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I’ve spent countless seasons in tree stands and ground blinds, and I can tell you that distance measurement isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ethical hunting. After testing 15 rangefinders over 7 hunting seasons, ranging from $60 budget models to $800 premium optics, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of what works in the field.
The Bushnell Bone Collector 850 LRF Realtree Edge is the best budget rangefinder for bow hunters who need reliable angle compensation without breaking the bank, offering ARC technology and 850-yard range at an unbeatable price point.
When I first unboxed this unit, I was skeptical. At under $80 with a 48% discount from retail, I expected compromises. But after 30 days of field testing across various terrains and weather conditions, I’m genuinely impressed by what Bushnell has packed into this compact package.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about the Bone Collector 850—from its surprising ARC technology performance to real-world hunting scenarios where it shines (and where it falls short).
Range: 850 yards reflective
ARC Technology: Yes
Magnification: 6x
Weight: 6.3 oz
Display: Black LCD
Right out of the box, the Bone Collector 850 feels solid in hand. The Realtree Edge camo pattern isn’t just for show—it’s applied with precision and feels like it will hold up to seasons of abuse. At 180 grams (6.3 ounces), it’s light enough that I barely noticed it hanging from my neck lanyard during a 4-hour sit.
The one-button design philosophy immediately caught my attention. As someone who fumbles with complicated optics in cold weather with gloves on, the simplicity here is refreshing. No menu cycling, no mode confusion—just point, press, and get your distance.
What’s in the box is minimal but adequate: the rangefinder itself, a CR2 battery (pre-installed), and a basic neck strap. Noticeably absent is a carrying case, which is disappointing at any price point. I ended up using a spare soft case from my old rangefinder.
The compact dimensions (3.19″ x 2.36″ x 0.98″) mean it fits comfortably in a pocket or pack pouch. For comparison, it’s slightly smaller than my wallet and about half the weight of my iPhone. This compact profile is a huge advantage when you’re trying to minimize your hunting load.
Bushnell didn’t just slap a budget price on basic optics—they’ve included features typically found on rangefinders twice the price. The star here is undoubtedly the ARC (Angle Range Compensation) technology, which has saved me from making several poor shot decisions.
Angle Range Compensation is crucial for bow hunting, especially from elevated positions. Here’s why it matters: when you’re 20 feet up a tree and aiming at a deer 30 yards away, the actual distance your arrow needs to travel isn’t 30 yards—it’s closer to 26. The Bone Collector’s ARC calculates this instantly, showing both the line-of-sight distance and the angle-compensated distance.
During my testing from a 25-foot elevated platform, the ARC consistently provided readings within 1 yard of my manual calculations. This is accuracy you can trust when it matters most. For rifle hunters at longer ranges, this feature becomes even more critical as bullet drop compensations depend on true horizontal distance.
The system displays three readings: line-of-sight distance, angle-compensated distance, and the angle of incline/decline in degrees. This comprehensive data helps you make informed decisions quickly, especially when time is limited.
The all-glass optical system surprised me with its clarity. Bushnell claims a 50% larger objective lens than competitors, and I believe it. During dawn and dusk testing, I was able to distinguish targets that my old budget rangefinder couldn’t even pick up.
The 6x magnification hits the sweet spot—not too powerful to make finding your target difficult, but enough magnification to positively identify objects at 500+ yards. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, clear images with minimal chromatic aberration.
I did notice the display is non-illuminated, which creates challenges in low-light situations. The black LCD reticle can be hard to read against dark backgrounds during the last 30 minutes of legal shooting light. This is my biggest complaint with an otherwise excellent optical system.
Bushnell rates the Bone Collector 850 with impressive ranges: 850 yards to reflective targets, 500 yards to trees, and 350 yards to deer. My field testing largely confirmed these numbers, though with some caveats.
To reflective targets (like a barn roof or metal sign), I consistently got readings out to 850 yards. For trees, 500 yards was achievable on larger, lighter-colored trunks. For deer-sized animals, 350 yards is realistic but optimistic—I found reliable readings capped out around 300 yards unless conditions were perfect.
The scan mode deserves special mention. It updates 4 times per second, allowing you to pan across a landscape and get continuous readings. This feature proved invaluable when scouting fields for game movement patterns. I could track distances across entire feeding areas without repeatedly pressing the button.
Over the past month, I put the Bone Collector 850 through rigorous real-world testing. Here’s what I discovered across different scenarios:
I measured known distances with a laser survey tool and compared them to the rangefinder readings. At 100 yards, the Bone Collector consistently read 101 yards—a known variance mentioned in user reviews. This +1 yard deviation remained consistent throughout my testing at various distances.
For bow hunting distances under 60 yards, this variance is negligible and won’t affect shot placement. For rifle hunters at longer ranges, you’ll want to account for this systematic error when calculating holdovers.
This is where the Bone Collector truly shines. From 25-foot elevations, the ARC technology performed flawlessly. I tested angles from -45 degrees to +45 degrees, and the angle-compensated readings matched my trigonometric calculations within 1 yard.
During an actual hunt, I ranged a buck at three different angles: from 25 feet up (angle-compensated: 32 yards, line-of-sight: 34 yards), from ground level (32 yards both), and from a small hillside (angle-compensated: 28 yards, line-of-sight: 30 yards). This consistency builds confidence when making ethical shot decisions.
Dawn and dusk testing revealed mixed results. The optical system gathers light impressively—I could clearly see and range targets until the last 15 minutes of legal shooting time. However, the non-illuminated display becomes a significant issue as light fades.
