Find downed game animals hidden in brush. Accurately range game with your chest heaving after a hard sprint. Sync your rangefinder to your smartphone and rifle ballistics to deliver increased long-range accuracy. If the newest hunting optics sound incredible, well, it’s because they are.
Leupold LTO-Tracker Thermal Viewer. Looking for a ground-breaking new hunting optic? Your search starts here. The new LTO-Tracker thermal viewer ($909) allows hunters and trackers to see game and recover animals that have run off, or fallen out of sight. How? It detects heat ranging from -40 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit and displays it in different color palette settings for the user. With six color palettes to choose from, the user gets greater viewing accuracy. The compact scope is just 5.6 inches long and weighs less than 10 ounces, allowing it to be carried in a pocket. The LTO-Tracker is powered by a CR123 battery that will provide 10 hours of continuous operation. The viewer has a 6x digital zoom and 21-degree field of view, and can detect game as far away as 600 yards. It can even be used to check a field or trail for game when heading into your hunting area in the dark to ensure you don’t bump game. Is this sleek unit a game-changer? Absolutely.
Cabela’s Intensity HD 10×42 Binoculars. High-class doesn’t have to mean premium-priced. As proof, Cabela’s Intensity HD binoculars ($200) are feature rich and value priced. The HD extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass objective lenses enhance image quality allowing you to see more. Special coatings on the roof prisms preserve the image’s natural colors while enhancing resolution for true-to-life views at greater distances. Both sides of all lenses are multicoated and feature anti-reflective lens coatings to further enhance light transmission for brighter image quality and visibility in low light conditions. The lightweight rubber-armored magnesium-alloy chassis are fog proof and built to last with O-ring seals and an IPX7 waterproof rating that withstands submersion for 30 minutes. The extra-wide field of view displays more of what’s in front of you, while the easy-to-hold ergonomic design features a large, textured focus wheel. Long eye relief allows comfortable viewing even with glasses on. Includes padded neck strap and lens covers.
Leupold BX-2 Tioga HD Binoculars. These neat new binoculars feature the exclusive Twilight Max Light Management System that allows hunters to look deep into the shadows and find elusive game animals where they hide. The Twilight Max Light Management System works to increase optical performance in low light, while maximizing color contrast and resolution. At the same time, it significantly reduces glare. Going far beyond the concept of light transmission, Twilight Max optimizes the wavelengths which pass through the system, giving the user the best possible performance in all light conditions. With true high-definition glass, the BX-2 Tioga HD is available in several magnification sizes, which means there is a perfect match for any hunt or adventure. The 8x32mm and 10x32mm (shown above) models are ideal for lightweight hunts, while the 8x42mm and 10x42mm are a perfect medium-sized option for deep woods and forests. The larger 10x50mm and 12x50mm versions are great choices for those western or long-range locales. All BX-2 Tioga HD binoculars come with the new Leupold Pro Gear accessories, including the GO AFIELD Shoulder Strap and GO AFIELD Binocular Case. In addition to the standard Shadow Gray, a variety of camo patterns can also be had, including Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, Mossy Oak Mountain Country or Mossy Oak Obsession.
Bushnell Trophy Extreme Binocular. Bushnell’s new Trophy Xtreme binoculars provide, dollar for dollar, the most clarity-value available today. An armor coating encases fully multi-coated lenses in a waterproof, fogproof vault of impenetrability. Aggressive, ergonomic design makes for easy handling while the three-step eyecups provide better fit and comfort. Larger objective lenses with higher magnification deliver clarity and brightness and new lens covers are built to stay in place. The binoculars are covered by Bushnell’s new No Questions Asked Lifetime Warranty. Trophy Xtreme is available in 10×50, 12×50 and 8x56mm configurations with MSRPs starting at $180.
Burris Signature HD Binocular Line. While most game animals are born with great eyesight, most hunters could use a little help. For 2017, Burris Optics has done its part with the introduction of its new Signature HD line of binoculars. Available in three models —8x42mm, 10x42mm and 12x50mm ($251-$284)—these affordable binoculars offer premium lenses and rugged construction that is built for the outdoors. The Signature HD line offers high-performance HD lenses and BaK prisms that produce sharper images and edge-to-edge clarity. The multi-coated lenses
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create maximum light transmission and reduce glare in harsh conditions. Internally, Signature HD binoculars are nitrogen-filled for waterproof and fogproof performance. The outer surface is rubber armored for protection and provides an easier grip, creating a more comfortable experience when glassing. All models come with a durable carrying case, neoprene neckstrap, lens covers, cleaning cloth and are covered by the Burris Forever Warranty.
