Cheep to mid rangfinder, what is the best bang for the buck?

[peternov01]

I want to get a rangefinder but all I plan on using it for is under 600 yards. Don't hunt much now but never know. What I plan on is just marking distances in the Sierra Nevada mtns when I camp and want to do some random shooting. I want it to be clear and easy to read and preferably under 300 or even better 200.
Anyone have and ideas?

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[2506]

Vortex Ranger, about $300 at Cabela's. I got mine on sale for about $250.

 

[Xaevian]

I use a Nikon laser rangefinder. It works well, and I got it on sale for around $100. I'm not at home so I am not sure of the model, probably am aculon or a prostaff. I haven't ranged anything longer than 450 yds with it, tho. Use it hunting.

 

[edzz]

I use a Vortex Range also. Great warranty.

 

[P7M13]

Go to stores, try a bunch. Pay attention to readout visibility and sight clarity. Some brands have varied results when you get to the rated range. I have a leica rangemaster 1200 (bought used) that only gets me to 1K, which is more than enough. Also depends on what your target is: I have gotten better results ranging doug fir or structures than rocks and dirt. Sometimes on Mt. Hood I will range the adjacent ridge (usually too far). YMMV.
Back when I was shopping for one, Sportsmans let me take rangefinders outside to test how they worked at a long distance.

 

[whiskeybill]

I picked up a factory refurbished rangefinder at Midway a couple years ago for around $150, ranges to 850 yards. It works well enough.

 

[peternov01]

thanks guys, i guess i need to go check a few out.

 

[j8tnub]

SIG Kilo1600BDX. Got rangefinder, great price and comes with a ballistic calculator out to 800 yds

 

[CastleRocker]

I bought a used Leica 1000 for $150 about 5 years ago. Best clarity, (better than the bino's I was using at the time), and would range way further than the 1000 yds that was advertised. I've had just about every brand of low to mid range priced range finders. Still have the Leica's.

 

[jnynetwk]

I bought the Sig Sauer 4x20 KILO1200 Laser Rangefinder on Amazon in May for $150. I don't have a lot of experience with this type of thing (this is my first) but it seems clear and works well. I'd recommend it. Comes with a nice "leather" pouch you can put on your belt or I use it to keep from getting scratched up on my range bag.

 

[8x68s]

Redfield

 

[kenboy]

Like how fast my Leupold gives readout.