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Thread: Leupold mk4 spotting scope review

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    liversedge W.Yorkshire
    Posts
    1,258

    Leupold mk4 spotting scope review

    here's a short review of my new spotter, the leupold mk4 with TMR reticle.
    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../364785181.jpg
    this spotting scope was made to be used in the field or carried around, thus compact size and weight was important together with good optics not to strain your eyes when observing targets. the eye relief even on 40x is more than an inch so very comfortable indeed. also and more importantly the reticle is a way to direct the shooter on the target very precisely.
    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../364785188.jpg
    the optic is nicely wrapped in its own canvas cover with velcro patches so that they do not stand in the way when observing. the magnification range is more than what you might need, 12-40x with good glass covers alot of sporting needs.
    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../366646284.jpg

    more over the most important feature is that the reticle is in1st focal plain meaning it grows as you increase the magnification and thus it doesn't matter whether you are spotting on 12x or 30x. 1mil will always be 10cm at 100m or 1meter at 100m, simple right?

    the focus ring is more sensitive than one would think, not like a rifle scope where slight adjustments usually do not make a world of difference. the reason is simple and that is the high magnification at which the scope operates means that your focus needs to be taken care of so as to see the sharp reticle and image. the image is very sharp and its awesome to range objects at different distances if you know their height. coupled with a mildot master or simple pen and paper you can range all the targets you want and using the TMR reticle together with the high magnification, you can range very accurately rather than trying to do this with a 10x optic. on the other hand, if you know the range with your range finder, you can work out the size of the target you are looking it.

    you do need a good tripod and micro adjustable head. i have a bogen on the way. setting up the reticle on target can be a pain at long range unless you have a micro adjustable head
    heres a test target on which i plan to check the quality of glass at various ranges. some numbers are 1cm others are 1.5 and 2cm. i will check these at 200 and 300m. the glass is not as sharp as a swaro but remember this was meant for field shooting not bird watching or spottin holes in paper.stick some metal plates up and youre good to go.
    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../366646794.jpg

    then i wanted to check the Mil reticle. i always double check this to make sure its true to what it advertises. so drew up a target, 10cm increments and figured out that i could first try in the garden at 10meters, it should be 10Mils, and so it was. Ideally i do it on a wooden post at 100m but where i am now, its not possible. looks like its good to go.
    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../366722521.jpg

    one ranging test. went down the road and measured a pole at 1.3meters. back to the other side, 6.5mils high, i couldnt get the camera to get the right picture because i was constantly hitting the lens but you get the idea.
    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../366722520.jpg

    1.3x1000/6.5 = 200meters. Ranged with the LRF, right on the money at 200meters. Ranging targets with a 1st focal plain reticle on 40x is really something. you can get very good milling of targets, abit of training and youre good to go.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    liversedge W.Yorkshire
    Posts
    1,258
    here are some pics of the whole setup, very sturdy indeed now, the benbo trekker III is awesome, barely moves in the wind due to the stability gained by the wide base on which you can set the spotter. by setting up the spotter upside down, the spotter hangs from the tripod and sits in a solid position. here are some combinations - can be set to barely off the ground so you dont break your neck while watching.

    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../370991799.jpg
    closeup
    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../370991807.jpg
    standing- i could also extend the legs to the full and have it hanging upside down rather than this position which is more susceptible to wind.
    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../370991804.jpg

    and if it rains, just place a piece of impermeable cloth over the base of the tripod and keep spotting and shooting. truly a versatile setup
    http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL177.../370991801.jpg
    . tripod weighs 2 kilos. due to it versatility, its well worth carrying.one can spot while the shooter can rest the rifle on top of the upper intersection so that he shoots while you spot.
    alternatively, you can use it simply to rest the rifle on while taking a shot.

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