Leupold BX-4 Range HD 10x42 binocular

Leupold’s new BX-4 Range 10x42mm HD TBR/W binocular is a high-quality optic that builds on the successful and popular Pro Guide models, with added rangefinding capabilities and features. It combines fantastic optical clarity, legendary reliability, and the durability that Leupold is known for. Its DNA laser engine and ballistic software allow you to confidently range a variety of targets with angle compensation included for both rifle and bowhunting applications.

Nick Harvey covered the Pro Guide model nicely in the May 2023 issue, and this article will build further on it by outlining the features in the newer model.

The BX-4 Range HD binoculars simplify the tasks of target finding, assessing and ranging

The rubber coating on the outside helps to protect the binoculars from any knocks that may happen while stalking, and it makes them quiet when they rub against things, too. They were easy to hold when my hands were sweaty or covered in sunscreen during the warmer months, and the whole unit is advertised as being 100 percent waterproof. The lenses have Leupold’s Guard-Ion coating which sheds water to keep images clear in wet conditions.

All the dials and eyecups on the hardware are smooth and easy to adjust, and there is also a ¼x20 port on the outside for mounting to a tripod if you’d like to go that way.

Being able to spot and range targets with the same piece of equipment lets you get on target faster, rather than having to juggle two pieces of gear. Once you’ve selected the profile you need within the software, it’s one click to turn the binos on, and another click to take a range — that’s it! You can select from three modes: line of sight (LOS), true ballistic range (TBR), and bow (BOW).

From the factory, the right control button is set as the default but this can be changed if you’re left-handed and would prefer it the other way around. The high-contrast red OLED display is easy to read in any light conditions and there are a few adjustments for brightness levels. I tested the optics at all hours of the day and I never found myself wanting for more detail or visibility in the early and late hours. The clarity of these binoculars is on par or higher than other similarly priced sets from other brands on the market.

Combining binoculars with a rangefinder makes a lot of sense for hunting

With 10x magnification, the view is long enough to spot game at extended distances, but wide enough to still be effective at close quarters. These binoculars can focus inside four metres and I found the detail and clarity equally good chasing animals in the thick stuff, as I did glassing up animals or targets at extended ranges.

A 42mm objective is about as hefty as most hunters want to carry for typical stalking applications, and the added technology has increased the weight, bringing it now to just over 1.1kg — over 300 grams more than the regular BX-4 model. Having said this, I can see shooters considering this a worthwhile trade-off, as it eliminates the need to carry a rangefinder, which alleviates the need to have other weight and bulk off to the side of your bino harness anyway.

Leupold BX-4 Range binoculars — The Leupolds come with a good chest harness but they are a tight fit in it

Being able to accurately range animals out to 1000 metres should be more than enough for most people who would want to take these binoculars hunting, but I tested the rangefinding on trees, hills, water tanks, and other things I see out bush. I also compared these distances to my personal rangefinder and I can say that Leupold’s published numbers are about spot on.

The TBR with wind technology gives you 25 selectable ballistic groups that account for most manufactured and handloaded rifle cartridges. If you select TBR mode and choose the group that matches your bullet weight and muzzle velocity, the Leupold software provides holds and adjustment that should see you shoot confidently out to almost 800 metres. Of course, if you have robust data regarding your load, you can use any of the ballistic apps out there these days and likely be able to shoot much further. The binos are also capable of spitting out wind hold data up to around 16km/h (10mph) as well.

The BOW mode generates the equivalent horizontal range (level fire range) for arrows, and the displayed range represents the ballistically equivalent horizontal distance to the target. In layman’s terms, the distance you see when ranging allows for the adjustment of steep up or down hill shots. It doesn’t sound like much, but a difference of just a few metres at normal bowhunting ranges can make an enormous difference to the effectiveness of the shot. Leupold states that shots further than about 70 yards may see the angle compensation become less effective.

It’s also worth noting that while I found everything to do with spotting and ranging game a breeze with these binoculars, their size with the added technology made them difficult to get in and out of a bino harness with one hand. I tested them with the supplied Leupold harness, as well as my personal one, and they required a little more wriggling to get in and out than I’m used to. This is likely only a concern for bowhunting, where a hunter will usually be carrying their bow in one hand and using their binos and/or rangefinder in the other when in close proximity to animals. It’s by no means a dealbreaker, and wouldn’t stop me from recommending these binoculars to other people, but you may need to consider a bino harness with a larger capacity if you are chasing seamless operation.

They’re definitely a little heavier than other 10x42mm binos but that’s the trade-off for having more capability in this sort of package. I would take these binoculars on any adventure and be confident in their ability to deliver and perform. By adding a laser rangefinder to its superb BX-4 binocular, Leupold has created a sharp hunting tool.

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