Leica is introducing two new lines of spotting scopes: the APO-Televid and Televid HD. Both are designed for professional-level observation, combining optical quality, ease of use, and durability. Each is available with a 65 mm or 82 mm objective lens and an angled eyepiece.
The APO-Televid 82 and 65 feature an apochromatic lens design that minimizes chromatic aberration. This produces a sharp, true-to-life image, especially when observing subtle color details in birds or insects.
The Televid HD 82 and 65 share the same mechanical construction and deliver high brightness and color fidelity, even in low light or unfavorable weather conditions.
All models feature the Leica High Lux Pro (HLP) optical system for neutral color reproduction and high contrast. Leica’s unique dual-focus system, with two separate adjustment wheels, enables precise focusing even at distances as close as 2.9 meters on the 65 mm versions.
The magnesium housing is lightweight and built to withstand intensive use. The design is functional and ergonomic.
Eyepieces and Magnification
Two Vario eyepieces are available for both spotting-scope lines. The 25x–50x WW ASPH. eyepiece provides a wide field of view with consistent sharpness to the edges. The new 20x–60x eyepiece offers greater magnification for distant or small subjects.
An optional Leica Extender 1.8x significantly increases the range and is compatible with all models.
Digiscoping and Accessories
Digiscoping is the practice of capturing photos or videos through a telescope or spotting scope with a digital camera or smartphone. The telescope acts as a telephoto lens, making it possible to capture distant subjects sharply and in detail.
This technique is widely used for nature observation, such as photographing birds or wildlife without disturbing the animals. Digiscoping requires an adapter that positions the camera or smartphone precisely over the telescope’s eyepiece, creating a stable optical connection between the telescope objective and the recording device’s lens.
Depending on the equipment, both full-frame cameras and compact smartphones can be used, with surprisingly high image quality.
Leica offers an extensive digiscoping system. A dedicated Q adapter is available for users of the Leica Q camera . A 35mm digiscoping lens is also available for Leica SLand M cameras and can be combined with a T2 adapter for other interchangeable-lens camera systems. Images can be transferred wirelessly to a smartphone through the Leica FOTOS app.
An Ollin adapter is available for smartphones. It uses a magnetic attachment, making the setup quick and easy to use without complicated alignment.
A lightweight carbon-fiber tripod was developed with Leofoto to complement the optical system. It features a smooth video head and is compatible with the ARCA-SWISS rail on Leica Televid scopes. A custom Cordura carrying case is available for transport and protection.
Pricing and Availability
The Leica spotting scopes and accessories are available. The price of the Leica APO-Televid 65 kit without the 25x–50x WW ASPH. Vario eyepiece is €1,850.
For the larger Leica APO-Televid 82 kit with the same eyepiece, the price is €3,700. The Leica Televid HD 65 kit with a 20x–60x Vario eyepiece costs €2,245, while the 82mm version with this eyepiece is available for €2,845.
