By Jeff Johnston
I knew it couldn’t be too much longer before my favorite American scope maker—the one from Beaverton, Oregon—introduced a rangefinding binocular. For hunting, such an optic that consolidates two vital pieces of gear into one has become a must have for me.
I’ve been using a Leica Geovid for a couple years now, and surprise, surprise, I love it. Optically, Leica is second to none and every dude I know wants it. But this might come as another surprise: the unit isn’t mine. That’s right, it’s a loaner from the company, and any day now I’ll have to send it back. Why? Because it’s $3,000. But I’ve gotten spoiled by the convenience of a ballistic rangefinder and a bino—for everything from bowhunting to long-range shooting—and so I have to have something similar in its place.
Leupold’s new BX-4 Range HD is $1,600. This 10X42mm has everything you need in an optic, such as fully multi-coated HD lenses, screw up eyecups, and is totally waterproof—I tested it by soaking it in a sink—but it’s the laser rangefinder that really shines on this thing.
For around 15 years I’ve been using and testing various versions of Leupold’s handheld rangefinders that use its TBR (True Ballistic Range) technology. All told, I’ve found that Leupold RFs are No. 1 on the market because they are a combination of tough, accurate, simple to use (this is a biggie), and have long battery life. It’s about time they put this tech in a bino.
In testing the BX-4 Range, I ranged cars in a parking lot to just over 2200 yards because that was the longest distance I could see. The ballistic system features 25 options from which you can match your bullet weight and velocity. Once this is set, the readout will give you your holdover dope instantly, as well as windage for up to 10 mph wind. It’s incredibly simple. Notably, the unit has a minimum distance of 12 yards, so it’s perfect for bowhunting as well. The red LED is glare free and easy to see even in bright sun.
One of the novel features of the BX-4 Range is its two range buttons that are selectable through the menu. This is handy for both lefties and for me, because when rifle hunting I often carry my rifle over my right shoulder and use my left hand for glassing. But when bowhunting, I carry my bow in my left hand and use my right for glassing. I’ve often said that rangefinding binos should have dual buttons, and the Leupold is the first one I know of that does.
All in all, when you figure a high-quality bino costs between $1,000 and $2,000 and a rangefinder costs around $500, why not buy a bino that houses both for the same or less money. Finally, Leupold. Well done.
Pros: High quality, good comparative price, dual range buttons, simple ballistics calculator
Cons: Heavy at 39 ounces
