January 20, 2015
By PH Online Editors
If there's one thing that catches our eye each year at the annual SHOT Show, it's without a doubt new hunting optics.
This year's lineup of riflescopes, rangefinders, spotting scopes and binoculars sport finer glass, more durable construction and a focus on providing the clearest and best possible optics modern engineering can offer.
Check out this year's best new hunting optics straight from the 2015 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.
Burris | Predator Quest 4.5-14x42mm Burris' new
Predator Quest 4.5-14x42mm scope makes small work of targeting even the fastest coyote in the field. Designed for quick, long-range shots, the Predator Quest got rid of the adjustable objective lens and now incorporates a low-profile side focus for easy-to-reach parallax adjustments.
The Predator Quest features a state-of-the-art Ballistic Plex E1 reticle with trajectory compensation out to 500 yards and a threaded Anti-Reflection Device (ARD) to help reduce lens glare while still allowing a high volume of light to reach the eye in low light conditions. Available in matte or Realtree MAX-1 Camo finishes.
Price: $ 349
Bushnell | Elite 4500 2.5-10x40mm For 2015, Bushnell introduced its new lineup of Elite riflescopes, the
Elite 4500 . Featuring Bushnell's RainGuard HD technology, the Elite 4500 allows you to strike with lethal precision during the most unforgiving hunting situations. Utilizing an Ultra Wide Band coating, the Elite 4500 performs just as well in low-light as it does during ideal conditions.
With fully multi-coated optics, the scope delivers a 94 percent light transmission across even more of the visual light spectrum. Additionally, the Elite 4500 is fully equipped with a waterproof and fog-proof tube recoil tested with 1,000 rounds of .375 H&H Magnum. The Elite 4500 is available in 2.5-20x40mm, 2.5-10x50, 4-16x40mm, 6-24x40mm, 8-32x40mm sizes.
Price: $ 459
Bushnell | Elite 1 Mile CONX Bushnell's new Elite 1 Mile CONX rangefinder wirelessly communicates with your mobile device to give you unparalleled accuracy up to 1760 yards.
The CONX configures to IOS and Android platforms to provide range, angle and hold over values in the palm of your hand. When used with Kestrel windmeters (right), the CONX automatically factors wind and environmental adjustments into your hold over values. Users can load up to three custom ballistic curves into their smartphone for quick target acquisition.
Price: TBD
Leica | GEOVID HD-R 42mm Rangefinding Binoculars Leica continues to develop and innovate in the laser rangefinder department with the introduction of its new
GEOVID HD-R 42 . Featuring an ergonomic open-bridge design, Leica's patented Perfer Prism optics system and the highly acclaimed laser rangefinding technology also offered in the GEOVID HD-B 42, the GEOVID HD-R 42 promises to be Leica's easiest to use rangefinding binoculars yet. The simple to use interface easily switches between yards or meters with the quick press of a button.
The GEOVID HD-R 42's also feature angle compensation for 10 yards all the way out to 600 yards, which makes it the ideal choice for bowhunters, muzzleloaders and moderate range big-game hunting. The GEOVID HD-R 42's will be available in March or April this year.
Price: TBD
Leupold | BX-3 Mojave PRO GUIDE HD The popular BX-3 just got better — now available with Kryptek Typhon or Kryptek Highlander durable rubber coatings, Leupold went straight to the pros for help when designing the new
BX-3 Mojave PRO GUIDE HD .
The lightweight binoculars feature an open bridge system for a naturally ergonomic handhold and specially coated extra-low dispersion lens. The Mojave PRO GUIDE HD's are 100-percent waterproof and fogproof and uses BAK4 Prisms erector systems. Available in 8x42mm and 10x42mm.
Price: $ 549.99
Nikon | BUCKMASTERS II Nikon is bringing back an old favorite with deer hunters for 2015 with the new
BUCKMASTERS II riflescope series. Featuring a fully multicoated optical system that boosts light transmission for bright, high contrast views, a patented BDC reticle which gives hunters the ability to hold 'dead-on ' at impressive ranges, and a precise hand-turn ¼-inch click adjustments with a positive-click reticle to zero in quicker and maintain your settings even with heavy recoil, the BUCKMASTERS II offers the flexibility needed for any type of hunting scenario. The BUCKMASTERS II is available in 3-9x40 and 4-12x40 in matte finishes.
Price: $ 129.95-
$ 149.95
Nikon | PROSTAFF 7i 6x21 Laser Rangefinder With an 8 to 1,300-yard range finding capability,
Nikon's new PROSTAFF 7i 6x21 Laser Rangefinder might just be the one of the best values in the hunting optic market. The PROSTAFF 7i features multicoated optics, 100-percent waterproof and fogproof lenses, long eye relief, Tru-Target Priority System and Nikon's ID Technology for angle compensation.
Additionally, with Nikon's HYPER READ technology, the PROSTAFF 7i provides quick and stable measurement responses regardless of distance. The PROSTAFF 7i is available now.
