A rangefinder is a compact laser-based device many archers use for finding the accurate distance to their targets. A good rangefinder can make the difference between a successful shot and a complete miss. It’s a useful tool that should be a part of your kit, though I don’t consider it essential.

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Most budget rangefinders will either give up on the yardage, display, or battery life. But there are some rangefinders in the market that are both affordable and good quality. My favorite has to be TecTecTec ProWild (link to Amazon). It’s affordable and provides a clear reading with only 1-yard error up to 540 yards. It’s a great value for money in my opinion.

I really like how lightweight it is, and that it has a long battery life and a clear lens display. It also comes with different extras, like a carrying case, a strap, a cleaning cloth and more. Overall I think that for a mid-range priced rangefinder it’s a great value.

If you’re looking for a rangefinder with angle compensation or one that is, even more, affordable – I’ve made a lot of research and found some excellent options for you.

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you buy through one of them, I’ll earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. It’s a great way to support the website.

Rangefinders with angle compensation

If you’re using a standard rangefinder and trying to shoot from a tree or up a hill, you’ll quickly see that you’re missing your shots. That’s because the rangefinder finds the direct distance to the target. That’s great if you’re shooting on flat terrain, but you have to take that into account if you’re shooting from a different height to the target.

Think about it, if you’re not standing exactly in the same height of the target, your arrow has to travel a different distance vertically and horizontally than what you’re used to. A rangefinder with “bow mode“, or angle compensation, does that calculation for you and give you the distance you should aim for when shooting. You can do this calculation yourself, but it might take some time that you don’t really have, especially if you’re in a bowhunting situation.

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I first looked for a model that is also stabilized, and offer a high distance range, so I came across the Nikon Monarch 3000 Stabilized (link to Amazon). You can select between ” horizontal” and “actual” measurements, which is how you turn on/off the angle compensation. It’s quite small, in the sweet spot of being compact and lightweight but still comfortable to hold.

It also provides a single/multiple target measurement where you can choose the first/last priority targets, which is really comfortable for overlapping objects. It’s also rainproof and fogproof and gives surprisingly good measurements in hard weather. Overall this model would be my ideal higher-end choice for a rangefinder if you’re willing to spend a bit more.

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Another great and a bit more affordable choice would be the Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC (link to Amazon). What I like about it is that the manufacturer designed it with accuracy first in mind, and it gives measurements with up to half a yard of error. It’s also really durable and can survive drops, so you can run with it in the woods with no worries.

It also has a lot of really comfortable setting options. If you’re going to use it both with a bow and a rifle, it has both a bow and a rifle mode. It also separates three targeting modes: Bull’s eye (close range single target), Brush mode (distant single target, ignores foreground objects) and Scan mode (multiple targets). It also comes with extra gear, like a strap, a case, and a tripod. It’s really great for the price if you’re looking for a cheaper option for a rangefinder with angle compensation, without compromising on quality.

Budget rangefinders

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You don’t have to get an expensive rangefinder to enjoy a quality archery practice. BIJIA Hunting Rangefinder (link to Amazon) is a good option if you’re looking for a budget option. Its range is a bit more limited than previous models, but it’s nothing you should care about as an archer. It’s also pretty accurate, with an error of up to 1 yard. It does have an angle correction, but it’s a bit limited.

The body itself is built of durable material and it seems like it can survive drops and hits, though the material can feel a bit cheap. It’s also of a comfortable size and weight. It’s pretty good for the money since it’s a bit cheaper than the previous models I recommended, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more I’d go with one of the other models I offered.

Features to look for

Range

The range of a rangefinder is determined by the quality of laser in it. You want to have one that is as accurate as possible, so you’d be able to properly aim your shots. Note that most rangefinders are branded with the maximal range they can achieve with ideal weather, so on rainy days, their range might be noticeably lower.

Angle compensation

We’ve discussed angle compensation a bit before, but it’s simply the ability to take height into the calculations. Say you’re shooting uphill or downhill, even at the same distance, you’ll have to aim a bit differently. A rangefinder that has angle compensation is one that can make these calculations. It’s commonly branded as “bow mode”.

Making the angle calculations is definitely possible, and especially if you’re trained in gap shooting, this feature won’t be very important for you. But unless you’ve practiced gap shooting or planning to only shoot flat terrain for ground level, angle compensation can be important for you.

Magnification

It’s important that you have enough magnification to properly sight and aim at your target, but not too much, since magnification trades-off with the field of view. A magnification factor of between 4x and 8x is usually ideal.

Build and size

Any gear you bring with you is gear you’re going to carry around. Having a lightweight and small rangefinder will make your life so much easier, especially if you’re planning to climb trees on a bowhunting trip or run around the woods in a 3D shoot. You should also consider how rugged it is: you want a rangefinder that can survive being dropped or hit.

I really hope you found the recommendations on this page helpful, and that I helped to focus your attention on the important features. I’m sure you’ll have a great experience with purchasing and using your rangefinder if you decide to follow the tips on this page. Thanks for sticking around!