fbpx

10 Best Rangefinders For Hunting In 2024 (Reviewed & Compared)

Maven RF.1 Rubberized Grip
Share With Others By Clicking Icons Below!

This is a review and comparison of the best rangefinders for hunting in 2024. You’ll find the best hunting rangefinders for the money, best long-range hunting rangefinders, best rangefinders for bowhunters, best budget rangefinders for hunting, and best rangefinders for both rifle hunting and bowhunting.

I break down each rangefinder on this list by the most essential hunting criteria so you can easily find the information you’re looking for.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

Criteria For The Best Hunting Rangefinders

  • Weight
  • Angle Compensation & Ballistics
  • Range
  • Optics
  • Display
  • Battery Life
  • Waterproof
  • Warranty

What You Need To Know About Hunting Rangefinders

Deer Range vs Tree Range vs Reflective Range

Rangefinders will be able to pick up different objects at different ranges. For example, it is much easier for a rangefinder to pick up reflective objects than deer.

Rangefinder manufacturers will often use the reflective range when they state how far a rangefinder will range, but be aware of this and make sure to check how far it will actually range on non-reflective targets. A good rule of thumb is about 50% of the reflective range.

What Is Angle Compensation?

Angle compensation is a mode in a rangefinder that automatically calculates the angle of a shot so that you’re on target every time. Without angle compensation, your shots can be incorrect. The steeper the angle the worse your shot placement will be without angle compensation.

Angle compensation is a rudimentary calculation but is perfect for bow hunting and close-range rifle shooting (within about 400 yards).

What Is Line of Sight (LOS)?

Line of Sight (LOS) is the range to a target without any angle compensation. It’s just a straight line to the target without factoring in ballistics and gravity. This isn’t what you want for closer-range shooting because there is no angle correction.

Angle compensation is a rudimentary measurement that works well to about 4oo yards roughly. Since angle compensation is rudimentary it will not work for long-range shooting because more data needs to be taken into consideration for precise long-range shooting.

For this reason, long-range hunters shooters will plug LOS information into a ballistics calculator which will then compensate for the angle more accurately using more metrics.

Are Cheap Hunting Rangefinders Worth The Money?

I don’t recommend buying rangefinders under 150$, especially under 100$, unless you find a good deal or sale on a more expensive rangefinder. This is because under this price point you start to see pretty junky rangefinders. They often don’t have great build quality or they start to malfunction over time, especially in non-ideal weather conditions.

Further, some cheap rangefinder companies will not have angle compensation and will only read Line of Sight (LOS) leading to inaccurate measurements for hunters. A good range finder will last a very long time, work reliably, and will save frustration in the long run.

Top 5 Hunting Rangefinder Picks

Sig Sauer Kilo 1000 BDX Laser RangefinderLeupold RX-1400i TBR:W with DNALeupold RX-4 Full Draw Laser RangefinderVortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser RangefinderSig Sauer KILO5K BDX
RangefinderSig Sauer KILO 1000 BDXLeupold RX-1400i TBR/WLeupold RX-4 Full DrawVortex Razor HD 4000Sig Sauer KILO5K
AwardBest Budget Long-RangeBest For The MoneyBest BowhuntingBest WarrantyBest Long-Range
Min. Range (yards)66655
Max. Range - On Deer (yards)60095090016002000
Illuminated DisplayRed HT-LCDRed TOLEDRed OLEDRed LCDRed OLED Auto
Angle CompensationYesYesYesYesYes
Ballistics IntegrationBDX25 Selectable BallisticsFlightPathN/ABDX
WaterproofYesYesYesYesYes
Weight (oz)5.35.17.59.97.5
Optics5x205x216x227x257x25
Field of View @ 1000 yd.7.5º3683153416.78º
Battery Life (Button Presses)40003000300040004000
Price*199199390499640
AvailabilityShop AmazonShop AmazonShop AmazonShop AmazonShop Amazon
*Price at the time of this post

Best Rangefinders For Hunting

Sig Sauer KILO 1000 BDX – Best Budget Long-Range Hunting Rangefinder

 

Sig Sauer Kilo 1000 BDX - Best Budget Long Range Hunting Rangefinder
Sig Sauer Kilo 1000 BDX – Best Budget Long Range Hunting Rangefinder

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

The Sig Sauer KILO 1000 is tied for the least expensive rangefinder on this list. Even though it is one of the least expensive rangefinders, it is still one of the best rangefinders for the money. It’s especially one of the best hunting rangefinders for long-range shooting because of its Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) system.

