Rangefinder: Vortex vs Leupold – Definitive Guide

In this review, I’ll try to explain the most important differences between Vortex vs Leupold rangefinders, which are top-notch brands on the market today.

We all need an aid to be able to measure distances between ourselves and the target/hunt in the field. These small nuances are indispensable to be able to decide how to shoot an arrow from various distances.

That’s why using a rangefinder is inevitable even for newbies.

Quick Summary

I know that finding useful information about rangefinders on the internet is really tough. Especially if you think about their wide price range.

There are too many different rangefinder brands in the market. There are tons of different options. So, finding the best brand that fits your needs and experts you can trust can be even harder.

In-depth: Vortex vs Leupold Rangefinders

A consistent shot is crucial. Most archers and hunters work hard to be consistent with a bow. A repeatable shot is our common desire.

But, without an appropriate rangefinder, it’s nearly impossible because we have to consider the distance in each shot and our shot equation.

Rangefinders can be divided into two types; Optical and Laser.

Some optical rangefinders are only marked with 50 yards or so. But my recommendation is picking a rangefinder which has a maximum increment reading of 10 yards if you’re using an optical one for archery.

On the other hand, most modern rangefinders like Vortex or Leupold are using a laser on their designs.

Laser rangefinders are calculating the time of burst light flight. So, their results are nearly the same with reality (+/- 3 yds @ 1000yds).

While laser rangefinders are using laser technology to measure the distance of an object, they're not projecting a laser beam pointer.

Vortex and Leupold are well known for their top-class optics. They both are U.S.-based American companies.

According to a survey of 81 shooters about their preference between Leupold vs Vortex rangefinder, the results show the Leupold has a higher fan-base than Vortex.

What are the best rangefinder features?

The perfect rangefinder should have these features;

Leupold Rangefinders

If you want to improve the odds of first-shot success, Leupold rangefinders might be just what you need.

Cons of Leupold

Of course, I’ve some warnings that I specify about Leupold as well.

Vortex Rangefinders

Vortex is a leader in optics. Vortex Rangefinders are where high-quality optics and long-distance ranging capability come together. 

Dependability, functionality, and ruggedness are just a couple of things that come to mind when you purchase a rangefinder from Vortex.

Generally, Vortex rangefinders feature advantages like those listed below.

Now, it is time to speak loud about their cons,

Top 3 Vortex Rangefinders

In this section of my review, I can’t be unbiased. Because I’m a Vortex fan. The biggest reason is their incredible warranty.

Buy a Vortex, take it home and smash it with a hammer. If you send it back and tell them what you did, they’ll send you a new rangefinder with no questions asked. They have such a crazy good warranty.

Vortex has three main models on the market today. The most important features and specs are in the table below.

Vortex Ranger 1000 vs Leupold Rx 650 Review

I chose these two rangefinders to be able to compare each other and show the main differences quickly.

Optically the Vortex Ranger and Leupold are almost identical. But Leupold optics are a little bit better quality. They are crisp and bright and perform well in just about any lighting situation. They're one step further in this tough comparison between Vortex vs Leupold.

Nearly 80% of archers prefer Leupold against Vortex, as my research proved. The optics and speed of ranging were slightly better on the Leupold. Leupold’s most significant disadvantage against Vortex is warranty. Know that Leupold also has an excellent warranty, just not a lifetime. You should consider that as a deciding factor.

A cheap solution for rangefinder

I’ll warn you. These are not as good as rangefinders in long distance. Besides, they’re not designed for using outdoors. But if you’re simply a target archer, lit can be an alternative for buying an expensive gear like rangefinders.

These products are an alternative for only the target, field, or 3D target types of archers. Or maybe only for backyard archers.

Conclusion

Both products are excellent in long-term reliability and trustworthy. But the choice is all personal preference.

Leupold might be better with quality optics (although they’re nearly the same) and a little faster on ranging, but Vortex has its incredible warrant. If the warranty is not a big buying parameter for you, Leupold has pretty good quality as well.

On the other hand, Vortex is brighter and crisper and completely waterproof. And it would be a worry-free purchase, the only rangefinder most bowhunters and archers will ever want or need. The warranty is an important selling reason for me since its an electronic product.

Both are quality units that will perform very well. Differences are so tiny between Vortex vs Leupold rangefinders. They both make great rangefinders. So make your decision based on these little differences. And pick one that most fits your needs.

Thanks for reading.

References