Best Rangefinder for Bow Hunting – 2024

An accurate range estimate is essential for correct arrow placement when using a bow. It’s crucial for bow hunting when arrow placement makes the difference between a humane kill and undue suffering or even missing the animal entirely. 

To help with range estimates, rangefinders are essential tools for archers of all experience levels. 

That’s why we’re taking some time today to look at the best rangefinders for bow hunting. To help you choose the right one, we’ve also put together a buying guide and answered a few common questions about rangefinders for bow hunting.

Related: 14 Best Bow Sights

Let’s get started.

12 Best Rangefinder for Bow Hunting – Reviews

1. Bushnell Bone Collector 850 LRF – Best Overall

Our pick for the best overall rangefinder for bow hunting is the Bushnell Bone Collector 850 LRF. It’s a mid-range rangefinder (no pun intended) that incorporates many great features without being outrageously expensive.

As the name indicates, the Bone Collector has a maximum range of 850 yards, with a 500-yard range for trees and a 350-yard range for deer. According to Bushnell, the Bone Collector’s readings are accurate within 1 yard.

While previous iterations of the Bone Collector didn’t have angle calculation, this newest one does, so make sure you’re getting model number 202209 before buying. Bushnell calls the Bone Collector’s angle calculation Angle Range Compensation, or ARC, technology.

Its single-button operation makes it easy to switch between settings with only one hand. If you hold the button down, the Bone Collector switches to scan mode, allowing quick and easy transition between targets.

The 24mm objective lens is fully multicoated for superior image definition and light transmission. Unlike many rangefinders at this price point, the Bone Collector features multiple reticle options that you can choose from. 

The Bushnell Bone Collector 850 LRF is IPX4 waterproof and has a grippy texture that will help you keep a secure grip, even in wet weather.

Pros 

• Mid-range price point
• Single-button operation
• Accurate within a yard
• Grippy texture

Cons 

• Warranty is only okay
• No storage pouch

2. Halo XL450 Laser Range Finder – Best Budget

It’s easy to think that having a limited budget disqualifies you from purchasing a rangefinder, or at least from buying a decent one, but with the Halo XL450 Laser Range Finder, that’s simply not the case.

This little budget rangefinder isn’t exactly packed with high-end features, but it gives you a lot for its price.

The main source of savings on this rangefinder is the range. It only has a 450 maximum range, which isn’t nearly that of a lot of the other rangefinders we recommend here. Still, that’s plenty for most hunters and should do the job.

Like most of the rangefinders we recommend here, the Halo XL450 features 6x magnification, and like the Bushnell Bone Collector, Halo advertises that the XL450 is accurate within a yard.

Unlike many rangefinders at its price point, the Halo XL450 provides both angle calculation (which Halo calls Angle Intelligence) and a Scan Mode. Scan Mode provides up to four readings per second. 

This rangefinder is water resistant and comes with a one-year warranty. It doesn’t have a grippy texture but does have an ergonomic shape and comes with a lanyard.

Pros 

• Scan Mode
• Angle Intelligence
• Water-resistant

Cons 

• Low range
• Sub-par warranty

3. Leupold RX-FullDraw 5 – Best High End

If you have the room in your budget, it’s worth it to shell out for the best. When it comes to rangefinders for bow hunting, the best is the Leupold RX-FullDraw 5. 

While many rangefinders are designed for general purposes or with firearms in mind, the FullDraw line is designed specifically for bow hunters and competitive archers. The FullDraw 5 is the latest and greatest in the FullDraw line. 

The Digitally Enhanced Accuracy (DNA) ranging engine can account for peep height, arrow weight, and bow velocity to give you more accurate ballistic information. With the Last Target mode, it also compensates for rain and fog. 

Thanks to the OLED display, everything is displayed in bright red across the 22mm objective lens. Brightness is adjustable for lighting conditions, and you can also choose from a few different reticles options to meet your needs. 

It has a relatively hefty maximum range of 1200 yards and holds onto that range well in less ideal circumstances, with a range for trees of 1100 yards and a range for deer at 900 yards. 

Leupold is known for its durability, and this rangefinder fits that reputation. It’s both waterproof and resistant to extreme temperatures. 

Pros 

• Designed specifically for archers 
• Archery-specific ballistic calculations
• Durable
• Last Target Mode
• Easy-to-operate ambidextrous controls

Cons 

• Higher cost

4. SIG Sauer KILO1600BDX – Best for Crossbows

You can use virtually any rangefinder for hunting with a crossbow, but if possible, it’s advantageous to go with a rangefinder that’s specifically designed for crossbows.

