I reviewed Leupold's new RX-II and the slightly larger RX-III. The RX-II features a 6X monocular, is 4x3x1.5 inches in size, and weighs 6.8 ounces. The RX-III has an 8X monocular, is 4.6x3.5x2 inches in size, and weighs 12 ounces. Both feature an inclinometer (to measure the angle to a target), a thermometer (in Fahrenheit or Celsius), 13 different aiming reticles to choose from, and the ability to measure a line of sight distance (in yards, meters, or feet).

In addition, they also have the ability to calculate the horizontal range to a target when shooting at an angle. Plus, both units are capable of providing elevation come-ups (in MOA) or holdovers to compensate for the distance/angle of a shot. This is possible through the use of a ballistics program. In addition, the RX-III also incorporates an illuminated display.

Both feature an adjustable diopter with clicks and fold-down eyecups. While the monoculars suffice, neither is particularly impressive. Between the two, I felt the RX-II's 6X offered the better, and brighter, image combined with a larger field of view. Lasing reflective targets, I was able to obtain readings out to 768 yards with the RX-II and 1216 yards with the RX-III.

Switching to nonreflective targets dropped about two to three hundred yards off these distances. Accuracywise, the RX-III was dead on, but the RX-II was off by 6 yards at its maximum distance. Both units took a minute of head scratching to figure out, but then they were simple to operate. Regarding the thermometer, I did notice that body heat from my hand affected the results. If I held the unit in my hand for a minute or two and then took a temperature reading it would be 10 degrees warmer than if I simply picked the unit up and immediately checked the temperature.

Leupold lists the RX-II as being water resistant and the RX-III as being waterproof. So I left both out for two days of hard rain. When I carefully checked them I noted both functioned fine, but the RX-II had water inside its battery compartment, but the RX-III was completely dry.

In the hands the RX-II is a good bit smaller. It is also more comfortable to use as it's held vertically whereas the RX-III is employed horizontally. Both units feature threaded sockets to allow them to be easily mounted onto a standard tripod, and they have lanyard loops and come with carrying cases and easy to understand manuals. Quality of both of these units appears to be good, although it should be noted that they are both made in China.

Leupold's new 6x30mm Yosemite binocular is a compact and lightweight porro prism design that features center focus and twist-up eyecups.

6x30mm Yosemite Series Binocular
Although Leupold was founded by a German and they do make top-notch optics, unlike their German competitors Leupold also offers optics within reach of the blue collar worker. One excellent example of this is the new 6x30mm Yosemite binocular. A compact porro prism design, this model sports the second largest field of view of any Leupold binocular, a whopping 420 feet at 1000 yards. Features of this model include multicoated lenses, twist-up eyecups, center focus, and waterproof construction. With 30mm objective lenses and 6X magnification, this model generates a healthy 5mm exit pupil. Weight is fairly light at just 17 ounces.