinders that come with tripod mounts can be very useful.
Other than this, look for a machine that features a bright display so you can read it during the day. In most cases, integrated ballistics software is not a priority as most shooters use other techniques to determine hold.
However, since external factors such as temperature and humidity can impact the result, you should look for a rangefinder that has onboard environmental sensors for added reliability.
Precision-Shooting Rangefinder: ATN AUXILIARY BALLISTIC LASER 1500
Marketed as one of the best laser rangefinders for shooting, ATN AUXILIARY BALLISTIC LASER 1500 checks all the boxes.
It offers a range of 5-1500 y/m making it a good option for shooters. Also called the best laser rangefinder for long-range shooting, this device features Smart Sight and the ability to work in all weather conditions as it is waterproof.
Just like the previous pick, it also displays the distance to the target for you to show off your skills.
Pros:
- The battery offers an impressive run-time of 12 hours
- One of the fastest machines on the market
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Magnification could’ve been better
Conclusion
These were some of the best laser rangefinders for hunting and shooting. Now that you know how to pick the best laser rangefinder for hunting and shooting, we’re sure you’ll be able to get your hands on the best laser rangefinder hunting and shooting.
Keep these pointers in mind and look at ATN rangefinders as the company is known to be reliable with a wide range of products to choose from.