Leupold
Leupold BX-1 McKenzie HD 12x50 Review: Seeing Farther
By the Pixel Review crew ·
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Outstanding!
- Overall
- 4.5
- Build Quality
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4.0
The Tea
If you are looking to get a closer look at the horizon, these 12x50mm optics from Leupold aim to deliver. The open bridge, roof prism design keeps the weight down, making it a bit easier to carry around when you're hiking or tracking, though at over 0.9 kg, you are definitely going to feel them hanging around your neck.
Since these are 100% waterproof and fogproof, you won't need to baby them if the weather turns south. Just keep in mind that with high magnification binoculars like these, keeping your hands steady is a must to avoid a shaky image, as the higher the zoom, the more every tiny movement is amplified.
Power-Ups
The standout here is the glass quality, specifically the fully multi-coated lens system paired with BAK 4 prisms. This combo is designed to boost brightness and keep colors looking sharp with minimal edge distortion, which is exactly what you want when you're scanning a landscape.
Why We're Hyped
The ergonomics are a major win. The open bridge design makes them surprisingly easy to grip, even if you are wearing gloves or dealing with damp conditions. Plus, the peace of mind that comes with Leupold’s customer care support is a nice backup to have.