This past fall, I was fortunate enough to hunt in several states ranging from the cattail sloughs of North Dakota, to the Sandhills in western Nebraska, to the agricultural rich states of Iowa and Wisconsin. It gave me the opportunity to really put these optics through the ringer in a variety of different locations and in a variety of different elements. In this review, we are going to take a good look at the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10×42 binoculars. First, let’s check out the specs and features of these optics.
Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Specs and Features
Specs
- Magnification = 10X
- Interpupillary Distance Range = 58-74
- Weight = 24 ounces
- Linear Field of View at 1,000 yards = 326 feet
- Eye relief = 16 mm
- Angular Field of View = 6.2°
- Exit Pupil = 4.2mm
- Close Focus Distance = 7.5 feet
Features
- 100% waterproof and fogproof
- BAK 4 Prism resulting in zero edge distortion
- Slim, lightweight, and ergonomic design
- Fully multi-coated lens system for optimal brightness
- High definition calcium-fluoride lenses for crystal clear viewing
- Open bridge design resulting in lighter weight
- Phase coated roof prism for a sharp sight picture
- Twilight Max HD Light Management system for low light viewing
Now that we know the specs and features, let’s see how they performed.
The Look and Feel of the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Binoculars
Upon first glance, the new Sitka Subalpine camouflage jumps out at you. I was excited to see that Leupold made that happen. This model is very compact in size for the highly respected 10×42 magnification. Lack of size, means lack of weight, which translates to forgetting that you are wearing them when they are strapped to your chest, which is awesome.
The ergonomic design made using these binoculars a pleasure. The solid open bridge construction is complimented a slip free finish ensuring that you’ll maintain your grip and steadiness in any environment.
The HD clarity is excellent, and even in low light. I have used other optics that match this type of clarity, but none of them match this clarity in low light. The light gathering capability is unlike any pair of optics I’ve ever seen for under $1,000.
The focus knob is very user friendly. It moves very smooth, with little friction, and perfectly placed for comfortable adjustments. The diopter adjustment is utilized by pulling the focus knob cap toward you, exposing the dial indicator. Rotating eye cups provide plenty of range for eye relief.
The 10×42 has and probably always will be the go-to magnification range for the style of hunting that I find myself doing most often. These optics exceeded my expectations. The stand out feature was definitely the clarity in low light conditions. I can’t stress enough how strong they are in that particular category.
Nothing is perfect, and these are no different. I did find a couple of things to that could be improved. I was surprised that Leupold didn’t include a provision to tether the eyecup covers. There was a strap in the box but it did not suffice. In my opinion, a quality product like this should come equipped. Another thing that I noticed is that the manual doesn’t explain how to adjust the diopter for this new model. I found instruction for older models, but no updates by Leupold for the newer models in the Pro Guide HD series.
Summary on the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10×42 Binoculars
These optics are awesome. The performance of the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10×42 binoculars far surpassed their price tag. From the ergonomic design to the low light management system, the Pro Guide HDs did not disappoint. Whether your hunting in hot and humid turkey season temperatures, or chasing elk in the frigid Rocky Mountains, you can be sure that these dependable optics deliver the quality that Leupold has been known for. To top it off, if these binoculars do not perform the way they should, they will be repaired or replaced thanks to Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee. For more information on these and other fine optics from Leupold, visit them at https://www.leupold.com.
Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Binocular Scores
- Clarity/Image Sharpness
- Design/Ease of Use
- True Color Vibrancy
- Low Light Condition Use
Summary
The Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10×42 Binoculars are a well priced optic that will take care of your optic needs for a variety of hunts. We highly recommend these binoculars.
Would be a good value at $200 more
I have owned a pair of the 10×42 ProGuides for 4 hunting seasons. I “traded down” from swaro EL’s cause I didn’t like worrying about beating them up hunting. Initially I could really tell no difference, sharp, bright etc. and being lifetime warranty and waterproof fit my needs perfectly. After 3 seasons, I have used them enough to find a few tidbits that would help these out. 1) I find myself fighting focus more than in the past, maybe this is my eyes, who knows but none the less……2) the detents for the ocular lens’ positions are not very solid and from time to time, my “focus issues” turn out to be that one side has collapsed down a notch. On a recent hunt I had a blacktail buck spotted just after daylight at a ranged 300 yds and couldn’t quite resolve if there were antlers (young fork horn buck) until he turned to leave at which time I was finally able to make out what looked like a legal fork. I am not sure, but I think my EL’s would have got me there sooner, albeit at a price tag 4x higher. I live in Western Oregon so moisture is a huge issue, but these glasses have never had any internal fogging regardless of how miserable the weather has been. So, do I think these are a good value? You bet I do and I have used the Leupold lifetime warranty for years and it is always a pleasure to deal with them and never any charge. (I don’t abuse my stuff tho either). I am currently looking at buying a pair of BX4 HD in an 8x for timber hunting as the 10x are just a little much up close…..
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