Angle compensation Rangefinder question

[guesswho]

I'm in the market for a rangefinder too! I know you guys get tired of the same quesions but here I go again.

For the ones that has an angle compensation rangefinder, here is my question. how much of a difference is the point of aim changed on the average bowhunt from level ground (like south georgia) in a tree stand. I know it really will differ depending on how close the target is and how high the stand is. But given my shooting ability (roughly 30 or 40 yards MAX) I'm just trying to eliminate any unneeded accessories on it (ultimately lowering the price).

My next question is, does the scan and rain modes come in handy or just another sales gimmic.

I want a quality unit but dont have 400 dollars to sink into one. But I do want the best my budget will allow, and that is why I'm asking about the two above mentioned functions. I'm really considering the Nikon 550 but I've been seeing alot of bad talk on them. My other option is the Bushnell Trophy series. Any help is appreciated.

(I did read the other "best bang for buck on rangefinder" thread)

[johnf]

Unless you're going to be shooting from 75 feet in the air your not going to need it. If you live in Colorado and are going to be shooting 500 feet up a hill at 200 yards you will need it. Otherwise it's a big waste of money IMO. I do use a regular old laser range finder and find it a usefully tool.

For the average Joe hunter a $179 Bushnell is all you need.

[guesswho]

Hey Johnf do you find the scan and rain mode a useful tool on yours.

[wtnhunt]

Been pretty happy with my bushnell rangefinder. On the rain mode, it could be useful while hunting, scan is really probably not a must have, but also could be useful if you were looking over an area as panning around. I typically try to range the area and where I expect to have shots before hand so I know in my mind when the situation comes up how far I am looking at rather than ranging when I see an animal like what you may sometimes see on hunting shows.

[johnf]

Hey Johnf do you find the scan and rain mode a useful tool on yours.

Don't use the scan much, but the rain mode is very nice.

[aksheephuntress]

...I don't see the need for using a rangefinder for anything under 100 yards..(I realise you're refering to bowhunting-but, still)....

- and, like Johnf, I use the rain mode, and have found it useful-

-Wtnhunt's description of how he uses the scan mode, sounds like the best explanation of that, that I've heard- that helps me, with mine-(thanks, William!)

-I'm very happy with my Nikkon Prostaff rangefinder,so far...(doesn't have the angle compensation, though.....)

[Leo]

The further away something is and the less elevation you have on the target the less angle compensation comes into play.

Do the math. The distance on an uncompensated rangefinder divided by the height of the observer. Take the inverse sine of that to get the angle. Take the cosine of that result and multiply it by the distance on the uncompensated rangefinder. The difference between that result and your reading is how much error your reading introduces. Unless you're substantially higher than the target (ie. higher than the distance you read), or the target is extremely close, it usually doesn't amount to enough to blame a miss on.

[guesswho]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've ruled that I'm not going to need the Angle compensation units. Now only to select which one I want to buy.

[buckee]

Mine doesn't have the rain compensator, and I kinda wish I had it. I've noticed I get some false readings when it's foggy or raining.

I'm like William. I range everything before hand, so I konw exactly how far the game is, when it comes strolling in.

When I range, from a treestand, I like to range straight out to a marker like a tree, to get my distance as if I were standing on the ground.

Like said above, the only shots that you'll see a slight difference in are the close-range shots of 0 to 20 yrds. I've spined a few deer, because I was shooting a bit high up close, but once you get out past 20, it's minimal difference of aim point, and point of impact.

Before I even had a range finder, I use to mark off 10, 20 and 30 yards from the base of my tree-stand, with flagging tape. I'd have 3 ribbons at 10, 3 at 20 and 3 at 30 yards. From the stand, it was easy to draw, invisible yardage circles.

[buckee]

I forgot to add, that bending at the waist, will eliminate those high shots up close. It's more of a good shooting form issue, than it is a change in trajectory issue.

[guesswho]

Thanks Buckie.

[Leo]

I forgot to add, that bending at the waist, will eliminate those high shots up close. It's more of a good shooting form issue, than it is a change in trajectory issue.

Using the same setup only this time placing the target 90ft away (30yds) instead of 10yds. The length of the angle distance comes out to 92.2ft. That's an error of less than one yard.

[guesswho]

I'm not gonna be makeing a shot much father than that anyway so you just reaffirmed my decision. If I live in the mountains or something where a longer up/down hill shot would be made I could see spending the extra for the option.