If you are a hunting enthusiast, you definitely know the importance of a rangefinder. It can mean the difference between a successful hunt or not. If you miscalculate the range of the animal from your position, you will probably miss it. Missing the target is an issue that game hunters who use guns and bows have to contend with. Golfers also enjoy the benefits of rangefinders on the greens when they are lining up the perfect shot. Finding the right rangefinder is, therefore, very crucial. But how do you know how far your rangefinder can see? Our article below will provide the answers you need and much more
Distance Reading with the Rangefinder
Laser range finders came into use about 25 years ago. They have evolved to a level where you can get an accurate reading ranging from a yard to miles. You would find it difficult to find a rangefinder that cannot accurately measure 300 to 400 yards at a minimum. Depending on the type of game and where you are hunting, you may want to look for one that can measure 1000 yards or more.
-Best Long Distance Rangefinder Recommend
- CONSISTENT ACCURATE YARDAGE--S7 provides consistant reading. It gets reliable reading in all the functions, not just flag lock function. Range distance is 5 to 1200 yards.
- EASY TO PICK UP DISTANCE TO VARIOUS OBJECTS--S7 works for hazards, traps, animals, bunkers, golf flag, golf pole, trees, building etc. Range to trees at 1000 yards, to deer at 450 yards, to golf flag at 350 yards.
- PREMIUM SLOPE FUNCTION FOR GOLF & HUNTING--S7 is incorporated with both hunting and golf slope compensation. It measures incline/decline angle and auotomatically calculates slope adjusted distance.
- ERGONOMIC STURDY BODY--S7 is high quality made, sturdy and durable. Water resistant non-slip rubber grip design makes it comfortable to hold with and operate. Nice long distance rangefinders for hunters and golfers.
- DIOPTER ADJUSTABLE--Eyepiece focuses well and easy to adjust. It comes with a CR2 battery and hand wrist. Manuacturer 12 months quality warranty.
Understanding the Role of Magnification in a Rangefinder
It is critical to pay attention to the magnification of the rangefinder you buy. Since you will be hunting animals that are at a distance, you must find a way to see them clearly. A magnification of 6X, for example, means that you will be able to see the animal six times larger than it actually is. You can then accurately aim at whatever it is you want to shoot. If your preference is binoculars, you can get those with in-built rangefinders. You get magnifications of 10x and above.
How Do Laser and GPS Rangefinders Work?
A laser rangefinder has a laser that measures the distance to the object. It typically measures using the time of flight method or phase shift method. You get to see the object on a digital display. Due to the smaller wavelength than what you would find on radio or ultrasonic, you get better concentration on the probe beam, thus a higher transfer spatial resolution. Once you activate the laser beam, the laser travels to the object, bouncers off, and finds its way back to the rangefinder. The device will calculate the time it took for the beam to rebound back to the device to tell you the distance to the object.
-Best Laser Rangefinder Recommended
- Precise Slope Measurement: Our highly accurate laser rangefinder accounts for elevation changes and measures the angle of incline/decline, then calculates the slope adjusted distance
- Maximum Magnification: Equipped with 6x magnification, our rangefinders for golfing feature a range of 5-1000 yards with +/- 1 yard accuracy and even measure in both yards and meters
- Pin-Locking Technology: Our precise laser measure with Pin Acquisition Technology (P.A.T.) allows you to lock onto a pin up to 300 yards away
- Pulse Confirmation: Our range finder will emit a short vibrating "burst" when the laser locks onto the pin to confirm you have the correct distance
- External Slope On/Off Switch: Legal for tournament play
- Premium Molded Hard Carry Case with carabiner and elastic "quick-close" band
GPS rangefinders, on the other hand, use laid out measurements to determine distance. They, therefore, require distance mapping to be able to use them. In a golf game, you can track the distance between shots, thus allowing you to select the right club for the perfect game.
-Best GPS Rangefinder Recommend
- Autoshot round analyzer measures shot distances with auto recording for post round analysis on your Garmin Connect account
- Stylish comfort: Fully hinged, sleek watchband design with comfortable fit. Display resolution: 128 x 128 pixels. Smartphone compatibility - iPhone, Android
- Truswing compatible: When paired, Garmin TruSwing golf swing sensor provides metrics to improve your swing consistency. Display size: 0.9 x 0.9 (inches)
- Activity tracking: Reminds you to stay active on or off the course with move bar alerts. Displays steps, calories burned, distance and time of day, plus it monitors hours of sleep
- Stat tracking: Enhanced stats keeps track of fairways hit, greens in regulation and putts per round. Strap material: Silicone
- Sunlight readable, high resolution, monochrome. Connectivity : Bluetooth Smart and ANT+
Accuracy of Rangefinders
Many manufacturers will claim extreme accuracy in their rangefinders, as accurate as 1 yard to the target. This is true for most distances, but you can get better accuracy with the more modern rangefinders.
For better accuracy, a reflective surface works better. Animal fur, for example, does not deflect the beams very effectively. The problem gets worse when they are at a greater distance.
How to Determine the Best Rangefinder for You
Rangefinders will give you a lot of functionality, no matter what kind of weapon you have. You can use them with muzzleloaders, crossbows, conventional firearms, to name a few. The capability will determine the type you buy. If, for example, you want to hunt in an open area, look for a rangefinder that gives you visibility of 1000 yards or more.
For anyone who is bow hunting, there are more factors to consider other than just the distance between the object and yourself. You must take into consideration your position; if on a tree or on the ground. You will, for instance, find that a rangefinder of 600 yards is quite sufficient.
The target elevation will also impact on the calculations. A distance down a tree or hill will be different from that across a flat range. Fortunately, most rangefinders have inbuilt calculators to handle that bit of math for you.
Final Thoughts
Rangefinders are excellent for targeting, whether for hunting or a friendly game of golf. The combination of digital technology and laser takes the guesswork out of the process. It leads to better accuracy and higher success in your chosen activity.
