Best Hunting Rangefinder Under $250 for 2020

Rangefinders were initially a large and cumbersome equipment when they first came out. Over the years, there have been smaller more compact models that are simple to carry and come with plenty of features that the earlier models simply did not have. When choosing the Best Hunting Rangefinder Under 250, there a few considerations that you have to make.

Top 5 Hunting Rangefinders Under $250

Leupold RX-1200i Rangefinder - TOP PICK 5 out of 5 stars
Upland Optics Perception 1000 Laser Rangefinder 4.9 out of 5 stars
Bushnell Team Primos The Truth ARC 4 x 20 mm Bow Mode Laser Rangefinder4.7 out of 5 stars
Leupold RX-850i Tbr Rangefinder black4.3 out of 5 stars
Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder4.2 out of 5 stars

Why Do You Need a Rangefinder?

There are different methods of hunting. Some hunters prefer using a bow and being perched in a tree stand while others prefer the old-fashioned stalking the quarry technique. The type of rangefinder that you need will very much depend on your chosen method of hunting. When going after deer through stalking, you need a rangefinder that has a maximum range of over 1000 yards, not that you will need to use it to full capacity.

On the other hand, if you are perched in a tree and viewing the deer from an angle the rangefinder should provide you with angle range compensation. This calculates the distance of your prey while taking your elevation into account. Often you will find that this will greatly improve your shots.

The Distance

The further out an object is, the more difficult it is for the laser to be reflected back to the rangefinder. Some objects have surfaces that do not reflect light back. Imagine a bush or the skin of a deer. Top quality rangefinders, however, excel at locking onto such targets.

Modern rangefinders could spot targets at 1600 yards. This is usually referred to as the maximum range. Keep in mind that when calculating the maximum distance, the manufacturers use clear weather which may not always be the situation when you are out hunting. This means that you will be performing at less than the maximum range. However, the greater the maximum range the better it is for the hunter.

Rangefinders can result in better more accurate shots. One of the features that enhances the quality of a hunter’s shots is beam divergence.

Beam Divergence

This is not a very common term as far as rangefinders are concerned. However, it plays a key role in the performance of the rangefinder. Beam divergence refers to how much or how intensely the laser beam is able to focus on the target object. The lower the beam divergence the more accurate the rangefinder.

Lets now take a look at what is our choice for the best hunting rangefinder under $250 and consider the features that make them top of the range equipment for the informed hunter.

Top 5 Hunting Rangefinders Under $250

Leupold RX-1200i Rangefinder - TOP PICK 5 out of 5 stars
Upland Optics Perception 1000 Laser Rangefinder 4.9 out of 5 stars
Bushnell Team Primos The Truth ARC 4 x 20 mm Bow Mode Laser Rangefinder4.7 out of 5 stars
Leupold RX-850i Tbr Rangefinder black4.3 out of 5 stars
Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder4.2 out of 5 stars

① Leupold RX-1200i Rangefinder

best hunting rangefinder under 250This rangefinder from Leupold has a 6x magnification and measures 3.8 inches by 2.8 inches by 1.3 inches making it quite compact.  It comes with a 320ft at 1000yrds field of view and an angular field of view of 6 degrees.

With the Leupold RX-1200i Rangefinder, you get a large aperture of 22.0 mm which translates to more accuracy. The exit pupil is 3.6 mm and the twilight factor is at 11.7. You also get an eye relief 14.0 mm which is great for people who wear glasses.

This is a highly accurate device thanks in part to the DNA engine. It also features a bright OLED screen to help you view the measurements more clearly. The image quality is superb thanks to superior optics. You can use the Leupold RX-1200i with a single hand making it a convenient tool to use especially when hunting.

On top is an aluminum cover that protects the unit from exposure and damage by the elements. Fully multi-coated lens provides clear and crisp images allowing you to use the rangefinder even in low light situations. It comes in black and matte.

Pros

  • Provides accurate measurements
  • Compact in size for easy carry
  • Simple to use

Cons

  • Has very bright readings during low light

② Upland Optics Perception 1000 Laser Rangefinder

best rangefinder for hunting under $250This is one rangefinder that was built while considering the interests of hunters. It is designed to endure the harshest climatic conditions meaning that the hunter can pretty much take it anywhere and in any type of terrain. It has a maximum range of 1000 yard which helps the hunter in locking on targets that are hundreds of yards out.

