I have a Leupold RX range finder and am perfectly satisified with it.  Midway USA has the RX-600 for $200 with a 600 max range.

I have a Leupold range finder and it works good unless you are trying to range something over 400 yards and it becomes difficult to get the laser on a object, while at The SCI convention I checked out both the new Leupold and Nikon Monarch rangefinder and Nikon's rangefinder was by far more superior in getting ranges, plus it is less expensive. Don't get me wrong I own a lot of Lepold products but rangefinders don't seem to be their strong point. hope this helps. P.s. I am hoping to draw a elk tag in kentucky as well. Good Luck!!!!

When i was in the market for a rangefinder I tried several different brands and models, I ended up with the Bushnell scout arc 1000, Although I will never take a 1000 yrd shot ever!!! I liked this model the best. The Nikon models were great the leopold models made to much noise when pressing the buttons for what i liked, I like the bushnell primarily for how quiet and light it was and also the dual rifle and archery modes as i do both. my advice is to try several in your price range till you find one you like.

Numnutz brings up a good point when he mentions a range finder with long range capabilities.  I picked up a Bushnell unit that in good weather conditions will accurately read out to 700 yards.  While I don't ever plan on shooting that far at game, I have used it's capabilities several times to range intermediate targets to determine approximately where I have to be to take a shot.  Last fall, a buddy with a muzzleloader antelope tag & I found a buck at close to 550 yards.  We also found a small patch of junipers at about 475 downwind of the buck.  After a hour & a quarter stalk, he'd only moved 15 yards into a better shaded spot.  The 85 yard shot was on the mark.

My old Bushnell, being an early generation model, is kind of bulky so I almost wish the thing would break down so I could justify buying a newer, more compact model.  When I do, I'll get one with accuracy to 800 to 1,000 yards just for this reason.  Considering how well my old one has held up, the Bushnell brand will be looked at hard.

I have the Bushnell Arc also and while it has worked well for most of my hunting I have better luck ranging trees and things like that more than the animal. Hunting antelope on the treeless prarie I have not done well at all over 300 yards.

Based on reviews here and other places I intend to purchase the Zeiss as soon as funds permit, It just might take me awhile.

I have the Bushnell, but would not hesitate to recommend the Leupold either.

That's why I said it might take me awhile.lol

Like I said the Bushnell has worked well for me, and with the ranges you specified it would be more than capable for that and more.