Vortex Ranger 1500, Manual

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1500

Rangef

inder

r

angeFinding

 t

ips

Laser rangefinders work by emitting a brief pulse of light 
aimed at a target object. Distance is determined by the 
amount of time taken for the light to emit and return to the 
laser’s internal receiver. A laser’s ability to read range can 
be affected by many things—mostly relating to the target 
objects. Under ideal conditions, the Ranger can be expected 
to range a large reflective object out to 1500 yards and deer-
sized game out to 750 yards.

Laser Performance Tips

• Light colors will usually reflect the laser pulse better than 
dark ones. An exception would be snow, which can be 
difficult to range.

• Shiny, reflective surfaces will usually reflect the laser 
pulse better than dull, textured surfaces. Animal hair will 
not reflect as well as a hard surface.

•  Ranging while under cloud cover can improve laser 
performance compared  to ranging while under bright 
sunny conditions.   

• Solid objects, such as rock piles, will reflect the laser 

pulse better than less dense items such as bushes.

• Flat surfaces perpendicular to the laser pulse will reflect 
better than curved surfaces or surfaces angled in relation 
to laser pulse. 

• Ranging over water can sometimes cause false reflections 
and readings.

• At longer distances, larger objects will be easier to range 
than small objects.  

•  If you are having difficulty ranging an animal or object, 
try ranging a different nearby object or use the Scan 
feature to pan back and forth while watching for changes 
in range number.