And when it comes to rangefinders for crossbows, it’s hard to top the SIG Sauer KILO1600BDX. 

The rangefinder itself is great. It has a 1600-yard range and 6x magnification. The lenses, including the 22mm objective lens, are covered in SpectraCoat anti-reflection lens coatings for better image definition and light transmission. 

HyperScan mode returns ranges for four targets in a single second, while the unique RangeLock mode displays the last range result. 

Other modes include Line-of-Sight (LOS), Angle Modified Range (AMR), and, perhaps most notably, Applied Ballistics Ultralight (ABU), which takes into account ballistics information when the rangefinder is paired with SIG’s Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) system via Bluetooth. 

The BDX system allows you to input the ballistic info for your crossbow setup into the BDX app (available for free on both Android and iOS). You can allow your rangefinder and BDX crossbow scope to adjust the holdover mark on your reticle to consider the range and ballistic information.

The SIG Sauer KILO1600 BDX can be paired with any SIERRA3BDX scope, but the SIERRA3BDX 2.5-8x32mm is my favorite because it’s optimized for crossbows with a low weight and low magnification strength.

Pros 

• Compatible with the SIG BDX platform
• Precise range measurements
• Versatile mode options

Cons 

• Controls aren’t especially intuitive

5. Leica Geovid 3200 8×56 – Best Rangefinder Binoculars

If you want a higher magnification level and longer range, rangefinder binoculars might be the way to go. However, a lot of rangefinder binoculars are overpowered for bow hunters, with 10x magnification.

Leica Geovid 3200 8×56 binoculars have 8x magnification, so they split the difference between most rangefinders and most rangefinder binoculars. I still wouldn’t suggest using them for more close-up shots, though. 

The 3200-yard range is far more than necessary for bow hunting but will also cover you for other shooting sports if you’re looking for a more versatile rangefinding option.

To that end, the binos connect via Bluetooth to Leica’s Hunting App to account for ballistic information. 

The image quality is pretty excellent. The large 56mm objective lens lets in plenty of light. The effect is only enhanced by the high-quality optical glass and Perger-Porro prism system. The result is a bright, clear picture with hard-to-match image definition and color fidelity.

There’s even an AquaDura coating on the lenses to repel water, so it doesn’t block your view either. The binoculars themselves are also waterproof up to 16 feet, as well as shock-resistant. The magnesium body is very rugged and durable, with slight texturing to help you keep a secure grip.

This has a significant downside: these binoculars come with a hefty price tag. 

Pros 

• Rangefinder binoculars
• 8x magnification is lower than that of most rangefinder binoculars
• Top-of-the-line image quality
• Durable constructions
• Versatile
• Connects to Leica’s Hunting App

Cons 

• High price

6. Vortex Optics Impact 1000 Rangefinder

Vortex Optics is one of my all-time favorite optical brands, so I couldn’t put together this list without a couple of Vortex rangefinders. My first recommendation from Vortex is the Impact 1000. 

It’s a basic rangefinder without many extra bells and whistles, but it does everything it needs and does it well. It has a 1000-yard max range, an 800-yard range for trees, and a 500-yard range for deer. It’s got pretty standard magnification at 6x.

The Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) mode provides angle calculation, but there’s a Line of Sight (LOS) mode and a scan mode. 

Like all Vortex Optics, this rangefinder comes with Vortex’s VIP Warranty. This warranty is unmatched in the industry and provides lifetime coverage for accidental damage and manufacturing defects. There’s no exception for electronic components, either.

You’re pretty unlikely to need that warranty, though, since the Impact 1000 is waterproof and has an overall rugged design.

It’s pretty lightweight, weighing 5.5 ounces, and has a strap for extra portability. In addition to the strap, the Impact comes with a soft carry case, lens cloth, CR2 battery, and ballistic cheater card. 

My only real complaint about the Impact is that the display is black rather than red, so it can be challenging to see in sub-optimal lighting conditions or against dark backgrounds. 

Pros 

• Basic design
• Great value
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Industry-leading warranty

Cons 

• The black display can be hard to read

7. Vortex Optics Ranger 1800

For a step up from the Vortex Impact, go with the Vortex Ranger 1800. It’s a slightly higher-end option, but the extra features merit the price increase.

For one, the 10- to 1800-yard angle, plus the same fully multi-coated optics, give you even better optical performance. It also has a red display, rather than a black one like the Impact, so you can see the display better in low light and against dark backgrounds.

