We all know that the more options you have when you decide to buy a new device, the harder it is. It’s equally true that all brands advertise their products as the greatest, but are they good enough for you?
The truth is that if you want to get the best 1000 yard range finder, you have to reason in terms of your needs. That means reading all the official specs with the key offered by your purpose, and we’re here to help you sort out all that.
We’ll discuss how to make an effective choice by taking into account your needs as the main guide. Then, we’ll review eight amazing items on the market, in the hopes that you’ll find the right one for you. All this is summarized in the table below.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
| Product | Magnification/ Objective | Maximum range | Modes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildgame Innovations WGI-XT1000 | 8x | 1000 yards | Scan, angle compensation | Check price on Amazon |
| Vortex Ranger 1000 RRF-101 | 6x22 mm | 1000 yards | Line of sight, scan, angle | Check price on Amazon |
| Bushnell Hunting Series Elite | 7x | 1760 yards | BullsEye, brush, scan, ARC | Check price on Amazon |
| SA Sports 7.26 Dragon Eyez | 7x25 mm | 1500 yards | Basic model | Check price on Amazon |
| KOLSOL KY1000 | 6.5x26 mm | 1000 yards | Angle | Check price on Amazon |
| Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC | 6x | 1000 yards | Bow, rifle, ARC | Check price on Amazon |
| Bushnell Bullseye | 6x22 mm | 1100 yards | Height, speed, angle | Check price on Amazon |
| Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt | 6x | 1300 yards | Angle, speed | Check price on Amazon |
What to Consider Before Buying
As we’ve said before, it all depends on your purpose. Are you rifle hunting? Bow hunting? Target practicing? Golfing? All of the above? Well, let’s get you the right product.
Magnification and Optics
The dimensions of your product tell you much of its ultimate use. A smaller magnification means you won’t be able to see as many details, so it’s not a good rangefinder for target practice or hunting smaller game. However, it’s good enough for hunting medium-sized animals and golf.
The lens diameter tells you if you can use the rangefinder in dim light or not. A bigger diameter means an increased light transmission and good operation at dusk or dawn, which is great for hunting. Target practice and golf don’t need a big lens diameter if you’re doing these things during the day.
Maximum Range
If you’re here looking at rangefinders for 1000 yards, it’s clear you need a big maximum range. However, 1000 yards max is great for bow hunting and golf, maybe even target practice. That’s because the maximum range refers to reflective targets.
You need a bigger maximum range if you’re into long-range hunting or rifle hunting. For instance, a rangefinder that works to 1500 yards will range deer at 1200 yards, maybe. So you never get the maximum range for dark targets.
Accuracy
In terms of accuracy, the +/-1 yard is great for such a big distance, although there are even more accurate long-range rangefinders. However, that might mean a bigger budget. Just make sure the device is accurate enough for your needs. For instance, if you’re tree-standing or brush hunting, you need a device that doesn’t mistake trees for targets, which isn’t a priority for golf or target practice.
Modes
The modes you need depend on your activity. The basic scan mode is available for all rangefinders, meaning they’ll tell you the distance up to multiple targets that are on the move. But you also need angle compensation if you’re tree-standing or bow hunting.
Special bow and rifle modes are a plus in terms of versatility because you can use these modes for your specific needs. Speed and line of sight are also needed for rifle hunting, and a rain or fog mode is great for bad weather.
Materials and Design
The materials used will allow a comfortable, ergonomic grip and a durable product. You should look for a coated rubber housing, and an aluminum or titanium body. Even the plastic body is good, and though cheaper, it’s light.
Make sure the lens are clear and at least multi-coated for increased image brightness. Your rangefinder should be light and compact if you don’t want it to destabilize your weapon.
Image credit: manmakesfire.com
That said, you can also look for a complete package with the much-needed extras, like microfiber cleaning cloth, battery, neck strap, carry case, etc., but that’s not a deal-breaker. Without further ado, let’s move on to the:
Best Products on Today’s Market
We really encourage you to browse the items below, and not just because we’re the authors. They all fit different purposes, even if they’re made for the long range. We’ve also listed their pros and cons, so you know we’re not biased.
Wildgame Innovations WGI-XT1000 Range Finder
Price: Approx. $150
Weight: 14 ounces
Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.6 inches
Specific features: 8x, 5ᵒ FOV, 1000 yards maximum range, organic LED display, AI technology, scan mode, +/- 1-yard accuracy, red digital reticle, water-resistant, 1 CR2 lithium battery and carry case included
Best use: Bow hunting
The Wildgame Innovations WGI-XT1000 Range Finder is a good deal for the money, considering it gets you precise measurements, with a +/- 1-yard accuracy, up to 1000 yards for reflective targets. That means you need to cut a few hundred of yards for medium-sized targets, so it’s great for bow hunting.
