If you’re thinking that you don’t need a rangefinder because you’ve been bowhunting for years, then you’re wrong.
Hunting not only requires experience but more importantly it requires precision which is exactly what a rangefinder delivers.
A rangefinder delivers accurate measurements and some models are filled with advanced technologies that make hunting so much easier.
Today, we’ll talk about the Nikon Arrow ID 3000 rangefinder that is a great unit for bowhunting.
Nikon is a brand we all know and heard of thanks to their high-end cameras on the market.
Now imagine the same sharp quality images and rangefinding technology in one compact unit.
It should make for one amazing unit, right?
Well, let’s examine this rangefinder and find out in this Nikon Arrow ID 3000 review.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
Nikon Arrow ID 3000 Review
- Range: 550 yards
- Magnification: 4x
- Weight: 4.8oz
Update: The Nikon Arrow ID 3000 is no longer available.
Instead, you can opt to go with the Nikon Arrow ID 7000 rangefinder that is mentioned below.
The Nikon Arrow ID 3000 rangefinder was made with the bowhunter in mind.
This unit is compact, lightweight, and affordable.
It is loaded with some cool features that every bowhunter will appreciate.
Moreover, this unit also makes use of Nikon’s famous optics so you get crystal clear images every time you look through the lens.
Look us take a look at this rangefinder and all it offers in detail.
Best features on the Nikon Arrow ID 3000 rangefinder
Tru-Target Technology
The Nikon Arrow ID 3000 rangefinder comes with Tru-target Technology which allows the user to choose between two target modes.
You have First Priority Target Mode and Distant Target Priority Mode.
First Priority Target Mode calculates the distance between you and the object nearest you.
This is the perfect Mode to use if your target appears in front of a background full of trees or any other hazards.
Meanwhile, Distant Target Priority Mode gives you the distance between you and the object farthest away from you.
This mode is the best one for bowhunters and helps when aiming at a deer in the distance if branches or bushes are closer to you.
You can switch between these two modes by pressing and holding the mode button and then pressing and holding the power button.
ID Technology
ID Technology with ID meaning Incline/Decline is the angle compensating feature of the rangefinder.
The rangefinder shows the true horizontal distance to the target.
Bowhunters will love this feature when the angle of the shots is large.
Take for example, when shooting from a treestand, a slight difference in line-of-sight and the true horizontal distance can make a huge differenc3.
These measurements are what determine whether your shot will be a success or not.
Continuous Measurement
This Nikon Arrow rangefinder features 8 seconds of continuous measurement.
This way you can scan the landscape and get distances to various objects.
It can also be used when ranging moving targets to have distances to the target as it moves.
Activate this function by holding down the power button.
Range
This Nikon ID rangefinder can measure targets from 6 to 550 yards with an accuracy of +- 1 yard up to 100 yards.
This is great for bowhunters since most of the time the maximum distance to the target when bowhunting is 200 yards.
Anything farther than that may be hard to measure or hit.
However, the 4x magnification can bring your target closer to you.
More magnification power is wonderful when ranging small targets at long distances but for bow hunters, this can put them at a disadvantage.
Usually, bowhunters are ranging deers at a close range and 4x magnification brings the target close enough but leaves room for a greater field of view.
A rangefinder with a greater field of view makes it easier to locate, track and range moving targets and this device is a great option to do this.
LCD Display
The Arrow ID 3000 comes with a black LCD that is located directly under the reticle.
The display screen comes with an uncluttered layout and showcases distance measurements to the nearest yards or meters.
Reading measurements may be a bit difficult in low-light situations since the black display is not illuminated.
However, in daylight, the display is clear and easy to read.
Optics
Coming from Nikon, we knew what to expect with the optics on this device, and let’s just say that they delivered.
The 20-millimeter objective lens and 4 power monocular optics feature multilayer coatings to deliver bright and clear images.
Together they offer invaluable field-of-view to easily locate and range targets quickly.