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

What sets this rangefinder apart from the other rangefinders in its class is the Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX). Using a free phone app you can enter your ballistics which then BlueTooth’s the information to your rangefinder. At this point, your rangefinder will provide distance, elevation holdovers, and windage adjustments.

There are three ways to use BDX:

  • BDX Rangefinder With Regular Scope
  • BDX Rangefinder Bluetooth To Sig Sauer BDX Scope
  • Or you can use a BDX Scope by itself

The BDX system is very useful for precise shooting at long ranges because it is a more accurate calculation than using standard angle compensation. BDX will work out to 800 yards, which is as far as the majority of hunters will be shooting, especially with the capabilities of this rangefinder.

For shorter ranges, BDX may not be necessary. In this case, you can use Angle Modified Range (AMR) which is Sig Sauer’s angle compensation mode. This works great for short-range shooting and for bowhunters.

Range

This rangefinder can pick up deer out to 600 yards on deer in good conditions. For most hunters, which is more than enough for the vast majority of hunters. This is why this rangefinder earns the title of the best budget long-range rangefinder.

The 1000BDX can also range trees at 800 yards and reflective targets (like targets) out to 1200 yards. So if you’re looking to do long-range shooting practice in addition to long-range hunting, this rangefinder may cover all your basis.

Optics

This is a 5x magnification rangefinder with a 7.5º field of view (not sure why Sig Sauer uses degrees and not FOV @ 1000 yards). Because of the low magnification, the field of view is wide which helps you to find animals faster in the optic, especially at closer ranges.

Because it is a 5x zoom it has a wide field of view which allows you to find animals faster than higher magnification alternatives. This zoom option makes it a good option for those short to medium ranges.

Display

The display is called HT-LCD or High-Intensity Liquid Crystal Display. This display is bright enough for all conditions but does not have a Lumatic Display which auto-adjusts brightness depending on the light (which the other Sig Sauer Rangefinders on this list do have).

Battery Life

The battery will last for about 4000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is IPX-4 waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

SIG SAUER® Electro-Optic Infinite Guarantee™ / Limited Lifetime Warranty

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information, you can find the manual here.

Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W – Most Versatile Hunting Rangefinder For The Money

Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W - Best Hunting Rangefinder For The Money
Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W – Best Hunting Rangefinder For The Money

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

There is a lot to like about the Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W. First, it is tied for the most affordable rangefinders on this list. This rangefinder model is one of the best hunting rangefinders for the money because of the price and its ability to be used by both rifle hunters and bowhunters.

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

The 1400i is small and light for carry-ability and offers bow angle compensation (Bow-Mode) and rifle angle compensation (True Ballistic Range – Wind (TBR-W)), and has options to view either the line of sight (LOS) or true distance.

You can also enter up to 25 cartridges into the TBR settings making it easy to change between different cartridges for different hunts. TBR/W mode works up to 800-yards for most cartridges.

Range

The minimum range distance is about 6-yards with the maximum being 900 to 950-yards when ranging animals. This means the Leupold RX-1400i would make a great rangefinder for both rifle hunters and bow hunters because of its ability to range accurately at close and far distances and has dedicated modes for both rifle hunters and bowhunters.

This is also would make a great long-range shooting rangefinder because it is able to reach longer distances of 1200 yards on trees, and 1400 yards on more reflective surfaces, like reflective targets.

Optics

This is a 5x magnification rangefinder with a 368-foot Field of View (FOV) at 1000 yards. This is a wide field of view which helps you to find animals faster in the optic, especially at closer ranges.

Because it is a 5x zoom it has a wide field of view which allows you to find animals faster than rangefinders with a higher zoom. This zoom option makes it a good option for those short to medium ranges.

