There are three major considerations that you must take into
account when selecting a laser range finder: magnification, effective
range and angle compensation features.
Magnification
Rangefinders are offered in a range of fixed powered magnifications varying from 4x on the small side to 8x on the large side. However, I feel that bow hunters are probably the only group that should go with a 4x magnification; this is because range finding a target several hundred yards away is much easier with higher magnification optics. I would recommend at least 6x magnification for rifle hunters and also archery hunters that might use their range finders during gun season as well.
Effective Range
The maximum distance a laser range finder will read is almost always a great deal further than the actual range you can expect it to give a reading on an animal. The maximum range the manufacturer is quoting is referring to ranging a large reflective object such as a building under optimal light conditions. Always check a laser range finder's specifications to see how far it will range an animal.
Angle Compensation Features
These devices have a ton of available options and modes; however, the main one to consider is the angle compensation feature which accounts for the angle of the shot. Almost all the range finder manufactures offer some sort of angle compensation feature on at least some of their models. My experience with the angle compensation feature is that unless you are at an incredibly steep angle from your target that there isn't enough distance difference between a normal reading and an angle compensated reading to make any practical difference. The one exception to this might be archery hunters who hunt from a tree stand.
The Verdict Is
If you are strictly an archery hunter that spends a lot of time in a tree stand buy a 4x laser range finder with an angle compensation feature. If you are virtually any other type of hunter buy at least a 6x rangefinder and save yourself a chunk of change by passing on the angle compensation feature.
Magnification
Rangefinders are offered in a range of fixed powered magnifications varying from 4x on the small side to 8x on the large side. However, I feel that bow hunters are probably the only group that should go with a 4x magnification; this is because range finding a target several hundred yards away is much easier with higher magnification optics. I would recommend at least 6x magnification for rifle hunters and also archery hunters that might use their range finders during gun season as well.
Effective Range
The maximum distance a laser range finder will read is almost always a great deal further than the actual range you can expect it to give a reading on an animal. The maximum range the manufacturer is quoting is referring to ranging a large reflective object such as a building under optimal light conditions. Always check a laser range finder's specifications to see how far it will range an animal.
Angle Compensation Features
These devices have a ton of available options and modes; however, the main one to consider is the angle compensation feature which accounts for the angle of the shot. Almost all the range finder manufactures offer some sort of angle compensation feature on at least some of their models. My experience with the angle compensation feature is that unless you are at an incredibly steep angle from your target that there isn't enough distance difference between a normal reading and an angle compensated reading to make any practical difference. The one exception to this might be archery hunters who hunt from a tree stand.
The Verdict Is
If you are strictly an archery hunter that spends a lot of time in a tree stand buy a 4x laser range finder with an angle compensation feature. If you are virtually any other type of hunter buy at least a 6x rangefinder and save yourself a chunk of change by passing on the angle compensation feature.
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