Thread: Magnification in Rangefinders (Vortex range)

Looking at getting a rangefinder, my first, for general purpose hunting (I am a sub 400m shooter) on farms, bush edges and some open country. Any pro's/con's of the different mag levels? For example looking at the vortex range they have 5x and 7x in the range. When would I find the 5x too little, and when would the 7x be too much mag? Thanks

I have a basic old Bushnell rangefinder which is 6x21.

The magnification isn't a problem. I don't think either 5x or 7x would be too much or too little in any situation so really comes down to personal preference. The downside I find with mine is a somewhat narrow field of view and the glass isn't great (adds quite a stong blue tint).

Honestly there are some pretty decent rangefinding binos which are a better way to go these days. Less stuff to carry and means you can go straight from binos to rifle without needing to find the animal again and range it in between.

Originally Posted by DJS

Looking at getting a rangefinder, my first, for general purpose hunting (I am a sub 400m shooter) on farms, bush edges and some open country. Any pro's/con's of the different mag levels? For example looking at the vortex range they have 5x and 7x in the range. When would I find the 5x too little, and when would the 7x be too much mag? Thanks

If the 7x mag is to much you dont need the rangefinder eg, sub 200m. 7x makes it easier to range at longer distances aswell. My air rifle is left on 8x and have no problem finding and dispatching rabbits and magpies so at longer ranges 7x will be sweet even at closer ranges