Display

The red illuminated TOLED (Transmissive Organic LED) display is nice compared to a non-illuminated rangefinder because it allows you to see better in lower-light situations which is when a lot can happen for hunters.

I could not determine if the 1400i had a dimmable display from looking online or in the manual so I called Leupold and confirmed that the TOLED has 3 adjustable brightness settings for optimal viewing in low-light and bright light.

Battery Life

The battery will last for about 3000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

2-Year Electronic Warranty (Rangefinders)

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information, you can find the manual here.

Leupold RX-1600i TBR Rangefinder For Hunting

Leupold RX-1600i TBR/W Rangefinder For Hunting

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

The Leupold RX-1600i TBR/W is very similar to the Leupold RX-1400i/W (above) but the 1600i is more expensive. The main difference between the two is build-quality. The 1600i body is made of strong aluminum with rubberized armor coating whereas the 1400i is made of a polymer with rubber armor. For this reason, the 1600i weighs more (7.5 oz vs 5.1 oz) but is the more durable option.

There is only a 50-yard difference between the 1400i and the 1600i when it comes to being able to identify deer. Practically, you will not notice a difference when hunting. It is up to you to determine if these slight differences are worth the extra money.

Other 1600i benefits include slightly better max ranges, and higher magnification (6x vs 5x).

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

With the 1600i you get bow angle compensation (Bow-Mode) and rifle angle compensation (True Ballistic Range – Wind (TBR-W)) and has options to view either the line of sight (LOS) or true distance.

You can also enter up to 25 cartridges into the TBR settings making it easy to change between different cartridges for different hunts. TBR/W mode works up to 800-yards for most cartridges.

Range

The minimum range distance is about 6-yards with the maximum being 1000-yards when ranging animals. This means the Leupold RX-1600i would make a great rangefinder for both rifle hunters and bow hunters because of its ability to range accurately at close and far distances and has dedicated modes for both rifle hunters and bowhunters.

This is also would make a great long-range shooting rangefinder because it is able to reach longer distances of 1400 yards on trees, and 1600 yards on more reflective surfaces, like reflective targets.

Optics

This is a 6x magnification rangefinder with a 315-foot Field of View (FOV) at 1000 yards. This is a FOV you would expect from a 6x magnification. This rangefinder is the perfect middle-ground magnification for both close-range and long-distance scenarios.

Display

The red illuminated OLED display is nice compared to non-illuminated displays because it allows you to see better in lower-light situations which is when a lot can happen for hunters. The OLED has 3 adjustable brightness settings for optimal viewing in low-light and bright light. Based on conversations with Leupold the quality of the TOLED vs OLED displays basically the same.

The 1600i also has the option to choose ridicules for customizable viewing and ranging.

Battery Life

The battery will last for about 3000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

2-Year Electronic Warranty (Rangefinders)

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information on the Leupold RX-1600i TBR/W, you can find the manual here.

Vortex Impact 1000 Hunting Rangefinder With Best Warranty

Vortex Optics Impact 1000 Hunting Rangefinder
Vortex Optics Impact 1000 Rangefinder (Best Warranty)

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

Vortex optics are always a high-quality option. The Impact 1000 is a great rangefinder for those short to medium ranges. It is especially a good option for hunters that do not intend to take shots over 400 yards. The best features of this rangefinder are its angle compensation, durability, and Lifetime VIP warranty. This is one of the best hunting rangefinders because of its simplicity, reliability, and outstanding warranty.

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

It does not have built-in sophisticated long-range ballistic capabilities but it does have angle compensation which is what the majority of hunters are looking for, especially within 400 yards. Basically, for the capabilities of this rangefinder, you will not need to use line of sight (LOS) mode with a ballistics calculator, although you do have the option to use LOS.

Range

The minimum range distance is about 5-yards with the maximum being 500-yards when ranging animals. The Vortex Impact 1000 would make a great rangefinder for both rifle hunters and bow hunters in those short to medium ranges using angle compensation.

