Scopes and Optics

4 Best Vortex Rangefinders for Archery

Vortex Rangefinder for Archery

Vortex Rangefinder for Archery

It’s good to invest in a good-quality rangefinder if you are an archery fanatic. A Vortex rangefinder for Archery will undoubtedly improve your archery skills and experience as well. Knowing the important features you need in your range finder is critical to choosing the best one. However, you might find it challenging to know where you are supposed to start especially if you are new in the field of archery.

Vortex ranks among the top-rated brands when it comes to making good-quality optics. This is still the case with their rangefinders. Vortex rangefinders help archers accurately measure the distance to their target and the advanced versions also calculate wind direction and speed. If you are in the market looking for a good quality range finder for archery, below is a review of our favorites from the vortex brand. Let’s take a look.

Here is a quick list

PRODUCT IMAGE PRICE
#1) Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinder Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinder  
#2) Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinder Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinder  
#3) Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10×42 Laser Range Finding Binoculars Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Laser Range Finding Binoculars  
#4) Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder  

 

 

Criteria for Choosing the Best Vortex Rangefinder for Archery

1. Angle Calculation

One of the most important features that a rangefinder offers an archer is the ability to calculate angles. First, the rangefinder is supposed to tell you what the angle is. Is the target on level ground or is it at a certain angle? Next, it needs to make calculations based on the distance and the angle at which the target is.  Shooting a target at 25 yards on level ground is different from shooting a target at the same distance but at a different angle. Having a device that can tell you precisely what the distance is with the angle calculated will make a significant difference on the hunt, especially if you’ll be hunting from a tripod.

See Also: Best Hunting Rangefinder with Slope

 

2. Range

When it comes to archery, a rangefinder with 1000 yards or more might not be necessary. Since most rangefinders don’t work very well at their maximum range, the general rule of the thumb is to select a rangefinder with double the range that you need. A 1000 yards rangefinder will do a better job with a target at 300 yards than a rangefinder rated for 500 yards will.

3. View screen

Another important aspect of any rangefinder for archery is the view screen. You need to read the information presented to you without experiencing any difficulties. The views on the view screen should be clear even in low light conditions such as dusk and dawn. The other important aspect of the view screen is the eye relief. Usually measured in mm, eye relief states how far the eyes need to be from the eyepiece to have clear views of the images. The more generous and consistent the eye relief is the better, especially for those people who put on eyeglasses.

4. Magnification

Look for a rangefinder that offers a versatile zoom range. Most rangefinders offer 4x to 8x magnification. Magnification is important when you are ranging your targets as it helps you precisely place the rangefinder reticle on the object you want to range. A rangefinder with a versatile magnification range will enable you to shoot at both long and short-range distances.

5. Lens quality

For you to have clear target views, you’ll need to have an optic with high-quality lenses. Just like the optical components in a high-quality rifle scope, the lenses of your rangefinder should have special lens coatings. The purpose of this coatings is to enhance light transmission needed for bright and clear target views. Typically, several lens coatings result in brighter image views, especially when hunting during low light conditions such as dusk or dawn. For the best image quality, look for a rangefinder with fully multi-coated lenses.

6. Price

Depending on how much your budget is, you should expect to pay between $200 and $800 for a good quality rangefinder. As the saying goes ‘you get what you pay for’ there are highly accurate military-grade rangefinders for tactical use that come with hefty price tags. A complicated, high-tech, overly heavy rangefinder may work best for long-range accuracy, but it isn’t going to be very useful to a hunter who needs something that’s lightweight and easy to use. Most rangefinders for hunting and archery are much more affordable with rugged construction to withstand outdoor use.

7. Water resistance

You should never overlook your rangefinder’s ability to prevent water from shorting out its sensitive electronics. It is therefore important to get one that’s fully waterproof and fog proof as well. Mother Nature is always unpredictable and there’s also dew and puddle to consider.

8. Durability

Unlike a golf rangefinder, your archery rangefinder is going to undergo more impacts and shocks. Other than being just waterproof, your archery rangefinder needs to be both shockproof and impact resistant. Always look out for the craftsmanship and the quality of the materials used to ensure that you are getting something out of the rangefinder even in the harshest outdoor environments.

9. Aiming points and reticles

Reticles and aiming points in any rangefinder are there to provide the user with a centralized point where you can shoot your target. Rangefinder devices have different reticles which address different issues for various shooting activities and conditions. Laser range finding reticles are also very different. Other range-finding devices also feature illuminated reticles suitable for nighttime shooting.

Vortex Rangefinder for Archery Reviews

#1) Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinder

Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinder

 

 

 

 

Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinder ranks among the best hunting rangefinders in the market today. This is a good all-around rangefinder suitable for hunting and archery as well. It features a compact design that’s notably smaller than many other models which makes it lightweight and easy to handle. With a highly intuitive and easy-to-use menu, this ranger keeps things easy while still providing a high level of performance.

Three reticle brightness settings make it suitable for use in different lighting conditions while the fully multi-coated lenses deliver optimal light transmission. Furthermore, the scan mode gives range readings as you pan across the terrain or track a moving target. For reliable performance in all weather conditions, the ranger is O-ring sealed for waterproof performance. It is ideal for bow hunters, gun hunters, and tactical shooters as well.

Key Features

  • Fully waterproof.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses.
  • A highly intuitive menu makes the scope easy to use.
  • Compatible with a tripod adapter.
  • Textured rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip.
  • A removable utility cap makes it easy to pack.
  • Three brightness settings.
  • The scan feature gives continuous range readings as you pan across a moving target.
  • Reliable performance under different lighting conditions.

