I thought the same after using a range finder for the first time, though the very first range fnder was a thumb wheel alignment. It provided distance when the selected item was brought into focus. My latest is a vortex 1000, quite an improvement from the first and easy to use. There are many good brands out there that can be used for both archery and rifle. With today's technology there is no reason to guess at distance unless you are still hunting and jump a deer.