Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinders

The ability to pan and range is excellent, really smooth, and accurate. The range finder itself is excellent, even little things like the belt clip are nice. Product documentation isn’t great, understanding what mode you’re in can be a bit confusing. I still give this fives stars, though as you can figure it out pretty quick. My application is primarily bow hunting, and default settings meet my needs. Side by side with an older model I found this unit faster to range, and less impacted by brush and tall grass. The angle range compensation seems very accurate. I’m not sure if it’s better optics, algorithms or my archery equipment is better. I can report that numerous times I’ve doubted the angle compensation as visually I just didn’t believe it. That said I’ve shot as recommended, and found it extremely accurate.

Fantastic. Picks up targets at distance when other models around me cannot. Keep it in your jacket in extreme cold.

It is expensive but it’s worth the money for a high quality rangefinder. I believe it’s very accurate and easy to read. Has brought red crosshairs and numbers making it easier to see in lower light. Compact and small will fit in your pocket. Even has a pocket clip feature to secure it

Purchased this after the reticle in my Leupold RX-1000i suddenly deteriorated such that more than 50% of it has dead spots making it unusable; and after only 4 years (no more than 25 hours max) of use. Decided I wouldn't be buying that again. I've slowly been transitioning to Vortex because of their quality, which is backed up by their VIP warranty, and have yet to be disappointed. This holds true for this unit too. Compared to the RX, it has better ergonomics, the optics are just as clear (if not clearer), uses the same CR2 battery, and weighs the same (8 oz). This is definitely the best value when considering quality, functionality, performance, and the warranty.Two noteworthy items:► It only displays range in 1 yard increments (no tenths), but for ballistics one-half yard is "in the noise" anyway.► It does NOT display the incline angle in HCD (aka TBR) mode -- incline is only provided in the LOS mode. I think this is good supplemental data, and since the algorithm has to know it to calculate TBR, it would be nice if it displayed it; especially since the accuracy of the TBR is limited to a given incline depending on range to target.

Great things first. Vortex warranty is hard to beat, and was the major reason I selected this unit in this price range.Ease of use requires less than 10 minutes of in hand time, so no real learning curve per se.Now, for the not so great.I purchased the 1800, so expected the actual real world range to be around 50% of that however; even 900 is asking a lot from this unit. In reality, I have ranged buildings with reflective windows at 1275-1400, but these are four story buildings with walls of glass. I have also ranged stationary full size SUVs out to 750-900, but it usually takes optimal lighting conditions and two or three attempts before obtaining a reading.Using my large dogs as an example, 350-425 max in near perfect light conditions is about all I am able to get on a regular basis. Vortex advertises 900 on deer, but given my testing, I have serious doubts on that.For me, if I have to find a structure to range then estimate my target distance from that, then I don't see the point... I would assume the vast majority of shooters don't have the luxury of big reflective targets to range, so if I have to guess anyway, I would rather have saved the money and put it towards ammo and range time.Given my situation. If I had to buy again, I would with something with legs in the 3-4000 range. (Yes a considerable increase in price point). The reasons being; using the 50% estimation as a baseline, closer distances would be more obtainable and accurate. Additionally, the ability to reliably reach out further would give me distances I may need to cover to get into a suitable shooting position.Closing.If you cover distance when you hunt, then you already know to not waste your time with this model and upgrade to something more functional.Now if you want to push out to a 1000, then this unit may or may not be a good fit, depending on the conditions. However, if you routinely shoot 250- 500, then the 1800 model is most likely the tool for the job and a very good choice.Hope this helps.