Operation
The rangefinder comes with two simple buttons that are used to turn the device on and switch between modes and units of measurements.
To measure the distance to a target, simply press the power button to turn the unit on.
Next, look through the lens and aim at the target making sure the target is dead center of the reticle, and hit the power button again.
To activate the other features check through the summary of each feature.
Battery
The Arrow ID 3000 rangefinder is powered by a 3v CR3 battery.
This model uses a Class 1 laser with a power output of fewer than .0975 milliwatts
Battery life is extended when the rangefinder automatically shuts off after 8 seconds of inactivity.
The low battery indicator on the LCD display will alert you when it is time to replace the battery.
Changing the battery is simple and requires a coin or similarly shaped item to be inserted into the battery cover slot.
Rotate anticlockwise to open and clockwise to tighten after replacing the battery.
Design
The Nikon Arrow ID 3000 is a relatively small and compact unit measuring 3.6×1.5×2.9 inches.
It will not add bulk or weight to your already heavy hunting gear.
This rangefinder fits and grips comfortably in one hand thanks to its size and textured rubber armor.
It features a two-button design which makes the unit extra simple to operate.
There is also an adjustable eyepiece with a 20.3mm eye relief that makes viewing and ranging targets faster and easier.
This Nikon ID rangefinder comes completely sealed and filled with Nitrogen for anti-fogging properties.
This makes the unit resistant to mold, condensation, and water.
So using the rangefinder is possible in rainy or snowy conditions just don’t get the unit submerged underwater.
Warranty
The Nikon Arrow 3000 comes with a year warranty.
This rangefinder is guaranteed to be free from defects in material and craftsmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase.
If during these 2 years the unit malfunctions or have any defects, the company will repair or replace the unit free of charge.
Note that the warranty only extends to the original buyer.
Pros: Arrow ID rangefinder
- Affordable
- Tru Target Technology
- I/D Technology(angle compensation)
- Portable
- Extended eye relief
Cons: Arrow ID rangefinder
- No backlit display
- Not submersible
Nikon Arrow ID 3000 vs Nikon Arrow ID 7000
The Nikon ID line includes the Nikon Arrow ID 7000 rangefinder as well.
Let us see how this model matches up against the Arrow ID 3000.
- Range: 100 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.1 oz
Size and Weight
Right off the bat, one can see that the Arrow ID 7000 is slightly bigger than the Arrow ID 3000.
The Arrow ID 7000 dimensions are 3.9 x 3.0×1.9 inches and weigh 7.1 ounces which is heavier than the former.
This means in terms of portability the Nikon ID 3000 wins hands down since it is smaller and lighter than the Nikon Arrow ID 7000.
Optical Performance
To gauge the optical performance of both these rangefinders, we’ll examine the field of view, objective lens diameter, magnification, eye relief and exit pupil diameter.
With the Nikon Arrow ID 3000, you get an angular field of 9.0 degrees and the Arrow ID 7000 offers an angular field of 7.5 degrees.
If you find yourself wondering why the 3000 has a wider field of view than the 7000 even though it has more magnification power.
This is because higher magnification power means the field of view greatly reduces.
So again the ID 3000 takes the win if you’re looking for a rangefinder with a wider field of view.
On the same note as the field of view, we have magnification power.
The ID 7000 rangefinder comes out on top because it is equipped with 6x magnification while the ID 3000 rangefinder only comes with 4x magnification.
However, as previously mentioned higher magnification means reduced field of view so choose wisely.
The best thing that helps to deliver good image resolution is Light.
For good image quality, you need a wide objective lens that allows light to enter better.
In terms of optical lens, the ID 7000 has a wider objective lens diameter of 21mm.
This allows light to enter better when compared to the less wide objective lens of the ID 3000 rangefinder which has a diameter of 20mm.
This means you get clearer image resolution with the Nikon Arrow ID 7000 than with the Nikon Arrow ID 3000.
Let’s move on to the eye relief.