Another reason why we recommend it for bow hunting is its AI technology. That takes elevation and slope into account before delivering its calculations, so you can use it even when you’re tree-standing. The 8x magnification is great for hunting medium-sized game, but it works well for varmint too.
The 5ᵒ field of view might seem a bit narrow, but that’s what you get for a bigger magnification. The organic LED display is easy to read, but you’ll have to wait a while before it computes the measurements. The red digital reticle is another plus since it’s easy to see.
The scan mode is definitely needed whether you’re bow hunting or target practicing, and it’s nice that you have a water-resistant body. However, at almost 0.9 pounds, it might be considered heavyish. We like that there’s a CR2 lithium battery in the package, and the nylon carry case is great too in terms of portability.
PROS:
- Accurate
- Resistant
- Affordable
- Narrow FOV
- Heavyish
- Prolonged waiting time for the measurements
Related: If you’re into archery, you can also take a look at the Allen Universal Archery Broadhead Wrench that’s great for tighten the broadheads of your arch. It’s small, easy to carry so it’s amazing when precision and time are of the essence.
Vortex Ranger 1000 RRF-101 Rangefinder
Price: Approx. $300
Weight: 12 ounces
Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 5 inches
Specific features: 6×22 mm, 6ᵒ FOV, 1000 yards maximum range, +/- 3 yards accuracy, fully multi-coated, O-ring seals, rubber armor housing, diopter adjustment, Line of Sight mode, Scan mode, Horizontal Component Distance, yards/ meters measurements, low light capability, red display
Best use: Bow hunting
The Vortex Ranger 1000 RRF-101 Rangefinder is another good rangefinder for bow hunting or target shooting, though you can use it for medium distances for rifle shooting too. The 1000 yards maximum range fits for reflective targets since deer can be ranged at a maximum distance of 500 yards. The precision of this device isn’t amazing, though, at +/- 3 yards accuracy, although you’ll get yards/ meters measurements.
On the other hand, the optics are great. The 6x means you’ll be able to make humane kills, hunt varmint or hit a bullseye. The 6ᵒ field of view might seem a bit narrow, and the 22 mm lens diameter somewhat small for optimal light transmission, but this device has a low light capability.
We love the red display that’s easy to read and the quality fully multi-coated optics that render bright images. The O-ring seals construction along with the rubber armor housing makes this rangefinder waterproof, fog proof and dust proof. However, the device is made out of plastic, which is cheaper, yet light and resistant.
You’ll get a diopter adjustment for accurate focus, and various modes: scan for following multiple, moving targets, line of sight for ignoring the background and a horizontal component distance for angle compensation.
PROS:
- Ergonomic
- User-friendly
- Great optics
- Not that accurate
- Plastic housing
Related: We recommend you get the Vortex Harness Strap for this rangefinder or for your other optics, including binoculars. This strap is a good addition to your hunting equipment, it allows free use of your hands and evenly distributes the weight of your optics on your back and shoulders.
Bushnell Hunting Series Elite Laser Rangefinder
Price: Approx. $400
Weight: 12.2 ounces
Dimensions: 16.9 x 50.8 x 37 inches
Specific features: 7x, fully multi-coated, 5-1760 yards range, +/-0.5 yard accuracy, wireless configuration via smartphone app, three custom ballistic curves allowed, ARC rifle mode
Best use: Rifle hunting
The Bushnell Hunting Series Elite Laser Rangefinder is a great rangefinder for rifle hunting, seeing as the distance it works at varies between 5 to 1760 yards. It’s also a precise device, with a +/-0.5 yard accuracy, and a large capacity for customization which shows focus on user experience.
There are three custom ballistic curves allowed, which you can configure wireless via an app installed on your smartphone. Plus, there are various modes that make this rangefinder perfect for rifle hunting. The Variable sight-in means you can sight it at various distances between 100 and 300 yards.
The ARC rifle mode takes into account the angle, the BullsEye mode distinguishes a target from its cluttered background, the brush mode is great for brush hunting, and the scan mode we’ve already discussed.
The construction of this rangefinder is top notch too. The 7x magnification renders it great for humane kills or smaller game, while the full multi-coating creates bright images. This device is waterproof thanks to the rain guard HD treatment, and the diopter adjustment makes it easy to focus.
That said, the only downsides we can possibly think of regarding this product are its more expensive price and the fact that it can be considered a bit heavy.
