Hunting Annual Gear Guide Editor's Choice: Optics 2024

The Petersen's Hunting 2024 annual gear guide is chock-full of optics with exceptional clarity and build quality. It was no easy task to narrow down our favorites, but the following were our Editor's Choice picks!

Click this link if you are interested in picking up a full magazine print copy of our 2024 Gear Guide which has tons of other gear such as rifles, archery, and accessories.

Riflescope:

Steiner H6Xi

Steiner blurred the line between tactical shooters and hardcore hunters with the launch of the H6Xi riflescope. The new line builds upon the legacy of the T6Xi, delivering precision and optical clarity at a fraction of the weight. For backcountry hunters, the weight savings is substantial when shaving ounces equates to more days afield. Notable features include a first-focal-plane (FFP) design, Steiner’s Modern Hunter Reticle, locking diopter and, of course premium, HD glass. Hunters have three 6x magnification ranges to choose from including 2-12x42, 3-18x50 and 5-30x50.
$2,300-$2,875; steiner-optics.com

Binocular:

Swarovski AX Visio

The new AX Visio binoculars from Swarovski are in a league of their own, featuring Swarovision glass and overflowing with impressive technological advances. The new “smart” binocular has built-in software that can identify more than 9,000 species of birds and animals with the touch of a button and features an integrated camera allowing users to take pictures and video of their field-of-view. Other notable features include a digital compass, as well as a “Share Discoveries” function that allows users to guide others to a marked object via pointing arrows in the field-of-view.
$4,800; swarovskioptik.com

Rangefinding Binocular:

Revic Acura BLR10b

Simplify your shot sequence with Revic Optics Acura BLR10b rangefinding binocular. The new optic pairs optical clarity and performance with a powerful engine fit with impressive ballistic measuring technology. Onboard sensors monitor temperature, pressure, azimuth and shooting angle to ensure the most accurate shoot-to solutions are readily available at your fingertips. Other noteworthy features include 5,000-yard range capabilities, Revic Ops app compatibility and four enhanced targeting modes, all in a compact, 10x42 binocular. 
$2,695; revicoptics.com

Rangefinder:

Leupold RX-5000 TBR/W

Leupold Optic’s new RX-5000 TBR/W takes handheld rangefinders to the next level. Yes, it features an incredibly powerful rangefinding engine capable of ranging objects out to 5000 yards and beyond at lightning speeds. However, what really sets it apart from its competition is its ability to simultaneously range and transfer waypoints to OnX maps as a marked pin. This technology is a game-changer in every sense of the word and undoubtedly makes us more effective hunters.
$700; leupold.com

Spotting Scope:

Vortex Crossfire

The Crossfire HD family of spotting scopes represents the most recent addition to the long line of reliable spotters from Vortex Optics. Features of the new spotting scope line include Vortex’s proven HD Optical System, fully multi-coated lenses, a wide field of view and an Arca-Swiss compatible foot. The new spotting scope can be purchased in either a straight or angled configuration and comes in a wide range of magnification ranges and objective sizes ranging from 12-36x50 on up to 20-60x80.
$360-$425; vortexoptics.com

Thermal:

Leica Calonox 2 View

The Calonox offers a single clip-on solution interchangeable through multiple scope rifles (via available adapters or Picatinny-rail attachment). The unit interfaces with scope’s objective lens for quick, simple attachment that all but eliminates the need to re-zero the rifle/optic combo when switching between firearms. Leica’s optimized imaging technology increases contrast and enhances the displayed image for positive target ID day or night. The upgraded LRF model adds laser rangefinding capabilities.
$4,400-$5,300; leica-camera.com

Micro:

Eotech EXPS3 DCR

Eotech’s EXPS3 red dot sight is now available with their Danger Close Reticle (DCR) that provides shooters quick and effective aim points in close quarters, as well as at extended distances. The new reticle is housed in Eotech’s popular EXPS form factor, offering shooters the ability to fire with both eyes open, promoting fast target acquisition and precision. Shooters can choose between 20 daylight brightness settings and enjoy an extended battery life of 1,000 hours.
$790; eotechinc.com

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