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Pros - Single-button operation - LED backlighting is adjustable for the best contrast depending on lighting conditions and background colors - Very compact and easy to use Cons - Accuracy leaves much to be desired after a year or two - Optics are only multicoated, not fully multicoated - LED backlighting tends to generate too much glare

Welcome to my review of the Nikon Archer’s Choice MAX Laser Rangefinder. Nikon makes some great optics, and quite a few of their rangefinders are among the best in the industry. The Archer’s Choice MAX was designed with bowhunters in mind, so I was very interested in testing it out. Let’s see how well it performs in the field.

What’s the Range of the Archer’s Choice MAX

Since the Archer’s Choice MAX is designed with bowhunters in mind, it’s only accurate to 200 yards. Unfortunately, this means the accuracy for smaller, less reflective objects is shorter, as well. You might only be able to range deer out to 60 yards. Accuracy, though, is outstanding at first – it’s accurate down to plus or minus .1 yard.

An unfortunate problem, however, is what happens with the rangefinder after a few years – it has a tendency to lose its effectiveness beyond 40 yards. Replacing the battery doesn’t resolve the problem, either.

This model features 6X magnification, which is typically more than enough power for the short ranges used by most bowhunters.

How Easy is the Rangefinder to Use?

Nikon makes extremely easy-to-use products, and the Archer’s Choice MAX is one of those. Single-button operation of the device is smooth and quick, allowing you to easily switch modes on the device without looking away from the eyepiece.

This rangefinder features a 21mm objective lens, and offers a 393.75 foot field of view. The eyepiece’s eye relief is comfortable at 18.3mm, allowing you to use the rangefinder with or without eyeglasses. You’ll also notice the device offers diopter adjustment of up to plus or minus 4 diopters.

How Is It Powered?

The Archer’s Choice MAX shows how prevalent CR2 batteries have become in rangefinders. Even though these batteries can be a challenge to find in the rural areas most bowhunters frequent, that’s exactly what Nikon chose to use to power the device.

What Features Does The Rangefinder Include?

For a bowhunter, there aren’t many rangefinders that include as many of the essential features as the Archer’s Choice MAX. You’ll find all of the features you would normally expect from a rangefinder, like first target priority mode and distance priority mode, as well as some that are unique to bowhunting situations. The Incline/Decline technology compensates for up to 89 decrees of inclined or declined shooting, making this rangefinder great for use even from a tree stand.

How Well Does The Nikon Archer’s Choice MAX Gather Light?

The rangefinder does a good job of gathering light, and I’ve used it during low-light conditions numerous times with decent results. The drawback lies in the active LED lighting for the display. It is slow to respond, and often produces so much glare that seeing your target is a real challenge.

How Are the Optics and Focus on This Rangefinder?

The optics and focus are decent, especially the focus. It automatically adjusts to your target, and does so pretty quickly. You’ll get a sharp image no matter what mode you’re in, making it easy to identify and then range your target. The only drawback to this rangefinder in terms of the optics is the use of multicoated optics instead of fully multicoated optics.

How Durable Is It?

Nikon makes products to take a bit of a beating, and the Archer’s Choice MAX is no exception to that rule. The optics chamber is nitrogen-purged and the lenses are sealed with O-rings. As a result, the rangefinder is both fogproof and waterproof. The rubber housing helps with shock absorption, too, but I wouldn’t throw the device around too much.