For target practicing, you can range further because it is able to reach longer distances of 800 yards on trees, and 1000 yards on more reflective surfaces, like reflective targets. At these longer distances, you can use the Line of Sight mode combined with a ballistics calculator for better accuracy. 

Optics

This is a 6x magnification rangefinder with a 341-foot Field of View (FOV) at 1000 yards. This is a FOV you would expect from a 6x magnification. This rangefinder is the perfect middle-ground magnification for both close-range and long-distance scenarios.

Display

The display is a black LCD screen that is not illuminated, which is one downside because illumination is nice to have to see better in lower-light situations, which is when a lot can happen for hunters. Other rangefinders at this price point do offer illuminated displays.

Battery Life

The battery will last for about 5000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

Lifetime VIP Warranty

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information on the Vortex Impact 1000 Rangefinder, you can find the manual here.

Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Hunting Rangefinder With Best Warranty

Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Hunting Rangefinder
Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Rangefinder (Best Warrenty)

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

The Vortex Ranger 1800 is the next step up from the Impact 1000. It can range deer up to 900 yards which is almost double compared to the Impact 1000. The best features of this rangefinder are its illuminated LCD screen, angle compensation, durability, and Lifetime VIP warranty. This is one of the best hunting rangefinders because of its reliability and outstanding warranty.

This is a great rangefinder for hunters with shakey hands because it comes with 1/4″- 20 threads for mounting on a tripod.

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

It does not have built-in sophisticated long-range ballistic capabilities but it does have angle compensation which is what the majority of hunters are looking for, especially within 400 yards.

To get the most out of this rangefinder at longer distances past 400 yards you will need to use line of sight (LOS) mode in combination with a ballistics calculator.

Range

The minimum range distance is about 10-yards with the maximum being 900-yards when ranging animals. The Vortex Ranger 1800 would make a great rangefinder for both rifle hunters and bow hunters because it can range accurately at both short and long ranges.

For target practicing, you can range further because it is able to reach longer distances on trees, and up to 1800 yards on more reflective surfaces, like reflective targets. At these longer distances, you can use the Line of Sight mode combined with a ballistics calculator for better accuracy. 

Optics

This is a 6x magnification rangefinder with a 315-foot Field of View (FOV) at 1000 yards. This is a FOV you would expect from a 6x magnification. This rangefinder is the perfect middle-ground magnification for both close-range and long-distance scenarios.

Display

The display is a red illuminated LCD screen with three brightness settings which is a big improvement over the Impact 1000. The ability to see better in lower-light situations is important for hunters because this is often when the action happens.

Battery Life

Based on what little information I could find online it appears the battery will last for about 2000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

Lifetime VIP Warranty

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information on the Vortex Ranger 1800 Rangefinder, you can find the manual here.

Vortex Razor HD 4000 Hunting Rangefinder With Best Warranty

Vortex Razor HD 4000 Hunting Rangefinder With Best Warranty
Vortex Razor HD 4000 Hunting Rangefinder (Best Warranty)

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

The Vortex Razor 4000 is the next step up from the Ranger 1800. It can range deer up to 1600 yards which is almost double the range compared to the Ranger 1800. The best features of this rangefinder are its illuminated LCD screen, angle compensation, durability, and Lifetime VIP warranty. This is one of the best hunting rangefinders because of its reliability, optic quality, and outstanding warranty.

The Vortex Razor is a great rangefinder for hunters with shakey hands because it also comes with 1/4″- 20 threads for mounting on a tripod.

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

The Razor 4000 does not have built-in sophisticated long-range ballistic capabilities but it does have angle compensation which is what the majority of hunters are looking for, especially within 400 yards.

To get the most out of this rangefinder at longer distances past 400 yards you will need to use line of sight (LOS) mode in combination with a ballistics calculator.

Range

The minimum range distance is about 5-yards with the maximum being 1600-yards when ranging animals. The Vortex Razor 4000 is a great rangefinder for both rifle hunters and bow hunters because it can range accurately at both short and long ranges with angle compensation.

In Normal Mode, the Razor can range to 1800 yards on trees, and up to 2400 yards on more reflective surfaces. At long distances, you can use the Line of Sight mode combined with a ballistics calculator for better accuracy.

