Rangfinding help please

[WVELK]

I have used binos with built in rangefinder and really like them. However, I am looking for a really good rangefinder that is a stand alone. I currently have a Bushnelll that is suppose to go out to 1,300 or 1,500 yards. It adjusts for angle, etc. I really like it. In fact, I have two. Here is where I am looking for an improvement. On a sheep hunt and a goat hunt last year, I did not have binos only this rangefinder. I was ranging between 500 and 600 yards. The magnification is on the lower side and the reticle is on the larger side. It was pretty hard picking out the animal and ranging on it. And, at that distance getting an accurate distance is important.

If you have one that you really like for shooting at long distance, please let me know what you like and why. Thanks.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

As a long standing supporting vendor of this forum it is our pleasure to assist you with different options, special pricing as well as answer any questions for may have.
Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss this.
Thank you
Doug

 

[WVELK]

As a long standing supporting vendor of this forum it is our pleasure to assist you with different options, special pricing as well as answer any questions for may have.
Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss this.
Thank you
Doug

Doug,

Thanks. I find your store to be extremely helpful and nearly impossible to beat on price. All of my swaro binos have come from you. All of my swaro spotting scopes have come from you. Point blank which do you think are the two best for long distance rangefinding?

 

[LongWayAround]

I have the Maven RF.1 that is probably somewhat comparable to your Bushnell.

They also have a newer RFZ.1 that has a variable magnification of 6-12x.

 

[CMcCormick1805]

I’ve used the Sig Kilo 3k for a few season now and have liked it. For the price it has been great. It’s not gonna have real complex ballistics and uses a simple display but hasn’t let me down…yet.

With that being said I’m looking to upgrade in the future. It’s a good start but not the best.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Doug,

Thanks. I find your store to be extremely helpful and nearly impossible to beat on price. All of my swaro binos have come from you. All of my swaro spotting scopes have come from you. Point blank which do you think are the two best for long distance rangefinding?

Thank you.
Take a look at the Revic BR4 Ballistic Rangefinder or the Leica CRF Max, however, I lean towards the Revic for quality and ease of use

 

[WVELK]

Bumping this back up for discussion. The majority of reviews out there recommend the Maven RF-1 as number one. However, I don’t think I would carry it or any rangefinder that could not compensate for angle. I like the two Doug recommended. If a guy did not want to spend that much money, it is kind of hard to beat the Leupold 1400. I use a Kestrel, so all I really want is an accurate distance line of sight and a reading for angle compensation. The angle compensation distance goes into the Kestrel and then I go from there.

 

[LongWayAround]

Bumping this back up for discussion. The majority of reviews out there recommend the Maven RF-1 as number one. However, I don’t think I would carry it or any rangefinder that could not compensate for angle.

The Maven has two modes, line of sight and angle compensation.

 

[WVELK]

Well this guy that wrote the article on best rangefinders for 2026 did not figure that out lol

 

[WVELK]

LongWay you are right I looked independent of the article I read. It has angle compensation. Thx.

 

[Stinky Coyote]

I have sig kilo5k handheld and it's pretty bad at low light, it's pretty bad in the middle of the day lol - blue af, but at low light it's useless to see, my old Leica crf1600 runs circles around it optically and could run into the dark as far as I could, but the range finding hp of the sig's are a different league, especially in weather. I had that crf1600 for so long I didn't realize the price you pay in handhelds if looking for budget options and how usable they might actually be.

I also have the sig kilo6k 8x32 compact bino and it's all I run for my bino and rangefinder now, much better image, takes me as far as I can go into the dark, not sure you can still get that model so the kilo 6k hdx 10x42 I would look at and I think it's even lighter weight. I see sig has un updated image 8k hdx handheld as well...but I'll take the bino everytime, it's so much easier to not only see but hold steady and get the range. These ones spitting solutions mode give range and corrected solution for angle and atmospherics but has regular modes as well to deal with los and angle adjusted etc.

My main point is, if you have to go handheld, you want top image quality which generally bumps you to prices where a bino option is the way. I will do just about anything to not have to use a handheld at this point. They are for backup and loaning, my kids lol.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We just received some demo Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R's in at 50% off of new, priced at only $299.99

• The CRF 2400-R offers a LED display for even better readability of scanned distances. The LED display adjusts itself automatically to the ambient light to aid precise readability.
• Another remarkable feature is the extremely fast scan mode, which takes measurements every 0.5 seconds.
• Up to a measuring distance of 200 yards (182 meters), the unit displays the results in decimal figures (to 0.1y), enabling even more precise distance measurement for archers.
• The CRF 2400-R determines the equivalent horizontal range (EHR) up to a distance of 1,200 yards (1,097 meters) when required. With this feature, the unit provides the practical angle compensated distance, which is essential for an accurate long-distance shot.
• Thanks to its compact design it fits easily into any pocket – weighing just 6.5 ounces and is waterproof to 1m.
• The outstanding optics with a 7x magnification ensure the best image brightness and a wide field of view.

