Chris Redlich gives new Leupold binos the thumbs-up
It came as a pleasant surprise recently to learn I’d be receiving a pair of Leupold binoculars for review. Sometimes the products I like to assess aren’t always available on request but, on this occasion, the decision was out of my hands and when the opportunity presented, I grabbed it. Is it a coincidence or is it just me who’s noticed many new products these days are being labelled Gen 2? It likely has something to do with the gear I’ve reviewed recently being a second-generation release of some sort or another.
The new BX-4 Pro Guides I received are an updated version of Leupold’s highly successful Gen 1 HD (high definition) binocular models. My association with Leupold binos go back almost 20 years with their bullet proof 10×42 Gold Rings. They were the company’s signature offering at that time and accompanied me on many successful hunting trips both here and overseas. I retired those Gold Rings a couple of years ago in favour a new pair of Swarovski EL 10x42s which are now also serving me well.
The new Leupolds came supplied with a raft of extras including a soft carry pouch, padded neckstrap with dual reinforcing, two pairs of alternative eyecups, lens covers and cleaning cloth. Unlike the closed bridge of those old Gold Rings, the BX-4 Pro Guide HD are a dual hinge, open bridge design very similar to my current Swarovskis.
Many closed bridge binos appeal to me, though I do like the practicality of an open bridge design simply because I can comfortably wrap my gorilla fingers around the lens barrels from any angle without having to fold them. The parallel roof prism lens barrels of modern design generally allow for a slimmer package overall and, considering these BX-4s are less than six inches long and much smaller than my Gold Rings, they’re the most compact binos with 42mm objectives I’ve ever handled. Despite that small size they accommodate an individual interpupillary distance of 55mm out to a wide-eyed shooter of 76mm.
Leupold claim the BX-4s are extremely rugged which may have something to do with the lens barrels being made from notoriously strong magnesium alloy. They definitely feel solid in the hand which belies their modest weight of 710 grams. After conducting the ‘tap test’ I’m pretty sure the two loops on the side are at one with the alloy barrels and give confidence in a super-strong connection for a harness strap. Enhancing impact resistance and overall grip is the durable, rubberised external coating, while detents on the base add a subtle yet practical rest for the thumbs. Importantly, but as to be expected, the BX-4s are nitrogen purged for fog-proofing and the box states they’re 100 per cent waterproof.
The fitted rubber eyecups over the ocular lens provide a gentle chamfered edge which offers a comfortable connection between the face and promotes correct image relief. The BX-4s also have twist-out eyecups in three different positions to suit the most challenging eye relief (and for those wearing spectacles). Each rotation of the clicks locks in firmly and doesn’t annoyingly push in when pressed against the face like some I’ve used. The two extra swappable ‘fit-form’ eyecups add that little extra to a custom fit and include a pair with glare protectors.
Once again my favourite kind of dual dioptre adjustment is located on the focus dial and not the eyepieces. By simply pulling the dial cap rearwards, you can fine tune-each eyepiece to your eyes and a forward push will lock that adjustment. The centre focus dial needs no explanation other than that it moves well and does exactly what it’s supposed to with ease.
Every brand seems to have one, two or maybe a few fancy marketing names for their lens coatings and manufacturing process and while the Leupold BX-4s aren’t as extravagant here, they don’t need to be. The ‘Guard-ion’ HD coatings aren’t just designed to maximise wear resistance in harsh environments, more importantly they offer the hunter a crystal-clear image of their quarry and surrounding environment. At least that’s what they reckon and, by now, I expect most modern binos in the upper price bracket will be built to handle the weather and not be challenging to use.
I’m happy to report they impressed with my first view straight out the box and I noticed instantly how sharp the image was all the way out to the edges. While it’s pointless arguing over a few metres less than my Swarovski ELs, the Pro-Guide’s 10x magnification and six-degrees angular FOV (field of view) provide an ample viewing window of at least 105m at a range of 1000m.
So with the technicalities dealt with I couldn’t wait to test them in a real-world hunting scenario. During our time afield, my wife Sue-Ann and I enjoyed these new binos and both agreed the BX-4 HD lenses twilight credentials lived up to the hype. I noticed hardly any peripheral blurring and while chasing pigs on a few late afternoon hunts, the colour clarity of the lens was evident while scanning vegetation for the destructive feral swine.
I’m honestly not a fan of neckstraps and at first didn’t give the supplied pouch much of a wrap either. Yet to Leupold’s credit I was quite surprised at how practical their novel design complemented the binoculars. As mentioned, the BX-4 Pro-Guides are impressively compact and the pouch is also much smaller than most of my regular aftermarket ones. The soft pouch doesn’t have a harness attachment, but the rear loops connect to any pack strap or hunter’s belt with ease and felt secure enough to protect their valuable cargo.
Conclusion
Despite their feel I can’t testify as to just how rugged the BX-4s really are, as I haven’t had them long enough to bounce them around on multiple hunting trips. However, if my heritage Gold Ring binos are anything to compare after years of hard use, I’m certain Leupold haven’t taken a backward step. I’m confident the BX-4 Pro-Guides won’t be calling on the warranty any time soon but, as with all their high-end (including Gold Ring) optics, they’re supported by Leupold’s Lifetime Guarantee. The 10×42 configuration is by far the most popular for hunters these days, though BX-4 Pro-Guide HD models are also available in 8×32/42, 10×32/42(tested), 10×50 and 12×50.
The entire fit, feel and finish are pure class. Every point of adjustment and mechanical workings gave confidence of a quality-built pair of hunting binos and it came as no surprise they’re made in Japan. I reckon they deserve the Pro-Guide moniker as they’ll be right at home in the bush or mountain tops scanning for game and, retailing for around $1300 (at time of writing), the price was too good I actually ended up buying the review binoculars. More at www.nioa.com.au.