Does anybody have a recommendation for an affordable range finder?

Your feet. Depending on your size, it'll be something like 26-27 steps for twenty yards. From that you learn how to guage the distance by sight.
But that process probably has become impossible in the modern era. Probably like reading Indian smoke signals. The old ways are less instantaneously learned.

I use the Wildgame Innovations R400 Halo Rangefinder. Measures out to 400 yds(not that any archer would shoot that far). Got mine for appx $90 new.

I've always brought a rope along that measured 30 yards and used that to measure off from the tree or stand at the start of the season, memorizing or writing down landmarks. I bought the Wildgame Innovations rangefinder this year for $99 on a whim with points from a big box store. Had I wanted to spend money I would have went with something in the $150 to $200 range. There are plenty of them out there and I hear they all work good. So far mine works good and I'll take it back if it doesn't knowing the C store will not want to be known for selling me junk. Good luck!

P.S. Anybody that tells you a $99 or $150 rangefinder won't work is full of it. It's basic and not as nice as a $400 one, but it works. A DVD player may not be as nice in terms of picture as a blu ray but it does the job. Cheaper = not as nice, not junk.

well, i like cheap stuff that works, but never tried that wild game innovations one. I have a Nikon Prostaff 550, i really like it. i think it was 200

I bought the Nikon Riflehunter so that I can use it for all seasons. Not real sure if I'll need the incline/decline part of it but it is there incase I do! Got on E b ay for 200 new. and it works great. I also have a Leupold RX I that works good for about the same money with out the incline but I just passed it down to the Wifey. Both are pretty simple to use with the Nikon being much easier in my opinion.