Review: Vortex Ranger 1300 Rangefinder

I’ll admit it…I’ve been afraid of quality optics. I’ve always had an uneasy feeling with the thought of taking an expensive item that has a primary component made of glass into the field.

This apprehension led me to purchase inferior, “budget” rangefinders in hopes I would afford myself permission to hunt aggressively without worry of damaging my rangefinder.

In reality, I found I exhibited the same cautious behavior, regardless of the value…I just didn’t like the thought of potentially damaging an item in which I invested my hard earned money. I would either lose focus of the hunt trying to ensure my optics were safely stowed (even mid-stalk) or I flat out wouldn’t bother to get my rangefinder out when I needed it most.

When I purchased my Vortex Ranger 1300, my cautious behavior changed for one reason…the warranty.

Can’t Beat the Warranty

Vortex stands behind their equipment. It’s this commitment by Vortex that has afforded me the ability to step up to a higher quality rangefinder while keeping my focus on the hunt rather than the potential for damaging my rangefinder.

This was readily apparent on my recent public hunt on Hagerman NWA. This hunt is likely about as unique and demanding as a whitetail hunt gets in Texas from the initial scramble to hang a set on the first day to the midday adjustments required to home in on a travel route.

The reassurance provided by the warranty gave me the comfort to get the rangefinder out of the padded case and constantly transition it from my pocket to hand as I transitioned my spot on the last day of the hunt.

The Clip

With the new found freedom to “do the needful” when it comes to my optics, the next standout feature is simple, but overlooked by other rangefinders…the addition of a clip.

Much like an EDC knife, the clip allows you to shift the rangefinder around as needed as you stalk, belly crawl, roll and do all other kinds of awkward movements attempting to get into bow range. It’s one of those features that make you question how you ever lived without it.

Crystal Clear, Red Lit Reticle

If you are accustomed to high-end optics, this feature may be old hat to you, but the clear 6x zoom and red illuminated reticle were a step up from my previous, budget rangefinder. The addition of the red is necessary for those low-light conditions and the 6x zoom often saves me the need to pull out my Vortex 10×42 binoculars once I’m in close range

If you’ve been on the fence about stepping up to a quality rangefinder, I’d make the change. The improved features and quality combined with the lifetime warranty leave very few cons when it comes to this purchase.