Long range shooting is a sport enjoyed by many whether they are in competition or hunting.
However, shooting long range is complicated and can lead to severe frustration without the right tools.
One tool that you should have in your arsenal is a rangefinder for long range shooting.
The best long range rangefinder should be able to range up to 800 yards or more.
They come with various advanced technological features to calculate the most accurate distance to the target.
Unfortunately, not all rangefinders are created equal so we took it upon ourselves to research and make things easier for you.
Read on to find out what made our best rangefinders for long range shooting lists.
After reading this article, be sure to check out our best gun mounted rangefinder post that shows you a DIY approach to mounting your long range rangefinder to your gun.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
- Range: 1200 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.3 oz
9 best rangefinders for long range shooting
Best long range rangefinder: Low-priced
LaserWorks S7 Hunting Rangefinder
- Range: 1200 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 11.64 oz
The LaserWorks S7 Hunting rangefinder is the cheapest on our list.
Despite its low price, it is still a great option and has an impressive range up to 1200 yards with 6x magnification.
It comes with a pin seeking scan mode and angle compensation for precise readings when tracking moving targets.
The LaserWorks S7 is waterproof and built for use in harsh hunting environments.
This easy to use rangefinder comes with a 1-year warranty.
- CONSISTENT ACCURATE YARDAGE–S7 provides consistant reading. It gets reliable reading in all the…
- EASY TO PICK UP DISTANCE TO VARIOUS OBJECTS–S7 works for hazards, traps, animals, bunkers, golf…
- PREMIUM SLOPE FUNCTION FOR GOLF & HUNTING–S7 is incorporated with both hunting and golf slope…
- Range: 1200 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.3 oz
The Aofar HX-1200T rangefinder just like the LaserWorks S7 can range distances up to 1200 yards with 6x magnification.
It can also show angles and horizontal distances and uses pin sensor technology.
Additionally, it was built to keep you in action no matter the hunting environment with its dustproof, waterproof, and fog proof nature.
However, unlike the LaserWorks S7, The Aofar HX-1200T costs a few dollars more and comes with a 2-year warranty.
This makes it one of the best value rangefinders at this price point.
Bushnell Engage Hunting Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 1300 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.9 oz
Bushnell is one of the leading names in the hunting industry and it is no surprise they have some of the best rangefinders for long range shooting.
The Bushnell Engage brings together affordability and quality to give you a rangefinder with a 50% larger objective lens to deliver clean and clear results up to 1300 yards.
With 6x magnification and arc technology, get out there and get going no matter the terrain.
The all-glass optical system is fully multi-coated while the body uses EXO barrier technology that repels dirt and debris.
Best long range rangefinder: Mid-priced
Sig Sauer 4×20 KILO1200 Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 1600 yards
- Magnification: 4x
- Weight: 12 oz
The Sig Sauer Kilo1200 provides a hassle-free user experience despite its use of the most advanced and fastest digital processing engine available today.
Scan landscapes up to 1600 yards with 4x magnification in multiple modes.
HyperScan mode gives you 4 range updates per second thanks to the use of lightwave DSP technology.
RangeLock will report the last range results when ranging targets in the distance.
Additionally, you can select from LOS mode or AMR (angle modified range).
- Uses 1 CR-1 battery
- High Transmittance LCD display
- Revolutionary Lightwave DSP Technology
Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 1800 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.7 oz
The Vortex Optics 1800 is a lightweight, easy-to-use device with an illuminated display and intuitive menu display for use in difficult hunting conditions.
With the ability to range up to 1800 yards, 6x magnification, and 3 modes, it is one of the most versatile rangefinders for long-distance shooting.
HCD mode deals with angle compensation while LOS calculates long-distance shots with high angles and Scan mode gives continuous range readings when tracking moving targets.
Furthermore, the 1800 Ranger has three brightness settings and fully multicoated lenses for use in various lighting conditions.
Bushnell Elite Rangefinder 1 Mile with CONX
- Range: 1760 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 12.1 oz
The Bushnell Elite rangefinder provides a technological advantage to long-range shooters by interacting with your smartphone.
Connect via CONX and set up the ballistic rangefinder right from your phone.
Load up to 3 Custom Ballistics to get the most accurate reading ever.
It comes with an ARC Rifle, Bullseye, Brush, and Scan mode.
