New Optics for 2021

Seeing is believing with this year's crop of exciting new optics.

January 12, 2021 By Taylor Pardue

The annual Archery Trade Association expo isn’t being held in person this year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of great archery optics coming to market in 2021. From new technologies to major upgrades to more features at lower prices, the industry’s optics manufacturers didn’t let the challenging working conditions of 2020 keep them from innovating to the extreme — take that, COVID-19.

Here are some of the highlights from this year’s virtual ATA event, and here’s to hopefully meeting in person again in 2022!

Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W with DNA

Leupold’s RX-1400i TBR/W with DNA is being called the most feature-rich rangefinder in its class, and with good reason. This 5X magnification rangefinder is powered by a Digitally eNhanced Accuracy (DNA) engine, which is capable of ranging reflective targets out to 1,400 yards and trees to 1,200 yards (+/- half a yard to 125 yards). True Ballistic Range/Wind technology allows for exact readings at extreme angles and in windy conditions, with the results displayed in red via a high-light-transmission TOLED display. All this comes in a lightweight, waterproof, rubber-armored design that’s easy to grip in even the worst weather conditions.

MSRP: $199.99 | leupold.com

SIG-SAUER Electro-Optics ZULU6

SIG’s ZULU6 binoculars feature Optical Image Stabilization — a two-axis gimbal that cancels out vibrations caused by wind, waves and whatever else — to electronically stabilize your view. This incredible technology proved indispensable in SIG’s OSCAR3 spotting scope several years ago, prompting the company to include it in these new 10x30mm or 16x42mm binos. These amazing optics weigh in at 16.8 ounces and 20 ounces, respectively, and also feature SPECTRACOAT, LENSHIELD and LENSARMOR coatings, MOTAC (motion-activated) illumination and an IPX4 waterproof rating. The 10x30mm ZULU6s are powered by a single CR2 battery, while the 16x42mm ZULU6s run off a single AA battery.

MSRP: $799.99 | sigsauer.com

Vortex Summit Carbon II Tripod Kit

The Vortex Summit Carbon II tripod kit is built to go farther and carry easier for a more productive hunting experience. This carbon-fiber tripod sports a two-way pan head with an Arca-Swiss quick-release system. This results in an adaptable, dependable, maneuverable tripod that also weighs just 2.5 pounds and stands 53.3 inches tall fully extended. Perfect for the backcountry, the Summit Carbon II folds to just 18.1x3 inches and can hold up to 22 pounds — perfect for big glass. The tripod’s legs feature four sections, three-angle leg-pivot locks, quarter-turn leg locks and rubber feet. A counterweight hook is also included.

MSRP: $399.99 | vortexoptics.com

Bushnell Bone Collector 850

Bushnell’s Bone Collector 850 uses fully multicoated optics with an ultra-wide-band coating to provide ranges out to its namesake 850 yards. The rangefinder’s all-glass optical system, paired with a large objective lens, is perfect for bowhunters because it allows for sharp imaging and high light transmission in all lighting conditions. The Bone Collector 850 features Bushnell’s proven ARC (angle range compensation) technology for true shot distance regardless of the terrain or shot angle, an ergonomic design for a firm, comfortable grip, an adjustable diopter for accurately adjusting the reticle to the shooter’s eye and Realtree Edge camo for optimal concealment.

MSRP: $139.99 | bushnell.com

Tactacam Spotter LR

Tactacam’s Spotter LR is a lightweight (just nine ounces) and easily portable camera that allows for 4K video recording through your spotting scope. The Spotter LR comes with multiple sizing shims and a quick-snap adapter to fit any spotting scope on the market today. It also uses a flip-up LCD screen to alleviate the eye strain Western bowhunters commonly suffer after hours of glassing, and its 4X digital zoom adds even more range to the abilities of your chosen spotting scope. The Spotter LR runs on rechargeable/replaceable lithium ion batteries and accepts micro SD memory cards of up to 128GB.

MSRP: $299.99 | tactacam.com

Leica Calonox

The Leica Calonox is a thermal imaging camera — or, more accurately, two thermal imaging cameras. The Calonox “View” (shown) is a handheld observation tool perfect for bowhunters following up on game animals at night or in other challenging conditions. The Calonox “Sight” can clip to a crossbow scope, is equipped with a 1X magnification and can also be used like the “View.” Both devices feature Leica’s new LIO (Leica Image Optimization) technology, which builds on the company’s celebrated camera lineup. Both models also sport 42mm lenses and weigh roughly 500 grams/17.637 ounces — perfectly sized for the packs of backcountry bowhunters.

MSRP: $3,999.00 | us.leica-camera.com/sport-optics

TRACT’s ultra-high definition TORIC 27-55x80 angled spotting scope is designed to give bowhunters performance rivaling that of other spotting scopes in its class at a great value. The TORIC uses SCHOTT HT (high-transmission) glass with flat multicoating, phase-correction coating and oil-phobic coating to provide superior resolution, detail, light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity. A wide field of view and long eye relief are staples of this spotting scope, and it is filled with argon gas for fogproofing. TRACT’s Simple Locking Diopter system also allows for strain-free glassing by eliminating the inadvertent movements that can occur when using other spotting scope models.

MSRP: $1,349.00 | tractoptics.com

Maven CS.1 – 15-45X65

The Maven CS.1 is a lightweight (just 40.4 ounces) 15-45x65mm spotting scope designed to pair well with the company’s award-winning C-Series binoculars. The two product lines share Maven’s extra-low-dispersion ED Glass, with the CS.1 also sporting a magnesium and aluminum frame. This waterproof/fogproof spotting scope measures 11.4 inches long for packing it into the backcountry with the greatest of ease. Add it all up and you have a solid, dependable spotting scope capable of reaching out where the biggest big game live. Best of all, the CS.1 comes at a fraction of the cost of comparable models from other brands.

