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Hot From SHOT: The Best New Optics For Hunters in 2025

From rangefinders to binoculars and spotting scopes, we have all the best new optics gear for the new year.

Hot From SHOT: The Best New Optics For Hunters in 2025

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Every hunter knows that quality optics are critical to the success of any hunt, and this year there are several outstanding new optics for every type of hunt and every price range. This list includes everything from clever bino harness accessories to top-end optics equipped with the latest ranging technology and wireless capabilities. Whether you’re hunting small game and whitetails or chasing elk and sheep in the mountains, there’s a new optic listed here that will help make your hunt a success.

Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 Riflescope

leupold vx6hd gen 2 riflescope
(Photo courtesy of Leupold)

The big news from Leupold this year is the release of their VX-6HD Gen 2 riflescope which will be available in six different models (1-6x24, 2-12x42, 3-18x44, 3-18x50, 3-18x56 and 4-24x52) with four different reticles. Perhaps the most exciting new feature is the new CDS-SZL2 SpeedSet dial which eliminates the need for tools when resetting the scope’s zero. There’s no longer a need to carry a wrench to fit your scope dial since the SpeedSet system allows you to flip up the locking lever and remove the dial. Speaking of dials, the new VX-6HD Gen 2 comes with two free CDS dials which can be custom matched with your favorite hunting loads. In a matter of seconds you can swap out dials when changing ammunition and the CDS dial takes the guesswork out of extended range shooting. The new dial is equipped with Leupold’s ZeroLock push button locking system to prevent accidental dial movement and all VX-6HD Gen 2 scopes come with competition-grade adjustments for precise dialing. Of course, it also comes with Leupold’s Professional-Grade optics system with superb glare reduction, light transmission and resolution. $2,000+; Leupold.com

Burris Fullfield Updated Lineup

burris fullfield lineup
(Photo courtesy of Burris)

The popular Burris Fullfield riflescope is now over 50 years old, and through its lifespan these optics have received numerous refreshes. For 2025, the Fullfield is receiving a major makeover, and that makes this outstanding and affordable hunting riflescope even better. A new 4x zoom system makes these scopes very compact yet highly versatile, and with six different models (2-8x35, 2.5-10x42, 3-12x42, 3-12x56, 4-16x50 and 6-24x50) from which to choose, the new Fullfield’s are suitable for everything from hunting in deep timber to long-range, cross-canyon shots. Constructed from a single piece of aluminum, the Fullfield is equipped with a metal-on-metal double spring system for class-leading longevity and precision. All scopes in this line come with rear focal plane reticles, and there are a variety of different reticle options including standard Plex, MOA and BDC-based options. The premium lenses are multi-coated, helping maintain their reputation for quality low-light performance and clarity. These scopes also feature the Burris Knob Synergy system which allows you to change turrets. You can also purchase custom knobs cut for the load you plan to shoot. $230-550; Burrisoptics.com

Vortex Viper HD 11-33x50 Spotter

vortex viper hd spotter
(Photo courtesy of Vortex)

The new Vortex Viper HD mini-spotter garners stellar optical performance out of a small footprint and fangs at the heels of its big brother, the Razor HD. It has a magnification range of 11-33x and a sleek 50mm objective, which allows it to fit unobtrusively in your pack or gear box. Featuring Vortex’s HD optical system which delivers wonderful resolution, color fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and light transmission—the diminutive spotter outperforms its size in a big way. The rubber armor helps with grip and provides outer shell protection, while the Armortek exterior lens coatings defend against abrasion, dirt, and debris, making it equally at home in the mountains or the shooting range. At a mere 27.9 oz., it will be a favorite of hunters who like to stay light on the way in, and heavy on the pack out. Priced well and being fully backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty, you can afford this spotter, and at the same time, you can’t afford to be caught in the field without it. $850; vortexoptics.com 

Swarovski Z5(i)+ Riflescope

swarovski z5i plus riflescope
(Photo courtesy of Swarovski)

