Rangefinders are every hunter’s best friend and help calculate distances to the target in mere seconds.
Some even take it further and compensate for slopes and elevations in your field of sight.
This is why choosing the right rangefinder is essential to your hunting success.
If you experience difficulty achieving accuracy with your distance shots, then get your hands on the Nikon ProStaff 3 rangefinder.
The Nikon ProStaff 3 is for any hunter or target shooter out there that wants to measure distances accurately.
This Nikon ProStaff rangefinder is the latest addition to the Nikon line of optic devices.
It is built for speed, precision, and accuracy for success when hunting.
Feel free to click on our best hunting rangefinder post for some of the top rangefinders for hunting.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
Nikon ProStaff 3 rangefinder review
- Range: 550 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 12.8 oz
The Nikon ProStaff 3 rangefinder is the ideal tool that every hunter needs in their hunting bag.
This is all thanks to the exceptional build quality and features that come in this compact unit.
Maybe it could be because of its small size or one-button operation that makes hunters like it so much.
Whatever it is we are bound to figure it out as we dig deep and discover all that this ProStaff rangefinder has to offer.
Read on in this Nikon ProStaff rangefinder review to figure out if this rangefinder is the right one for you.
Nikon ProStaff 3 features
Affordable
With any high-quality product that comes from a well-known brand, you’d expect the price to be more in the higher price range.
Nikon is a high-quality big name in the game and a lot of pf people expect that their products will all carry a hefty price tag
However, this is not the case with the Prostaff 3 rangefinder.
This Nikon rangefinder is extremely affordable and is a great value for money.
Despite its price range, it is well built and is guaranteed to serve you faithfully and for a long time.
It is cheaper than other rangefinders in its class and is a great buy if you do decide to get it.
If you want to have a look at some cheaper rangefinders, our best rangefinder under 200 can help.
Packaging
This is an approach that Nikon did not play around with or took lightly.
After all, the first look of a product can influence your thoughts on whether you want it or not.
The way a product is packaged tells quite a lot about its quality, portability, and durability.
The Nikon ProStaff 3 comes nicely packaged and includes the CR-2 lithium battery required to power the unit.
This way you do not incur an additional cost by having to buy the battery on your own as it is not exactly cheap.
In addition, the package includes a user manual to help you better understand how to use the rangefinder as well as a soft case and neck lanyard for easy portability.
Design and Durability
Most hunting conditions and terrains are not always the best.
For this reason, you need tools that can withstand these harsh conditions.
Investing in a rangefinder to only have it fall apart or stop working during its first uses would simply be a waste of time and money.
The Nikon Prostaff 3 rangefinder considers this and features a durable and hard rubberized casing.
The rubberized casing looks smooth and sleek but it is tough and offers a sturdy grip so it won’t slip from your hand easily.
Some users even claimed that this rangefinder was dropped from tables and heights without receiving any damage.
That being said, try your best to minimize falls in order to keep your rangefinder working as it should.
Nikon thought about everything when building this specific rangefinder as it integrates an adjustable rubber eyepiece.
The eyepiece can be rolled up or down which makes things easier for eyeglass wearers since they don’t have to remove their glasses.
These are the little things that brands do to ensure you choose their brand every single time.
RainProof
Hunting is an outdoor sport and sometimes the weather does not always comply.
In less than ideal conditions, you need a rangefinder that can withstand a bit of rain.
Likewise, there may be puddles or shallow pools of water trapped along the terrain and if you accidentally drop your rangefinder, that may be the end of it.
Nikon eliminates this issue with the Nikon ProStaff 3.
The unit is 100% waterproof and fog proof so no rain or fog is going to stop you from getting out there.
While it can survive a bit of light rain and shallow puddles, do not submerge the rangefinder in very deep water.
Note that the battery compartment is not water-resistant and exposing that part to water can damage the rangefinder.
Size
Hunters have to be quiet and move around stealthy in case they scare off their target.
Moreover, hunters are always on the move and need gears that are not heavy or bulky.
