New Optics for 2024

You can't shoot what you can't see, and 2024's optic lineup — from binos to spotters to rangefinders — heeds the bowhunting call.

January 11, 2024 By Jace Bauserman

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Leupold BX-4 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Use a rangefinding binocular — just once — and you're spoiled. I love a single system that allows me to glass game, push a button, and get an accurate range. Leupold's BX-4 HD Rangefinding Binocular marries clear optical performance with Leupold's DNA engine, allowing bowhunters to glass their quarry and get an accurate range simultaneously. The yardage readout is immediate, and the high-contrast OLED display provides easy-to-read yardage regardless of lighting conditions. Built around Leupold's Elite Optical System, light transmission is boosted, and glare is reduced. The BX-4 HD ranges reflective targets at 2,600 yards, trees at 1,600 yards, and deer-sized game at 1,100 yards.

$1,599.99 | leupold.com

Bushnell Bone Collector 1000 and 1800 Rangefinders

Bushnell Bone Collector 1000 & 1800 Rangefinders

Straight from the innovative minds at Bushnell is the Bone Collector 1000 and 1800 Rangefinders. Designed with the Bone Collector crew, this dynamic duo features a fully multi-coated, all-glass optical system that gives the hunter two times the brightness ratings of other rangefinders. The yardage return is immediate, and ARC technology and long-distance ranging with +/- 1-yard accuracy means the type of exactness bowhunters demand. The ergonomic housing provides excellent fit and feel, and one-button operation makes the ranging process simple. The Bone Collector 1000 has a 1,000-yard detection range, while the 1,800 extends the range to 1,800 yards. The 1800 also features an onboard Applied Ballistics Ultralight engine.

$149.99 (1000), $199.99 (1800) | bushnell.com

Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56 Spotting Scope

Vortex knows that every ounce counts when bowhunters go walkabout searching for big-game nirvana. Enter the Razor HD 13-39x56. With this scope, you get lightweight quality and remarkable optical clarity in a do-all optic engineered to meet the demands of any backcountry adventure. It measures just 10.4 inches long and weighs 28.6 ounces, meaning this compact scope will ride anywhere in your pack and be ready to attach to a tripod and find game whenever you are. The tried-and-true HD Optical System is enhanced by XR Plus lens coatings, which ensure maximum light gathering and transmission during periods of extreme low light.

$1,299.99 | vortexoptics.com

Sig Sauer Zulu6 HDX

Available in powers of 10, 12, 16, and 20, there's a Sig Zulu6 HDX right for every bowhunter. Of course, optical clarity is remarkable, but the big story with this set of HDX-Glass binos is Image Stabilization. When Image Stabilization is enabled, shaking and vibration are canceled, allowing remarkable off-hand glassing. The binos also will enable you to switch between Scan Mode, ideal for gridding terrain while looking for game, and Target Mode, perfect for locking in on wild game and targets. Target Mode increases your stability up to 50 percent when glassing off hand.

$899.99-$1,199.99 | sigsauer.com

Hawke Optics Vantage Bino Line

For 2024, Hawke Optics will expand its famous Vantage line with a fearsome foursome. Available in 8x32, 10x32, 10x50, and 12x50 models, the new Vantage System H2 features rubber-coated polycarbonate bodies that boost optic protection and ensure a secure grip regardless of the weather. Nitrogen purged, each model is fully water and fogproof, and the optics are multi-coated to provide maximum clarity. Twist-up eyecups mean ideal eye relief, and the 1/4-inch tripod adapter thread makes for quick tripod attachment for extended, stable viewing. Like all Hawke Optics, the new Vantage H2 Series provides bowhunters with excellent optics in a price range that doesn't break the bank.

$149-$219 | hawkeoptics.com

Zeiss SFL 30 Ultra Compact Binoculars

To expand its ultra-popular SFL Family, Zeiss adds the new-for-2024 SFL 30 Ultra-Compact. Light and ergonomic, these binos promise enhanced optical performance and reduced weight. Available in 8x30 and 10x30 models, the UHD (Ultra-High-Definition) concept promises a heightened level of detail and colors that pop. Not to mention that the T* multicoating blended with undeniable low-light performance makes these binos a solid choice for any adventure.

For 2024, GPO will expand its tried-and-true Passion line by introducing the Passion SD line. The line is designed for top-end performance for bowhunters on a budget and includes six (8x26, 10x26, 8x34, 10x34, 8x42, and 10x42) models. With these new half-dozen winners, GPO covers the sub-compact, compact, and mid-size needs of bowhunters, and each has a durable magnesium micro-bridge body, aluminum adjustable eyecups for just-right eye relief, and GPO bright high-transmission coatings on every glass surface. All GPO binoculars, including the new Passion SD line, come with GPO's Spectacular Lifetime Warranty.

$299.99-$399.99 | gpo-usa.com

Carson VX-250 Binocular

A well-made 12-power magnification bino with BAK-4 prisms, Carson's VX-250 binos weigh only 1.60 pounds and have excellent ergonomics. The lenses are fully multi-coated for maximum clarity and brightness, and the field of view is 258 feet at 1,000 yards. Eye relief means extended glassing sessions are no problem, and the binos are nitrogen-filled and waterproof. Other models in the VX Series include the VX-833, VX-842, and VX-042.

$280 | carson.com

Tract Optics Expands Toric Spotting Scope Line

Tract Optics knows bowhunters have different needs and wants, and for 2024, Tract unleashes a top-tier spotting scope trio. Each of the three scopes features Tract's UHD (Ultra High Definition) optical system, which ensures sharp, bright, and detailed images regardless of lighting conditions. The UHD system sports SCHOTT HT glass and an ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lens, and this total package ensures remarkable clarity and color. The Toric Ultra High Definition 22-45x65mm is available in Straight and Angled models, and the famous 27-55x80 long-range scope is now offered in a Straight version.

$1,294 Toric UHD 65mm models, $1,494 80mm Straight | tractoptics.com

Maven Ultra-Compact B.7 Binoculars

There's an emerging 2024 theme in the optic world. That theme is light and compact. Backcountry hunting has been romanticized to a crazy level, and more and more bowhunters are heading off into the wilds of the Rockies with tags in their pocket. Maven knows this. Enter the Ultra-Compact B.7s. Available in 8x25 and 10x25 models, both feature a new-for-2024 dual-hinge build that eliminates bulk. The 8x25s weigh only 12.4 ounces and measure 2.90" x 4.75". A breeze to carry around the woods, the B.7s sports crystal-clear extra-low dispersion glass with fully multi-coated lenses for absolute edge-to-edge clarity.

$600 8x25, $625 10x25 | mavenbuilt.com