Scopes, red dots, range finders and more: you'll find lots of new exciting optics being introduced in 2022, so we're here to give you the skinny. (Photo courtesy of Sam Forbes)
January 17, 2022
By The Editors
Supply-chain woes are plaguing the optics sector just as profoundly as other areas of the U.S. sporting goods economy, but surprisingly, a number of brands have figured out how to bring products to market in 2022. Some new introductions will be slightly delayed by logistical lags while others will feature skimpy inventories. But from laser rangefinders to riflescopes and binoculars, the optics sector continues to bring a variety of options to American hunters and shooters. Here are some to, um, keep your eyes on.
Maven's New Entry-Level Riflescopes This direct-to-consumer brand is introducing a pair of second-plane riflescopes that should appeal to a wide range of hunters. The CRS line is the riflescope equivalent of Maven's C-Series binoculars—lower priced versions of their flagship optics. Both CRS scopes are built on 1-inch tubes, have 4-times magnification zoom ranges, and feature Maven's Simplified Holdover Reticle (CSHR) and capped turrets tuned to .25 MOA values. The higher-magnification CRS.2 has a side parallax focus.
The 3-12x40 CRS.1 will sell for $400 while the 4-16x44 CRS.2 sells for $525. Both are covered by Maven's lifetime warranty.
Zeiss Introduces First-Plane Precision Scope With its gargantuan and talented LRP S5 line, Zeiss has finally entered the precision-shooting conversation. The first-plane scopes are available in 3-18x50 and 5-25x56 configurations, and both feature some of the most tactile and precise turrets on the market and a massive amount (40.7 MRAD/140 MOA) of internal elevation travel inside their 34mm tubes. Practically speaking, that amount of internal adjustment negates the need for elevated bases or even zeroing at distances beyond 100 yards for most loads.
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Both scopes are available with Zeiss's ZF-MRi or MOAi reticles. The former is a Christmas-tree design while the MOA-based version is a hash style. Both feature an illuminated open center aiming point. They're not cheap. The 5-25x version retails for $3,599 while the 3-18x model will sell for $3,299.
Steiner's 2-ounce Pistol Sight Steiner's new MPS (Micro Pistol Sight) features all-metal construction and a recessed window that enhances the visibility of the red dot aiming point and keeps obstructions away from the front lens. The 3.3 MOA dot has eight brightness settings, but what makes the MPS especially appealing is its 2-ounce weight and compact dimensions. The 1x magnification offers undistorted viewing for both-eyes operation. The sight is compatible with most optics-ready pistols and baseplate adapters.
Hawke Introduces Price-Point Vantage Binoculars Hawke is bringing to customers a pair of priced-right binoculars based on its H2 product line. The Vantage 8x42 and 10x42 binoculars will retail for $159 and $169, respectively, making them great choices for entry-level hunters and wildlife observers, or great backup optics for a boat or pickup.
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Both models are clad in green armor and weigh less than 20 ounces, and both are covered by Hawke's no-fault lifetime warranty. The 8x42 model has a field of view of 367 feet at 1,000 yards, while the 10x42 has a FOV of 304 feet.
Leupold Brings a New Rangefinder to SHOT Leupold is introducing a new handheld laser rangefinder at SHOT this year. The RX-FullDraw 5 is configured for archery hunters and target archers. The FullDraw 5 builds on its predecessor, the FullDraw 4, to deliver Archer's Advantage software. These features allow users to upload personal ballistics to calculate drops based on angle and arrow dynamics. The new version provides an optional 20-yard pin solution, rain/fog mode, and a lower minimum arrow velocity to provide solutions for all types of archers.
Leica Introduces 32mm Geovid Rangefinding Binocular Leica has managed to pack industry-leading rangefinding attributes and geo-tracking technology into a 32mm version of its iconic Geovid rangefinding binocular, making it one of the smallest and most compact rangefinding binos on the market. The new Geovid weighs just over 28 ounces but is capable of ranging targets to 2,500 yards, and also contains GPS capabilities that can communicate via Bluetooth to Leica's ballistic app as well as integrate to third-party mapping apps.
