Leupold Steps Up the Game
In recent years, the market has been flooded with a variety of LRF binoculars in the 10×42 class, as more and more optic producers started focusing on this segment. Merging binoculars with rangefinding technology has also added to the market palette and certainly stirred up excitement among customers. Leupold did introduce the 10×42 RBX-3000 HD Laser Rangefinding Binoculars a few years back and this year it entered the competition by introducing the Leupold BX-4 Range HD rangefinding binoculars in 10×42. We had the opportunity to take a closer look at the product at this year’s IWA 2023.
First Impressions
Immediately after handling the device, we were impressed by its compact form factor. The binoculars are smaller and shorter than many other 10×42 rivals, yet still maintain a durable armored body, high-quality glass and coatings.
The TBR/W feature enables the user to accurately determine ballistic ranges even at long distances and steep angles with an effective range of up to 2400 meters on reflective objects, 1460 meters on trees, and around 900 meters on deer-sized targets.
The BX-4 Range HD 10×42 comes with Leupold’s high-performance DNA® (Digitally Enhanced Accuracy) engine which uses an advanced algorithm to analyze multiple returns from a laser pulse to provide more accurate and reliable distance measurements, even in challenging weather or terrain conditions.
BX-4 Range HD 10×42 Specifications
Leupold included 25 selectable ballistics families for trajectory calculation in the device. However, the binoculars do not offer Bluetooth connectivity or onboard environmental sensors which could potentially be a deal breaker for some users.
On a positive note, the red OLED display is easy to read in full sunlight and dimmable for low-light conditions and the clarity of the glass from edge to edge makes it easier on the eyes. The housing is designed with ambidextrous programmable buttons on top that can be used with either the right or left pointer finger, which we find to be a convenient feature.
While the image quality of the BX-4 Range HD is good, it falls short of non-ranging BX-4 binoculars as the rangefinder can compromise the contrast and brightness. Additionally, the beam splitter requires an additional lens element, which can further reduce overall image brightness. However, the binoculars still offer good low-light performance and precise focus for mid-range viewing.
At nearly 1150 g, the Leupold BX-4 Range HD binoculars may be on the heavy side for some users. The aggressive texturing on the body does, however, provide a better grip and handling.
The Bottom Line
By introducing the BX-4 Range HD, Leupold took a step forward in a world of smaller, more compact rangefinding binoculars with superior optics, especially when compared to products in a similar price range. We appreciate the compact size, sturdy rubber housing, and impressive effective measurement range.
One potential challenge for the BX-4 HD is the price point. With a retail price of 1999 €, it may be difficult to compete with the similarly priced Leica Geovid thus it will likely have an easier time succeeding in the US than in the European market.
The device does feature superior optics when compared to Kahles, Vortex, and Sig Sauer but is also expected to be pricier. Furthermore, the market is highly competitive with a number of similar high-quality devices available from Delta, Alpen, Minox, and Steiner, with Leica setting the industry benchmark. We believe that if Leupold was priced more competitively, and positioned between other Chinese competitors and Leica, it could potentially gain a stronger foothold in the market.
We are happy to have had the chance to get first impressions of the product at IWA and are looking forward to taking it out into the field for further testing.
