Vortex Rangefinder

[Deertick]

Any experience out there with that model?
--
I\'m looking for something with fairly decent optics since I tend to use my rangefinder as \"one-stop-shopping\" when looking for magnification. In other words, I use it as one might use binoculars when in thicker cover.

 

[Swede]

I love my Vortex range finder. It is by far the best one I have used. I prefer it to the Leopold and Nikon. The Bushnell is not worth bringing into the comparison.

 

[Deertick]

The Bushnell is not worth bringing into the comparison.

Gee, I suppose my Simmons with a crack in the viewing lens is not on your list, either!

Here\'s the deal: I don\'t like having binoculars with me ... I don\'t like the bulk or weight, and my area is not really one that is conducive to glassing. I do want to have some magnification with me, though, to check things out, etc.

Is your vortex good for stuff like that? In short, I\'d like the \"one-stop-shopping\" of optics.

 

[mtnmutt]

Deertick, I would be interested in hearing a review of your new rangefinder when you get one.

I have a simple one: Opti-Logic Micro II. I love it because it is simple and has ARC (inline). It fits my small hand well. It does not have magnification.

I hunt in medium to thick cover and rarely use my binos. I may switch to a rangefinder with magnification. Something that works okay out to 100 yards. I have considered leaving my binos at camp because I rarely use them. There have been occasions where I wanted to see something afar when I hear a noise or see a glimpse of movement. A rangefinder\'s magnification may work.

 

[Swede]

Tick: I often leave my binoculars in the truck and just carry my Vortex range finder with me to my tree stand. The Vortex has the best quality lens I have used. and are adequate for checking on something you want a better look at. Forget a range finder for serious viewing of an area, but using it to identify what an object is, works fine.
Another feature to consider with the Vortex is the lifetime warrantee. All I was offered from my Bushnell was a discount on a new one. It sounds like your Simmons may need to go the way my old Bushnell RF did. The one thing I did like better about the Bushnell was the little carrying pouch that came with them. Fortunately the pouch fit my Vortex, so I ended up with the best of both. You will like the clip on the Vortex as you can clip it onto your shirt pocket or onto your tree stand harness if you hunt from a stand. That keeps it very handy.

 

[Deertick]

Well, I\'ll have to give them a closer look. I\'ve got the Cabelas points to get it, but I\'m not 100% certain that I really \"need\" it. The old Simmons does work for modest (<200 yards) ranging, 300 sometimes. But the optics are horrible, and dark.

 

[Swede]

Tick: I would go ahead and get any good new range finder over trying to nurse one on its last legs along for another season. I thought I could hold out with my Bushnells for one more hunt, and in the end it cost me a nice buck. What was worse is that it was on my last quality draw hunt I waited for. It probably prejudices my opinion of Bushnell products. The only good thing I can say about their stuff is it is usually cheap.

 

[Zpd307]

getting a leupold 800i tomorrow. was trying to save up for the 1000i with tdr, but I cant get myself to spend $400! cabelas is running a employee discount to their hometown heroes through the 29th. found that out when I walked inside, bonus! went there today and saved over $60 on a new pack and boots. I wasn\'t sure which range finder to pull the trigger on today so I passed.....

 

[Lark Bunting]

I love my Vortex range finder. It is by far the best one I have used. I prefer it to the Leopold and Nikon. The Bushnell is not worth bringing into the comparison.

How much for the Bushnell? :mrgreen:

 

[Swede]

How much for the Bushnell?

I got about five years out of my Bushnell RF. It worked fine for most of the time ten numbers like an 8 would look like a 2 or a 7 was just a dash. That did not last long before it quit altogether. I don\'t remember what I paid, but I would say it amounted to about $50 per season plus one nice Mule deer buck as final payment. I thought the cost was a little excessive even though it did help me in other situations.

 

[elky McElkerson]

okay. i have a ranger 1000.

my honest review. the optics are heads and shoulders above my nikon archers choice. super clear. the image has a cool hue to it tho. took some getting used to.

this is my second unit. my first unit was off by about a yard..up to two yards. i compared to every rangefinder i could run across. i thought i could live with it. but no, it annoyed me. i\'m a civil engineer, so i have access to precision equipment. i used survey equipment to cross reference my readings. it was off. out of factory spec if you ask me. i put them in a box and sent them back AGAIN. the first time, i got note saying it is within spec. a nice note, but a note i didnt agree with. so i sent it back..with backup stating i thought it was wrong.

bingo!! i got a brand new unit sent to me. this one is accurate. it reads with my nikon. the new unit did come with a less friendly note stating that target color played a huge part in reading. none of my other range finders were as sensitive to color. my favorite target was my neighbor\'s white/gray house.

now? you know what is crap about it? you have to hit the button three times to get a reading. i played with it, thinking it was my imagination. one time to turn the unit on, second time to turn on the cross hairs..THIRD time to get the reading. if i was awesome..i would get the two clicks done as i was bringing it to my eye. but i dont. you get your adrenaline up, heartbeat racing..big ole turkey strutting..you will be clicking away like a crazy man..trying to get a reading.

bottom line..it is an okay rangefinder for me. i will just put aside money and buy a Leica and be done with it.

it is nice and small, the belt clip is too loose for actual carry options, but it is nice to have. i love how i can adjust LED readings, but in bright sunlight, you HAVE to use the brightest setting. i am 50/50 as to which rangefinder i find with me. i just grab one..i rank them both at the same level.

 

[Deertick]

Thanks for the replies ...

I\'m returning the Vortex rangefinder to the \"I\'ll think about it\"-list.

I\'m a horrible shopper ... I think, over-think, get everything to the \"shopping cart\" and get ready to hit \"buy now\" ... then I think and over-think again.

Oh, well, it\'s high up on the \"I\'ll think about it\"-list ... right now, after new furniture and a new patio, and -- as of last night -- a new used car, I\'m going to put the \"HOLD\" on the credit card.

For now.

Did I mention I had enough Cabelas points to but it?

 

[elky McElkerson]

good.

to be honest, if you are gonna buy a vortex..buy it used. i paid $225 for mine. Archery talk. having gotten it, i honestly think the seller sold it because it was not accurate. he was missing the storage case too. the first time i sent it back they sent it back in a storage cage.

second time..well.it is a new one.

i see them for sale quite often.

the warranty dept is easily the best part of vortex. imho.