(Photo submitted by the Editors)
August 12, 2024
By The Editors
Advancements in hunting and shooting optics over the past decade have been nothing short of astonishing as manufacturers continue to push the limits with each passing season. This year is no different with a wide array of new “smart” optics hitting the market with onboard technologies that we used to see in futuristic movies.
Regardless of your pursuit, quality optics are essential. Lucky for us, we have a wide selection of very capable optics to choose from. Below are some of our favorite new and innovative optics that are sure to swing the odds of success in favor of the hunter and shooter this coming season.
Binoculars Sig Sauer Zulu10 HDX
(Photo courtesy of SIG Sauer) Sig Sauer’s new flagship Zulu10 HDX line of binoculars optimizes light transmission and ultra-high image resolution to create a binocular that meets and exceeds the expectations of serious hunters. Sig Sauer designed the Zulu10 HDX chassis from rugged aluminum and wrapped it in rubberized armor to protect your glass from whatever use and abuse the mountain throws your way. The Zulu10 HDX line also features Sig’s proprietary SpectraCoat, LensArmor and LenShield technologies, as well as being IPX-7 waterproof and fog-proof rated. Sig Sauer offers the Zulu10 HDX binoculars in 10x42, 10,50, 12x50 and 15x56 configurations.sigsauer.com
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Swarovski AX Visio
(Photo courtesy of Swarovski) The new AX Visio binocular from Swarovski is in a league of its own, featuring Swarovision glass and overflowing with impressive technological advances. The AX Visio 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. Needless to say, the AX Visio smart binoculars open up a whole new world of possibilities for optics.swarovskioptik.com
Leica Geovid Pro 10x42 AB+
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(Photo courtesy of Leica) New for 2024, Leica announced the next generation in the Geovid Pro line with the launch of the Geovid Pro 10x42 AB+ binoculars. The Geovid Pro AB+ binocular utilizes Leica’s world-renowned glass and features an impressive rangefinder integrated with Applied Ballistics Elite software. The result is customizable ballistic solutions at your fingertips. Leica also merged their new Shot Probability Analysis technology with the Geovid Pro AB+ binocular, taking shot distance, wind speed, rifle precision and muzzle velocity into account to determine the probability percentage of target impact. Other notable features include +/- .5-yard range finding precision out to 3,200 yards and Leica’s ProTrack feature.leica-sportoptics.com
Leupold BX-4 Pro-Guide HD Gen 2 Binocular
(Photo courtesy of Leupold) Leupold Optics launched a complete revamp of their best-selling BX-4 line of binoculars with the announcement of the Pro Guide HD Gen 2 lineup. The BX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 line features new and improved HD glass and superior lens coatings to provide hunters clarity, resolution, and glare reduction from dusk till dawn. Leupold also incorporated convenient interchangeable Form-Fit eye cups, and, like the previous generation, binos are offered in four configurations, 8x42, 10x42, 10x50 and 12x50.leupoldoptics.com
Riton 5 Primal 10x42 ED
(Photo courtesy of Riton) Riton’s 5 Primal 10x42 HD ED binocular offers hunters a high-performance, compact binocular at a very reasonable price point. The 5 Primal 10x42 HD ED features Riton’s high density/low dispersion glass, delivering 99.5% light transmission on an enhanced color spectrum. Hunters can use and abuse these binoculars in confidence knowing their investment is protected by CNC machined tubes crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. Riton also enhanced the performance by incorporating their proprietary multi-coated lenses to drastically reduce glare and increase lowlight visibility.ritonoptics.com
Rangefinders Leica CRF R
(Photo courtesy of Leica) The CRF R rangefinder from Leica is a compact, 7X monocular rangefinder, designed to deliver precise yardages from 10 – 2,000 yards, making it ideal for everyone from bowhunters to long-range gurus. The rangefinder features a lightning-fast engine with a response time of 0.3 seconds with accuracy of +/- 0.5 a yard. Leica also incorporated their EHR (equivalent horizontal range) technology into the CRF R, which takes shot angle into account and gives shooters a true shoot-to distance. Like any other Leica optic, the glass delivers superior clarity and color fidelity.leica-sportoptics.com
Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2
(Photo courtesy of Leupold) Leupold Optic’s second generation of their proven RX-1400i TBR/W rangefinder allows users to rapidly range reflective targets out to 1400 yards while simultaneously providing ballistically calculated ranges thanks to Leupold’s True Ballistic Range technology. Leupold also incorporated Bow Mode as well as Flightpath to accommodate the demands of serious archery hunters. Another neat feature of the RX-1400i Gen 2 is the Last Target Mode, which enables users to obtain accurate readings through rain, snow and fog. With an MSRP of only $200, this is one of the most feature-rich and affordable rangefinders currently on the market.leupold.com
Bushnell Bone Collector 1800
(Photo courtesy of Bushnell) Bushnell’s Bone Collector 1800 rangefinder is a capable and compact rangefinder built for die-hard hunters. It utilizes Applied Ballistics Ultralite software, paired with the Bushnell Ballistics app, to deliver a precise shoot-to solution at the touch of a button. The rangefinder also boasts a guarantee of 1-yard accuracy out to 1,800 yards. These two features alone provide extreme confidence when settling in to execute a shot. Other noteworthy features include ARC (Angle Range Compensation) Technology and Scan Mode, allowing users to hold down the range button and scan while the rangefinder spits out ranges 4X per second. bushnell.com
Riflescopes Leupold Mark 4HD
(Photo courtesy of Leupold) The Mark 4HD line features a 4:1 zoom ration with five magnification options to choose from ranging from 1-4x24 all the way up to 8-32x56. The entire line utilizes Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System and Zero-Lock dial system with select models featuring a ZeroLock windage turret as well. Leupold also built upon the winning success of the PR2MIL reticle, and rolled out their new PR3 reticle in the Mark 4HD line to improve fast and accurate precision when time is of the essence. Other features include Leupold’s gold standard for waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof optics as well as their guarantee that their scopes will perform for life.leupold.com
Vortex Venom 3-15x44 FFP
(Photo courtesy of Vortex) Vortex Optics announced a new addition to their Venom line with the release of the Venom 3-15x44 FFP riflescope. The scopes combine a series of shooter-friendly features to help hunters extend their effective range at a fraction of the cost of premium target scopes. These features include a 34mm tube, first-focal-plane EBR-7C reticle, REVSTOP Zero System and a magnification throw lever. The Venom 3-15x44 riflescope also comes standard with water-, fog-, and shockproof protection. Like all Vortex Optics, the Venom 3-15x44 is backed by their lifetime guarantee.vortexoptics.com
Burris Eliminator 6 4-20x52
(Photo courtesy of Burris) Burris Optic’s new Eliminator 6 pushes the limits, creating an all-in-one rifle scope capable of ranging, computing a precise shoot-to solution, and displaying the necessary holdover, while never lifting your head out of the scope. The Eliminator 6 calculates precise shoot-to solutions via onboard environmental monitoring (thermostat, barometer, and inclinometer) paired with their own ballistic software via the BurrisConnect app. Burris also incorporated a Shot Call Marker in the heads-up display, informing shooters of the bullet velocity and energy at the marked yardage before taking a shot. The end result is a “smart” riflescope that eliminates ballistic guesswork and promotes responsible and ethical hunting. That’s a win/win for everyone.burrisoptics.com
Trijicon Tenmile HX 5-25x50 FFP
(Photo courtesy of Trijicon) The new 5-25x50 FFP scope is a welcomed addition to the Tenmile HX series from Trijicon, offering hunters and shooters alike speed and precision in a wide variety of shooting applications. The scope excels when extended shot distances are necessary with up to 80 MOA of adjustment in the turret and a powerful magnification range. Trijicon incorporated their fully multi-coated broadband anti-reflective glass into the Tenmile HX 5-25x50 FFP scope resulting in edge-to-edge clarity and impressive light transmission. The scope also features a rigorously tested, all-weather construction to ensure precision and performance no matter the elements.trijicon.com
