Whats a descent range finder that won't break the bank?, i've read some material about zip modes, rain modes , i'm mainly looking to use it out of my tree stand this season . i'd like to just spend around 200 for one.

There are several good units out there but it depends on your purpose. My friends and I have a range of differnt models and the Nikon series is by far the best. The Bushnell are ok but highly misleading. They invented the reflective non reflective jargon and do so to their advantage. While one of their units is good to say 600 yards reflective a realistic distance is about 2/3 of that. Nikon uses the distance that you can range an actual target.

Bang for your buck (ha ha) I recomend the Nikon 600. It will range out to 400 or 500 yards on just about anything and is really small.
I just upgraded from a 600 to a monarch 800. I also long range target shoot and wanted the extra couple of hundred yards max.

If you want to spend more the lieca etc are really nice but larger

I bought a bushnell yardage pro sport and didn't like it at all. Was not clear at all to see through, and there isn't any adjustments to clear it up.

I just purchased a Nikon 440 Pro Staff and really like it. More features, more compact and very clear. It also has the ability to adjust the optics to clear up the image. I only paid 189.00 for mine at an outdoor show a few months back.

I recommend any of the Nikons.

Leica 900.Check e-bay every now and again.Red lit display for those low light pereods while many others use a black display non aluminated.

bushnell sportsman. Durable and decent price.

I've got the bushnell yardage pro compact 600 and love it. It has the rain and zip mode, but I believe the discontinued it. Guess I lucked out buying it when I did. I only Bow and Shotgun hunt so It serves my purpose. Heck I can't see more than 2-300 yds without a bunch of trees getting in my way, even in winter.

The rain and zip modes are really not important. The units that have this (primarily bushnell) are just using a mathmetical algorithm (inside the chip) to try and guest what your really trying to get a reading on. The nikon uses a narrower beam so that thru aiming you get a true reading. I spent some time using the bushnells and if you want cheap they make a good unit. For bow hunting any unit will suffice as they all measure excellent at close range. If your trying to shoot thru the thich stuff up close the nikon will give a more accurate reading but if the laser has trouble hitting the target your arrow wont and the issue is moot.

It comes down to purpose. For archery 50, 100 or even 150 yards or less ranging every unit will do. If your a multi purpose hunter/shooter and need more range or ability to pick a target thru brush than you need to spend more.

I just brought my newest unit in and let some guys at work play. We hit a water tower at over 600 yards and a power line at 450 thru a screen window in my office. The cheaper units would even go thru the screen!

Thanx for the info i've pretty much narrowed things down.