While the use of a rangefinder found its origin in the realm of hunting, the benefits of purchasing a rangefinder can now be found in areas such as surveying, archery, and golf. For those of you who engage in any of the previously stated activities, a rangefinder is an essential piece of equipment.
Much is to be considered in the purchase of a rangefinder, and let's get real – the price is at the top of the list. Finding a good rangefinder for under $200 is what this article is all about, and I'm sure that you will know what you need to know to make the right choice by the end.
Finding a rangefinder that is conveniently portable and is best suited for what you will be doing is essential. Taking into account the rangefinder's protective casing, if it has scanning capabilities, and if it is easy to use is also critical.
Many of you may be wondering at this point what a rangefinder is or how it would actually benefit you. I have compiled a list of 8 rangefinders under $200, their specs, pros and cons, and a buyer's guide to assist in answering your questions.
Contents
- Top 8 Best Rangefinders Under 200
- 1. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 - Best Laser Rangefinder Under 200
- 2. Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Bone Collector Cam
- 3. Simmons Hunting Laser Rangefinder; Volt & Venture Models
- 4. TecTecTec VPRO500 - Best Golf Rangefinder Under 200
- 5. Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinders
- 6. Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder
- 7. TecTecTec ProWild - Best Hunting Rangefinder Under 200
- 8. Halo XLR1500-8 1500 Yard Laser Range Finder
- Buyer's Guide
- Final Thoughts
Top 8 Best Rangefinders Under 200
Image | Product Name | Rating | Header |
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(paid link) | Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder | 4.4
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 (paid link) | Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Bone Collector Cam | 4.5
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 (paid link) | Simmons Hunting Laser Rangefinder; Volt & Venture Models | 4.3
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 (paid link) | TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder | 4.3
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 (paid link) | Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinders | 4.8
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 (paid link) | Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder | 4.4
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 (paid link) | TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder | 4.5
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 (paid link) | Halo XLR1500-8 1500 Yard Laser Range Finder | 3.7
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1. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 - Best Laser Rangefinder Under 200
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Here's a rangefinder that you can transport with you without any hassle due to its compact size. What's amazing about this rangefinder is that it is comfortably compact without sacrificing quality.
The ACULON is designed with the hunter, surveyor, and archer in mind and will prove to locate your target in the midst of obstructions. It is built with 18mm of eye relief and will also provide a phenomenal field of sight down range.
It's great no matter if you're a beginner or an expert as it operates with a simple click of a button while aiming it down range at your desired target. However, if you hold the button down, you can scan downrange for up to 20 seconds to get multiple reads on various targets.
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2. Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Bone Collector Cam
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In the development of this product, the originators had in mind the challenges we may face using a rangefinder in tough weather conditions. As a result, this rangefinder comes with a weather resistant case.
The Bushnell rangefinder has a sight range of up to 600 yards for those of you seeking to locate targets of greater distance. Having problems seeing your target and finding its range in darker areas? Well, this rangefinder uses crystal clear optics to assist you in low light situations.
This product was made with a rugged and durable design to ensure its use long after it is dropped and neglected. Finally, the Bushnell rangefinder is easy to use and works well with a simple push of a button.
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3. Simmons Hunting Laser Rangefinder; Volt & Venture Models
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With distance-reading capabilities of up to 625 yards, the developers clearly valued getting a proper read on long-distance targets. A simple push of the button while aiming at your target will produce an accurate read.
A unique feature that is often overlooked that is included in this rangefinder is that of a neck-strap for easy transportation and use. The Simmons Rangefinder will also prove itself to be great in all-weather conditions with its weather-resistant case.
The True Horizontal Distance feature found in this rangefinder takes into account the arch and contours of the earth to gain what could possibly be a better distance reading for your target. The Simmons rangefinder is also one that is compact and will be comfortable in your hand.
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4. TecTecTec VPRO500 - Best Golf Rangefinder Under 200
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Built for the golf enthusiast and manufactured to zero in on the closest target and not the trees behind the hole. The TecTecTec rangefinder uses what is referred to as first priority mode.
This rangefinder comes in a sleek, compact, durable, and weather-resistant case. It will prove to be a good choice on a rainy day. The product comes in a lightweight case that will be easy to carry around on the course and which adds to its convenience.
This device is easy to use with the simple push of a button and allows you to scan terrain while you hold the button down. Able to measure distances of up to 540 yards. The purchase of this product comes with a 30-day money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
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5. Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinders
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This laser rangefinder will allow you to track down distances of targets up to 1000 yards away. The simple use of the device with a click of a button also adds a sense of appeal.
Like some of the other rangefinders, the Vortex allows you to scan downrange for various distances and follow moving targets. It is designed with low light situations in mind and will prove to work well where others may fail.
This rangefinder is also waterproof and shockproof. The added feature of weather resistance allows its use in various weather or traveling conditions while also being safe with its shock proofing technology.
