Tested & Reviewed: Leupold's BX-4 Range HD Binoculars

I have to admit, when I first was introduced to range-finding binoculars, I wasn’t very impressed with the models I tested. It seemed like the range-finding binos I got my hands on possessed qualities that I’d never tolerate in a regular set of binos; they were heavy, bulky and had decreased glass quality. To me, those three cons seemed to outweigh the one pro of range-finding binos: you don’t have to carry a second optic afield with you to range game.

So, for several seasons now, I’ve carried a quality set of binos and a rangefinder on each hunt with me. And I’ve accepted that if I want quality glass without a bulky set of binos weighing-down my chest harness, I’d have to deal with carrying a rangefinder separate from my binoculars. However, because of the minds at Leupold, I’ve recently switched my thinking on range-finding binoculars.

BX-4 RANGE HD

Leupold’s contribution to the range-finding binocular market is a strong one! First and foremost, Leupold managed to cut the “bulk” that so often plagues range-finding optics out of the BX-4 Range. When using other range-finding binoculars, I’ve used 10x42 models that actually “filled up” my bino harness. This means that each time I tried to pull them from my chest harness, those optics would catch on the inside of the harness and be more difficult to remove. This made using both hands a requirement, which creates more movement on-stand. Fortunately, with the BX-4 Range’s 10x42 model, this isn’t a problem.

Another win for the BX-4 Range HD is the optic’s glass quality. As I mentioned before, I’ve used several sets of range-finding binos that the manufacturer sacrificed glass quality to accommodate for the range-finding technology. Although this creates obvious frustrations when glassing long distances, another effect of this is a blue “tint” when looking through the glass. Blue-tinted glass not only is strange to look through, but it creates additional challenges in low-light conditions. None of these concerns are present in the BX-4 Range HD.

I used these binos all summer long to look at velvet bucks on my family’s farm, and I can honestly say they performed flawlessly in the low-light conditions of late evening. I used them as I would a regular set of binoculars, and I felt that the inclusion of range-finding technology had no negative effect on the glass performance. After a few times testing them, I caught myself reaching for the BX-4 Range HDs over non-range-finding binos that I typically use when glassing during the summer.

OTHER NOTABLE FEATURES

To me, the simpler a piece of gear the better. I don’t like bells and whistles, as I value only the high functionality of a product. Which is why I like how Leupold designed the rangefinder in the BX-4 Range HD.

Leupold simply included a small, circular red reticle in the right glass of the binocular. In bright and sunny conditions, the reticle is easy-to-see and not washed out by the lighting. Conversely, in low-light conditions, the reticle doesn’t overtake your field of view and hinder your ability to see the target. To operate the rangefinder function, Leupold conveniently placed a button atop the optic’s right side exactly where your right middle finger naturally lands when holding the binos. This prevents you from having to reach for the button when you need a quick, accurate range. All in all, I really like this reticle setup.

I also appreciate the textured bottom and sides of these binos, which creates extra grip in the areas where your hands are while holding the optic. The focus knob on the BX-4 Range HD is perfectly placed so that your index fingers lay on it naturally. This makes adjusting focus surprisingly convenient.

CONCLUSION

Overall, I believe Leupold knocked it out of the park the BX-4 Range HD Binoculars. Head over to Leupold’s website if you’re interested in trying a pair out. I know they’ll be in my gear arsenal this fall!

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