We’ve been having a lot of fun with the Longshot Hawk on Leupold’s SX-4 Pro Guide HD spotting scope. This time we’re taking a closer look at the optic! 

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About the Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Spotting Scope

We were looking for a straight eyepiece scope with a versatile magnification range to use with the Longshot Hawk scope camera. The Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD fit the bill.

This compact spotting scope is tripod ready (ARCA), waterproof/fogproof, and available in both a straight and angled configuration. We have the 15-45x65mm scope, but Leupold also has a 20-60x85mm option.

The rubberized exterior construction is easy to grasp with small ridges along the focus and magnification rings for better contact.

This scope also has a built in sun shade to reduce glare.

From Leupold:

Built to take on the harshest conditions, the SX-4 Pro Guide® HD 15-45x65mm straight spotting scope is a must have for any serious hunter or shooter who’s looking for rugged HD performance. It features an incredibly rugged magnesium body that is 100% waterproof and fogproof and an oversized eyepiece that provides all-day comfort.

Featuring Leupold’s Elite Optical System, it offers excellent dawn-to-dusk light transmission for a bright image when it matters most, elite-level glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that diehard hunters and shooters demand. The straight eyepiece makes it considerably more packable than an angled spotting scope because it can slide straight into your pack or scope sleeve. It also matches up with your line of sight, making it intuitive to use when acquiring and tracking targets.

Like all Leupold® spotting scopes, the SX-4 Pro Guide HD is guaranteed to perform for life, or we’ll repair or replace it for free. Whether you’re going on your first big game hunt or helping repeat clients tag out year after year, this spotter should be in your kit.

Specifications: 

• • Eyepiece Style: Straight
  • Length (in): 14.4
  • Weight (oz): 62
  • Magnification Max: 45
  • Magnification Min: 15
  • Objective Diameter (mm): 65
  • Linear FOV Low Mag (ft@1000yds): 131
  • Linear FOV High Mag (ft@1000yds): 68.1
  • Angular FOV Low Mag (Degrees): 2.5
  • Angular FOV High Mag (Degrees): 1.3
  • Eye Relief Low Mag (mm): 20
  • Eye Relief High Mag (mm): 17.6
  • Exit Pupil Low Mag: 4.1
  • Exit Pupil High Mag: 1.4
  • Close Focus Distance (ft): 34

What’s in the Box

The scope comes with a neoprene cover, lens caps/strap, and microfiber cloth. The cover is uniquely cut to allow access to the magnification ring and the tripod mount without having to remove it from the scope. 

Testing

I’ve been really happy with the spotting scope’s clarity, which is critical for use with the Longshot Hawk.

Smooth focusing was also a major priority as I didn’t want to accidentally throw off where the spotting scope was pointing while trying to adjust it. 

This was doubly important with the camera system. I had zero issues with this scope.

Once I set it, it remained pointed at my desired target, no matter how much I adjusted the magnification or focus.

I’ve used this scope with a variety of cartridges and targets, but it’s proved particularly useful in sighting in a thermal optic with a spotter.

Capturing long range steel target impacts with the Longshot Hawk has also been great fun! 

Conclusion

The Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD has become my go-to spotter for use with the Longshot Hawk. It has ultra smooth magnification and focus, incredible HD picture, and just works (with a lifetime guarantee)!

Get the Gear

Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD 15-45x65mm Straight Spotting Scope

Longshot Hawk Spotting Scope Camera

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Thanks,
Gavin Gear