PROS:
- Versatile
- Good clarity
- Accurate
- Customizable
- Heavyish
- More expensive
Related: We recommend the Kestrel Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics if you want to know all sorts of precise measurements that might influence your hunt. Elevation, windage, temperature, and pressure are just a few of the data it shows, but you can customize it so it can fit your rifle hunting needs.
SA Sports 7.26 Dragon Eyez Rangefinder
Price: Approx. $160
Weight: 6.6 ounces
Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 3 inches
Specific features: 7×25 mm, 10ᵒ FOV, rain mode, 1500 yards maximum range, LCD display, yards and meter measurements, water-resistant, case, lanyard, and cloth included
Best use: Hunting on level ground
The SA Sports 7.26 Dragon Eyez Rangefinder is a reliable rangefinder for long-range shooting, considering its maximum range is 1500 yards. The 7x magnification is big enough for precise details and accurate shots, even if you’re after smaller game, and the corresponding 10ᵒ FOV is wider than we would have expected.
The 25 mm lens diameter is good enough for light transmission during the day, but you also get a rain mode for those cloudier days when you’re out hunting. The LCD display is easy to read and this device is water resistant. And even if you’ll get measurements in both yards and meters, which shows interest in user experience, there is no angle compensation.
Another disadvantage is that the battery runs out when you’re not using it, so you should take it out. This is an affordable product that performs well, but it doesn’t have many additional features other than the basic advertised ones. The package is complete though, with a case, lanyard and cloth included.
PROS:
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Works in low light
- Easy to read display
- Basic model
- Battery runs out when not in use
- No angle measurements
Related: We recommend the Mildot Enterprises Mildot Master if you’re more old-fashioned and like to do the math yourself. This calculator helps you deduce bullet drop compensation, windage, and even the angle compensation, along with the sight adjustment in MOA and hold over in MILs.
KOLSOL KY1000 Laser Rangefinder
Price: Approx. $130
Weight: 5 ounces
Dimensions: 4.1 x 1.3 x 2.5 inches
Specific features: 6.5x 26 mm, premium clear lens, multicoated, 1000 yards maximum range, +/-0.5 yards accuracy, +/-0.1 yards display accuracy, yards and meter measurements, Pinsensor technology, 1 CR2-3V battery required
Best use: Bowhunting
The KOLSOL KY1000 Laser Rangefinder is another reliable bow hunting rangefinder because it reaches a maximum range of 1000 yards for reflective targets. The 6.5 x is big enough for rendering precise details up to this distance, so you can hunt different-size game. The 26 mm lens diameter is also good enough for light transmission and hence bright images.
The lens is qualitative for the price, considering it is premium clear and multi-coated for image crispness. We love the accuracy of its readings too, they’re even better than some of the more expensive products. However, the measuring time can add up to 3 seconds, which might be too much when the time is of the essence.
At +/-0.5 yards accuracy and +/-0.1 yards display accuracy, this is definitely a reliable device, and the Pinsensor technology is great for angle compensation and reliable calculations. We love the focus on user experience since you get measurements in both yards and meters. The package is complete with case, belt loop, and cloth, but you have to buy the required CR2 3V battery yourself.
PROS:
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Good optics
- Light
- 3 seconds measuring time
Related: This rangefinder needs charging, so why not choose the NOCO Genius G3500 Smart Battery Charger? You can also use it on your other optics, so it’s a wise investment.
Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC Laser Rangefinder
Price: Approx. $200
Weight: 6.6 ounces
Dimensions: 5.5 x 5 x 3 inches
Specific features: 6 x, 5-1000 yards range, class 1<0.5 mW laser, ARC technology, ESP technology, +/-0.5 yards accuracy, +/-0.1 yards display accuracy, bow mode, rifle mode, variable sight-in, diopter adjustment, waterproof, fog proof, case, battery and neck strap
Best use: Bow, rifle hunting
The Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC Laser Rangefinder is a versatile rangefinder, that can be used for bow hunting and rifle hunting alike. Thanks to its 5-1000 yards range, you can shoot up close or further away, targeting smaller and medium-size game.
The 6x magnification offers precise details at this range, so you can take accurate shots, but for non-reflective targets, this maximum range decreases considerably. Moreover, it’s not a rangefinder intended to be used in very dim light.
The class 1<0.5 mW laser is powerful and saves energy, but we love the ESP technology used, so you can take fast shots. The accuracy stats look great with +/-0.5 yards accuracy and +/-0.1 yards display accuracy. And you have diopter adjustment for fast focus, but the eye relief is too small so it’s pretty hard if you wear eyeglasses.
