By Colton Heward
Leupold’s new BX-4 Range HD rangefinding binoculars are a highly anticipated and welcomed addition to their tried, tested, and proven lineup of rugged, quality optics for hunters. The 10X42 binoculars incorporate Leupold’s powerful DNA laser rangefinding engine with their crystal clear Elite Optical System. This pairing provides hunters and shooters alike a first-class viewing experience with integrated rangefinding and ballistic compensating capabilities at their fingertips.
Why a Rangefinding Binocular? Before I dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes the BX-4 Range HD’s a serious contender, lets first establish why a rangefinding binoculars can and will make you a more successful hunter and marksman. If I am being perfectly honest, I have fought off the urge for several years to take a plunge into the world of rangefinding binoculars. Having a separate rangefinder and binoculars have worked well for me, so why change up a good thing? After field testing the BX-4 Range HD binoculars this past fall that question was easily answered: simplicity and efficiency.
First, the ability to obtain a range while viewing your target allows for more precise distant measurements due to the greater magnification than standard rangefinders offer. Second, the primary use of a rangefinding binocular can make the difference between tag soup and a heavy pack out when time is of the essence. The ability to go straight from your binocular to shouldering your rifle will save you precious, needed seconds when your target buck or bull is rapidly slipping into cover.
Lastly, the merging of a rangefinder and binoculars into one optic eliminates the need for two devices freeing up room in your pack or bino harness. Keep in mind that rangefinding binoculars will be slightly bulkier and heavier than standard binoculars due to the internal rangefinding engine. The BX-4 Range HD binocular barrels are slightly bigger in diameter than the standard BX-4 binoculars, but not uncomfortably so.
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Loaded With Features The BX-4 Range HD binoculars are far more than just a fine piece of glass with a built-in rangefinder. The binocular itself is comprised of a lightweight, magnesium body to deliver unparalleled reliability in the most brutal of climates. Internally, the glass features Leupold’s Elite Optical System, giving hunters maximum light transmission, glare reduction, and edge to edge clarity in all lighting conditions. This binocular also features also fog- and waterproof properties to give you peace of mind that they will perform no matter the elements you encounter.
Equally as impressive as the quality of glass is the rangefinding and ballistic capabilities packed into a semi-compact package. The BX-4 Range HD binocular boasts Leupold’s proven DNA rangefinding engine, allowing users to range reflective objects at distances out to 2,600 yards and trees out to 1,600 yards.
Leupold’s True Ballistic Range/Wind (TBR/W) technology is an integral key to the success of the BX-4 Range HD’s. The TBR/W technology is a complex shooting solution designed to compensate for shot distance, angle, and wind while using your rifles specific ballistic profile to output an exact shoot-to distance. This is all done at the touch of a button and put what feels like pure magic at your fingertips when attempting a precision shot. The TBR/W technology will also output MOA, MIL, and drop holds for rapid turret adjustments. No more ranging and diving into your dope chart to figure out the dial on your scope, just range, dial, and shoot. The BX-4 Range HD binoculars also offer users BOW mode, which in essence utilizes the same TBR features but using the ballistics of an arrow as opposed to a bullet.
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Leupold also incorporated easily programable buttons on top of both barrels of the BX-4 Range HDs to accommodate both right- and left-handed users. Coming from a southpaw, this was incredibly appreciated. One tap illuminates the bright red OLED display, and the second tap gives you the range.
Leupold’s BX-4 Range HD binocular comes in at an MSRP of $1,600. For the optical quality and premium rangefinding capabilities, I anticipated a retail price nearly double that. Couple that with Leupold’s reputation for producing the most rugged and reliable optics on the market and you can’t go wrong with the new BX-4 Range HD binoculars.