All that technology is enabled by Leica's world-class optics and hand-gripping ergonomics delivered by the Perger-Porro design of the Geovid. The design also expands the Geovid's edge clarity and field of view.
Tract Introduces New Rimfire, LPVO Riflescopes Built around a T-Plex dot reticle, Tract's new 22 FIRE riflescope is specifically designed for rimfire target shooters and hunters. The EFR (Extended Focus Range) adjustable objective lens focuses down to 10 yards and turret ¼-inch turret adjustments. The new rimfire scope, which features a 4-12-magnification zoom range behind a 40mm objective, will be available by April 1 from the direct-to-consumer optics brand.
Tract is also introducing a new low-power variable optic (LPVO) riflescope line. The TORIC 1-8x24 is built on a 30mm tube and features a second-plane reticle tuned to either MOA or MRAD. Both will retail for $1,194 and will be available Feb. 1.
Meopta Brings New MeoPro HD Plus Bino and MeoSport Riflescope Meopta is reinvesting in its MeoPro line of optics, bringing a pair of HD Plus binoculars to market this year along with a new riflescope line.
The redesigned Gen2 version of the MeoPro binocular is available in 10x42 HD configuration and a light-hungry 8x56 HD model. Both have measurably better contrast and optical resolution than first-generation MeoPro binoculars. The field of view delivered by the 10x42 version is an impressive 325 feet at 1,000 yards; meanwhile, the exit pupil delivered by the 8x56 configuration is a whopping 6.7mm, which means it's one of the best low-light optics on the market. The 10x42 bino will sell for $499 while the 8x56 is priced at $749.
Meanwhile, the Czech company is bringing its MeoSport R 3-15x50 RD riflescope to American hunters and shooters. The scope is built on a 30mm tube and features exposed and zero-resettable turrets tuned to .1 Mil click values. The illuminated center-dot reticle enables quick target acquisition, and a side parallax is tunable from 10 yards to infinity. The MeoSport R is expected to retail for $499.
GPO Introduces a Fixed-Power Riflescope $599 | gpo-usa.com
German Precision Optics (GPO) is introducing a bright and durable 7.1x50 illuminated riflescope to market this year. The fixed magnification of the SPECTRA scope is the first for the company and will be guided by a modified German 4 reticle with sharp illuminated center dot. The scope is built on a 30mm tube and features capped resettable windage and elevation turrets and side parallax.
The fixed-power scope is designed for shooters and hunters who want both simplicity and the wide field of view and enhanced optical clarity and light transmission of the configuration. Also of note, GPO is also introducing an 8x32 version of its Rangeguide rangefinding binoculars.
Burris Brings XTR-Pro Line with New Glass and Turret Burris is upgrading its popular XTR line of tactical scopes with a new class of glass and an innovative tool-less zero stop adjustment that will make turret resets in the field both easy and precise. The turret adjustment features a cam lever that allows users to adjust and then secure the turret without having to use hex wrenches or remove any screws. The new XTR also brings Burris's “Race Dial” system to the platform. The dial features a writeable tape that users can wrap their turrets to allow them to dial to targets at known distances.
Built on a 34mm tube, the XTR Pro is in a 5-30x56 configuration with three different reticle options, ranging from the Special Competition Reticle (SCR-2) mil-based reticle to the decorated TREMOR5 competition reticle. Pricing ranges from $2,639 for the SCR to $2,999 to the TREMOR version.
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 Vortex is reloading its venerable Razor HD line of riflescopes with a new flagship, a first-plane, 34mm marvel that's optimized for long-range tactical shooters. The heart of the Gen III scope is a smart, clean EBR-7D reticle that's available in either MOA or MRAD subtensions. The reticle has red LED main-stadia illumination and features a semi-Christmas tree design with hashes and dots with 10 MRAD (36 MOA) elevation holds and 10.5 MRAD of windage. The reticle also has added precision references at extended ranges, smart mover hashes, and a .03 mil center aiming dot. The exposed turrets feature Vortex's L-TEC zero system and extremely positive micro-adjustments. And the optics, powered by Japanese glass, are among the best in the class.