It has Line of Sight, Horizontal Component Distance, and scan modes, just like the Impact. 

The Vortex Ranger 1800 only measures in whole yards or meters, though. I’d like to see it give partial units too, but that’s not a huge deal. 

Like all Vortex optics, the Ranger 1800 comes with Vortex’s VIP Warranty, though you’re unlikely to need it again.

The Ranger is waterproof and rugged. It has a rubber skin that helps you keep an excellent grip to avoid drops and absorb impact if you do drop it. It also has a utility clip so you can attach it to your pack, belt, or waistband when you’re not using it, as well as a neck lanyard. It can be adapted for a tripod as well.

It also comes with a CR2 battery and a soft carry case. 

At 7.7 ounces, the Ranger 1800 is a bit heavier than the Impact, but that’s to be expected with the longer range and more durable construction.

Pros 

• Impressive range
• Durable construction
• Utility clip
• Industry-leading warranty

Cons 

• Only measures in whole yards

8. Nikon Prostaff 1000i Laser Rangefinder

Since Nikon stopped making scopes a few years back, they’re often overlooked for hunting optics, but they still make rangefinders, and their Prostaff 1000i Laser Rangefinder is great. 

As usual, the name indicates the max range, 1000 yards, but what you care more about is the deer range, which is 600 yards. That’s pretty great for the price, but where this rangefinder really shines is the other features, which show off Nikon’s extensive experience with optics.

For example, the Tru-Target technology allows you to choose between first and last target priority, ensuring your range isn’t inaccurate by readings from things in front of or behind your target. 

This is great for crowded sight pictures, such as when multiple animals are in your view or when your target is partially obscured by its surroundings. 

This rangefinder also features built-in angle calculation and a continuous scan mode. It has multicoated lenses and is IPX4 waterproof. It also comes with a 5-year warranty.

Like most rangefinders, the Nikon Prostaff 1000i has a 6x magnification strength. The wide field of view means this rangefinder doubles as a monocular for scouting. This helps you keep your weight down while you’re in the field and minimizes the number of devices you have to sort through while you’re on the hunt. 

Pros 

• Tru-Target technology allows you to choose between the first and last target priorities.
• Built-in angle calculation
• Continuous scan mode
• Good warranty

Cons 

• Accuracy declines after the first few hundred yards, but that shouldn’t be a problem for bow hunters.

9. Maven RF.1 Rangefinder

The Maven RF.1 Rangefinder is another high-end option for those who want to invest more into their rangefinder. 

This rangefinder has a 4500-yard reflective range, a 3000-yard range for trees, a 2700-yard range for deer, and a 5-yard minimum range. This is obviously more than enough for bow hunting, but it’s also plenty for most other uses for a rangefinder, so it’s great if you’re looking for a multi-sport rangefinder.

Also, to that end, the RF.1 is incredibly durable. It’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, which are features you usually only see on riflescopes and make the interior of this rangefinder IP67 waterproof and fog proof. 

Further enhancing durability, the lenses are treated with a scratch-resistant coating, which is incredibly lovely to have in the field. Like Vortex, Maven offers an excellent unconditional lifetime warranty covering defects and accidental damage. 

The red display is easily visible, especially since it has five brightness levels, allowing you to customize the display for the level of ambient light. Similarly, you can choose from among five different reticle patterns to choose the one that best fits your needs. 

The RF.1 is tripod adaptable and comes in two colors.

One last cool thing about this rangefinder has more to do with Maven itself. This company uses a direct-to-consumer sales model, which means they sell straight to you with no retail markup to pay a middleman. That means you get wholesale price every time you buy a Maven product.

Pros 

• Direct-to-consumer sales model
• Incredibly durable
• Tripod adaptable
• Long range
• Versatile reticle options

Cons 

• A bit heavy at 10 ounces

10. TecTecTec ProWild Laser Rangefinder

On the other end of the price spectrum is the TecTecTec ProWild Laser Rangefinder. This is a very affordable option, but it’s not my top budget pick because it doesn’t give you some of the features that the Halo XL450 does. 

The most notable missing features are target priority options and angle calculation. That said, if you’re primarily hunting in flat, open spaces, that might suit you fine. And it has a continuous scan mode, so you can still get ranges on multiple targets without having to press a button each time. 

The ProWild has a range of 5 to 540 yards, and this rangefinder is incredibly accurate within about 300 yards. That’s perfectly suited for bow hunters, though you may want to choose a different option if you’re looking for a rangefinder that you can use for other sports. 