This Bushnell rangefinder is easy to use, ranges up to 1760 yards, and has 7x magnification.
With all these advanced technological functions, we can safely say the Bushnell Elite 1 mile rangefinder is the best ballistic rangefinder on the market.
For more on the brand, click on our Best Bushnell Rangefinders post.
- Ranges from 5-1,760 yards with 1/10-yard display precision and 7 times magnification
- Laser wirelessly communicates with the conx app on both iOS and Android platforms and allows…
- Wind data is incorporated into holdover values with the use of approved kestrel wind meters (not…
Best long range rangefinder: High-priced
Nikon BLACK RANGEX Rangefinder
- Range: 4000 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.3 oz
This super-long distance rangefinder gives you accurate measurements up to 4000 yards and 6x magnification.
Although the price is a bit steep, the Nikon Black RangeX is your best if you go long range shooting regularly.
The rangefinder has a red OLED display which proved useful in dark light.
Another win is the 5 adjustable brightness levels which further assist you when lighting conditions are less than ideal.
Equipped with Nikon’s ID technology and hyper read functions, the RangeX 4k accounts for faster readouts and shooting angles so you can get your best shot.
Choose between Priority Mode that lets you range to a small object or Distant Priority Target Mode to range the farthest target.
- Measurement range is 10-4, 000 yards. Size (length x width x height): 4.3 x 1.6 x 2.9 inch
- Max range: reflective target is 4, 000 yards tree is 1, 700 yards Deer is 1, 500 yards
- High-visibility Red OLED display provides ideal contrast on distant targets with automatic or five…
Bushnell G-Force DX ARC Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 1300 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 8 oz
The multipurpose Bushnell G-Force is your all in one rangefinder for golfing, hunting and archery.
The maximum range is 1300 yards and 6x magnification lets you see everything in your path clearly.
Making use of Bushnell ARC laser technology and a 2nd Generation E.S.P. Turbo processor gives you unrivaled precision and speed with the G-Force DX.
This Bushnell rangefinder comes with a slope compensation that measures the relative angle to a target up to 90° uphill or downhill.
Rifle hunters benefit from the Rifle mode which gives you both turrets and holdover adjustments for the scope.
Bowhunters, on the other hand, get true horizontal distance from 5–99 yards in Bow mode.
The G-Force DX is fully waterproof and ruggedly built with the option to adjust the brightness levels so lighting is never a problem.
- Super sharp 6x optics enhanced with Vivid Display Technology (VDT) to dramatically improves…
- Bow-mode (provides true horizontal distance from 5-99 yards); Rifle mode (provides…
- 2nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme Speed Precision); 5-1300 yards effective range; 1/2 yard accuracy and…
Leupold RX-2800 TBR Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 2800 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 7.9 oz
Another big name in the hunting arena, Leupold rangefinders were made to improve your chances of hitting your target.
It can accurately measure the distance to target up to a whopping 2800 yards away.
See your target clearly with 7x magnification and Leupold’s signature fog proofing feature.
The Leupold Rx-2800 comes with 3 reticle options, Plus point, Duplex, and Duplex with Plus Point.
There is also Scan mode that gives continuous range updates so there is no stopping or slowing you down.
To kick things up a notch, Leupold RX-2800 uses an Alpha IQ ranging engine for faster acquisitions to target.
Moreover, the True Ballistic Range with Wind (TBR-W) technology takes into account the incline, range, and ballistics information for precision.
The RX-2800 is the best hunting rangefinder out there and rightfully so.
If you would like to learn more about the Leupold brand, here’s our Leupold Rangefinder Reviews post.
Otherwise, check out this article if you are looking for the Best Hunting Rangefinder.
- Great for any outdoor enthusiast
- Made in the USA
- Very easy to use
Advantages of using a long range rangefinder
Shooting long distances is no easy task so what are some of the advantages of using a long range rangefinder?
The advantages are many so stay with me as I try to summarize and make it an easy read for you.
“Long range” in this instance varies in definition and it all depends on the user.
However, in most cases when referring to “long range shooting”, it usually means shooting a target over 800 yards.
Our Best 1000 yard Rangefinder post will be helpful here.
For golfing the basic yardage is about 450 while hunting is about 600 so a rangefinder with these yardages will not benefit you for long range shooting.
Short range rangefinders use wide beam divergence laser technology which continues to widen with each successful yard.
