Looking for an affordable rangefinder

any recommendations? I'd like for it to go out to at least 500 yards on a deer.

Look around for a used one, IMO. I got a nice Leupold 1000 TBR from a fellow member. It's a very nice unit and not too expensive. Also, Black Friday is coming up fast and there will be some crazy deals on rangefinders. You might also check with SWFA and Camera Land about demo units.

500 yards consistently on deer requires a good range finder.
I like the Bushnell ARC
http://www.bushnell.com/tactical/laser-rangefinders/elite-1-mile-arc

I let a buddy borrow it recently for an Elk hunt outside of Aspen.
He ranged an Elk at 505, dialed in and perfect hit.

good to know. Thanks!

Look for a used leupould imo. I would get one at least to 1k. I want to get a newer one soon that can go further. While elk hunting I was having trouble getting some longer distances

The Leupold 1200 without the angle stuff were being marked down recently and perform well.

I use a Nikon Riflehunter and a Leupold RX600. No issues with either. Both were about $300

Weaver brand. 8X plus it's good out to 1000 yards. I bought one in September.

http://www.natchezss.com/weaver-8x1000-yards-laser-rangefinder.html

Very similar to the older Bushnell Compact 800.