It has a standard 6x magnification strength, so it can double for a monocular if you want to downsize your load in the field. 

The TecTecTec ProWild is rainproof and surprisingly sturdy for the price and weight (5.7 ounces). It comes with a carry pouch, wrist strap, CR2 battery, microfiber cleaning cloth, and quick start guide.

The warranty coverage is alright, but it only lasts for two years. That said, they do provide lifetime product support and fixes, and customer service is accessible 24/7. 

Pros 

• Budget-friendly price
• Accurate with a yard
• Continuous scan mode
• Pretty durable for the price point

Cons 

• No angle calculation or target priority option
• Warranty is only okay
• The range is short relative to others, though still enough for bow hunting.

11. Aofar HX-700N Hunting Archery Rangefinder

The Aofar HX-700N Hunting Archery Rangefinder is another highly affordable rangefinder that’s great for archers on a budget. 

It has a 700-yard range, which is on the low end but should still be fine for most hunters. The 6x magnification is pretty typical for bow hunting rangefinders. 

This rangefinder has four different modes. Range mode lets you range a single target with the last target priority, so you won’t accidentally range branches or other obstacles. Scan mode continuously updates the range as you move from target to target, prioritizing the closest target.

Fog mode is exactly as it sounds for finding targets when there’s heavy moisture in the air, which can impact readings. Finally, speed mode allows you to track moving targets and provides both range and speed.

The Aofar HX-700N is IPX4 waterproof and dust resistant, so it’s fine for rain and splashes, but you should be careful not to drop it into a puddle, pond, or other water. You’ll want to be cautious about dropping it since the housing isn’t the sturdiest. 

This rangefinder also features automatic shutoff, so if it’s not used for around 10 seconds, it shuts down the display, preserving battery life. 

The link above goes to the black version of this rangefinder, but it’s also available in camo.

Pros 

• Very affordable
• Four modes
• Includes a speed measurement function

Cons 

• Not great for low light or dark backgrounds
• Housing isn’t super durable

12. Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Rangefinder

Let’s wrap things up with another Leupold rangefinder, this time one that’s much more affordable than the FullDraw 5.

The RX-1400i goes for around $200 and is Leupold’s entry-level rangefinder. The features, however, are great for the price and are more on par with more expensive, mid-range rangefinders.

The RX-1400i even has an Archer’s Advantage ballistics mode that helps calculates angle compensation specifically for archers. It considers arrow weight and velocity, as well as peep height and angle, to give you more accurate compensation information. 

The Line of Sight mode calculates the distance to your target regardless of any elevation difference. In contrast, the Last Target Mode ensures that you’re ranging to your desired target, not a branch or leaf between the target and yourself, and isn’t impaired by rain or fog. 

The 5x magnification is a touch lower than the other rangefinders we recommend but is still plenty of magnification for most archers. 

Leupold knows visibility, so it’s no surprise that the 1400i uses a bright red display that’s very visible, even in low light and against dark backgrounds. 

And, as we discussed with the FullDraw 5, Leupold also knows durability. The RX-1400i is waterproof and resistant to extreme temperatures.

Pros 

• Versatile
• 5x magnification is great for hunters who want something a little less powerful
• Highly visible display
• Very durable

Cons 

• No tripod threads

Buying Guide

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a rangefinder to ensure that you’re choosing a good quality rangefinder that also meets your needs. 

Range

Bow hunting has a short range relative to most other projectile hunting methods, even if you’re hunting with a crossbow. As a result, you don’t really need a rangefinder with a super long range. 

Most of the time, opting for a rangefinder that’s too powerful will lead you to spend more money than necessary.

Generally, a rangefinder with a longer rangefinder will offer better performance than closer ranges. So a rangefinder with a 1200-yard range will typically perform better at 600 yards than an 800-yard range.

It’s also important to remember that the max range of a rangefinder is based on a reflective target in ideal weather conditions, so it’s generally a bit higher than you’d experience in the field. 

Some manufacturers give max ranges for deer and trees, which are very useful but should still be taken with a grain of salt because the measurements are still taken in ideal conditions. 

Generally, you’ll want a rangefinder with a maximum range of about twice what you need.

Close Target Sensitivity

How far away a rangefinder can detect isn’t the only important factor with range. It also matters how close a target can be. The last thing you want is to miss out on a target because it’s too close. 

Choose a rangefinder that can detect targets at least as close as 10 yards away. Some rangefinders can detect targets as close as 5 yards, which is nice but not necessarily essential. 

