Help deciding on a Rangefinder

samdozon

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As I say, I am new into bow hunting and I gun hunt as well. I am looking to buy a rangefinder to use for both bow and rifle hunting but don't want to spend a fortune. So what is a good rangefinder that's not really expensive? I want something with good clarity. Easy to use and that's going to last. My choice is Sig Kilo 2000 rangefinder.

Your recommendation is very helpful for me.

Thanx in advance.
 
me now I use vortex fury rangefinding binos I like them way more .
 
Range finding binoculars are worth every penny. Buy the best you can afford or justify (I currently use a Zeiss Victory set, but there are others that are much more affordable). Upgrade when you are able.
 
Buy once, cry once! I am still using the Swarovski 8x30 monocular and it is a very dependable unit. Fixing to upgrade to EL Range soon and pass my 10x42’s and the range finder down to my oldest boy.
The Sig Kilo is a good unit though from what I’ve seen of my buddy’s copy.
 
I've hunted with both and from my experience, the bino/rangefinder combo was heavy, cumbersome and interfered with shooting. For bow hunting from a fixed position/blind or tree stand, I would recommend a dedicated range finder and not the binocular type. You can ping all the spots where you expect your quarry to stand for a shot and you don't have them hanging on your neck interfering with the bow. Since most bow shots are also close, binos are usually not needed to determine if a shot is going to be made. For rifle shooting, I use a rangefinder for shots longer than 300 yards which means I usually have time to use the rangefinder, adjust the turrets and take the shot. As far as brand, I'm in the Leica camp, upgrading each time, I'm on my third unit, a 1600B. Be advised, there is some hype and questionable long range capabilities of the high end rangefinders on the market. Fog, rain, mist, bright sun can interfere with getting a good range but the manufacturers won't tell you it was a perfect day when they pinged a target at 2400 yards. As usual everyone else's MMV.
 
I have a Kilo 2000 and they seem to work just fine for my needs.
 
I didn't know there was more than one brand, leica
I have a set of Leica Geovid-R 10x42 (the older blocky looking ones) and I love them.
Found mine at Cabela's for $1100 scratch and dent - neither of which have bothered me or changed how they work.
These can still be found for around $1200-1300, the newer model goes for around $2K.
Very convenient having 10 power and the rangefinder while not having to carry an additional item.
These replaced a Leupold RX-800 which I still use for archery hunting in thick woods.

Buy once, cry once!

Agreed.
 
I have the original Leica HD-B, and have never regretted selling my stand alone Leica Rangefinder. My only regret is now Leica has the HD-B 3000 and I don't have one.
 
I use a Leupold I like the red LED readout as far superior in low light conditions as black LED is useless in low light hunting.
 
I use the Leica 1200? and I would by another for a straight up range finder. They go to 1400 or 1600 now.
 
My only experience is my Leica 1200. I don't shoot long range. It is clear, adjusts for angle compensation. For stand alone, I like it. Have heard good things about the sig kilo.

I would love to see how the combo would work on a backpack hunt where glassing, then spot and stalk is the name of the game.
 
I use the Leica 1200? and I would by another for a straight up range finder. They go to 1400 or 1600 now.

My only experience is my Leica 1200. I don't shoot long range. It is clear, adjusts for angle compensation. For stand alone, I like it. Have heard good things about the sig kilo.

I would love to see how the combo would work on a backpack hunt where glassing, then spot and stalk is the name of the game.

Leica has a 2700 now and the prices have really dropped. I paid $600 for the 1600B. This site is selling the 1600s and 2000s for $399.99. (no financial interest)

https://www.eurooptic.com/leica-rangemaster-crf-laser-range-finder.aspx
 

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I use the Nikon with ID technology. Not real expensive, but distance compensation on uphill and downhill rifle shots has proved to be very accurate. Also, they are small and light.

You have gotten many good recommendations already.

If you have friends with rangefinders, why not borrow them for some field testing?
 
This is your list of recommended names Vortex Furry, Zeiss Victory, Swarovski, Leica Geovid, Leupold RX, Nikon & Sig Kilo.
Thanks all of you to helping me for finding a good rangefinder. (y) But the thing is that now I'm getting more confused to get a rangefinder for better & best. :unsure:
Will you guys plz help me to find one name which can I buy any doubt. :)
 
This is your list of recommended names Vortex Furry, Zeiss Victory, Swarovski, Leica Geovid, Leupold RX, Nikon & Sig Kilo.
Thanks all of you to helping me for finding a good rangefinder. (y) But the thing is that now I'm getting more confused to get a rangefinder for better & best. :unsure:
Will you guys plz help me to find one name which can I buy any doubt. :)

Just pick one, as long as it's a Leica. :D
 
I'm a big believer in Vortex products, as they come with a no-questions-asked replacement and repair warranty. I've used it multiple times and have recieved my replacement or repaired item back within a week or two.

I have both a Vortex ranger 1000 range finder and the vortex fury range finding bonos. Both styles have their pros and cons depending on how you plan to use them. If I had to choose one, and since you're rifle and bow hunting, I'd recommend the fury binos.
 
I'm a big believer in Vortex products, as they come with a no-questions-asked replacement and repair warranty. I've used it multiple times and have recieved my replacement or repaired item back within a week or two.
.

Dosent the fact that you have had to get replacment or repaired items "Multiple" times take them out of the best equipment category???
 

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