There are plenty of modes that emphasize this device’s versatility. The ARC technology calculates the angle, there are both bow and rifle modes, and the variable sight-in allows you to sight it in at different distances. The waterproof and fog proof construction screams durability, and the package is complete with included case, battery and neck strap.
PROS:
- Versatile
- Accurate
- Durable
- Not for dim light
- Not for dark targets
- Difficult for people who wear eyeglasses
Related: The Viridian CR2 3v Lithium Battery are just the batteries you need for this rangefinder. They have a long shelf life, they’re produced by a trustworthy brand, and they can be used with other optics too.
Bushnell Bullseye Rangefinder
Price: Approx. $150
Weight: 8.25 ounces
Specific features: 6×22 mm, 7.5° FOV, 9-1100 yards, +/-0.5-1 yards accuracy, height, speed, and angle measurements, scan mode, weatherproof, single button use, carry case, wrist strap, cloth and CR2 3V battery included
Best use: Golf, hunting, target practice
The Bushnell Bullseye Rangefinder is a reliable, affordable rangefinder. Since it works at a 9-1100 yards range, it’s great for golf, bow hunting, and target practice. But the reason it’s so versatile has more to do with its measurements, which render accurate height, speed, and angle.
The 6x magnification is good for specific details and hitting that bullseye, with a good field of view of 7.5°, so you can even go hunting. The 22 mm diameter can work well during the day but might be a little problematic for dim light. We love the +/-0.5 yards accuracy up to 400 yards, and +/-1 yards when you’re ranging over 400 yards.
This is a weatherproof rated rangefinder, so you can use it regardless of how bad the weather gets when you’re on the field. The single button operation is easy, but might be difficult for beginners who need to learn how many pushes they need for a certain action. However, the package is complete with a carry case, wrist strap, cloth and CR2 3V battery included.
PROS:
- Multiple modes
- Accurate
- Versatile uses
- Not for dim light
- Beginners need to learn how to operate it
Related: If bowhunting is your poison, you can always get the Rage Bowhunting CrossbowX Mechanical Broadhead, which has the awesome Ferrule Alignment Technology for the utmost precision.
Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt Rangefinder
Price: Approx. $350
Weight: 8 ounces
Dimensions: 4.1 x 1.4 x 3 inches
Specific features: 6x, 5-1300 yards, +/-0.5 yards accuracy to 125 yards, +/-1 yard accuracy to 1300 yards, class 1<0.5 mW laser, Pin seeker technology, ESP, Vivid Display technology, Jolt technology, waterproof, carry case included
Best use: Golf, tournament play
The Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt Rangefinder is a great rangefinder for golf, and it’s even legal for tournament play. That doesn’t mean you can’t use it for other purposes, including hunting, thanks to its 5-1300 yards range. The 6x is also great for observing minute details and taking accurate shots.
The +/-0.5 yards accuracy to 125 yards and +/-1 yard accuracy to 1300 yards is a definite plus, and we appreciate the qualitative class 1<0.5 mW laser used. The construction is waterproof, so you can use it even when it’s raining, and the included carry case is great for portability.
But what we love most are the various modes and technologies used, which help you do better on the field. The Pin seeker is great even when you’re shooting at an angle, the Extreme Speed Precision is an asset for fast shots, and the Vivid Display technology will help you read the display with ease. However, the instruction manual isn’t that detailed.
What takes the cake is the Jolt technology, though. This will give you short vibrations when the laser has locked on a target, so it saves you time. However, you should know it doesn’t work so well around trees, which it picks as targets, so you have to range it a few times to have an accurate measurement.
PROS:
- Latest technologies
- Highly accurate
- Resistant
- Laconic instructions
- Not for brush/ tree hunting
Related: You’ll need a battery to work this device, so why not get the Energizer EL1CRBP-2 3-Volt Lithium Photo Battery? This is a pack of two, it doesn’t auto-discharge and it lasts longer than other alkaline batteries. Plus, it works in extreme temperatures.
Wrap Up
Are you more impressed by a versatile rangefinder like the Bushnell Hunting Series Elite, that can be used for many different activities? Or would you rather get a rangefinder for a specific activity? Do you need extreme precision, like that offered by Bushnell Scout DX? Or can you deal with a more lax measuring offered by the Vortex Optics Ranger? Is the retail price on top of your priority list?
Would you be happy with a basic model like the SA Sports 7.26 Dragon Eyez, or do you want a highly customizable, multiple-modes rangefinder?
These are some of the many factors you need to consider. The choice is obviously yours, but we’d like it if you’d consider sharing it with us. The comments are right below, so tell us what you’re getting and why.
