A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for, and method of, reading an RFID tag to obtain data in both handheld and hands-free modes of operation, include all RFID module supported by the reader and including an antenna for propagating an electromagnetic field over a range, and a controller for varying the range of the antenna to be different in each mode. The antenna has a full range, preferably by default, in the handheld mode, and the controller is operative, preferably automatically, for decreasing the full range to a restricted range in the hands-free mode.