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6. Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder
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Here's another rangefinder that will allow you to see targets at 6x magnification. Along with this amazing range of sight, this device has different modes to tailor to the rifleman and archer alike.
It is a waterproof, compact, and tough all-in-one rangefinder. It is coated with a rubber armor to withstand falling on rocks and out of tree stands. Since the Bushnell Scout is lightweight and easy to carry, you will enjoy hassle-free transportation with this device.
This rangefinder comes with a convenient neck tie for those of you who like to drape your rangefinder around your neck for easy use. Locate targets and get their distances accurately as this product does the work of factoring in the various contours of the earth's surface as well.
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7. TecTecTec ProWild - Best Hunting Rangefinder Under 200
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The TecTectec ProWild hunting rangefinder is an extremely affordable option at around $100. This device is a lightweight hunting rangefinder, unlike this brand's rangefinder listed above that is tailored toward the golfer.
If you like the feature of being able to scan targets down range, this rangefinder has scanning capabilities by simply holding a button. Its sleek, easy-to-carry design will prove to make it hassle free. With its purchase, a case and cleaning rag are included for proper maintenance.
Like their golfing rangefinder, this rangefinder is weather resistant and durable. It also comes with a 2-year limited warranty and includes a 30-day full money back guarantee if you are not satisfied after your purchase.
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8. Halo XLR1500-8 1500 Yard Laser Range Finder
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Wow! If you want a device with a long range, you have found it. This product can produce readings of up to 1500 yards while also allowing you to swivel the eye piece to gain better clarity on your targets.
Like some of the others, the Halo XLR1500 was built to factor in the curvature and contours of the earth's surface and will produce a reading for you while taking all of those factors into account.
With this device, you can locate targets and get your distance readings on them at lightning speeds. This will ensure all you hunters out there do not miss your opportunity at your prize-winning buck.
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Buyer's Guide
You may now be wondering how to approach everything that was previously stated and come up with the best fit for you. In considering what rangefinders to purchase, a number of factors are present in determining the best option.
For starters, it is important to know how you will be using your rangefinder. When rangefinders are built, they are either built with a first or second priority mode. The first priority mode rangefinders are built with the golfer in mind, while the second has in mind the hunter, archer, and surveyor.
What is First Priority Mode ?
First priority mode allows you to zero in on a target that is not the furthest in the scope. For example, if you aim for the hole or the flag, you will not pick up the trees or dune behind it if it happens to be in the reticles.
What is Second Priority Mode ?
Second priority mode takes into consideration that oftentimes targets in archery, hunting, and surveying are hidden or obscured by things like brush or tree limbs. In this situation, you do not want to pick up on the first object in your sight but rather what you are truly aiming at beyond the obstructions.
As a result, knowing what you would want to use your rangefinder for is vitally important. First priority rangefinders can be used for hunting, archery, and surveying. Second priority rangefinders can be used for golfing as well. However, it was not what they were designed to do primarily.
With that being said, if you are going to use your rangefinder for various activities, the second priority rangefinder would have a greater variety of uses and may be a good choice for you.
Water resistant?
Finding a product that is weather resistant, easy to carry, and lightweight could make all the difference in the world. This will lead to its longevity of life, as well as it being something that is used many times over because of its hassle-free nature.
Do you need a Rangefinder that Has Scan Mode?
Oftentimes when seeking to gain a read on a target, it can be difficult to press the button at the proper time. This especially holds true regarding moving targets and long-distance targets. As a result, choosing a device that you can scan with will ensure that you are able to pick up a proper read.
Consider Maximum Distance.
What about the maximum distance reading capabilities of the various rangefinders? At the outset, numbers like 6x magnification or 1500-yard distance reading capabilities may allure some who have never owned a rangefinder before or are new in this area.
However, in purchasing a rangefinder that has an increased distance range and magnifying capabilities, what you may be unaware of is that very rarely will you benefit from locating a target 1000+ yards away.
Further, challenges arise with the increased distance capabilities found in some rangefinders. It can be difficult to zoom in and out, and also your overall field of view down range will be limited tremendously. Taking into consideration these various points will benefit you greatly in your purchase.
Final Thoughts
So here we are! How do we find the best option? We looked at a couple of different Bushnell products and a couple of different TecTecTec products. We saw the long range capabilities of the rangefinders by Halo and Vortex. Finally we took a look at some of the shorter distance options by Simmons and Nikon.
After a close look at all there is to consider, I would choose the Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder. (paid link) due to its easy use with its shorter range capabilities and ease of comfort and mobility. I like the Nikon's lightweight, compact design and believe it to be the best hassle-free option.
Along with these points, both the scanning feature and the auto turn-off feature after its use make it a must buy. Undoubtedly rangefinders are an essential piece of equipment, and Nikon has come out on top in its field as the best product among the rest.
For those of you looking into purchasing a rangefinder, the Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder is a clear choice. Click here to see the latest prices.(paid link)