A rangefinder is a great device that measures the distance from the observer to the target. If you’re looking for information on a high-quality, long-distance rangefinder, then the Vortex Ranger 1500 Review is for you.
Vortex Optics has been putting out some of the most reliable hunting rangefinders on the market. The Vortex Ranger 1500 can be a valuable addition to both novice and experienced hunters’ arsenals.
Lets go ahead and take a closer look at what makes the Vortex Ranger1500 such a reliable device favored by many.
Vortex Ranger 1500 Laser Rangefinder Review In-Depth
- Range: 1500 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.7 oz
I’ll dive into these top features and more below in this Vortex Ranger 1500 review..
Easy to use
Vortex Ranger 1500 is easy to use without having to read any instructions. You can pop it from the box and start using it immediately with ease.
It comes with only two buttons: a measure button and a menu button.
And it only takes two-pushes, one to turn it on and one to range, a feature that improved the vortex rangefinder 1000 problem of being a three-button push. Just another way to get the results you need faster.
The measure button, when pressed once, gives a range, and when held down, scans continuously.
The menu button allows you to toggle between HCD and LOS modes (more on these down below), switch between yards and meters, and choose from three different brightness settings depending on your lighting.
You can also customize your Vortex 1500 rangefinder by programming settings to your liking.
Here’s a tutorial from Vortex Optics showing how to program your rangefinder:
Range
The Vortex Ranger 1500 quickly and accurately ranges targets from 9 to 1500 yards.
The Vortex ranger 1500 reads reflective targets up to 1500 yards, and non-reflective targets, such as deer, up to 750 yards.
Here’s a great article discussing what is meant by reflective and non-reflective targets for those interested.
Accuracy
The Vortex optics ranger 1500 has an accuracy rating of within 3 yards up to 1,000 yards. You can detect targets from afar and have the confidence in the accuracy of your range.
HCD mode
Because you don’t always hunt on flat ground, the Vortex 1500 rangefinder’s primary Horizontal Component Distance mode automatically adjusts for angled shots.
HCD range display can work on flat surfaces and has a max angle reading of sixty degrees.
LOS mode
The Line Of Sight Mode calculates what you’d expect, a linear line extending from the observer to the target.
Meaning it doesn’t take slope into account. It is up to the hunter to calculate and adjust for slope.
Optics
The Vortex Rangefinder 1500 comes equipped with a magnification of 6x, allowing you to have a better sight of the landscape.
The Vortex optics Rangefinder 1500 also has three different brightness settings for the day’s changing light.
It also comes with fully multi-coated lenses to maximize light transmission and provide a clear image.
Durability
The Vortex 1500 is rubber-coated, which makes it easy to grip. You can seal it with O-rings to make it waterproof.
It is guaranteed to work in temperatures ranging from 14 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people report having used it in temperatures below zero, and it still worked fine.
This rangefinder will work in rain, sun, or snow and withstand any of the knocks it will receive in use.
Size and weight
The Vortex Ranger 1500 weighs in at 7.7 ounces, has a length of 3.9 inches, and a width of 3 inches.
It’s lightweight and compact, about the size of the average business card.
Easily fits in your pocket or bag
Accessories
Vortex Ranger 1500 comes with a neck lanyard, soft carry case, utility clip, and CR2 titanium battery.
You can wear it around your neck, keep it in the case inside your bag, or clip it to your belt.
No matter how you decide to carry the Vortex rangefinder, the size of this device will not weigh you down.
Pros
- lightweight
- easy to carry
- easy to use out-of-the-box with HCD mode
- accurate +/- 3 yards up to 1,000 yards
- 3 brightness settings to adjust for light
- weatherproof
- scan mode allows continuous measuring
- textured rubber coating
- 6x magnification
- tripod socket
- lifetime warranty
Cons
- blue-green tint to optics
Vortex Ranger 1500 vs Leupold RX 650
To begin, the Leupold RX 650 sells for less than the Vortex Ranger 1500, and as their names indicate, has a smaller range.
The Leupold RX 650 is a rangefinder for those not planning on long-range hunting, but still want a quality rangefinder without spending over $300.
Here are some key features that are different:
- Range: 650 yards
- Only Line of Distance Sight
- Height: 2.9 in.
- Width: 1.4 in.
- Length: 3.6 in.
- Weight: 6.3 in.
Other than being more compact, lighter, and measuring a shorter distance, the Leupold RX 650 matches up quite well with the Vortex Ranger 1500.
Both are easy to use, have 6x magnification, come with a neck lanyard and soft case, and use a CR2 lithium battery, etc.
The Vortex Ranger 1500 has both HCD (calculates slope) and LOS (line of sight) modes, while Leupold only has LOS measuring.
Do you plan on hunting from distances further than 1,000 yards?
Then you will want to go ahead and cough up the extra dough. The Vortex Ranger 1500 will be what you need.
Otherwise, the Leupold RX 650 will be a durable, easy to use rangefinder that won’t let you down.
Again, the primary difference when it comes to the Vortex Ranger 1500 vs Leupold RX 650 is the price, range, and modes of sight.
Final Verdict: Vortex 1500 rangefinder review
The Vortex Ranger 1500 is a great tool for rifle hunters, bowhunters, range shooters, and sportsmen of any kind.
Whether one uses the primary Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) setting or the more advanced Line of Sight (LOS) setting, both novice and experienced hunters will find something to like.
While Vortex Ranger 1500 is durable and built to last for a long time, things do happen. But you don’t have to worry, because Vortex gives a lifetime warranty, no questions asked.
Honestly, the Vortex Ranger 1500 is useful for hunters, ranchers, and outdoor sportsmen of any kind.
No more guessing distances. No more miscalculating the slope.
The Vortex Ranger 1500 is so lightweight you won’t even notice it clipped to your side.Hope this review was helpful. For more reviews on other rangefinders, check out our Best Rangefinders for Shooting 2020 Review or Best Hunting Rangefinders for the Money Review.