This will leave you with inaccurate reading when ranging objects at long ranges.
That is why rangefinder for long range shooting uses Low Beam Divergence laser technology that gives you measurements as accurate as +- 1 yard out to 450 yards and beyond.
A long range shooting rangefinder will give you precise and accurate measurements with a few advanced functions.
For instance, when hunting with a rifle, a Ballistic feature comes in handy.
The Ballistic function can give you measurements after calculating any elevation change between you and the target.
Additionally, trying to spot a target that is in the distance can be hard, and moving closer may spook your target.
With a long range shooting rangefinder, spot your target from over 1000 yards away since they feature some serious magnification power.
On top of that, most long distance rangefinders are quick which is an important factor when hunting.
Your prey is not going to stick around so a device that works fast is very beneficial to you.
Last but not least, these rangefinders are built to tackle the rough and harsh environment where most long range shooting takes place.
They come fully loaded with waterproofing, fog proofing and shock proofing capabilities to keep you going.
They are ruggedly built with durable materials usually protected by a rubberized armor that makes it easy to grip the rangefinder when your hands are wet.
A unit that fits all these criteria is the Leica 1600b rangefinder.
Things to consider when choosing long distance rangefinders
With the market saturated with long-distance rangefinders, choosing one can be a daunting task.
However, do not despair as I will tell you some of the things to consider when choosing the best long distance rangefinders.
Price
First and foremost, set out a budget and decide how much you are willing to spend.
I know you may have already spent a ton on your rifle and or bow but some of the best rangefinders come at a steep price.
The more advanced features a long range shooting rangefinder has, the higher the price but they come with a warranty as well which makes them great value for the money.
Think of it this way, the better the rangefinder, the higher your chances are of hitting your target.
It may be your one shot and you don’t want to miss it.
That being said, if you check above at some of the rangefinders in our review, you can get some great models for less than $200.
Distance
The most important factor to consider for long range shooting is the distance your rangefinder can accurately measure up to.
Some rangefinder for long range shooting can measure as much as 4000 yards away.
When choosing the ranging distance, keep in mind the type of hunting or competition you’ll be partaking in.
A key point to note is that it is better to have the distance and not use it than needing the distance and not having it.
But if you know that the distance is never going to change, buy accordingly.
Magnification
Magnification is especially important for those who do long range shooting but does not have excellent eyesight.
Long distance rangefinders on our list comes with magnification power from 4x to 7x which is more than enough.
The higher the magnification, the clearer your long range target becomes.
Advanced features
If you shoot in an uneven terrain then an advanced feature like Angle Compensation will be most helpful.
Angle Compensation takes into consideration any uphill and downhill incline and gives you the most accurate reading.
Ballistic feature on a rangefinder accounts for bullet weight, velocity, barrel length, twist, and environmental variables.
This is done due to the use of top of the line software and processors to give you precise shooting solutions (hold-over, come-up, and hold-off).
Some ballistic rangefinders can go as far as connecting to your smartphone with a downloaded App via Bluetooth and allow shooters to build a “Custom Ballistic Profile” with their data.
Advanced features increase your chances of hitting your target and may come at a higher price but well worth it.
Build
Long-distance rangefinders are used in some less than ideal terrains and as such, they need to be sturdily built.
They need to be able to tackle horrible weather conditions as well as slipping from your hands
These rangefinders do not come cheap so make sure you check to see that they have some waterproofing, dust proofing, or shock proofing ability.
Most come with a durable plastic build and is protected by a textured rubber armor that helps with grip.
Lens
The quality of the lens on your long-distance rangefinder needs to be at the highest level.
When ranging targets at long distances, you must see what you’re ranging clearly.
Most lenses on rangefinders for long range shooting come with varying amounts of coating applied.
What these coatings do is reduce glare and improve visibility in various lighting conditions and gives you a clear image.
Speed
So when hunting especially, you will need a long range shooting rangefinder that works fast.
In long range shooting competitions, speed and accuracy go hand-in-hand so you don’t want your rangefinder to slow you down.
In the same way, when hunting, targets move, no prey is going to stand still until you get your reading then make your shot.
So make sure you look for a rangefinder that gives you your readings in as little time as possible.
Additionally, choose one that can be used with one hand or mounted on a tripod to further enhance speed. Read up here on our Best Rangefinders for Shooting post.