You’re thinking of getting the Nikon Prostaff 3I Rangefinder but don’t know if it will be a good purchase? No problem! Today we’re bringing you our Nikon Prostaff 3i Rangefinder review to let you know why this is definitely the rangefinder to take home.
Rangefinders are some of the best and most useful tools for activities that require long-distance viewing of fields, such as hunting or golfing.
They allow you to easily make up the distance between you and your target, and many of them come with many convenient features that make your outdoor activities much easier.
If you have been looking for a good Nikon hunting rangefinder, then you most probably already stumbled upon the Nikon Prostaff 3I.
This rangefinder is one of the most economic options available, considering that these devices can get to be pretty costly.
If you want to know more about its key features and how it compares to other Nikon Prostaff rangefinders, then just keep reading.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
Nikon Prostaff 3i Rangefinder Review: Key Features
- Range: 650 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6 ounces
The Nikon 3i rangefinder is a very light, very efficient rangefinder that is mostly used in hunting but is also highly used in golf.
Rangefinders are devices that help measure distances of as much as 1000 yards with the objective of hitting a target as precisely as possible.
These devices help you follow moving targets, or measure the distance between you and a fixed object. However, as helpful as they can be in general, some give better accuracy and thus, better results.
When it comes to the Nikon Prostaff 3i, there are some key elements that make it a great choice among affordable rangefinders. Let’s have a look at some of them:
Great range of vision
The Prostaff 3i is presented as a rangefinder that can measure distances of up to 650 yards, which is very impressive for a device of its price.
During day time, this rangefinder offers clear and pristine views, making it very accurate and effective at finding and following targets.
Another key feature that involves range is that it also accurately measures angled distances along with direct distances.
This means that if you direct your rangefinder at an object that is downhill or uphill, you will get both distances displayed.
When it comes to range accuracy, the Prostaff 3i displays distance in increments of 0.1 yards, which provides a very specific measurement of the distance between the target and you.
Lightweight and portable
The Prostaff 3i is a small and lightweight device that can be carried everywhere.
Its small size makes it very portable and easy to carry in your pants or coat pocket. It also comes with a comfortable and dynamic design that counts for a firm grip.
This rangefinder is made out of durable plastic and although it is not waterproof, it can easily manage harsh conditions.
This Prostaff operates with long-lasting CR2 lithium batteries that can be easily replaced when needed, and it also saves power by automatically shutting down after 8 seconds.
Maximum Accuracy with Tru Target
Nikon rangefinders are known for their high-quality lenses, and when it comes to the Prostaff 3i – and most of their rangefinder family -, it’s common to find they work with Tru Target technology.
What this does is allow you to switch between First Target Priority and Distant Target Priority modes. This means that you can easily pick between the two depending on the distance of your target.
This is a very helpful feature for hunters since targets are often on the move and in packs.
With Tru Target, you can easily choose between pointing at very small targets or at targets that are farther away and in groups.
Although you can find the Tru Target feature in most Nikon rangefinders, having in a model as light and inexpensive as the Prostaff 3i makes it a very valuable acquisition.
Fast performance
One of the top key features of this particular rangefinder is the speed at which it operates.
It displays full range information in a lightning-quick manner, and it also switches modes – such as First and Distant Target – and systems – such as metric or Imperial – with ease and impressive speed.
The Prostaff 3i can also range automatically as you scan any area, which really speeds up the process of measuring distances for any targets.
This makes it a universal tool for golfing, archery, or hunting.
How does the Prostaff 3i compare to other Nikon Prostaff rangefinders?
The Prostaff 3i is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an economic, sure-fire way to measure your distances for hunting or sports.
However, it is part of the Prostaff family fabricated by Nikon, and some other models in that same family work in a very similar way, although they have defining details that set them apart from each other.
For example, the Prostaff 1000i ranges up to 1000 yards, allowing you to perfectly see and range deer for a much longer distance than the Prostaff 3i.
Nevertheless, both come with high-quality lenses and ergonomic builds that let them fit perfectly into the palm of your hand and into your pockets.
Also, the Prostaff 1000i is waterproof and built to endure against rain and the harshest weather, which is something the Prostaff 3i rangefinder lacks.
As a cheaper option, you can find the Nikon Prostaff 1000, which comes with many of the same features, with the difference that this one doesn’t come with ID (Incline/Decline) Technology.
ID Technology is what allows the rangefinder to deliver the one number you need to make up for incline or decline shooting angles. This accountability is what makes is it so important to have in your rangefinders.
Both the 3i and 1000i models come with ID Technology, so you might want to take that into account when looking for alternatives.
The three models count with multilayered prisms, 15 mm eye relief – ideal for glasses – and Tru Target Technology to quickly switch between First and Distant Target Priority modes.
The goal of our Nikon Prostaff 3i rangefinder review is to give you the best perspective on this particular rangefinder model and compare it to its best alternatives.
So in conclusion, when it comes to a price-quality relation, the Prostaff 3i remains one of the best options for anyone looking for a more-than-decent rangefinder.