Prediction of operating range is an important part in designing the visible and near-infrared imaging system. To insure the reliability of the prediction and evaluation, the range prediction method of the optoelectronic imaging system adapted for extended target is studied in this paper. The definition and measurement of minimum resolvable contrast (MRC) is introduced. A mathematical model for range prediction based on MRC is established. The calculation procedure and characteristics of the model are discussed combining an actual system. Compared with the traditional way based on the smallest resolution angle of instantaneous field of view (IFOV), the range prediction model is more reasonable and scientific, because that factors such as characteristics of object and background, atmospheric and transmission path condition, performance of imaging system, human visual system are taken into account. It is an effective approach to evaluate the visible and near-infrared imaging system for onshore, offshore and remote sensing detection.