Price: $ 299.95
Steiner | T5Xi 3-15x50mm Steiner brings clarity, accuracy and self-confidence with its new
T5Xi lineup of riflescopes. German engineered and made in the U.S., the T5Xi is rugged enough for whatever conditions you can put it through.
Featuring a one-piece oversized 34mm tube, 5X variable zoom, low-profile never-lost turrets with parallax adjustment and illumination controls, and resettable turrets with hard stops at zero for accurately dialing in your elevation and windage, the T5Xi is ideal for long-range precision rifles and large calibers alike. The T5Xi is available in 1-5x24, 3-15x50, and 5-25x56 sizes.
Price: $ 1,399.99-
$ 1,799.99
Swarovski | STR 80 Spotting Scope Swarovski's new
STR 80 spotting scope features an adjustable holographic reticle (MOA or MRAD) for optimal accuracy in all light conditions. Available in 20-60x80mm or 25-50x80mm (W), the STR uses HD optics for high-contrast imaging with natural colors and SWAROCLEAN hydrophobic lens coating technology that naturally repels liquids and dirt.
Weighing in just over 60 ounces, the robust scope also includes the option for picatinny rail mounts, allowing the viewer to utilize additional accessories like red-dot sights for quick target acquisition. The STR is your one-stop shop for the ultimate spotting experience.
Price: $ 3,689
Trijicon | 20-60x HD Spotting Scope Hunters seeking an optimized spotting scope with all the bells and whistles should check out
Trijicon's new 20-60x HD Spotting Scope . With fully broadband multicoated fluoride lenses and an incorporated magnesium body design, the HD Spotting Scope features a 20-60x magnification range, 82mm objective lens, a rubberized armor to aid in grip, a dual focus knob with coarse and fine focus allows for easy, quick and precise finger adjustments for focusing and an interchangeable eyepiece that allows for additional lens magnifications to expand the scope's range.
The HD Spotting Scope includes a carrying case and will stand up to all weather conditions with its waterproof and dry-nitrogen filled lenses.
Price: TBD
Vanguard | Endeavor RS New for 2015, Vanguard adds to the Endeavor binocular line its first ever riflescope, the
Endeavor RS . Transferring the trusted design and performance of its original optic line, the RS features premium HOYA ED glass, anti-reflective coatings, a rapid focus eyepiece and a locking parallax system.
Built into a sealed, single-piece tube, the RS is both waterproof and fogproof, making it ready to take on even the roughest field conditions. Available in 4-12x40mm, 3.5-10x50mm and 3-9x40mm.
Price: $ 299.99
Vortex | Crossfire If you're looking for a pair of hunting binos that won't break the bank, consider the
Vortex Crossfire . With fully multicoated anti-reflective lens coatings on every surface, nitrogen gas-purged and o-ring seals for 100-percent waterproofing and fogproofing, and a durable rubber armor that provides a secure, non-slip grip, the Crossfire's wide field of view and enhanced depth of field make provide an impressive visual display that models twice the price fail to match.
Don't let the entry price point in the roof prism lineup fool you as the Crossfire's are as serious as you can get from a pair of binoculars. The Crossfire is available in 8x42, 10x42, 10x50 and 12x50 magnification options.
Price: Starting at
$ 219
Vortex | Strike Eagle Also new for 2015 from Vortex is the new
Strike Eagle riflescope. With a 1x variable optic, the Strike Eagle is a scaled down version of Vortex's Razor without sacrificing capability and offers hunters that use an AR the speed and versatility necessary when hunting 'yotes and other varmint. Whether it's a 100-yard shot or farther, the Strike Eagle 1-6 x24 is as effective at extended ranges as it is close-up.
Featuring an illuminated dial on the left side of the turret housing with eleven intensity levels for a wide range of lighting and a raised magnification rib ring for quick changes in the moment of truth, the Strike Eagle will have you taking care of business in extreme hunting conditions.
Price: $ 429
Zeiss | Victory SF With the new
Victory SF 8x42mm , Zeiss now offers the widest field of view (444 feet at 1,000 yards) in its class with a rugged, ergonomically built model designed to fit the natural shape of the hand.
The Comfort View Field Flattener offers extremely sharp focus across the entire lens and the balanced weight distribution keeps fatigue to a minimum when a hunt calls for hours of glassing. Also available in 10x42mm.
Price: $ 2,599
Zeiss | XB75 Crossbow Scope Zeiss now gives crossbow hunters its famed German precision with the new
XB75 crossbow scope . Standout features include a patented ballistic reticle with yardages from 20-75 yards and ¼-MOA adjustments.
With a parallax-free 46.5-ft. field of vision at 100 yards, the bowhunting community can now compliment any setup with Zeiss' world-renowned reliability. The 2-7x32mm XB75 will be available in March/April 2015.
Price: $ 444.43
