Sniper Central received a Televid 62mm from a USA dealer of Leica optics along with a zoom
eye piece (16-48x with this spotting scope). The model number on the eyepiece is
41012. The eyepiece was very easy and straightforward to attach to the body, and
then a little time was devoted to understanding the controls. The focus has two
turn dials up top, one for coarse focus and one for fine. Once used to the controls
it worked very easy and very precise. Once we pulled out a standard tripod and
mounted the spotting scope to it, the setup was complete. Nothing fancy or out
of the ordinary to mention.
The first thing a person might notice about this spotting scope is the $1000
price tag for the body alone, not including an eyepiece, which is another $400
on top of the spotting scope. But one very important thing rings true here, as it
does in many things, and that is "you really do get what you pay for", and I'm here to
tell you that this is certainly the case, as this spotting scope is outstanding.
We had the 41012 variable power eyepiece for this scope and the optics were
absolutely clear at all magnification ranges. It was very nice to also have two
focus adjustments, the fast focus got you close real quick, and then the very
fine adjustment allowed you to get it perfect. We used the spotting scope during
normal hours and early morning and the light gathering and clarity were top notch.
We primarily tested the scope in the field on our unknown distance range and used
it to spot from 400m - 700m. With optics this clear, there were no problems picking
up trace with standard 308 loads (we were shooting M118LR on all occasions).
One morning during a shoot at about 620 meters, the sun peeked over the mountains at
just the right angle and we actually "saw" the bullet travel down range. I am
not talking about trace, I am actually talking about the physical bullet, we were
"watching" the actual bullet, it looked a lot like a tracer but was not lit up, just
shiny. Now, this was more because of the angle and lighting conditions from the
sun. But we were so amazed we pulled out a $200 spotting scope and were able
to barely see it, but we did see it. With the Leica, it was clear as can be from
about 100m from the muzzle until bullet impact. Amazing.
The only real negative about this spotting scope is the color. If it were to be
used as a tactical spotting scope, it would need to be painted. The construction
is rugged and its very well built, so it should hold up fine to tactical use.
So some dura-coat, bo-flage or krylon would be needed to make it more tactical.
Beyond that, I highly recommend this scope.
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