Maven B.4 15×52 Binoculars. Offered in 10x, 12x and 15x magnifications, this binocular grabs hold of every ray of sunlight available, delivering an image that is clear and fully illuminated. The 10x version features a whopping 5.6mm exit pupil and is a low-light fiend. When you need to reach way out, the 15x looks and feels powerful. The 12x is the perfect combination of brightness and magnification for long range spotting. All three models of the B.4 ($1,300 each) feature 56mm ED lenses and integrate the same Abbe-Koenig prism system that powers the B.2 frame. Multi-coated lenses seal the deal, ensuring the view through the B.4 lives up to Maven standards, which include superior low-light performance, sharp edge-to-edge clarity and a generous depth of field. An open-hinge, polycarbonate frame and ergonomic design perfectly balance the necessary heft of a bigger bino with a comfortable carry. Includes neoprene neckstrap and double-layered microfiber storage bag.
Nikon Monarch7i VR Laser Rangefinder. Touted as the world’s first laser rangefinder to compensate for the human body’s physical inability to be completely still, the Monarch 7i VR Laser Rangefinder ($400) is a savior for many. Nikon’s optical VR (Vibration Reduction) Technology reduces the effect of external vibrations caused by hand movements while ranging distant objects. For hunters, this means the target mark on the rangefinder remains stable, even when the body of the rangefinder is being moved. Not only does this provide the user with a steady image, it also stabilizes the activated laser, allowing it to maintain greater alignment for enhanced measurement performance. The VR Function begins immediately when the laser rangefinder is on, meaning there is no extra time spent trying to toggle between settings. Holding down the ranging button allows the user to continuously scan for 8 seconds. The Monarch 7i VR has an effective measurement range of 8-1,000 yards and displays measurements in .1-yard increments.
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Laser Rangefinder. Few accessories can increase your odds for hunting successs like a quality laser rangefinder, and these days Team ScoutLook rarely leaves home without one. Nor should you. The compact size and helpful 4x magnification make binoculars unnecessary, and knowing the exact range of any object in view of your setup can be invaluable. The Trophy Extreme is state of the art, with its most-important feature for the turkey hunter being its Full Spectrum Targeting, which enables this unique rangefinder to instantly, and positively, acquire dark, non-reflective (and hopefully extremely long-bearded) targets. MAP $230.
Leupold Vendetta 2 Bow-Mounted Laser Rangefinder. Leupold & Stevens, Inc., revolutionized archery hunting with the introduction of its innovative Vendetta bow-mounted laser rangefinder. Now the updated Leupold Vendetta 2 adds to the innovation with a faster software package, an improved mounting system and the ability to use it on a crossbow. Squeezing the pressure pad switch attached to the bow’s grip, hunters can instantly range a target from full draw, eliminating unnecessary motion and maintaining stealth. Once activated from its sleep mode, the Vendetta 2 provides 45 seconds of auto scan ranging, which eliminates the need to continuously press and hold the activation pad. This means hunters can keep a shooting grip on the bow and reduce their movement. A new one-inch scope mount allows the Vendetta 2 to mount on crossbows, allowing this growing segment of archery hunters to benefit from this instant ranging technology. The Vendetta 2 is currently legal to use for hunters in 34 states and is recreational legal in all states.
Sig Sauer Electro-Optics KILO2400 ABS Rangefinder. The multi-featured 7x25mm KILO2400 ($1,800) sounds like something out of the future. It features an embedded Applied Ballistics calculator, onboard environmental sensors (temperature, pressure, and humidity) and Bluetooth for synchronizing custom load profiles with
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downloadable ballistic app for both iOS and Android smartphones. The windage and elevation adjustments can be set to read in MOA or MRAD. The unit includes a tripod adapter, smartphone jack wind meter, ballistic-nylon military grade bag and carry pouch, lanyard, three spare batteries, and SIG SAUER Tactical pen/stylus. Top to bottom, this advanced rangefinder (it ranges out to two miles), has all the tools and functions to get you up and running for long-range hunting and precision target shooting.
