By Nick Rositano 

Technology has changed drastically over the years with the introduction of range finding binoculars. Although most of the range finding binoculars on the market are quite pricy, they really do take the ease out of not only spotting game but giving you an instant range on whatever the target may be. 

Leupold have been at the forefront of the optic industry for many years, with their introduction of the very first riflescope called the Plainsman. This came about as Marcus Leupold missed a buck because a riflescope he was using at the time had fogged up back in 1940. After years of research from Marcus Leupold, the Plainsman scope was introduced in 1947, changing the industry with the first truly fog-proof scope built in America. From here Leupold have been one of the most popular optic companies in the world. Leupold have combined both their optics with their range finders to create the BX-4 HD 10×42 range finding binoculars. With the click of a button, the BX-4 can instantly range on a reflective target out to 2600 yards, trees up to 1600 yards and on a deer hide at 1100 yards, which is impressive. 

When I unboxed the Leupold BX-4 for the first time, I was instantly impressed; they come standard with a sporty and ergonomic binocular harness, which gives the user a ton of adjustment to ensure they are sitting correctly. The BX-4 feature a scratch and smudge resistant lens coating which is very reassuring, as many of us know just how easy it is to accidentally scratch the lens while out in the field. I have played around with a few of the other European range finding binoculars on the market and so I was eager to see how the BX-4 compared against them. 

The Leupold BX-4 also feature (TBR/R) True Ballistic Range/Wind technology, which offers 25 selectable ballistic groups for your cartridge to help you dial in an exact range on your target. The BX-4 are backed by Leopold’s guarantee of being waterproof and fog proof so there is no need to worry if you are caught out in harsh conditions, whether it be torrential rain or extreme cold. The Leupold BX-4 weigh 1105g (1.105kg), which is on the heavier side compared to other non-range finding binoculars; however, by the time you put a rangefinder and a standard pair of binoculars together, I’m sure the weight would be roughly the same. What I like about the range finding binoculars is not having to change between spotting with binoculars and ranging a distance through a rangefinder and the OLED display gives a clear and visible readout in any light conditions. This makes things a lot more efficient, as once a target is identified, with a click of a button, you get an instant range giving you the advantage of being able to quickly adjust your rifle to take a shot or giving you better insight about how you will stalk closer to your game. The BX-4 are backed by Leopold’s lifetime optic guarantee, and they come with a two-year electronics guarantee. 

The freezer was running low so I decided to head up to a mate’s farm to see if I could top it up with some venison. On arrival, just before first light, I started glassing through the BX-4. To say I was impressed is an understatement, especially of the clarity and light transmission through the binoculars. And the things you can see through a good quality optic compared to your naked eye at dawn and dusk are phenomenal. The glass on the Leupold BX-4 stacks up to that of other European optics; however, it saves you a decent amount of change in your wallet. With the CF (centre focus), the BX-4 are quick and easy to adjust to suit everyone’s eyes. It wasn’t long until a couple of does appeared some 300m away; the shot was ranged and taken at 226m and a doe stopped right in her tracks. 

The 10×42 size binoculars are a perfect size, as they are neither too small or too big in my opinion. They sit snug in a bino harness, especially compared to larger-sized binoculars on the market, which are insanely bulky and heavy. Although I used the Leupold BX-4 out in the field while hunting, they will suit anyone in the market, from wildlife watchers through to target shooters.  

The Leupold BX-4 Range Finding binoculars sell for $3529; however, shopping around may land you a pair for less. Leupold have held their title of producing world-class optics over the years and the BX-4 are no exception. Be sure to check them out if you are in the market for an excellent range finding binocular.