New Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 Spotting Scopes Announced

Leupold has long been a trusted name in optics, and it is known for delivering durable, high-performance products. Their new series of SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 spotting scopes have a number of optical improvements and according to Leupold, have been specifically designed to withstand harsh environments while providing exceptional clarity and precision. But how do they compare to the competition? In this article, I will break down what’s new in the Gen 2 series, examine all four models, and compare them to similar offerings from other brands.

What’s New in the SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 Series?

Leupold has upgraded the SX-4 Pro Guide HD series with several key improvements:

• Improved Optical System – Leupold highlights the point that these offer a better light transmission resulting in a brighter image (which is probably most noticeable in low-light conditions), and which they say also enhances contrast and resolution.
• Diamond-Coat and Guard-ion Lens Coatings – These coatings improve scratch resistance and allow water, dust, and dirt to bead off, keeping the lenses clean and clear.
• Arca-Swiss Tripod Adapter – A built-in tripod adapter offers quick and secure mounting to tripods with Arca-Swiss compatibility, reducing the need for additional adapters.
• FormFit Interchangeable Eyecups – Designed for comfort and customization, these eyecups enhance user experience during prolonged glassing sessions.

These updates look like they will make the Gen 2 series a good step up from their older models.

Four Models in the SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 Series

This series includes four models, each tailored to different viewing preferences:

1. SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 20-60x85 Angled
2. SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 20-60x85 Straight
3. SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 15-45x65 Angled
4. SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 15-45x65 Straight

Main Specifications Table

Comparison with Similar Spotting Scopes

For those considering alternatives, here are some comparable models from other top brands:

Conclusion

Leupold describes their SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 spotting scopes as being designed to meet the demands of serious hunters and shooters, offering enhanced optical performance and rugged durability. However, this is just marketing jargon as having looked over their features and specs, I can see no reason why they would not also be of interest to birders and general wildlife observers.

Leupold’s SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 spotting scopes look to me to offer a solid blend of durability, optical quality, and affordability, which when all combined should make an excellent choice for most outdoor enthusiasts. Compared to competitors, they strike a fine balance between performance and price, making them a compelling option for hunters, birders, and shooters alike.

In the future, I hope to be able to get my hands on one to give it a thorough testing and thus be able to be more certain with my thoughts. Still, for now, I would say that if you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality spotting scope without breaking the bank, this new range of Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 spotting scopes certainly deserves consideration.

So to summarize: The Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 spotting scopes are the latest evolution in Leupold’s performance optics lineup. Designed with hunters, and long-range shooters in mind, these spotting scopes boast enhanced light transmission, superior lens coatings, and robust build quality and thus will also interest birders and general wildlife observers in my opinion. With four models available – angled and straight versions of both 20-60x85mm and 15-45x65mm configurations – Leupold offers some nice options to suit a range of different requirements.