Bud reviews the Tidewe HR-F700 laser rangefinder

One of the most exciting things I get to do is field test and evaluate new products. Well, this particular product was something that I was indeed honored and happy to give a "going over."

My old digital rangefinder was less than reliable during the last deer hunting season, and I had planned on replacing it before the 2024 deer season arrived here in Indiana. I have used digital rangefinders since their inception several years ago, and they really proved to be a valuable piece of hunting tackle. I became very reliant on them for providing me with accurate distances to my intended target.

Over the years, I used and purchased several of the leading manufacturers’ rangefinders. To be honest, depending on what you wanted, they were pricey. I admit several of the units I purchased were in the $300-$400 range, and most of them did not last very long.

Some of the blame might be attributed to my clumsiness, accidently bumping them against the shooting rail of my ladder stand, and even falling to the ground. I guess I expected units within that price range to be better built.

I started researching different name brands, but I have to admit, being a retired autoworker, I no longer enjoy those "seven-day, 12-16 hours a day" paychecks. So, I had to consider a budget-priced digital rangefinder. I started searching YouTube and some of the hunting forums on the Internet.

Boy, was there a long list! I quickly discovered everyone had an opinion, but that was what I was searching for.

One of my friends mentioned a company I had seen advertisements from, so I reached out to them. I told them I was seriously considering purchasing one of their digital rangefinders. Within a few days, I had a small box in my mailbox. I opened it, and there was a brand-new Tidewe HR-F700 digital rangefinder!

I was immediately impressed with their packaging. Everything was neatly and comfortably packaged. Inside the black gift box, there was a beautiful, camouflage-and-black rubber trimmed unit that was simple and easy to keep from slipping out of your hand.

The Tidewe HR-F700 rangefinder comes with a camouflaged carry pouch, a hand strap, a user manual, and a USB Type-C cable for recharging the 3.7V/750mAh Li-ion battery, which is stated to be able to charge/discharge 500 times. A single charge will power the device 20,000 times.

The camouflage carry pouch is extremely durable and utilizes a HD magnet to keep it closed. This is much quieter than a snap button or Velcro. The pouch has a belt loop to attach to your belt, or you can use the hand lanyard strap.

The first thing I noticed and liked was the rangefinder is much lighter and smaller and fit my large hands quite comfortably.  The rangefinder was not only attractive with the camouflage, it also had the black trim that accented it nicely. I also liked that the two control buttons on the top are spaced perfectly with a slight gap between them, providing plenty of room for my fat fingers.

Another great feature that I really liked was the rotating focus knob on the observation eyepiece. Many rangefinders do not have that feature, and it makes the readout blurry.

The two control buttons located on the top are the power button and the mode button. They are very easy to activate, even with gloves on.

Directly below the eyepiece is a small charging light, and directly under the charging light is the charging USB insert. There is a very small piece located directly under the USB insert where you attach the carry strap.

The dimensions on this rangefinder are: 4.13” x 2.6” x 1.49”, and the weight is a mere 5.67 oz. Measuring units of the lens are meters and yard. Measuring speed is 0.5 seconds which is pretty doggone good.

The magnification is 6X. The field of view is 7.0 degrees +/-5 percent. The objective caliber is 19 mm, and the eyepiece caliber is 15 mm. The unit also is water resistant.

The inner display indicates: target speed; speed measurement; straight line measurement; actual distance to target; horizontal and vertical measurement; aiming target crosshairs in the center; a battery power indicator; straight line measurement mode; adjustable to meters or yards; and straight-line target measurements.

 After I unboxed my new acquisition, I stepped out in my back yard. I have a decent shooting range with an open field directly behind my house. I had my crossbow target set up, and I have yardage indicators in the ground. I walked to the 40-yard indicator, and I activated the power button.

I adjusted the focus knob on the eyepiece, and I selected yards instead of meters. I aimed the crosshair target indicator dead center on the bullseye, and I gently pressed the button. In milliseconds, it indicated exactly 40 yards.

I walked up to the 10-yard indicator and repeated the process. It indicated exactly 10 yards. I walked to the 30-yard indicator and pressed the button. It rapidly indicated 30 yards. I moved to 50 yards and repeated the process again. It indicated exactly 50 yards. This unit ranges from three yards to 700 yards, and I am confident the longer yardages are accurate as well.

From what I have observed so far, this rangefinder is a great investment at a very affordable price, well within most budgets. It has features some of my higher priced units never had. It is very lightweight, comfortable, and well-constructed.

I plan on using it quite often. It is advertised as water resistant, but I would not recommend submerging it in water for any extended time.

I am primarily an archery hunter, using my Mathews compound bow or my crossbow. I also hunt with a .50 caliber CVA muzzleloader, so yardages beyond 50 yards are not normally executed. In the thick cover of the creek bottoms, it is difficult to actually see beyond 50 yards, let alone attempt a ethical shot at a deer.

I was astonished just how quick and easy it was to program my new Tidewe HR-F700 digital rangefinder with immediate accuracy and ease of adjusting the laser rangefinder.

In conclusion, I will honestly state I believe this is the best digital rangefinder at a budget price well within most price ranges. They also make a HR-1000 model that measures out to 1,000 yards. You can visit them on Facebook, see numerous reviews and videos on YouTube, or visit them at http://www.tidewe.com. When you do, tell them Bud Fields from Outdoors with Bud sent you. You can thank me later!

Bud Fields was recently contacted by the Browning Trail Camera Co., and informed that he had been added to the elite Browning Trail Camera Pro Staff. Bud writes the Outdoors with Bud column and hosts the Outdoors with Bud podcast for the Kokomo Lantern.

Bud has used trail cameras manufactured by the Browning Company for several years. During one of his many deer hunting seminars, he was discussing using trail cameras for deer hunting success. The business hosting the seminar sold Browning Trail Cameras, and Bud helped sell several units and assisted the customers with setting up the cameras for proper performance.

The store manager asked Bud if he was a representative for Browning Trail Cameras, to which he replied, "No, but I would love to be!" He received a Pro Staff application form from Browning and filled it out, He was overwhelmed when he was contacted and notified he was accepted. He will be endorsing the products in future Outdoors with Bud articles, podcasts, in-store promotions, and while field-testing products.