Field Tested: Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 Binos - Bowhunter

Oct 22, 2024

Take a peek at any of my hunt pictures in magazines or those posted with digital features I've penned, and you'll notice the same Leupold-branded bino harness with BX-5 Santiam HD 10x42s inside.

Why?

I've toted these tried-and-true binos from the towering Rockies to the sage-sprinkled plains to the vast, flat grasslands of Africa, and they've never failed me. The solid optical clarity and two-position twist-up eyepieces ensure optimum eye relief, and the raised, gridded outer housing promises excellent ergonomics. I love the open-bridge design and appreciate the removable, Leupold-branded front cap that exposes a threaded hole that accepts a stainless-steel stem, allowing solid bino to tripod attachment.

As with all things Leupold, innovation never stops. Enter the all-new Gen 2 lineup of BX-4 Pro Guide HD binos — economic optics that ensure clarity, comfort, and durability you can depend on, no matter the season or game.

As Wapiti archery seasons wrap up and bowhunters' minds shift to whitetails, I still want to burn some ink on the performance of the Gen 2 12x50s. I used these binos on a recent Enchanted State elk hunt and was ultra-impressed with their low-light clarity. This was especially true when I attached the 12s to a tripod and dissected the elk terrain. Chalk this up to the improved Elite Optical System. Twice, I glassed up bedded bulls in the heat of the day when glare should have been an issue. Multiple times, as the western horizon sucked every ounce of light from the landscape, I was able to make out the number of points various bulls had from distances between 600 and 800 yards. For a pair of high-magnification binos with an under $770 price point, you can't beat these Gen 2 models.

I also appreciated that, though a high-magnification bion, the new Gen 2 12x50s featured a rugged, lightweight frame. They slid in and out of my Leupold bino harness easily, and their compactness — length, width, and height — didn't make them feel cumbersome and bulky on my chest. They handled exceptionally well in hand and promised excellent fit and feel.

I've tested and reviewed all Gen 2 magnification models. I like the compact (5.7" long) and light (24.6 ounce) BX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 8x42MMs for whitetails. Like all Gen 2 optics, these easy-to-handle binos have three interchangeable eyepiece designs. While I liked the form-fit rubberized circular models that come attached, the flatter cups fit around my eyes better, and the extended side cup design is excellent for use in the sun. Swapping out eye cups is done in seconds in the field. The new interchangeable, Form-Fit eyecups keep your eyes fresh through hours of glassing.

I also like that each eyepiece has four-position twist-up settings to ensure just-right viewing and proper eye relief. Though not gridded like BX-5s' housing, the Armor-Coated housing promotes excellent fit and feel, and handling is enhanced. The focus dial is large and sports deep grooves for immediate focusing. Though the dial is not as precise as the wheel on my BX-5s, it's by no means sloppy.

I've touched on optical clarity, but we need to go deeper. Leupold treats all exterior lens surfaces with a Diamond Coat 2. This ion-assisted lens coating boosts light transmission while creating a bulletproof coating that resists scratches. All lenses are fully multi-coated for maximum brightness, clarity, contrast, and color. The phase-coated roof increases resolution to ensure a sharp edge-to-edge view. I'm impressed with how quickly I can pick apart bedding areas from a distance with my BX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 8x42MMs.

While not a magnification ideal for long-range glassing, these optics provide enough power when scanning for horn tips and fur when sitting in a treestand or ground blind, especially in dense cover. Twice in early October, I sat over a monstrous ag field, and while Leupold's 10x42 or 10x50 models would have been ideal, I was impressed that minutes after the sun dipped behind the horizon, I could count 10 total points on an up-and-comer three-year-old from 423 yards with the well-balanced 8x42s in hand.

I will also mention that the slim build fits easily into a bino harness. I don't like bulk, especially in a treestand or ground blind. Bulk builds in the late season when a thicker outer layer is required. When you stay with the slim and trim 8x42s, further bulk won't be an issue. Leupold includes a comfortable strap with each pair if you're a whitetailer who prefers to hang your optics on a gear hook or around your neck.

I spent a lot of time behind the original BX-4 Pro Guides. While the optics were solid, low-light glassing was a downgrade from the BX-5. The new BX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2s showcase what Leupold dubs an upgraded optical design with improved lens coatings that deliver maximum resolution, outstanding clarity, and enhanced glare reduction. The optical system is better than the original — that's a fact! With the four eyepiece positions and improved optical clarity, hunters can glass for hours without getting a headache or experiencing eye fatigue.

Currently, Leupold offers Gen 2 binos in 8x42, 10x42, 10x50, and 12x50. Price varies by model ($599.99-$769.99), but all come under $800, an exceptional value in a ruggedly built binocular that promises excellent optical performance. All Gen 2 optics are waterproof, fogproof, and guaranteed for life.

From east to west and north to south, no matter the terrain, Leupold's new Gen 2 binos hit a budget-friendly price point and ensure precise optical performance. If you're looking for a field companion to boost your hunting success, pick a model or two from this line and start picking apart the landscape.