For even further ranges you can put the Razor in Extended Laser Range (ELR) mode but it can take longer to get a reading, so it is best if it is placed on a tripod to get reading in this mode. However, in ELR mode you can range deer at 2,200 yards, trees at 2500 yards, and reflective surfaces at 4000 yards. This can be helpful to determine if a stalk is worth making with the amount of daylight left.

Optics

This is a 7×25 rangefinder with a 341-foot Field of View (FOV) at 1000 yards. This is a wide FOV for a 7x magnification which is great for acquiring targets faster.

Display

The display is a red illuminated LCD screen with five brightness settings which is an improvement over the Ranger 1800 which only had 3 settings. The ability to see better in lower-light situations is important for hunters because this is often when the action happens.

Battery Life

The battery will last for about 4000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

Lifetime VIP Warranty

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information on the Vortex Razor 4000 Rangefinder, you can find the manual here.

Best Rangefinders For Bow Hunting

Leupold RX-4 Full Draw – Best Bow Hunting Rangefinder

Leupold RX-4 Full Draw Bow Hunting Rangefinder
Leupold RX-4 Full Draw – Best Bow Hunting Rangefinder

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

The Leupold RX-4 Full Draw was specifically designed for bowhunters which makes it one of the best bowhunting rangefinders. Although most of the rangefinders on this list would make great rangefinders for bow hunting because of their angle compensation modes, the RX-4 takes archery accuracy and ballistics one step further.

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

The RX-4 Full Draw uses Trig-H mode to calculate regular angle compensation. In addition to Trig-H Mode, you can also enter your bow setup information into the Archers Advantage software in the RX-4 to calculate your arrow ballistics. To do this all you need is arrow speed, total arrow weight, and peep height. This calculation will work out to 175 yards.

With your ballistic information entered, the RX4 rangefinder uses FlightPath technology to show you the highest arc of your arrow at any given range. This is represented by a line and lets you know if there is any obstructions in your way at the peak of your arrow flight. This is handy for shooting over and under obstacles, like sticks, when hunting

For rifle hunters, you have the option to use Line of Sight (LOS) mode. When LOS is used in combination with a ballistics calculator you will be able to accurately shoot long-range.

Range

The minimum range distance is about 6-yards with the maximum being 900-yards when ranging animals. The Archers Advantage ballistic information works up to 175 yards. As you can see it can range plenty far for a bowhunter.

As mentioned, the rangefinder has angle compensation for short to medium-range rifle shooting. It also has Line of Sight mode for long-range shooting so this rangefinder can be used by both even though it was designed with the archer in mind.

The RX-4 Full Draw can also range to 1100 yards on trees and up to 1200 yards on more reflective surfaces. To get the most out of this rangefinder at longer distances past 400 yards you will need to use line of sight (LOS) mode in combination with a ballistics calculator.

For even further ranges you can put the Razor in Extended Laser Range (ELR) mode but it can take longer to get a reading, so it is best if it is placed on a tripod to get reading in this mode. However, in ELR mode you can range deer at 2,200 yards, trees at 2500 yards, and reflective surfaces at 4000 yards. This can be helpful to determine if a stalk is worth making with the amount of daylight left.

Optics

This is a 6×22 rangefinder with a 315-foot Field of View (FOV) at 1000 yards. This is a FOV you would expect from a 6x magnification. This rangefinder has the perfect middle-ground magnification for both close-range bowhunting and long-distance scenarios.

Display

The red illuminated OLED display is nice compared to non-illuminated displays because it allows you to see better in lower-light situations which is when a lot can happen for hunters. The OLED has adjustable brightness settings for optimal viewing in low-light and bright light.

This rangefinder also has the option to choose redicles for customizable viewing and ranging.

Battery Life

The battery will last for about 3000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

2-Year Electronic Warranty (Rangefinders)

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information on the Leupold RX-4 Full Draw Rangefinder, you can find the manual here.

Best Rangefinders For Long Range Hunting

Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W Long-Range Hunting Rangefinder

Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W Hunting Rangefinder
Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

The Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W is made for hunters that are shooting and ranging at long distances. There is no angle compensation for bowhunters, so this device was designed with long-range shooing as its primary objective.