The big news from Swarovski this year is the launch of their new Z5(i)+ riflescope, an optic designed with the North American hunter in mind. There are three different models available including a 2-10x42, 3.5-18x50 and a 5-25x56 version, all of which come with 30mm tubes that provide 80 MOA of elevation adjustment. Buyers can choose illuminated or non-illuminated reticles, and it is also available with or without the advanced ballistic turret. There are four reticle options to choose from, and the illumination controls are easy to access and adjust when you’re in a field shooting position. Of course, these rifles come with outstanding lenses and lens coatings and the clarity, color fidelity and low-light performance are worthy of the Swarovski name. With MSRPs starting under $1,700, they’re also a great value for stepping into a premium optic, and the versatile design and superb build quality make these scopes a great option for hunters. Starting at $1,650+; Swarovskioptik.com

Zeiss Conquest HDX LRP 15x56 Binoculars

zeiss conquest hdx binoculars
(Photo courtesy of Zeiss)

Zeiss announced the release of their Conquest HDX LRP 15x56 binoculars which feature an MRAD reticle. Unlike the reticles in many other binoculars, the MRAD reticle in the 15x56s is located at the bottom portion of the field of view, ensuring that the reticle will not obscure your view of the target. This is a great option for PRS and NRL shooters, but the unobstructed view makes these binoculars suitable for everyone from the eastern whitetail hunter to western sheep and elk hunters. Zeiss’ HD Concept optical system provides exceptional clarity, and the included Arca-Swiss tripod adapter makes the binos excellent for spotting when you don’t want to (or can’t) carry a full-sized spotter in the field. A reticle leveler is included as are locking diopters. The Conquest HDX LRP utilizes an Abbe-Koenig prism system and weighs in at just under 45-ounces. These durable binos feature ultra-clear optics with class-leading clarity, and they are a great option for any hunter—especially those who use MRAD scopes for long range shooting and hunting. And, considering their build quality and versatility, they’re also an excellent value. $2,000; Zeiss.com

Steiner ePredator 10X42 Binoculars

steiner epredator binoculars
(Photo courtesy of Steiner)

The new Steiner ePredator 10x42 binoculars combine superb optical performance with a built-in laser rangefinder, making them a versatile tool for hunters. These binoculars range targets up to 3,000 yards away and feature tilt angle display and compensated distance readings to provide hunters with the critical data required to make an accurate shot. They are also equipped with Impact Locator technology which, when synced with the Steiner Connect App 2.0, provides an accurate ranging location and takes the guesswork out of determining where an animal was standing when the shot was fired, a major benefit for game recovery. The ability to select Close Priority Mode, Far Priority Mode and All-Weather Mode allows hunters to optimize the rangefinder’s performance according to the conditions. Holding the range button activates scan mode so you can range multiple targets quickly and efficiently. Multi-coated 4K lenses and BaK prisms provide a clear image with excellent detail and the rugged aluminum housing and rubber armor can withstand an impressive 11G impact. These binos sync to the Steiner Connect App 2.0 so you can store and access ballistic data instantly, and all this technology is wrapped into a pair of mid-size 10x42 binos that are easy to carry in the field. $1,955; Steiner-optics.com

Trijicon 1-6x24 Huron Riflescope

trijicon huron riflescope
(Photo courtesy of Trijicon)

A few years ago, Trijicon introduced their Huron line of riflescopes which were engineered with deer hunters in mind. For 2025, the company is adding a new 1-6x24 version of the Huron scope that provides versatile magnification in a compact, lightweight package that’s perfect for a variety of hunting applications. Like other Huron scopes, the new 1-6x24 comes with multi-coated anti-scratch premium lenses and offers superb light transmission. The lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum tube (30mm) means this optic is very light (just 17.8 ounces), and with an overall length of just 10.9 inches, this is a great option for lever-guns and brush rifles. The intuitive BDC Hunter Holds reticle allows for rapid windage and elevation adjustments and the windage and elevation dials are capped so there’s no chance that they will accidentally rotate in the field and inadvertently adjust point of impact. The 1-6 magnification range offers a wide field of view, and like other Huron scopes, this optic is built to Trijicon’s high standards for reliability and durability. These scopes are subjected to the same drop, vibration, solid zero, and immersion tests as their military optics. I’ve used Huron scopes previously to hunt in some very tough conditions including a Saskatchewan whitetail hunt where the temperature regularly hovered around -15 degrees and have found them to be extremely tough. The new 1-6x24 Huron is a great addition to the line and an excellent choice for a range of hunting applications. $735.00; Trijicon.com

