January 26, 2024
By Colton Heward
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 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.
Swarovski AX Visio 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 binoculars.
Advertisement
Leica Geovid Pro 10x42 AB+ 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.
Rangefinders Leica CRF R 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 CRF R 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 CRF R glass delivers superior clarity and color fidelity.
Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 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 into the RX-1400i Gen 2 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, the RX-1400i Gen 2 is one of the most feature-rich and affordable rangefinders currently on the market.
Advertisement
Bushnell Bone Collector 1000 Bushnell’s Bone Collector 1800 rangefinder is a capable and compact rangefinder built for die-hard hunters. The Bone Collector 1800 utilizes Applied Ballistics Ultralite software, paired with the Bushnell Ballistics app, to deliver a precise shoot-to solution at the touch of a button. It 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.
Rifle Scopes Leupold Mark 4HD The new Mark 4HD line of riflescopes from Leupold Optics delivers premium performance and versatility to shooters across the board. 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 ZeroLock dial system with select models featuring a ZeroLock wind 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.
Vortex Venom 3-15x44 FFP Vortex Optics announced a new addition to their Venom line with the release of the Venom 3-15x44 FFP riflescope. The Venom 3-15x44 combines a series of shooter-friendly features to help shooters 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.
Burris Eliminator 6 4-20x52 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.
