January 19, 2023
By Colton Heward
Optic technology has advanced leaps and bounds over the past decade. These noteworthy advancements have produced some impressive optics that are sending hunters afield armed with equipment and technologies that allow us to see game like never before. SHOT Show gives optic companies the opportunity to showcase the latest and greatest and this year did not disappoint. Below is a rundown of some of the best new optics to hit the market this year.
Leupold RX-4 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular Leupold’s newest addition in their lineup of rugged and reliable optics is the long-anticipated BX-4 Range HD TBR/W binocular. The BX-4 Range HD binocular combines Leupold’s tested and proven DNA rangefinding engine with their Elite Optical System to produce “the best-in-class rangefinding binocular on the market,” said Leupold Technology Product Line Manager, Eric Overstreet.
The BX-4 Range HD binocular boasts 2,600-yard range capabilities on reflective targets and 1,600-yard capabilities on trees. Leupold’s TBR/W (True Ballistic Range/Wind) technology is the heartbeat of the BX-4 Range HD engine, taking into account ballistics and shot angle to provide shooters a complete shooting solution. Equally as impressive as it’s rangefinding capabilities is the BX-4 Range HD’s glass, offering users edge to edge clarity and great low-light performance. Leupold hit it out of the park with their all-new BX-4 Range HD binocular.
$1,600; Leupold.com
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Steiner Predator 8 Series Rifle Scopes The all-new Predator 8 series of rifle scopes was designed and engineered to provide hunters with versatility, precision and confidence in the moment of truth. The Predator 8 lineup is built upon an 8x zoom system with three models available: 2-16x42, 3-24x50 and 4-32x56. All three models feature a 30mm tube diameter.
Notable features of the Predator 8 Series include ¼-MOA adjustable turrets and a zero mode for a quick dial back to zero. The Predator 8 Series also utilizes an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings to combat any ambient light settings you might encounter as well as incorporated fogproof and waterproof technologies. Last but certainly not least, this new line of rifle scopes from Steiner carries on their tradition of premium optical clarity and light gathering capabilities.
$2,070 - $2,300; Steiner-optics.com
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Leica Geovid Pro 42 Rangefinding Binocular Leica expanded their highly successful Geovid Pro rangefinding binocular lineup this year with the introduction of three new configurations to include 8x42, 10x42 and 8x56 Geovid Pro models. This is an exciting new addition from Leica, especially for Western big game hunters that prefer a larger lens objective.
Leica’s Geovid Pro rangefinding binocular incorporates a variety of cutting-edge technologies into its compact frame including 3,200-yard range capabilities, Applied Ballistics ballistic calculations and first-class optic quality and light transmission. All Geovid Pro binoculars allow users the ability to pair, via Bluetooth, to a variety of apps including Google Maps, BaseMap, Garmin Tactix Delta/Foretrex 701 and the Leica Ballistics app. These features, and how they will make you a better hunter, warrant their own article but suffice it to say that the Leica Geovid Pro rangefinding line of binoculars is a complete shooting and viewing solution.
MSRP: $3,299 (8x42 & 10x42), $3,599 (8x56); Leica-camera.com
Meopta MeoSight IV Meopta’s new MeoSight IV red-dot sight offers handgun enthusiasts a low-profile, lightweight (1.2 oz.) optic chuck full of features to make you a better shooter. “We designed the MeoSight IV to significantly increase shooter accuracy and speed whether used in handgun competitions, for personal defense or in law enforcement situations,” said Erik Muller, Product Specialist at Meopta Sport Optics.
The MeoSight IV is a 1x magnification red dot reflex sight housed by an aircraft grade aluminum body. Notable features include a 3-MOA dot, 120 MOA of windage and elevation adjustments, 30,000-hour battery life, and an auto-off function that turns off illumination after four hours of inactivity. The brightness of the red dot is also easily adjusted between five different intensity settings.
$299; Meoptasportoptics.eu
Bushnell PRIME 4000 Laser Rangefinder The brand-new Bushnell PRIME 4000 rangefinder is an exciting new offering for long-range shooters and Western big game hunters. For such a small unit, the PRIME 4000 is packed with features as well as some bold promises. As the name suggests, the new rangefinder will range reflective targets out to a whopping 4000 yards. What’s more impressive, is Bushnell’s guarantee of +/- 0.5-yard accuracy from 5-1,000 yards, +/- 1-yard accuracy from 1,000-2,200 yards, and +/- 2-yard accuracy from 2,200-4,000 yards.
The PRIME 4000 also comes standard with Applied Ballistics Ultralite programmed into it and can be upgraded to Applied Ballistics Elite via the Bushnell Ballistics App. Other neat features include an Activsync display which automatically optimizes the reticle brightness to your lighting conditions, EXO Barrier Coating, angle compensation, and near and far target modes.
$400; Bushnell.com
Zeiss LRP S3 Rifle Scope The LRP S3 rifle scope from Zeiss is a first-focal-plane riflescope designed for long-range precision in both the hunting and competition world. “With the LRP S3 we have expanded our successful long-range precision scope portfolio to provide more options for highly reliable and precise optics,” stated Kyle Brown, Director of Marketing and Products for ZEISS Consumer Products USA.
The LRP S3 comes in two models, 4-25X50 and 6-36X56, and are available in either MRAD or MOA configurations. Both models offer impressive total elevation travel, zero-stop turrets, external locking windage turret and the impressive light transmission and image clarity that Zeiss has built a reputation around.
$2,200-$2,500; Zeiss.com
Swarovski ATC/STC Compact Spotting Scope Swarovski’s new ATC/STC compact spotting scope is a backpack hunter’s new best friend. With an overall weight of only 35 ounces and an overall length under 12 inches, the new ATC/STC spotting scope eliminates excuses to not carry a spotting scope into the backcountry.
This new compact offering from Swarovski comes in both an angled and straight configuration, both of which feature 17-40X magnification and a 56mm objective. The ATC/STC spotting scope utilizes Swarovski’s renowned SWAROVISION technology to produce crystal-clear images and vibrant color intensity. Both models are offered in either green or orange configurations.
$2,721; Swarovskioptik.com
Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22X50 FFP Rifle Scope Hunters and shooters alike continue to push the envelope when it comes to long-range shooting. Vortex’s Razor HD LHT 4.5-22X50 FFP (first focal plane) scope was specifically created to aid in shooters ability to execute these long shots with precision.
The Razor HD LHT rifle scope is one of the lightest scopes in its class and features Vortex’s first focal plane XLR-2 reticle in either MOA or MRAD configuration. This new scope also features an illuminated reticle, RevStop Zero System and a locking elevation turret.
$2,000; Vortexoptics.com
Burris Veracity PH Rifle Scope Burris’s new Veracity PH rifle scope merges modern technology with their quality glass to produce an exciting new option for hunters seeking precision. The Veracity PH boasts a 5x zoom system and is available in a 4-20x50mm configuration.
The Veracity PH is loaded with features but centers its performance on its PEK (pronounced peak) system. PEK incorporates an easy to navigate, heads-up display built into the glass, showing shooters the exact dialed distance, wind hold, rifle cant and battery level. The Veracity PH also allows users to link to their phone via Bluetooth and the BurrisConnect App to upload specific ballistic data for your rifle for precise turret adjustments.
$1,200; Burrisoptics.com
