I am thinking about buying a laser rangefinder. My unofficial budget is about $250.00 I am thinking Leupold or Nikon but I also think most of them may be very similar. I know this may open a can of worms but I need to know the pros and cons.

For bowhunting I am sure there are plenty in that price range. If you plan to range animals past 300 yards that may or may not be doable.

I am a rifle hunter, sorry did not mention that, so I am looking at the 600 yard versions.

Then you better increase your budget. Bright sunlight contains more radiant light that diffuses the laser and will make it fail. Glass clarity is important for the reciever as well as your eye. If the range finder says its rated for 1000 yards, it may be reliable to half that in bright sunlight. The lower the light, the better it works. I've got a Swarovski Laser Guide that I have ranged a mile at dusk in the panhandle. But it failed to read 600-ish this week shooting into the early morning sun

Glass clarity of course is important but sunlight diffusing is great info to know, thanks a lot. I freely admit I want one, but also know I don't need one, and I "am" wise enough to know the difference. I will be the first to admit it is a toy, another one of dem high tech gadget's that corrupts the true hunting experience these days, thank goodness.

I would get the Vortex in fact I did. It's more than $250 but has a lifetime warranty and at under $350 that's going to be hard to beat unless you want to spend much more.

May look t the Bushnell Elite series. I have a Elite 1500 that I bought several yeas ago after having a Nikon, Elite is much better all around IMO ( and I usually don't like bushnell)

I have ranged up 1900 yards with mine in the mountains with a good reflective target. Also gives elevation change which I like.

Not sure what models are available now, but I paid under $400 for mine and the shorter versions where cheaper. IIRC they also had a Elite 700 model.

Although a bit higher than your stated budget, you might also check out the Leupold® RX-1000i TBR that is on sale at Cabela's for $300. I have one and have used it on both an Elk and Aoudad hunt and was always able to range targets at 600 and in and I like the concept of the elevation/angle compensation.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Leupold-reg-RX-i-TBR-Compact-Rangefinder-with-DNA/1161086.uts

Hey Bholt -

I have a Leupold RX-1000i that I am looking to sell and move into a 1200i. If you are interested, I would be willing to sell it to you for $250.00. It is in excellent condition. I can get you pics tomorrow when I go out to my ranch.

I'm still carrying my Nikon 600 with me. It'll read a coyote (most times) out to about 400. It'll read a bright shiny pickup to 900, but that doesn't help me much. I guess what rangefinder you need depends a lot on how far your longest shot is going to be. Personally, I'd be happy with something that read to 600 or so.