The perception 1000 laser rangefinder comes with a 6x magnification. This assists hunters in making the best shots possible and reducing chances of missing the target. The objective lens is just 17 mm.

The rangefinder is water resistant. Often in wet weather, you might find that the rangefinder is no longer usable. If you are out in the backcountry looking for your prey, this could turn out into a serious handicap. Luckily the upland optics perception 1000 laser rangefinder has you covered in this department.

With a second priority mode, you can focus on targets in thick vegetation with more accuracy.

Pros

  • Provides accurate measurements
  • It is simple to use
  • Comes with second priority mode for better focusing on target

Cons

  • The objective lens is a bit too small

③ Bushnell Team Primos The Truth ARC 4 x 20 mm Bow Mode Laser Rangefinder

top rated hunting rangefinder under 250 dollarsThis rangefinder has angle range compensation technology which makes it among the best rangefinders out there for the bow hunter. You will get an accurate reading of the distance of your prey even while being perched up in a tree stand.

When you are looking at targets that are on level ground you will still get the same level of accurate measurements. This is a simple to use equipment with just a single button. An invaluable benefit when you want to quickly get readings before the prey vanishes.

With the Bushnell team Primos, you get 4x magnification. It also comes with an ergonomic design for simple carry. Its compact design allows you to put in your pocket when you are not using it.

When you purchase the Bushnell team primos rangefinder, you get a convenient carry case. It has a weatherproof cover that keeps it safe from the elements combined with an anti-slip finish to prevent damage from falling.

Pros

  • Compact design
  • Simple to use
  • Water resistant

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with the longest lasting battery

④ Leupold RX-850i Tbr Rangefinder black

best range finder for hunting under $250Are you in search of a laser rangefinder that is immune from the weather elements and can be taken through any type of terrain? Take a look at the Leupold RX-850i Tbr Rangefinder black. You can also use the rangefinder in the fog which is more than you can say for most other rangefinders out there.

With the Leupold RX-850i Tbr Rangefinder, you can make use of the width and height via the trophy scale feature. It also comes with a DNA engine for accurate distance measurements. Multi-coated lenses allow the hunter to observe in low light conditions. The images are clear and crisp.

The Leupold RX-850i has a good battery life thanks to the lithium CR2 camera battery. You also get a battery power indicator to tell you how long it should last. When you make the purchase, a durable cover is just one of the things you can expect. This will help keep the equipment free from weather damage.

Pros

  • High-quality construction
  • Simple to use
  • Provides accurate readings

Cons

  • The display is not very clear

⑤ Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder

best rangefinder under 250You know it is a quality rangefinder when it carries the name Nikon. This is the world leader in optics manufacturing. Compactness and top-notch performance are what you can expect from the Nikon 8397 ACULON while giving you the perfect combination of speed and precision.

When it comes to ease of carrying, you have this sorted with the compact design. Dimensions are 3.6’’x2.9’’x 1.5’’. Small size allows you to put it in your pocket when not in use. You can also wear it on your neck without feeling the strain thanks to its lightweight.

Operating the rangefinder is simple. Just make use of a single button for all your functions. Pressing down the button will provide the distance reading to your target. The images are clear and the display is well made. When the device senses inactivity for up to 8 seconds, it simply shuts down.

With the Nikon ACULON you get a magnification of 6x and a large 20 mm objective lens. You also get a reliable eye relief of 16. 7mm. The optics are multi-layered to provide excellent visibility even in low light situations.

Pros

  • Simple to use
  • Comes with superior optics
  • Provides clear images even in low light

Cons

  • Not the most accurate rangefinder

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Our top choices for the Best Hunting Rangefinder Under $250. But which is the best rangefinder in the list? That title will have to go to the old RX-1200i rangefinder. When you are out hunting you want an equipment that can withstand the weather elements and also provide you with accurate readings. The Leupold RX-1200i (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE) has a large objective lens and comes with DNA technology for accurate measurements.

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