Magnification: 8X
Power Variability: Fixed
Objective Diameter: 42 mm
Close Focus Distance: 7.5 ft
Dimensions: 5.98 in (L)
Weight: 23.1 oz
Field of View: 394 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 15.5 mm/5.3 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully multi-coated
Glass: BaK-4
Prism System: Roof
Focus System: Center
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes
Eye cups: Twist-up
Tripod adaptable: Yes
Rangefinder: No
Best Uses: Hunting, Bird Watching, Sight Seeing
Update: Leupold has discontinued the BX-2 Tioga HD binocular series. Sticking with the Leupold brand you might like to check out the BX-4 Pro Guide HD binoculars but they are moving into a higher price bracket. For a similarly priced 8x42 binocular, check out the Athlon Optics Midas.
Leupold BX-2 HD Tioga Review
Brand-spanking new to the market, the Tioga binoculars have made their debut. The BX-2 line is better than ever, and it ditched the old-school black for a new Shadow Gray finish. A new wrap for a new binocular is very appropriate for a grand entrance.
The Tioga binoculars are Leupold's mid-level optics with an attractive price tag for the quality. This Tioga binocular lacks nothing. Equipped with lead/arsenic-free glass and BaK-4 prism glass with calcium-fluoride lenses for HD quality means you're going to have that iconic Leupold glassing experience that every buyer should expect. But, that's not it.
With fully multi-coated optics and the Xtended Twilight Lens System, you'll be able to glass a lot longer than other hunters with mediocre binoculars in hand. With the ability to maximize light transmission and optimize low-light wavelengths, glassing in darker conditions will enable you with usable detail. Don't forget you have an exit pupil of a wide 5.3 mm which is more than okay for low light hunting.
Just because this is a roof prism binocular, it doesn't mean that it's not going to perform optically as a Porro prism can. In fact, many roof prism binoculars often lack the phase-correction coatings that a roof binocular needs. As you can assume, Leupold left no strings untied when they equipped the Tioga with these specialized coatings for edge-to-edge clarity.
Leupold is a popular brand, and a default brand for many. We expect to see the new binocular skyrocket in the charts just like all its other optic counterparts. How can it not when it's sporting everything for a more than fair price?
Pros:
- Price
- Excellent coatings
- Excellent glass quality
- Ergonomic design
- Aluminum housing/rubber armored
Cons:
- Objective lens caps
Leupold BX-2 Tioga HD Q&A:
Why are the Objective Lens Caps a Drawback?
While Leupold throws in some very nice accessories with the Tioga binocular, the objective lens caps may be a little disappointing but are definitely not a deal breaker. They are secured to the binocular with a rubber loop like many other caps. However, this usually means they're prone to coming off easily and being lost in the field.
What are the Included Accessories with the Leupold's Bx2 Tioga HD Binocular?
Expect to receive a nylon case, neck strap, and lens caps. Take note, the BX-2 binocular line wasn't the only thing that was overhauled in 2017, the binocular case was as well. The stylish and rugged case was upgraded with a belt/strap attachments on the back. The strap also has a mesh overlay for increased comfort during long glassing sessions.
Does the Diopter Focus Lock into Place on the Tioga Bx-2?
The diopter doesn't have a locking mechanism, but it's pretty tight and rugged right out of the box. Also, the diopter is obvious with its over-sized design, something you can't miss if you haven't been in the habit of correctly focusing your binoculars in the past.
What is the Xtended Twilight Lens System?
This is Leupold's technology that aims towards allowing red and blue wavelengths to be optimized during low light hours of the day, and not just greens during midday hours like many binoculars are restricted to. This can make all the difference for a hunter who prowls during dusk and dawn when both wavelengths are present to maximize the success rate of their hunt.
Why are Leupold Binoculars no longer Black?
Leupold has moved away from the black finish with their new optics and outfitted them with a Shadow Gray color. We're assuming this is because a flat gray is less reflective than black and reduces the chances of being spotted due to glare of the finish. However, they also have the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country finish is you really want to blend in.
What are all the Models in the BX-2 Tioga HD series?
This is the 8x42 model, however, there is also the 8x32 and 10x32 compact binoculars. You can go larger with the 10x42, 10x50, and 12x50 models. This provides a variety of different magnification and aperture sizes to fit your purposes and your budget.
What is the Handling of the BX-2 Tioga Leupold Binocular like?
As you can tell, the Tioga is a very durable and rugged binocular with its aluminum housing "shrouded in a rubber armor coating." It also has thumb indents with a non-slip surface at various points on the binocular. The center focus and diopter also share the same heavily knurled design while the eyepieces sport a similar non-slip design. With knurled surfaces, it's very easy to grip and use even with gloves on.
Are the eyepieces comfortable to glass with on the Tioga HD Bx-2?
The eye relief is decent with 15 mm at its most forgiving point. However, the rubber on the oculars are durable. You might find them a little hard on the bridge of your nose when glassing for prolonged periods.
Noteworthy Features:
- Lead/arsenic-free glass with HD elements
- Xtended Twilight System for low-light hunting
- Phase correction with fully multi-coated optics for edge-to-edge clarity
- Ergonomic with slim, in-line design for comfortable handling
- Tripod ready for mounting
Our Verdict on the BX-2 Tioga 8x42 Binoculars
To glass is up, the Leupold BX-2 Tioga HD 8x42 binoculars is a no-fuss, high-performing optic that can keep up in the hunt. If you want to know where the wild things are, the Tioga's will lead you there. With everything under its belt to keep you going through low light conditions, what more do you need? Nothing. The Tioga is the be all, end all when you need to keep your budget in check.
For another binocular for hunting with comparable quality you can take a look at the Nikon 8X42 Monarch 7 ATB binocular. It sure is decked out with just as much as this Leupold, but you should be prepped for the price jump. There's quite a lot going for it, so if I was you, I'd check it out now!
We're always so excited to see what Leupold dishes out with their new products. The Tioga is no disappointment as it's decked-out to the max! Although, it's a mid-size, no-fuss, and straightforward binocular, it's got more punch than many full-size binoculars in the market today. For maximum hunting success, you might want the Tioga on your side.
Update: Leupold has discontinued the BX-2 Tioga HD binocular series. Sticking with the Leupold brand you might like to check out the BX-4 Pro Guide HD binoculars but they are moving into a higher price bracket. For a similarly priced 8x42 binocular, check out the Athlon Optics Midas.
Further Reading