The hunting rifle is the only hunting gear that is heavy and bulky and even now there are lighter and sleeker models coming onto the market every day.
Nikon understood this very well as the ProStaff 3 is a very compact and lightweight unit that would not compromise flexibility.
The Nikon ProStaff 3 rangefinder measures 5.1 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches and weighs just 6.3 oz without the battery.
Don’t be alarmed as the battery is lightweight and does not add much weight.
This compact rangefinder can fit just about anywhere and carries well.
Store it in your pack, pocket, belt, or hang it on your neck with the included lanyard.
Optics and Ranging Ability
A rangefinder’s optic system is the most important factor when measuring distance targets.
Poor optics will not give you the accuracy and precision you hope for and cause you to miss your target.
Nikon is most famous for having the best optics systems in its products.
They have some of the best optics systems in several devices such as cameras and of course, rangefinders.
This ProStaff rangefinder comes with a clean and crisp optic system that ranges up to 550 yards with 0.5 yards reading increments.
The optics system features up to 6x magnification to see your target closer and clearer.
The bright and multicoated lenses provide high-resolution images in most lighting conditions, even bright sunlight.
Ease of Use
When measuring distances to moving targets, you want your rangefinder to be fast.
To increase the speed and accuracy of the reading to moving targets, your rangefinder needs to be easy to use.
Fumbling around trying to understand what this and that button do can waste precious time and allow your target a chance to escape.
You need to have a clear view of your target as well as reading the distances at a pretty fast rate.
That being said, this is not a problem with the ProStaff 3 since it is equipped with a single button.
This allows for one-handed use while the other remains on the trigger of your hunting rifle.
Another easy-to-use feature includes an uncluttered LCD that provides clean and clear images and measurement readings.
The uncluttered display gives you the most accurate distance measurement so you can make your shot without wasting much time.
On top of all that, it is equipped with a Tru-Target technology ranging system.
This gives you accurate distance ranging in various hunting conditions and terrains.
Battery Life
Longer battery life means longer hunting time and more accurate readings for your hunting success.
Otherwise, your hunting trip is going to be cut short and you may be going home empty-handed.
So how did Nikon tackle this issue so that hunters are not left disappointed?
As previously mentioned the Prostaff 3 comes with a battery to power the device since the battery is not exactly cheap if you buy it on your own.
The battery is a CR2 lithium battery which is the popular choice for rangefinders because of its lightweight nature and long life.
Furthermore, this device shuts down after 8 seconds of no use thus increasing battery life.
This means more time spending doing what you love with high chances of hitting your targets and not going home empty-handed.
In the event you want to remove or replace the battery, it can be done easily and requires no tools.
Pros of the Nikon ProStaff 3
Affordable
The Nikon ProStaff 3 rangefinder is one of the most affordable rangefinders on the market.
It is of great value considering its build and features when compared to its competitors.
In addition, it comes with a CR-2 lithium battery which increases the value for money.
Tru-Target ranging technology
With the Tru-Target technology ranging system, the ProStaff 3 ranges accurately in various hunting terrains.
Compact and lightweight
Small enough to take everywhere so that you always have it on hand if you need it.
Easy to Use
The one-button design allows for fast, easy ranging, and one-handed use.
Waterproof and fog proof
The Nikon ProStaff 3 is waterproof and fog proof so there is no reason why you shouldn’t go hunting when it’s raining or foggy.
Power saving feature
This unit comes with a power-saving feature that shuts off the rangefinder in 8 seconds of no use to extend battery life.
Cons of the Nikon ProStaff 3
Non-waterproof battery compartment
While the rest of the rangefinder is waterproof, the battery compartment is not.
Any water to this area can damage the rangefinder.
Not golf-friendly
Although it is not a golfing rangefinder, some people still try to use it as such.
They find that the rangefinder takes a long time to acquire and lock on to flagsticks.
Expensive CR-2 battery
The CR-2 battery is expensive so replacing the battery may cost you.