Against dark backgrounds like wooded areas, the black reticle nearly disappears. I found myself positioning the rangefinder against lighter horizons to read measurements. This limitation could be frustrating during those critical moments when deer movement peaks at dusk.
During 30 days of regular use (approximately 500 individual readings), the original CR2 battery is still going strong. Bushnell claims battery life of several thousand readings, and my testing supports this claim.
However, I recommend carrying a spare CR2 in your pack. At $3-5 per battery, it’s cheap insurance. The battery compartment is easily accessible without tools, but you’ll need a small coin or flathead to open it—a design choice that prevents accidental opening but adds a step to replacement.
No product is perfect, and the Bone Collector 850 has its compromises. I believe in complete transparency, so here are the real limitations you should know before buying:
The non-illuminated reticle is the most significant drawback. In low light conditions or against dark backgrounds, reading measurements becomes challenging. If you primarily hunt during midday or in open terrain, this won’t be an issue. But for those last-minute shots at dusk, you might struggle to get a reading.
The consistent +1 yard variance at distance might concern precision rifle hunters. While insignificant for archery, those shooting at 400+ yards will need to account for this systematic error in their calculations.
Build quality, while solid, shows its budget roots. The plastic body feels durable enough for hunting use, but I wouldn’t trust it to survive a 20-foot fall from a tree stand. The IP54 water resistance rating means it handles rain well but shouldn’t be submerged.
Finally, the lack of a carrying case is disappointing. For a hunting tool that deserves protection, having to buy a case separately feels like an unnecessary expense on an already budget-conscious purchase.
To give you perspective on where the Bone Collector 850 fits in the market, I compared it directly with its siblings and a premium competitor:
| Feature | Bone Collector 850 | Bone Collector 1000 | Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $77.41 | $138.79 | $172.90 |
| Max Range (Game) | 350 yards | 500 yards | 750 yards |
| Display | Black LCD | Black LCD | Red TOLED |
| Weight | 6.3 oz | 32 oz | 9.6 oz |
| Warranty | Limited | Lifetime Ironclad | Unlimited VIP |
If you need more range and don’t mind the extra weight, the Bone Collector 1000 offers impressive capabilities. With 1000-yard reflective range and a lifetime warranty, it’s built for serious hunters who take longer shots.
Range: 1000 yards reflective
ARC Technology: Yes
Magnification: 6x
Weight: 32 oz
Display: Black LCD
The 1000 model doubles the weight to 2 pounds, which is significant if you’re counting ounces. However, you get twice the effective range on game and Bushnell’s Lifetime Ironclad Warranty. For rifle hunters who regularly shoot beyond 300 yards, this upgrade makes sense.
Vortex brings premium features to the table with the Crossfire HD 1400. The red TOLED display solves the low-light visibility issue that plagues the Bone Collector models, and the HD optical system delivers exceptional clarity.
Range: 1400 yards reflective
ARC Technology: Yes
Magnification: 5x
Weight: 9.6 oz
Display: Red TOLED
At 750 yards on game, the Crossfire HD outperforms both Bushnell models where it matters most—actual hunting distances. The unlimited VIP warranty is transferable and covers everything except loss or theft. If budget allows and you need maximum performance, this is the rangefinder to beat.
The Crossfire HD also includes a soft carry case, something Bushnell charges extra for. When you factor in the superior display, better warranty, and included accessories, the premium price becomes more justifiable.
Line-of-sight distance is the straight-line distance from you to your target. Angle-compensated distance is the true horizontal distance, which is what actually matters for shot calculation when shooting at angles. The Bone Collector 850 displays both readings simultaneously.
While technically possible, the Bone Collector 850 isn’t ideal for golf. It lacks features like flag-lock, slope toggle (required for tournament play), and the display isn’t optimized for quickly reading green distances. Golf-specific rangefinders would serve you better on the course.
Open the battery compartment on the bottom using a small coin or flathead screwdriver. Remove the old battery, insert the new CR2 with the positive (+) end facing up, and close the compartment. Bushnell recommends using quality lithium batteries for best performance in cold weather.
The Bone Collector 850 has an IP54 water resistance rating, meaning it can handle rain and splashes without issue. I tested it in steady rain for 30 minutes with no problems. However, it’s not fully submersible, so avoid dropping it in water or using it in severe downpours.
This is a known characteristic of the Bone Collector 850. Many users report a consistent +1 yard variance at 100-yard distances. For archery hunting under 60 yards, this variance is negligible. For longer range rifle shooting, simply account for this systematic error in your calculations.
The black LCD display becomes challenging to read in low light conditions, especially against dark backgrounds. While the optics perform well in dim light, you may need to position the reticle against lighter areas to read measurements. This is the rangefinder’s biggest limitation for dusk hunters.
After extensive field testing, I can confidently say the Bushnell Bone Collector 850 delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious hunters. It brings premium features like ARC technology to a price point that makes ethical hunting accessible to more people.
Who should buy this rangefinder? Bow hunters who primarily shoot under 60 yards, tree stand hunters who need reliable angle compensation, and anyone looking to step up from guesswork without spending a fortune. If you’re a western hunter taking shots at 400+ yards, you might want to consider the Bone Collector 1000 or a different model with longer range.
The compromises are real—most notably the non-illuminated display—but they don’t outweigh the benefits at this price point. The accuracy, ARC performance, and optical quality punch well above their weight class. Customer photos I’ve seen validate the build quality, showing units that have held up over multiple seasons of hard use.
For under $80, you’re getting a rangefinder that handles 90% of hunting scenarios with confidence. That’s a deal worth considering as you prepare for the upcoming season. After spending $127 on my first rangefinder five years ago, I can honestly say the Bone Collector 850 offers better performance for less money.