MSRP: $650.00 | mavenbuilt.com

APX — The Newest Pattern From Realtree

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APX — The Newest Pattern From Realtree

Jim McGinn, VP of Marketing at Realtree, shows off the latest camouflage pattern from this industry giant. The new APX pattern is an all-purpose pattern that will help you blend into your surroundings whether you're in a treestand hunting whitetails, or bellycrawling your way into range of a mule deer out West. It took years to develop APX, a pattern that met the strict standards of Realtree Founder, Bill Jordan, and it will meet your standards as well.

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Buck Commander Releases New Buk Ops Technology

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Buck Commander Releases New Buk Ops Technology

Ryan Busbice from Buck Commander introduces a brand-new technology they call Buk Ops. This is an optical viewing device that does not use infra-red or thermal technology. It maximizes available light to give the user an enhanced view of their surroundings. It's not a targeting device either, but a tool for scanning fields in low light, or even walking into your stand or blind without a flashlight. This is one-of-a-kind technology that holds many uses for all types of hunters.

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Easton's Sonic 6.0 a Versatile Arrow Shaft

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Easton's Sonic 6.0 a Versatile Arrow Shaft

Bowhunter TV Host, Curt Wells, talks to Easton Marketing Director, Gary Cornum, about the Sonic 6.0, a highly versatile arrow shaft that gives the bowhunter multiple options. Wells explains how he's able to convert his Sonic 6.0 arrows to different weights based on the species of big game he's hunting.

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Easton Introduces the Match Grade Pro Series Arrow

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Easton Introduces the Match Grade Pro Series Arrow

Gary Cornum, Marketing Director at Easton, explains to Bowhunter TV Host, Curt Wells, the virtues of Easton's newly released Match Grade Pro Series Arrows. From front to back, Easton has built their latest technologies into these arrows, which are only available from Easton dealers. Everything from high-end inserts and vanes combine with a five-point straightness standard to make the Pro Series arrows the best a bowhunter can buy. It's no longer necessary to build-your-own to achieve the highest quality arrow you demand.

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Primos Double Bull Delivers New Raised Hunting Ground Blind

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Primos Double Bull Delivers New Raised Hunting Ground Blind

On the surface, it would seem almost impossible to keep improving the Double Bull ground blinds manufactured by Primos. But as Raised Hunting founder and television show host David Holder explained to OSG's Lynn Burkhead, this year's new Raised Hunting Double Bull blind raises the standard of ground blind excellence even higher, whether you're chasing elk, mule deer or pronghorn antelope out west in Montana or big record book whitetails living in the Midwestern whitetail paradise of Iowa.

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Primos Delivers Steady Shooting With Edge Tripod System

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Primos Delivers Steady Shooting With Edge Tripod System

For big game hunters on the move out West, or a whitetail hunter looking to spot and stalk into range with a rifle or crossbow, keeping the scope's crosshairs steady can be a challenge. But not anymore according to Primos Hunting's Jason Harris, who recently showed OSG's Lynn Burkhead all of the versatility of the new Primos Edge Tripod, a carbon-fiber, magnetic head support system that provides a quick, rock solid shooting platform when a pressure packed hunt's moment of truth arrives.

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The QAD Ultrarest Gets Better

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The QAD Ultrarest Gets Better

Kevin Fry, Vice President at Quality Archery Design, lays out the improvements made to the newest Ultrarest Integrate MX arrow rest. The new MX2 is stronger, lighter, more compact, and includes a refined capture bar. The machined launcher is now fitted with a damper system to reduce noise and it can be color matched to your other accessories. The MX2 still features the “precision click micro adjust” to help you fine tune your setup.

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A QAD Ultrarest For Everyone

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A QAD Ultrarest For Everyone

No matter your budget or standard, QAD has an arrow rest for you. Kevin Fry, VP at QAD, goes through their line of arrow rests that range from the high-end $300 MX2 to their economy model that retails for just $75. Every model of arrow rest is made entirely in the U.S.A. and comes with a lifetime warranty.

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Primos Legacy Grows With Icon Call Series

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Primos Legacy Grows With Icon Call Series

Primos Game Calls is one of America's most iconic call makers, and according to Eric Hughes, that's the whole idea behind a brand new call lineup. In an ongoing introduction through a variety of game call styles, including deer calls, elk calls, predator calls, and of course, turkey calls. With that call-making DNA, Hughes spent some time telling OSG's Lynn Burkhead about the new Icon call line-up being unveiled by Will Primos and his Mississippi call making company and how it will take call making to the next level.

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Going Light With Dryshod Boots

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Going Light With Dryshod Boots

Steven Fuller, Marketing Director at Dryshod boots, goes through their line, from hunting boots to chore boots to knock-around shoes, they have it all, and the focus is on ultralight construction. The hunting line of knee-high boots have neoprene that is treated to be extra waterproof, and the outsole material is noticeably lighter than most boots of this type, making them good for hiking and packing when weight is a concern.

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Tactical Bowhunting from T.R.U. Ball and Axcel

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Tactical Bowhunting from T.R.U. Ball and Axcel

T.R.U. Ball/Axcel has taken some of its most popular release aids and bow sights and created the new-for-2024 Tactical Bowhunting Series, a collection of products optimized for the field where stealth and performance under pressure are keys to success.

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Trophyline Venatic Specter

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Trophyline Venatic Specter

Trophyline is following up on the success of its Venatic tree saddle with a new-for-2024 model featuring First Lite Specter camouflage, available this summer.