If you are a glasses wearer then you’ll need a unit with long eye relief.
This makes sure that you can use the unit comfortably and with ease.
The Nikon Arrow ID 3000 shines here with a relief of 20.3 mm when compared to the ID 7000 rangefinder that has an eye relief of 18 mm.
A wider exit pupil diameter gives you a better-quality image since it directs light towards your eye to form the image of the target.
Again, the Arrow ID 3000 is the better option due to having an exit pupil diameter of 5 mm.
The ID 7000 only has an exit pupil diameter of 3.5 mm
Range
The Nikon Arrow ID can range targets anywhere from 8-1000 yards.
The readings are displayed in .1 yard increments and are accurate to +- 0.5 yards for targets less than 700 yards away.
This rangefinder is best for long-range hunting when compared to the ID 3000 that only ranges out to 550 yards with +-1 yard accuracy.
Optical Vibration Reduction Technology
The ID 7000 is equipped with Optical Vibration Reduction Technology.
This system is designed to reduce vibrations when measuring the distance to the target.
It reduces any vibrations due to shaky hands to provide a more precise ranging to ensure you’re spot on every time you activate the laser.
This technology can reduce as much as 80% of vibrations to present you with a far more accurate and precise measurement.
This technology cannot be found on the Nikon Arrow ID 3000.
Other features
They both share the use of Tru-Target technology and Nikon’s ID technology.
This means they both have two modes and you can choose to use the first priority target mode or the distant target priority mode and compensate for angles as well.
In the end, we couldn’t declare a clear winner since they are both great laser rangefinders.
They share some features yet they are very different and unique in their own way.
What we can say is to choose the one that appeals to you most and works best in your situation.
FAQ’S: Nikon 16224 Arrow ID 3000 bowhunting laser rangefinder
1. Can I range through a blind screen with the Nikon Arrow ID 3000?
Unfortunately, you cannot range through a blind screen with this rangefinder.
2. Is the Arrow ID 3000 waterproof?
The unit is rated waterproof and fog-proof to use in rain or snow.
However, the device should not be submerged underwater.
Doing so can expose the internal mechanism to water damage which will render the unit useless.
Try to keep the rangefinder as dry as possible whenever you can to minimize the possibility of any water damage.
3. Can rifle hunters use the ID 3000 rangefinder?
Since the unit is capable of providing horizontal distances with the use of Nikon’s ID technology, it can work for rifle hunters as well.
The Tru-Target Technology also helps rifle hunters with the option to choose between two modes.
4. What’s the typical battery life of the Arrow ID 3000?
A brand-new CR2 battery can provide up to 8000 actuations.
The unit comes with a battery that is included with the purchase but it may not last as long as a new battery.
This is because the company may have tested the unit with the same battery to ensure the device is functioning properly before it was released for sale.
5. Does the ID 3000 work in low-light conditions?
The ID 3000 rangefinder comes with a black LCD which can be hard to read in low light conditions.
You’re better off using this rangefinder during daylight hours.
Final thoughts: Nikon ID 3000
Nikon has been in the game a long time and the brand is famous for its high-quality optics.
One can always expect great things from this brand and with the introduction of the Nikon 16224 Arrow ID 3000 bowhunting laser rangefinder, we expected no different.
In this Nikon Arrow ID 3000 review, we found that the brand did deliver with this model.
The unit is small, compact, lightweight, and affordable which makes it a great option.
Nikon knows that lenses matter as well as the latest rangefinding technologies and size when creating a good rangefinder.
Not only does it integrate some awesome features but it is very easy to operate with its two-button design.
If you’re a bowhunter then you will enjoy the integration of Tru-Target Technology and Nikon’s ID technology that calculates angles.
Other factors you’ll like about this device are the long eye relief for glasses wearers and the water and fog-proofing properties.
If you want to see more rangefinders, read this best hunting rangefinder and best rangefinder for bowhunting posts.
Rangefinder
Features
Price