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Leica Spotting Scopes
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Leica has a long tradition of manufacturing high-quality, robust spotting scopes. Currently, they offer a single series in this field, called APO-Televid.
The APO-Televid series of Leica spotting scopes was introduced in 2009 and received a major update in 2016. This supreme tool for observing nature is made for those who demand high-quality optics packed in a rugged housing.
There are two models available in the Televid series which differ in the diameter of the objective lens. The smaller model’s objective lens measures 65 mm in diameter while the bigger model is equipped with an 82mm objective lens.
Both models feature Schmidt/Pechan prisms, which are of the roof type. Leica uses many of their coatings on the Televids (they are fully multicoated), including the AquaDura coating which is applied to the external parts of the lenses to prevent dew and dust accumulation. The user can use them in extreme temperatures such as –25°C, which is a proof of quality workmanship. The modern fluoride lenses provide for an image high in contrast and with perfect colour fidelity. Leica’s dual-focus system gives the user an ability to set the focus very precisely.
To be able to use the device, the user must merge the body with the eyepiece that can be purchased together with the body or separately. The eyepiece allows 25x–50x magnification and will provide a wide field of view.
These spotting scopes work extraordinarily on their own but are also an excellent accessory for professional digiscoping. The outstanding optical performance of Televid, combined with high-quality Leica Cameras, will result in photographs rich in detail. All the accessories for spotting scopes can be found here.
In the Televid series, there is an option of purchasing a straight or an angled model. The straight models are – as the name suggests – without a curve or bend while the angled ones have the eyepiece at an angle of 45 degrees to the body of the spotting scope. Angled spotting scopes are generally used on tripods while the straight ones are in situations that involve movement, like hunting in the mountains. Users usually place the straight models on a fixed surface when observing, for example on a backpack placed on a rock. Finding the target is easier and more intuitive with a straight version than it is with an angled one. The straight models can also be mounted on a tripod, but it is not that common. The optical performance is not affected by the shape and is the same on both Televid models.
APO-Televid 65
This is the model that is equipped with an objective lens that measures 65 mm in diameter. Naturally, it is more compact than its bigger counterpart – it measures 30 cm in length. The body weighs approx. 1150 g. As such, the scope is an ideal companion for long, demanding hikes or treks. Another specialty of this quality spotting scope is that it has one of the shortest close-focusing limits in its class – 2.9 m. The rugged magnesium alloy body makes it shock-resistant and the rubber armouring on the device’s surface makes the device nice to the touch.
APO-Televid 82
This is the bigger model with an objective lens that measures 82 mm in diameter. Because of the size of the lens, the 82 model can produce brighter images than its smaller counterpart, making it a great choice for observations in daylight as well as dusk. Even though it has a big lens, Leica managed to achieve a compact design. Its short close-focusing limit of 3.8 m opens another perspective in the field of spotting scopes. The durable magnesium housing protects the valuable interior while the rubber armouring adds to the overall ruggedness and makes the device nice to the touch.
Leica Spotting Scopes Series
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