"People who value elegance and style will choose this riflescope", said Cyril Thomas, division head at Leica Sport Optics, when he announced the new Leica Visus i LW riflescope.
Back in March, at the RWS Shooting Day before the IWA OutdoorClassic 2016 in Nuremberg, we got to try out the revamped Leica Visus i riflescopes. The "i" here stands for "improved". The LW in the model is an abbreviation of "Leitz Wetzlar", the founder of the company and the town. With this model, Leica continues the legacy of its successful predecessor, the Leica Visus.
The new Leica Visus i LW riflescope is available in two magnification ranges: Visus 2.5-10x42 i LW and Visus 3-12x50 i LW. Apart from taking a pick of these two variants, customers can also choose whether they would like a riflescope in classic matte black or in polished glossy black.
Leica Visus i LW riflescope characteristics
Whether with a matte or glossy finish, the exterior appearance of the riflescopes is timeless and pure. Both models stand out not only thanks to their elegant design, but also have good optical and mechanical characteristics:
– High contrast even in twilight
– Clear reticle illumination suitable for use in daylight with intelligent automatic switch-off
– Robust, tried and tested mechanism for extreme reliability and longevity
– Easy and intuitive operation, even at low temperatures and in darkness
– Long central tube allows for individual mounting and optimal eye relief
Leica Visus 2.5-10x42 i LW riflescope
The Leica Visus 2.5-10x42 i LW has a flexible magnification range from 2.5x to a maximum of 10x. The maximum magnification range ensures high detail recognition and hit accuracy on the hunt. The riflescope has a generous field of view of 14.5 m at 100 m in the minimum magnification setting. The compact design (30 mm central tube diameter, objective diameter 42 mm) and easy handling make the Leica Visus 2.5-10x42 i LW an ideal hunting companion.
Technical Data of the Leica Visus 2,5-10x42 i LW
|
Magnification range | 2,5-10 x |
|
Objective diameter | 42 mm |
|
Field of view at max. magnification | 3,9 m / 100 m |
|
Field of view at min. magnification | 14,5 m / 100 m |
|
Eye relief | 100 mm |
|
Exit pupil | 4,2 - 14 mm |
| Parallax | 100 m |
|
Diopter compensation | -4/+3 dpt |
| Transmittance | ≥ 90 % |
|
Mounting option |
30
mm tube/ Zeiss internal rail |
|
Central tube diameter | 30 mm |
|
Adjustment (elevation x windage) |
1
click = 1 MOA, 180 x 180 cm |
|
Length | 324 mm |
Weight | 480 g |
Waterproofing | up to 4 m |
|
Available reticles | L-4a |
Reticle illumination | Yes, suitable for twilight use |
|
Automatic switch-off | 3 min |
Leica Visus 3-12x50 i LW riflescope
The Leica Visus 3-12x50 i LW with 4x zoom guarantees maximum resolution and extremely good contrast. The 12x magnification allows for precise shots, even at long distances.
The riflescope impresses with its high luminosity thanks to a 50 mm objective diameter. The detail recognition — even at maximum magnification — ensures a high hit accuracy on the hunt even at great distances.
Technical data of the Leica Visus 3-12x50 i LW
|
Magnification range | 3 - 12 x |
|
Objective diameter | 50 mm |
|
Field of view at max. magnification | 3,2 m / 100 m |
|
Field of view at min. magnification | 11,5 m / 100 m |
|
Eye relief | 100 mm |
|
Exit pupil | 4,1 - 14,9 mm |
| Parallax | 100 m |
|
Diopter compensation | -4/+3 dpt |
|
Transmittance | ≥ 90 % |
|
Mounting option | 30 mm tube/ Zeiss internal rail |
|
Central tube diameter | 30 mm |
| Adjustment (elevation x windage) |
1
click = 1 MOA, 120 x 120 cm |
Length | 340 mm |
Weight | 620 g |
Waterproofing | up to 4 m |
|
Available reticles | L-4a |
|
Reticle illumination |
Yes,
suitable for twilight use |
|
Automatic switch-off | 3 min |
The company from Wetzlar offers a glossy version of the Leica Visus i LW with a premium surface finish. The riflescope has an aluminum surface and is polished by hand for several hours.
Subsequently, the lettering is engraved with a stylus and decorated in multiple colors. Premium classic weapons bring out the classy feel of this glossy riflescope from Leica. They really accentuate the design and make the riflescope look like it was made specifically for the weapon.
The matte models of the Leica Visus i LW have a sand-blasted and hard-anodized aluminum surface. This makes the riflescope particularly robust and resistant to scratches and abrasion. Other than the eye cup, both versions contain no plastic or rubber components.
The components were replaced with premium metal parts that were manufactured using an elaborate process. This makes the riflescopes even more robust and durable. Whether hunting from a raised blind or stalking game — the Leica Visus i LW models are excellent all-round riflescopes.
Prices of Leica Visus i LW riflescopes (UVP)
| Leica Visus 2,5-10x42 i LW matte | 1.550 Euro |
| Leica Visus 2,5-10x42 i LW matte with rail | 1.650 Euro |
| Leica Visus 3-12x50 i LW matte | 1.700 Euro |
| Leica Visus 3-12x50 i LW matte with rail | 1.800 Euro |
| Leica Visus 2,5-10x42 i LW glossy | 1.850 Euro |
| Leica Visus 3-12x42 i LW glossy | 2.000 Euro |
Both models, the Leica Visus 3-12x50 i LW and 2.5-10x42 i LW, have been available from specialist retailers since June 2016.
You can download the technical data with dimensions here as a .pdf document
Leica Visus i LW — the verdict from all4hunters.com
With the Leica Visus i LW, the company from Wetzlar introduces a new generation of riflescopes that bring together the classic and the modern. Both models, the Leica Visus 3-12x50 i LW and 2.5-10x42 i LW, are available in matte and glossy black. The excellent optical characteristics, a robust mechanism paired with intuitive handling, and outstanding value for money are all reasons why this riflescope is the right choice. Whether hunting from raised blinds or stalking game, the Leica Visus i LW riflescope is a great all-rounder for all types of hunting, and we also find the prices fair for the optical quality and premium, stylish design you receive in return.
You can find more information on the Leica Visus i LW riflescope directly on Leica Sport Optics