 

[Harvey_NW]

I currently have a Bushnelll that is suppose to go out to 1,300 or 1,500 yards. It adjusts for angle, etc.

If you have one that you really like for shooting at long distance, please let me know what you like and why. Thanks.

FYI, AMR (Angle Modified Range) is a gimmick that only works okay for shorter ranges, but it doesn't include TOF (Time Of Flight). If you intend to shoot longer ranges you either need to switch to LOS (Line of Sight) and get a solution from a calculator, or buy a rangefinder with an actual solver in it. The Sig Kilos are cheap and I've had zero issues with my 5K ranging thousands of yards and giving solutions from AB Lite out to 840ish yards, but they do eat batteries if leave them in so I pull mine when not in use. I've not noticed any issues in regards to optical quality in different lighting conditions.

 

[Stinky Coyote]

agree with Leica angle compensation, I have tested a geovid hd-r and it way over compensated, known points over 1000 yards from a hill and elevation where I was to where I ranged, it was far better to leave the feature off

if you get used to the kilo5k then good, then don't compare it to the 6k 8x32 compacts, especially at low light , no comparison, I have my 6k spitting solutions for my primary rig, and the 5k spitting solutions for my other dmx reticle setup, anyhow, one of those once you go...hard to go back

I'd be all over Doug's suggestion on the Leica there and skip the angle mode unless you prove it to known elevations yourself, if for hunting to 600 and had to go handheld only option I'd take Doug's Leica and data card over with inch/mils*27.77 over the sig 5k, it's a big trade off optically to get the ballistic and ranging hp, no compromise with the 6k and more benefits to boot

 

[hand skills]

We just received some demo Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R's in at 50% off of new, priced at only $299.99

If all you need is a range (no built in ballistics), this is a great suggestion.

The Leica CRFs are optically pleasing and suprisingly durable. I carried a 1600 every day for years. Dropped it many times. Grear battery life too - had to replace the battery a couple of times. Reasonably compact and light weight too

 

[WVELK]

FYI, AMR (Angle Modified Range) is a gimmick that only works okay for shorter ranges, but it doesn't include TOF (Time Of Flight). If you intend to shoot longer ranges you either need to switch to LOS (Line of Sight) and get a solution from a calculator, or buy a rangefinder with an actual solver in it. The Sig Kilos are cheap and I've had zero issues with my 5K ranging thousands of yards and giving solutions from AB Lite out to 840ish yards, but they do eat batteries if leave them in so I pull mine when not in use. I've not noticed any issues in regards to optical quality in different lighting conditions.

This is why I like my Kestrel. I am proficient with it. So if I get a LOS distance and the rangefinder give me the angle, I can input that and am good to go.

 

[WVELK]

We just received some demo Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R's in at 50% off of new, priced at only $299.99

• The CRF 2400-R offers a LED display for even better readability of scanned distances. The LED display adjusts itself automatically to the ambient light to aid precise readability.
• Another remarkable feature is the extremely fast scan mode, which takes measurements every 0.5 seconds.
• Up to a measuring distance of 200 yards (182 meters), the unit displays the results in decimal figures (to 0.1y), enabling even more precise distance measurement for archers.
• The CRF 2400-R determines the equivalent horizontal range (EHR) up to a distance of 1,200 yards (1,097 meters) when required. With this feature, the unit provides the practical angle compensated distance, which is essential for an accurate long-distance shot.
• Thanks to its compact design it fits easily into any pocket – weighing just 6.5 ounces and is waterproof to 1m.
• The outstanding optics with a 7x magnification ensure the best image brightness and a wide field of view.

I will call Doug tomorrow and give it a try. My only question to those who have used them is: After it gives you LOS and then gives you an adjusted range, does it at any point display the angle?

 

[hand skills]

I will call Doug tomorrow and give it a try. My only question to those who have used them is: After it gives you LOS and then gives you an adjusted range, does it at any point display the angle?

On my 1600-B, to get a LOS range I just turn EHR off in the menu (the Leica can do either)

To access inclination at any time, press the red button (the only other button). Angle will display in degrees.

I believe the 2400-R is the same, Doug will be happy to confirm for you

 

[tstowater]

I have a Leica 900 rangefinder that I still prefer to use on prairie dogs. Have had some Leupolds in the interim and recently updated to a Leica 2800.com. Nice. I know there are newer models but this one will really work nice. BTW, came from Camera Land.