Pros

  • Very easy to use
  • Extremely accurate

Cons

  • Comes with a case that is not fully enclosed meaning dirt or dust can get in

 

 

 

#2) Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinder

Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinder

 

 

 

 

With bright, crystal clear target views and the ability to range far away targets, there is a lot to love about the Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinder. This device has an impressive 1,000-yard reflective ranging ability and if things get up close and personal, it ranges down targets up to 5 yards. The lightweight design makes it convenient to carry around while the highly intuitive and easy-to-use menu makes it suitable for archery beginners and professionals alike.

The scan feature can be used to range moving targets or help range smaller targets on uniform backgrounds in either HCD or LOS modes. Furthermore, the added 6x magnification brings far-away targets closer for a more accurate shooting. Fully multi-coated lenses deliver optimal light transmission even in low light conditions. To ensure worry-free all-weather reliability, the device is fully waterproof and shockproof.

Key Features

  • Lightweight and portable.
  • 5-1000 yards range.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Scan feature gives continuous range readings as you pan across a moving target.
  • Reliable performance under different weather conditions.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses.
  • Highly intuitive menu makes the scope easy to use.
  • 6x magnification provides more accurate ranging.
  • Primary HCD mode displays angle compensated distance.

Pros

  • Great construction
  • You get clear views
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not great for users with shaky hands

 

 

 

#3) Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10×42 Laser Range Finding Binoculars

Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Laser Range Finding Binoculars

 

 

Perfect for both hunting and archery, this rangefinder combines two of the most important hunting gear into one powerful, long-range unit, the Fury HD 5000 10×42 Laser Range Finding Binoculars. The device makes glassing and ranging ultra-fast and highly efficient. Additionally, the right side button controls make one-handed manipulation of both functions quick and easy, saving you time while on the field.

The scan feature can be used to range moving targets or help range smaller targets on uniform backgrounds in both ranging and target modes. The multi-position eyecups twist up and down, providing you with a customized eye relief suitable for those who put on eyeglasses. The center focus wheel adjusts the focus of both binocular barrels simultaneously to deliver extra-sharp target views. The roof prism construction is designed to be compact yet durable while the shockproof construction withstands the highest levels of recoil and impact. All its lenses are fully coated to deliver optimal light transmission.

Key Features

  • Multi-position eyecups.
  • Roof prism design.
  • Compact yet very durable.
  • Shockproof construction.
  • Armortek exterior lens coating.
  • The Center focus wheel delivers ultra-sharp target views.
  • Intuitive and easy to use.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Rubber armor housing provides a secure, non-slip grip.
  • Tripod adaptable.
  • Reliable performance under different weather conditions.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses.

Pros

  • Can range in both meters and yards
  • The menu is very easy to use
  • Image clarity is exceptional

Cons

  • Price-expensive

 

 

 

#4) Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder

Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder

 

 

If you are an avid shooter, you already understand that a dependable rangefinder is key piece of your hunting or archery gear. From bright, ultra-clear target views to the ability to range far away targets, there is so much to love about the Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000. This device has an impressive 4,000 yards reflective ranging capability and four different target modes; normal, first, last, and extended laser range.

Additionally, this device features three separate scanning modes, one which measures distance along the actual line of sight, one that measures the angle compensated distance, and a scan mode that displays continuous readings of the terrain. With the 7x magnification, far away targets are brought closer to you while the unique HD optical system provides exceptional image resolution, brightness, and color fidelity. The rangefinder also features an Armortek lens coating to protect the lenses and an exterior rubber coating that provides a secure, non-slip grip. For all-weather reliability, the device is fully waterproof and fog proof. You can therefore use it under any adverse weather condition.

Key Features

  • Intuitive, easy-to-use menu.
  • O-ring sealed to deliver waterproof performance.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses deliver optimal light transmission.
  • Armortek lens coating.
  • Allows for ranging in yards or meters.
  • Durable and shockproof construction.
  • Rubber armor housing provides a secure, non-slip grip.
  • Tripod adapter compatible.
  • 4 target modes; normal, first, last and extended lase ranges.
  • Versatile 7x magnification.

Pros

  • High-quality glass
  • Easy to use
  • Ranges return very fast

Cons

  • Average display

 

Vortex Rangefinder for Archery: FAQs.

  • Is a rangefinder necessary for archery?

If you intend to shoot at a distance more than 200 yards, you’ll need to have a rangefinder to stay accurate on your target. It will help you estimate how far the target is before you make the shot.

  • Which is the best rangefinder for archery?

A decent rangefinder for archery comes with a decent maximum range gauging capability depending on the distance you’ll be shooting. It should be compact and lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh you down as you maneuver around in the field.  Additionally, the display should come with an angle compensator to eradicate any guesswork.

  • Can you use a golf range finder for archery?

Yes. As long as you are engaged yourself in short-range archery, you can use a golf range finder for archery.  For archery purposes, you’ll need to have a second target priority mode, which isn’t compulsory for golf. This feature needs to be there if you intend to use device for both activities.

 

Conclusion

Investing in any vortex rangefinder model reviewed above will help improve your archery skills and accuracy. All the models above deliver accurate distance calculations and place them on the view screen that’s easy to use. The models are also easy to use, making them ideal for those new in the world of archery and professionals alike.  Depending on what Vortex rangefinder for archery you decide to go with, it is our hope that this review has positively influenced your choice and helped you find the right device as well.