NEXT-GEN

Optics play a big role in hunting small deer that blend in exceptionally well with their surroundings. On this hunt, we used Leupold’s new BX-4 Range HD TBR/W binocular ($1,599.99; leupold.com) and its innovative RX-5000 TBR/W rangefinder ($699.99). The 10x42 bino features excellent resolution, edge-to-edge clarity, vibrant color fidelity and great low-light transmission, qualities often lacking in rangefinding binoculars. The stippled armor and over-sized control buttons atop the palm-filling barrels combine to provide a great in-hand feel and user experience. At the heart of the bino is Leupold’s lightning-fast DNA rangefinding engine and ballistics software. The TBR/W in the product’s name stands for True Ballistic Range/Wind. This technology produces ranges based on easily programable ballistic sets and generates a hold point for a 10-mph wind at 90 degrees out to 800 yards. As…