Officially launched on the US market by Leupold in early April, the BX-4 Range HD Gen 2 represents – as its own name suggests – the second generation of the American company's highly praised line of range-finding binoculars, conceived to outclass the competition in long-range hunting applications.

Built around a highly resistant magnesium alloy body, with a full rubberized shock-proof and scratch-proof finish that also helps protecting the device from potentially harmful environmental elements, Leupold's BX-4 Range HD Gen 2 is extremely lightweight for a device its size: we're talking about 1,02 kilograms (37 oz) in overall weight for 15,8 centimeters (6.25") in overall length.

Leupold's BX-4 Range HD Gen 2 range-finding binoculars are available in two versions – 10x42mm and 12x50mm, respectively – and has been vastly upgraded in terms of construction and performance, particularly when it comes to the embedded laser rangefinder, now sporting double the range compared to the previous generation: 1,82 km / 2,000 yds on trees (green foliage is particularly easy to spot for a laser with such wavelength); up to 1,18 km / 1,300 yds on deer and similarly sized prey; and up to 3,65 km / 4,000 yards on reflective objects.

The center dial and the eyecup dials allow the user to set both the diopter (from -3.5 to +3.5) and the focus; sporting 15 mm of eye relief and 4,2 mm of exit pupil, the BX-4 Range HD Gen 2 is comfortable to use with little to no stress to the eye; and the Leupold Elite optical system offers exceptional image definition and clarity, with 85% light transmission on the left channel and 80% light transmission on the right channel.

Three different options of interchangeable form-fit eyecups provide a customized fit that reduces eyestrain to extend field time in all conditions; the device is completely waterproof, fogproof, and features a removable front cup allowing access to a 1/4-20 tripod adapter.

The top activation buttons were redesigned to provide intuitive operation and quick response even when wearing gloves or in sub-zero conditions; they're programmable – the power and mode buttons can be switched to allow for left-handed or right-handed operation – and provide easy access to the laser rangefinder and the built-in ballistic calculator options, such as the rifle-oriented True Ballistic Range/Wind (TBR/W), which provides angle-adjusted aiming solutions based on bullet weight and velocity and environmental conditions; or the Bow Mode, dedicated to bow hunters, that takes arrow weight and velocity into account to accurately calculate parabolas even at particularly short ranges (7 yards / 6,4 m minimum close range).