Hello and welcome to another episode of Optics Trade Debates. Today we are here to talk about Leica riflescopes and about one riflescope series in particular – Leica Visus. Let’s begin.
Leica Visus is perhaps a less known series of riflescopes in the German company’s sales catalog. Therefore it only makes sense for us to go through basic specifications and illuminate some of the unique features of Visus models. But first, let’s spare a few words on the story behind the Visus name.
Leica Visus riflescopes were introduced at IWA in 2016. These riflescopes are a combination of elegance, style and modernity. As such, they are an evolution from the previous riflescope series launched by Leica.
Currently, there are 3 models on offer: 1-4×24 (WA model), 2.5-10×42 (stalking model) and 3-12×50 (all-rounder model).
The price of this series ranges from 1,100 to 1,300 euros. That makes them a more affordable option than Leica Magnus/Magnus i riflescopes and the single non-discontinued Leica ER 6.5-26×56 LRS model.
Visus riflescopes evolved from the precedent ER series. Positive changes like different turret caps and added features like illumination made Leica Visus and Visus i series a game changer.
Quite a few additions were made but one, above all, catches the eye. All 3 models can be ordered in a classic matte black or in a hand-polished glossy finish of the same black colour.
Looking at the housing, the usual red-and-white Leica logo is clearly missing. Instead, Leica opted for a more minimalistic design. For an added touch of éclat, the lettering on these Leica riflescopes is engraved and decorated.
Glossy variants of Visus riflescopes were designed with classic firearms in mind. They are made to look especially sleek and elegant when mounted on premium break-barrel rifles.
Customers who use bespoke rifles or wish to stand out from the crowd, will most definitely appreciate it. Note that since Kahles stopped producing the 1.6-8×42 model in this finish, Leica stands as the only European manufacturer of riflescopes that offers the glossy exterior option.
The matte models have a sandblasted and hard anodized aluminium surface, which makes these riflescopes exceptionally robust and scratch-resistant for any hunting use. This is the more practical, standard finish that won’t make the user feel guilty when exposing their riflescope to the elements and rough handling. Matte Visus riflescopes are also available with rails underneath.
Now, let’s move on to optical aspects of the Visus series. These models offer a nice optical performance, true vivid colours and an outstanding contrast. However, the optical quality does not match the superb performance of the Magnus series.
Indeed, if Leica Magnus riflescopes are all about the optical performance, Visus models cater to the stylish crowd. All Leica Visus i LW riflescopes have a very generous eye relief of 100 millimetres.
The field of view is one of the few drawbacks of this series. It most definitely cannot match Magnus models. However, it is also important to note the difference in price.
The Visus products are in the range of 800-1.500 euros, which makes for the most competitive part of the market. There are so many rivals (e.g. Docter/Noblex, Kahles, Zeiss Conquest V6, Vixen, Delta Optical etc.) in this price range that it’s hard to come out on top.
All try to maintain an affordable price by offering a couple of outstanding features (zoom capabilities, the field of view etc.) to compensate for the drawbacks. Leica made a smart move by focusing on the design.
The parallax is fixed at 100 meters. Visus i LW riflescopes can be ordered with capped turrets or BDC turrets.
The illumination system offers 9 intensity settings, all the way from low light to daytime levels. It also features automatic illumination shut off, which is triggered when the weapon is tilted in a non-shooting position.
The illumination is rather neat. It’s hidden in the centre of the reticle and the dot is really precise. The illumination knob is big enough for easy handling – without having to remove the gloves.
As far as the mounting solutions are concerned, the Leica Visus i LW riflescopes can be mounted with 30-millimetre rings, or optionally with the Zeiss ZM/VM mount.
Leica Visus models are light, compact and very reliable. The Leica warranty on this series made in Portugal is 10 years. The service life of the product is even longer and Leica promises to repair their customers’ products long after warranties expire.
Okay, this should cover it. Thank you for your attention. If you have any burning questions or feedback, feel free to contact us via email or the comment section below. Please like and share this video if you found it useful. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more of similar content. We’ll see you next time.
Products mentioned:
Leica Visus
Leica riflescopes