Bushnell R-Series Optics

bushnell r series
(Photo courtesy of Bushnell)

New this year from Bushnell is the release of the R-Series line of optics. Designed specifically with whitetail hunters in mind, the R-Series rangefinders, binoculars and riflescopes all offer excellent optical performance and great value. The new R3 line includes R3 binoculars in 8x42 and 10x42 configurations, both of which are IPX7 rated and feature EXO barrier coatings for great performance in tough conditions. The R3 riflescopes are available in a range of configurations for everything from rimfire hunting to big game and feature one-inch main tubes, a second focal plane reticle and IPX7 water- and fog-proof ratings. The new R3 rangefinder ranges objects out to 1,200 yards which makes it versatile enough for a wide range of hunting applications, and it offers Angle Range compensation for improved accuracy. The R5 line includes three binoculars (8x42, 10x42 and 12x50), all of which include a durable ABS chassis, multi-coated optics and advanced prism coatings. The new R5 riflescopes come with glass-etched illuminated reticles, side focus and target style turrets, and the R5 rangefinder accurately ranges targets out to 2,000 yards and comes with built-in Applied Ballistics Ultra-lite technology. The new R-Series of optics offer great optics at an affordable price point. Starting Price: $95 to $200 (R3 series), $210 to $250 (R5 series); Bushnell.com

Leica Fortis Glossy Riflescope Line

leica fortis glossy scope
(Photo courtesy of Leica)

The new Leica Fortis Glossy line of scopes are built with luxury rifle owners in mind. Each of these optics is polished by craftsmen for over 1 ½ hours, and the resulting finish is simply outstanding. Never before has any company committed such effort to the aesthetics of a riflescope, and these optics look very good on high-end rifles. As you might imagine, though, the performance is on-par with Leica’s other premium scopes and that means you can expect an ultra-clear, crisp sight picture with world-class color fidelity, contrast and superb light transmission. The overall design is compact and slim, yet it offers a generous eye box, plenty of eye relief for hard-recoiling rifles and a very large exit pupil. There are three models available (1-6x24i, 1.8-12x42i and 2-12x50i), all of which come with 30mm tubes. All three models offer fine illumination with auto-on/off technology that helps preserve battery life. The rugged shockproof, waterproof design and outstanding lens coatings make these optics suitable for the hardest hunts and the 6x magnification range means they’re versatile enough for every pursuit, from cape buffalo in thick jess to long shots on mountain sheep across snowy canyons. There are a lot of premium rifle scopes on the market, but none as striking as the Fortis Glossy. This is the ideal optic for your premium hunting rifle. $2,550 to $3,050; Leica-sportoptics.com

Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 Binocular

leupold bx4 pro guide hd gen2
(Photo courtesy of Leupold)

Leupold recently launched a complete revamp of their best-selling BX-4 line of binoculars, replacing them with BX-4 the Pro-Guide HD Gen 2 lineup. The upgraded line features new and improved HD glass and superior lens coatings to provide hunters with clarity, resolution and glare reduction from dusk till dawn. Hunters can head afield in confidence with these binos strapped to their chest knowing they have been extensively tested in the harshest of conditions and will not fail them regardless of encountered outside elements. Leupold also incorporated convenient interchangeable Form-Fit eye cups, and, like the previous generation, binos are offered in four configurations to include 8x42, 10x42, 10x50 and 12x50 models. It is not likely you will need the warranty, but these binos are guaranteed for life. $600-$770; leupold.com

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