Hunting Annual Gear Guide Editor's Choice: Optics 2025

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The Petersen's Hunting 2025 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!

Riflescope:

Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2

The original VX-6HD was a great optic, but the Gen 2 version comes with a couple of significant upgrades over the previous model. First, the Gen 2 scope features SpeedSet dials which can be swapped out without a hex wrench. Second, the adjustment system is now the same one used in the Mark 5 scopes which have been the dominant optic in long-range shooting competitions. $2,000-$2,700 | leupold.com

Binocular:

Zeiss Conquest HDX LRP 15x56

These Zeiss binos are designed with long-range shooters in mind, but they’re an outstanding tool for hunters as well. They feature a built-in MRAD reticle with leveler, locking diopters, Abbe-Koenig phase corrected prism, and the HD Concept optical system. They also ship with an Arca-Swiss adapter so they easily mount on a tripod. They’re perfect for hunting wide-open country. $1,999 | zeiss.com

Rangefinding Binocular:

Steiner ePredator LRF 10x42

The brand-new Steiner ePredator rangefinding binos feature a heads-up display that shows essential ballistic data and these binoculars connect seamlessly with the company’s ePredator 8 riflescope. There are four advanced ranging modes for every situation and impact locator technology allows you to navigate directly to the point of impact via the Steiner Connect App. These binos are rugged and offer the superior optical performance we expect from Steiner. $1,955 | steiner-optics.com

Rangefinder:

Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Ballistic Laser Rangefinder

The Razor HD 4000 comes equipped with a GeoBallistics ballistic solver with an updated bullet database. You can customize your ballistic profile or use one of the three preloaded profiles for popular cartridges. The Razor HD 4000 features a suite of onboard environmental sensors and even offers two wind modes: Full Crosswind and Patented Wind bearing Capture. Despite all this built-in technology the Razor HD 4000 weighs just over 10 ounces and can range objects out to 4,000 yards. $1,199 | vortexoptics.com

Spotting Scope:

Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2

Leupold’s latest spotter comes with their Elite Optical System with advanced lens coatings that protect the optic, enhance contrast and cut glare significantly. These scopes are housed within a lightweight but durable magnesium body and the waterproof/fogproof design ensures that you can continue glassing regardless of the conditions. The oversized eyepiece with Form-Fit eyecups reduces visual strain when glassing for extended periods. SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 spotting scopes are available in 15-45x65 and 2-60x85 configurations with straight or angled eyepieces. $800-$1,000 | leupold.com

Thermal:

Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16x35 Thermal Riflescope

The Wraith Mini is one of the most affordable thermals on the market, but this compact optic offers loads of features like 384x288 thermal resolution, an easy-to-read OLED display and five color palettes. The rail-mount system makes it easy to attach to your Picatinny rail and the light, compact design is ideal for any predator or hog hunter. The easy to use, affordable Wraith Mini is a superb thermal at an unbeatable price. $1,500 | sightmark.com 

Micro:

Vortex Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot

The Venom features an enclosed 6061 aluminum housing and comes with a large viewing window for fast, accurate shots. The aspherical lens provides a distortion-free sight picture and true colors and there’s a 10-minute auto shutoff that powers the optic down to save battery and automatically reactivates when the optic senses motion. The top-mounted buttons make it easy to adjust brightness on this enclosed optic. $290 | vortexoptics.com

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