The RX-2800 body is made of strong aluminum with rubberized armor coating weighing in heavy at 7.9 oz but is durable for this reason.

There is a big difference in the ranging capabilities of the RX-2800 compared to the 1400i and the 1600i. The RX-2800 can range deer out to 1800 yards. These rangefinders are very fast at processing ranges because of their Alpha IQ technology. This makes it one of the best rangefinders for hunters with shakey hands and for getting accurate readings at far distances.

Other RX-2800 also has a 7x magnification which is needed for long-range rangefinding. 

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

With the RX-2800 you get rifle angle compensation (True Ballistic Range – Wind (TBR-W)) and has options to view either the line of sight (LOS) or true distance.

You can also enter up to 25 cartridges into the TBR settings making it easy to change between different cartridges for different hunts. TBR-W mode works up to 800-yards for most cartridges. 800 yards is further than most hunters will be shooting.

If you’re looking to get ballistic information past 800-yards you will have to use the line of sight mode with a ballistics calculator.

Range

The minimum range distance is 6-yards with the maximum being 1800-yards when ranging animals. This is also would make a great long-range shooting rangefinder because it is able to reach even longer distances of 2400 yards on trees, and 2800 yards for reflective surfaces, like reflective targets.

Optics

This is a 7×27 rangefinder with a 318-foot Field of View (FOV) at 1000 yards. Which is pretty good for such a high magnification rangefinder. It also has a large objective lens (27mm) compared to the other 7x rangefinders which adds size and weight but is good for low-light situations.

Display

The red illuminated OLED display is nice compared to non-illuminated displays because it allows you to see better in lower-light situations which is when a lot can happen for hunters. The OLED has 3 adjustable brightness settings for optimal viewing in low-light and bright light.

The RX-2800 also has the option to choose ridicules for customizable viewing and ranging.

Battery Life

The battery will last for about 4000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

2-Year Electronic Warranty (Rangefinders)

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information on the Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W, you can find the manual here.

Sig Sauer KILO5K (Best Long Range Hunting Rangefinder)

Sig Sauer Kilo5K - Best Long Range Hunting Rangefinder
Sig Sauer Kilo5K – Best Long Range Hunting Rangefinder

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

The Sig Sauer KILO 5K is awarded the best long-range hunting rangefinder in this review because it can range out to 2000 yards on deer and the because it has the Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) system which allows inputs for precise long-range shooting.

Another great aspect of this rangefinder is that you can sync it with GPS apps on your phone and it will drop a waypoint when you take a range. This is incredibly handy when you need to walk somewhere specific, like during animal recovery when you need to easily find the exact spot you hit the animal.

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

The biggest benefit of this rangefinder is that it uses Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX). Using a free phone app you can enter your ballistics which then BlueTooth’s the information to your rangefinder. At this point, your rangefinder will provide distance, elevation holdovers, and windage adjustments.

There are three ways to use BDX:

  • BDX Rangefinder With Regular Scope
  • BDX Rangefinder Bluetooth To Sig Sauer BDX Scope
  • Or you can use a BDX Scope by itself

The BDX system is very useful for precise shooting at long ranges because it is a more accurate calculation than using standard angle compensation at long distances.

BDX will work out to 800 yards, which is as far as the majority of hunters will be shooting. After this point, more detailed ballistic information is needed if you want to shoot accurately. You can connect the Kilo5k to a Kestrel or Garmin for top-notch applied ballistics information which will allow you to shoot past 800 yards.

For shorter ranges, BDX may not be necessary. In this case, you can use Angle Modified Range (AMR) which is Sig Sauer’s angle compensation mode. This works great for short-range shooting and for bowhunters as well.

Additionally, this rangefinder has built-in detectors that provide real-time environmental conditions which are needed for accurate long-range shooting.

Range

This rangefinder can pick up deer out to 2000 yards on deer in good conditions.

The Kilo 5K can also range trees at 2500 yards and reflective targets (like targets) out to 5000 yards. So if you’re looking to do long-range shooting practice in addition to long-range hunting, this rangefinder will cover all your basis.