However, the rangefinder comes with a CR2 battery and features a power-saving function that extends battery life.
Lack of Modes
When compared to other rangefinders, Nikon ProStaff 3 rangefinder lacks many modes to choose from.
Main Competitors of the Nikon ProStaff 3 laser rangefinder
Let us now take a look at some competitors of the Nikon Prostaff 3 laser rangefinder.
There are a wide variety of rangefinders on the market and choosing one depends on your personal needs.
Here is a list of some rangefinders that have similar features as the ProStaff 3.
Bushnell Bone Collector Rangefinder
- Range: 600 yards
- Magnification: 4x
- Weight:7.2 oz
The Bushnell Bone Collector rangefinder comes from the line of excellent rangefinders manufactured by the company Bushnell.
Bushnell is a big name in the hunting arena and is known for its high-quality products.
Like the ProStaff 3, the Bushnell bone collector rangefinder is small, lightweight, and compact.
It is easy to use with an intuitive menu and a one-button operation.
Other similar features include an automatic power-off function that shuts off after 30 seconds of no use.
It also has a fully multi-coated optics system and a rainproof body.
The difference lies in the yardage that it ranges, the magnification, design, and battery type.
The Bushnell Bone Collector rangefinder is capable of ranging out to 600 yards with 4x magnification compared to the 550 yards and 6x magnification of the Prostaff 3.
Instead of a CR 2 battery, the Bushnell Bone Collector rangefinder uses a 9v battery that is not included in the purchase.
For more on this rangefinder, check out our Bushnell Bone Collector rangefinder review.
- Quality optics with stunning HD clarity; 100 percent quality materials used and tested extensively
- Beautifully designed with durability built to last; Simple single button operation in a compact,…
- Displays exact distance to target from 10 to 600 yard with +/- one yard accuracy
Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 550 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight:6.40oz
Yet another rangefinder from the Nikon line, the Nikon Aculon laser rangefinder is an affordable rangefinder for the shooting or hunting beginner.
Like its sister product, the Nikon Prostaff 3, the Nikon Aculon rangefinder ranges out to 550 yards with 6x magnification.
It uses the same CR-2 battery and turns off after 8 seconds to save battery power.
Removing the battery is the same as the Prostaff 3 and does not require any special tools.
The optic system is as good as you’d expect from a Nikon product and gives you sharp and clean images.
It also features a durable body that is waterproof and easy to grip as well as lightweight for easy portability.
The Aculon rangefinder does not differ much from the Prostaff 3 as the company maintains consistency in their entire line of products.
However, the Nikon Aculon rangefinder features a distant target priority mode.
This feature allows the rangefinder to automatically display the distance to the farthest target among a group of targets.
This is especially helpful when measuring distances in terrain that is covered with grass or filled with bushes.
If you are interested in learning more about this rangefinder, head over to our Nikon ACULON rangefinder review.On that same note, you can read our best rangefinders for shooting posts.
- At 3.6″x2.9″x1.5″ in size, the ACULON Rangefinder is Nikon’s most compact laser rangefinder, making…
- An uncluttered, easy-to-read screen displays ranges in 1-meter/yard intervals;Eye Relief :18 mm
- Class 1 laser product, power output not exceeding .0975 milliwats
Final Verdict: Nikon ProStaff 3 rangefinder
As we established earlier in this post, rangefinders are an important tool for every hunter.
A rangefinder will ensure accuracy and precision that increases your chances of hitting your target.
The Nikon ProStaff 3 rangefinder is an affordable rangefinder that comes with the features you need to succeed.
Moreover, its waterproof and fog proof nature allow you to get out there when the weather is less than ideal.
It offers a decent ranging distance, magnification, and optics system to ensure you see your target clearly.
What is more, is that it is small, compact, and lightweight so it can go wherever you go without adding bulk or much weight.
Update: The Nikon ProStaff 3 rangefinder has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
It was replaced with the Nikon ProStaff 3i rangefinder.For full details on this model, read our Nikon ProStaff 3i rangefinder review.