Vortex range finders

[snowplow]

Hey guys. Looking for my first longer range range finder. My buddy says get the biggest l can afford. I honestly hate blanket statement advise like that. I want to range to 1000 for target shooting and deer at say 600 even though that's very very unlikely.

It seems the diamondback HD2000 should work for $300. The Viper 3000 definitely seems like it would at +$100. He recommends l get the Razor HD4000 for +$200.

Can anyone elaborate on why l need the extra expense, size and weight?

 

[Old Man with Gun]

I doubt you need the razor. Can you buy from a place with a good return policy and test the middle or bottom tier?

 

[Emerson0311]

Useful range is about 1/2 of what is advertised. For almost all LRFs. Consider how many rifles you have to choose from and how much their total cost was. Now remember that if your rangefinder is incorrect, or doesn’t work at the range you need it to, or in bad weather, or because the battery dies too fast, etc, all those rifle investments are worth nothing.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

I think the razor is the best bang for the buck LRF out there. Lifetime warranty and under $400.

 

[snowplow]

I'm just asking what is better about it? I could get one to range 2 miles probably too. But it would be the same question. Why do l need one that shoots further than l can shoot? I believe even the cheap vortex ones have a lifetime warranty.

 

[spife7980]

Why do l need one that shoots further than l can shoot?

Because it works better where you do shoot on smaller things too.

Can’t speak to the specific models here and if they would suffice for you (other than the razor working well first hand) but what’s it’s advertised as doing is only in ideal conditions. The post above saying to expect half the advertised distance for reliable performance is accurate in my opinion.

It sucks not knowing if you are getting the bush in front, the deer/target, or the bush in the back. And cheaper ones might just give you the one range return only for all three where an expensive one would allow you to get a measurement in all three.

Truth be told I don’t use a range finder anymore. As everywhere I shoot now is known range or I use geoballistics for satellite range finding.

 

[hafejd30]

When it comes to rangefinders buy one that well exceeds your needed distance.

As mentioned the advertised ranging distances are under perfect conditions and usually exaggerated compared to real world use. If it says it ranges deer at 800 yards then expect about 500-600. If it’s a Leupold be happy with 400 yards

A rangefinder that ranges well beyond what you need will also range much easier at the closer distances that you want to use it at

You also step up glass quality

Get the Razor HD4000

It wasn’t long ago that it would have costed $800-$1200 to do what those units do for half the cost now. And with a vortex warranty for life on electronics it’s really a well spent $400-$500

 

[Ronws]

Usually, the higher the price, the better the glass. At least that is the wisdom.

The rangefinder has two distances. Max on game, max on reflective target. When I range a distance, even for deer, I range something kind of reflective in the target area. Ranging on the deer hide is iffy.

 

[Old Man with Gun]

The better units give answers more quickly, may be easier to use on a smaller less reflective target like fur and give more consistent results.

For deer to a few hundred yards with a flat cartridge you may not need to be that precise. For steel targets where you can be in the ballpark and dial in from there you don't need high end.

The laser range finders from 20 years ago could do this and all of these are far better

 

[Rodney65]

If you're using it for hunting deer and you already use binoculars I would reccomend spending a bit more and getting a binocular unit as it is much more convenient to glass with binos and instantly get a range anytime versus seeing something and then having to switch a monocular.

 

[TahoeDust]

Just went down this path about a month ago. Picked up a Razor HD 4000 "Demo" from Eurooptic or $400. They are still available there for that price. It's pretty awesome. I am very happy with it so far.

 

[Rob01]

Hey guys. Looking for my first longer range range finder. My buddy says get the biggest l can afford. I honestly hate blanket statement advise like that. I want to range to 1000 for target shooting and deer at say 600 even though that's very very unlikely.

It seems the diamondback HD2000 should work for $300. The Viper 3000 definitely seems like it would at +$100. He recommends l get the Razor HD4000 for +$200.

Can anyone elaborate on why l need the extra expense, size and weight?

When I look for a rangefinder I half the reported range it will get to to make sure I have enough power. The ranges listed by most any manufacturer are usually for reflective targets most times so non reflective can be less so buying over what you need covers pretty much anything you will range.

For what you want I wouldn’t go less than the Viper 3000 just to be sure. I have the Razor 4000 myself and it’s an excellent LRF and if you could swing the price you will be very happy with its performance. If not get the Viper 3000.

 

[BobinNC]

Not a Vortex but a very good rangefinder none the less. I like mine very much.

MIDAS G2 1 MILE​

Athlon Optics 502006: Midas 1 Mile G2 Laser Rangefinder

Athlon Midas Rangefinder Review

 

[Baron23]

I like Vortex and their CS/warranty. And I have a Viper LRF.

But I also have an Sig LRF and like the glass much better and in particular I like the range display much better.

This looks to be in your price range. Sig Kilo 3k

KILO3K 6x22MM

Astounding performance, simplicity and value.

www.sigsauer.com

 

[Qpski]

I use the Vortex Ranger 1800 for bowhunting and am pleased with it. I have not encountered it being slow, as mentioned in a previous post. It features a brilliant red display that is visible in low-light circumstances.

 

[Kickin45]

I’ve had Sig & Leupy
Went with Razor 4k when my Sig died
Shoulda gone that route from the start.

 

[Qpski]

I’ve had Sig & Leupy
Went with Razor 4k when my Sig died
Shoulda gone that route from the start.

Which Sig model did you have?

 

[Kickin45]

I know I had the 2K. I had another one as well, can’t remember which model though. Can’t remember which Leupy either.
Also had a Bushy Elite 1 mile
Vortex 4K is night and day better in every regard