Optics

This is a 7×25 rangefinder with a 6.78º field of view. A higher 7x magnification is needed for ranging distant targets accurately, making it great for long-range shooting and hunting.

Display

The Kilo 5K has an auto-brightness setting which changes automatically depending on the ambient light settings. This is awesome so you don’t have too bright of a display in low-light settings or too dim of a display in bright settings. This is a handy and unique feature that further establishes it as one of the best hunting rangefinders.

Battery Life

The battery will last for about 4000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is IPX-4 waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information, you can find the manual here.

Sig Sauer KILO8K Long-Range Hunting Rangefinder

Sig Sauer KILO8K - Long Range Hunting Rangefinder
Sig Sauer KILO8K – Long Range Hunting Rangefinder

Check Amazon's Price

Summary

You might be surprised to see that the Sig Sauer KILO 8K is not awarded the best long-range hunting rangefinder given its name. However, you’ll find that the KILO 8K does not range deer or trees any further than the KILO 5K. The improvement is only on reflective surfaces. So, for hunting, there isn’t much benefit to the KILO 8K. The KILO 8K is also much more expensive than the 5K.

That said, if you need that extra 3000 yards on reflective surfaces, the KILO 8K might be the best option for you.

Another great aspect of this rangefinder is that you can sync it with GPS apps on your phone and it will drop a waypoint when you take a range. This is incredibly handy when you need to walk somewhere specific, like during animal recovery when you need to easily find the exact spot you hit the animal.

Angle Compensation & Ballistics

The biggest benefit of this rangefinder is that it uses Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX). Using a free phone app you can enter your ballistics which then BlueTooth’s the information to your rangefinder. At this point, your rangefinder will provide distance, elevation holdovers, and windage adjustments.

There are three ways to use BDX:

  • BDX Rangefinder With Regular Scope
  • BDX Rangefinder Bluetooth To Sig Sauer BDX Scope
  • Or you can use a BDX Scope by itself

The BDX system is very useful for precise shooting at long ranges because it is a more accurate calculation than using standard angle compensation at long distances.

BDX will work out to 800 yards, which is as far as the majority of hunters will be shooting. After this point, more detailed ballistic information is needed if you want to shoot accurately. You can connect the KILO 8K to a Kestrel or Garmin for top-notch applied ballistics information which will allow you to shoot past 800 yards.

For shorter ranges, BDX may not be necessary. In this case, you can use Angle Modified Range (AMR) which is Sig Sauer’s angle compensation mode. This works great for short-range shooting and for bowhunters as well.

Additionally, this rangefinder has built-in detectors that provide real-time environmental conditions which are needed for accurate long-range shooting.

Range

The KILO 8K rangefinder can pick up deer out to 2000 yards on deer in good conditions, trees at 2500 yards, and reflective objects out to 8000 yards. So if you’re looking to do long-range shooting practice in addition to long-range hunting, this rangefinder will cover all your basis.

Optics

This is a 7×25 rangefinder with a 6.78º field of view. A higher 7x magnification is needed for ranging distant targets accurately, making it great for long-range shooting and hunting.

Display

The KILO 8K has a unique auto-brightness setting that adjusts automatically depending on the ambient light. This is awesome so you don’t have too bright of a display in low-light settings or too dim of a display in bright settings. This is a handy and unique feature that further establishes it as one of the best hunting rangefinders.

Battery Life

The battery will last for about 4000 range activations/button presses.

Waterproof

This rangefinder is IPX-4 waterproof which is a must-have for any serious hunter.

Warranty

SIG SAUER® Electro-Optic Infinite Guarantee™ / Limited Lifetime Warranty

Manual

If you’re looking for more specific information, you can find the manual here.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this post helped you narrow down the best hunting rangefinders in 2024 for you. If you enjoyed this post you can learn more below:

More Optic Posts:

Find Me On:

Additional Resources:

Ballistic Rangefinders (Sig Sauer)

Rangefinder Angle Compensation

Article Written By: Jason Tome

You May Also Like