Laser Rangefinder Review

Nikon knows what they are doing when it comes to optics, they have a reputation in the hunting world for making quality rifle scopes, spotting scopes, binoculars and now rangefinders; all at a price most hunters can afford.  In general, a Nikon rangefinder will have clear optics, a simple display screen and a few features that a hunter would be likely to use.   

The fiver models that had enough reviews to calculate a cumulative review score all scored 90 or more points, which is quite impressive, and is a pretty good indication that owners of these rangefinders feel that they are a good value.  So if you are having a tough time deciding on a rangefinder (don’t worry your not alone) the Nikon that fits you’re application would probably be a good choice.  Below is a comparison chart of Nikon’s current production rangefinders followed by a brief description of the Nikon range finder lineup.

Nikon Rangefinder Comparison Chart

Model	RifleHunter 1000	Archer's Choice Max	RifleHunter 550	Monarch Gold 1200	Archer's Choice	Prostaff 550
Picture
Cumulative Review Score	96(15)	New	97(61)	94(43)	92(88)	90(73)
Estimated Price	$349	$325	$289	$449	$259	$199
Mag.	6x	6x	6x	7x	6x	6x
Weight	6.9oz	6.9oz	6.3oz	9.8oz	6.3oz	6.3oz
L x W x H	4.6 x 1.6 x 2.9	4.6 x 1.6 x 2.9	5.1 x 1.5 x 2.7	5.7 x 1.8 x 3.2	5.1 x 1.5 x 2.7	5.1 x 1.5 x 2.7
Reflective	1000 yds	200 yds	550 yds	1200 yds	100 yds	550 yds
ID	Y	Y	Y	N	Y	N

Nikon Rangefinder Reviews

Nikon RifleHunter 1000 Rangefinder –  One of the newest Nikon rangefinders which has some innovative new features and has the potential to be a front runner for an all purpose rangefinder.  One of the most unique features is a new display that changes from grey during the day to orange as darkness approaches.

Nikon Archer’s Choice Max Rangefinder – Another new rangefinder from Nikon that is similar to above but has a max range of 200 yards.  This might become a good choice for those archers and those who need a little more range than the 100 yards the standard version offers.

Nikon RifleHunter 550 Rangefinder -  This is a great candidate for an all around rangefinder for the outdoorsman that want to use one unit for both archery and rifle season.  This Nikon is currently the top scoring model of all Nikon's that have been scored and is definitely worth a close look.

Nikon Monarch Gold Laser 1200 Rangefinder -  If you are looking for a good rangefinder mainly for big game rifle hunting and long distance shooting take a look at this unit which is capable of ranging reflective target out to 1200 yards.

Nikon Archers Choice Rangefinder –  There are a few major differences between this unit and the RifleHunter 550. First it will only read out to 99 yards and therefore is a little cheaper.  Second, this unit is set on first target priority and cannot be adjusted between a first target and distant target priority like the RifleHunter 550.

Nikon ProStaff 550 Laser Rangefinder – A quality choice for an entry level rangefinder.  While it doesn’t have many “extras” it ranges all the way out to 550 yards on reflective targets and would also be a good choice for you if you wanted an all purpose Nikon rangefinder and didn’t need an angle compensation feature.