Hot from SHOT: Best Optics of 2026
In the market for a new optic? You're in luck. In this installment of our 2026 SHOT coverage, we tasked experienced hunter and longtime contributor Brad Fenson with rounding up the best new optics of 2026. Read on to see what made his exacting cut.
Choosing the Best Optics Setup for Western Big-Game Hunting
An ideal optics setup for Western big-game hunting includes a binocular, spotting scope, rangefinder and riflescope. Here’s how to choose the best of each for your needs.
Best Hunting Optics Under $500
You don’t have to break the bank to get good glass.
2019 Optic of the Year: SIG Sauer BDX Optics System
The acronym embedded in the nomenclature of the SIG Sauer BDX system says it all—Ballistic Data Xchange is exactly what occurs when using the optics system. It is three units—a riflescope, laser rangefinder and smartphone app—which work in sync to ensure hunters fire at distant targets with certainty.
2018 Optic of the Year: Nikon Monarch 7i VR
Every hunter who has struggled to obtain accurate readings with a laser rangefinder should appreciate Nikon’s Monarch 7i VR. Featuring the same Vibration Reduction technology Nikon uses in its VR camera lenses, the 7i VR is about half the size of a box of ammo and weighs less than 8 ounces.
Interests
Berger Announces New 300 PRC Hunting Ammunition | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- New: Zeiss Conquest Apia 20-50x 65 mm Compact Angled Spotting Scope | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
- Swarovski Announces Next Generation CL Companion Binoculars | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
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