It’s even more helpful if your rangefinder breaks down the distance to fractions of a yard at close ranges to give you more precise information.

Magnification

Obviously, with any magnified optic, the level of magnification that the optic provides is an important consideration. The magnification that’s too strong or weak can make it challenging to find your target, and magnification that’s too strong can also be disorienting and make it challenging to track the moving game.

You don’t need powerful magnification for bow hunting since it tends to happen at relatively close range, and magnification for bow hunting rangefinders has 6x magnification as a standard. You will find some exceptions, though. In general, however, you don’t want both with rangefinders much stronger or weaker than 6x. 

Optical Quality

Like any optic, you want to use a rangefinder with multi-coated lenses. Lens coatings reduce reflection and glare and also help with low light performance. And the effect is compounding, so the more layers of coatings, the better the performance. 

Multicoated lenses provide a better picture, particularly in the early morning and late evening hours when you’re most likely hunting.

Scan Mode

Typically, when you use a rangefinder, you get updates only when you press a button. You need a rangefinder with scan mode for constant updates without pressing a button each time. 

Generally, rangefinders will keep scanning as long as you hold a button down and update several times per second.

These days, most rangefinders have scan mode, but it is sometimes missing from lower-cost rangefinders and is not essential. However, it is very convenient, so it’s generally worth tracking down a rangefinder that does have it, even if it costs a little bit more.

Angle Calculation

Even in flat areas, you and your target are likely at slightly different elevation levels, mainly if you hunt from a tree stand or raised blind. 

If you think back to studying triangles in your school days, you may remember that with right triangles, the side opposite the right angle is always the longest side. When you’re hunting at a different elevation level from your target, that longest side is the distance between you and your target.

Without angle calculation, however, your rangefinder will think you and your target are at the same altitude, so it returns a range shorter than the distance between you and your target. 

For that reason, angle calculation is essential for most hunters.

Durability

Time in the field can be rough on our gear, and optics, like rangefinders, have particularly delicate internal components. For that reason, you need a rangefinder that can stand up to all that the field is likely to throw at it, like rain, snow, bumps, and drops.

Look for a waterproof and shockproof rangefinder; rangefinders get bonus points for scratch-resistant coatings. It’s also a good idea to choose one that comes with a lanyard or wrist strap to help avoid the risk of a drop in the first place.

Speed & Ease of Operation

When hunting, every moment counts. Take too long fumbling with your rangefinder, and you can miss your shot. 

To help with this, you want a rangefinder that provides range calculations quickly and is also easy to operate. And remember, you’ll probably have one hand busy with your bow, so your rangefinder needs to facilitate single-handed operation too. 

Fortunately, most rangefinder manufacturers know this and design their products to operate efficiently. Many are even ambidextrous.

Eye Relief

Like other optics, eye relief is essential in rangefinders like other optics, but it’s often overlooked. Eye relief is the distance between the lens and your eye when you’re positioned so that you can comfortably see the entire sight picture unimpeded. Generally, the longer the eye relief, the more comfortable the rangefinder will be to use. 

Target Priority

Finally, you need to look at target priority options. Target priority is, as it sounds, which target your rangefinder prioritizes when it picks up multiple targets at once.

The first target priority means that the rangefinder provides the range to the closest target. In contrast, the last target priority means that the rangefinder provides the range to the furthest target it detects.

Some rangefinders allow you to switch between first and last target priority and even through three or more different targets, ensuring that your rangefinder is always providing info for the correct target. Generally, however, these features are only available on higher-end rangefinders.

In addition, the more targets you have to cycle through, the more time it takes to find the range for the right target, so that’s another trade-off you need to consider.

If you’re trying to choose between the first and last target priority, I recommend going with last target priority since it’s more often that the first target ends up being some part of a tree or bush between you and your target.

FAQs

Also Read: 8 Best Bow Stabilizers

Conclusion

When bow hunting, a rangefinder can make all the difference between success and failure, so choosing a good one is essential. 

Our top recommended rangefinder for bow hunting is the Bushnell Bone Collector. This rangefinder is incredibly reliable and designed with hunting in mind. It’s also at a great price point, balancing features and affordability.

All the rangefinders we’ve recommended are excellent options, and you can’t go wrong with them. Every one of them will perform well for you in the field. 

All you have to do is decide which one is best for you, and with the information provided in the buying guide, you should have everything you need to do just that. 

Do you think you’ll be going with one of the rangefinders above? Have your favorite rangefinder for bow hunting? Ever used one of the rangefinders we recommended above? Let us know in the comment section below.