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What is the Difference Between a Hunting and Golf Rangefinder?

Today, hunting, golfing, archery, observing wildlife, hiking, and mountaineering all require optical aids today. Therefore, even the most indifferent hunters or outdoor addicts will be able to appreciate the benefits of rangefinders and comparable devices offer.

Although most gadgets can easily be distinguished from each other, rangefinders are difficult to distinguish as both golfers and hunters give high priority to these devices. Despite that, there are significant differences between these devices.

Even though hunting and golfing are commonly done with standard rangefinders, they differ pretty slightly in other ways. Let’s clarify our thoughts on it and know the main differences between hunting rangefinders and golf rangefinders.

 

The Golf Rangefinder vs Hunting Rangefinder: Do They Actually Differ?

 

Laser technology has dramatically improved with quick and straightforward ranging modes over the past decade. Golf and hunting rangefinders are indeed functionally similar, but there’s more that separates the two than you may realize. Let’s look more closely at the differences between them.

Functional differences

Despite the fact that golfers and hunters can both use the same rangefinder, the two are functionally distinct even when using the same laser technology. Besides detecting nearby objects like a flag, golf rangefinders also feature a “First Target Mode” that detects pins on the hole or flags on the golf course.

In hunting rangefinders, this is known as distant target mode. In this mode, close objects are avoided so that the target can be focused far away.

As opposed to hunting rangefinders, golf rangefinders don’t need to be as precise. As such, they are concerned with delivering quick inspections, whereas hunting rangefinders aim to be as accurate as possible.

The golf rangefinder does not have the most advanced magnification system compared to hunting rangefinders. Typically, golf rangefinders cover a distance of about 400 yards, which is more than enough for golfers and bow hunters.

Nevertheless, if you are planning to hunt with a rifle or a gun, you would like to have a hunting rangefinder covering distances between 1000 and 1500 yards.

Differences in prices

In general, the prices of the two types of rangefinders are different since they target objects in different ways. A golf rangefinder is not very expensive in the long run considering its abilities.

There is no need to spend a lot of money on a high priced rangefinder when you can find a lower cost golf rangefinder with the closest target priority already built in.

A golf rangefinder ranges typically in price from $100 to $400. Typically, mid-range models are the most commonly used by golfers because they are the cheapest.

Generally, for a good hunting rangefinder, you are looking at spending less than $100, whereas a golfing rangefinder will cost you significantly more.

In the hunter rangefinder, you’ll find a lot of different functions that aren’t available in the golf rangefinders, such as multiple focus, multiple lenses, and many other functions. Within a budget of $300, you can find the best hunting rangefinders.

 

A comparison of hunting and golf rangefinders

Despite their many differences, golf and hunting rangefinders have a lot in common. It is even possible to use a rangefinder to determine range and distance while golfing and hunting.

There is no doubt that most rangefinders can be used for both types of tasks, but there is no guarantee that all of them can. The cost of a single rangefinder used for both purposes will still be higher than using a single one for just one purpose.

However, if you are looking for a rangefinder that comes with the versatility of having the ability to be used for both golf and hunting, you can find deals that reduce the amount you have to pay.

Both midrange laser rangefinders and some high-end laser rangefinders usually work with FTP and DTP. You should check out the rangefinder in the hunting section to get the most appropriate laser rangefinder that can be used for golfing and hunting. The hunting rangefinders are usually the ones that feature two modes of focusing. Some similarities between them are given below.

  • In the case of golf rangefinders, the Bullseye Mode of the hunting rangefinders is actually the FTP mode of the golf rangefinders.
  • Golf rangefinders that can also be used for hunting can be a perfect choice for someone who is mainly a golfer and occasionally a hunter.
  • Angle compensation is a feature that is included in both golf and hunting.

 

Types of Both rangefinders

There are three basic types of golf rangefinders available around the globe. The three types of golf rangefinders are the following:

  • Laser: In addition to the camera, the laser rangefinder can be used to focus on an object by aiming and clicking the laser trigger. This will allow you to gauge the distance from the target.
  • Optical: Essentially, you can use it like a pair of binoculars. To get a reading on the target, you have to focus your attention on the target with only one eye.
  • GPS Rangefinder: The GPS is worn on the wrist, and you can select the target on the screen to get the distance between you and your target.

We need to pay attention to three types of rangefinders if we talk about hunting rangefinders.

  • Archery Rangefinder: You can use an archery rangefinder to ensure that your bow is correctly angled to get the right target.
  • Precision Shooting Units: Precision Shooting units can also be used for long distance hunting with their detection rangefinders that will provide the user with an accurate location and distance to the target.
  • Rifle hunting Rangefinder: it gives you a 1000 yard range, and it is used mainly when you are hunting with a rifle that is meant for long distance hunting or for long range targets.

 

Conclusion

So, it is evident that both hunters and golfers have a lot in common when it comes to our preferences. However, I understand that you cannot change someone overnight from hunters to golfers. Your pursuit should not be altered either. There is no need to worry about not being able to find what suits your needs. The above discussion will serve you well.

Golf and hunting rangefinders: are they really different? Indeed. There are special features for golf rangefinders, like flag lock. You can also turn off slopes for tournaments. Rangefinders are more portable and cheaper for hunting. In addition, they are typically camouflaged or neutral in color.

Nevertheless, you can use the same rangefinder for hunting and golf if it’s accurate, neutral-coloured, has a long battery life, and can be switched off for tournament play.

About the author

David Frew