Leica APO -Televid 62 for $1k, or ???

[maverick2]

I've been on the lookout (for a while now) for the best 60-65 mm spotter I can find at $1k. I don't need the newest and greatest, but want good glass, good function and good reliability. It shouldn't see much abuse and will have a pretty easy life -- traveling in a case in my rig, sitting on a shooting bench, or going in my backpack for an occasional hike. I ran across an angle-bodied Leica APO-Televid 62 with a 26x wide angle eyepiece for that price that seems to check all my boxes. I haven't stayed very current on optics and spotting scopes though, so thought I'd ask here if there are better options out there at that price for what I want to do before I buy. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[AGPank]

That seems pretty awesome deal


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[Brian Fahs]

The leica televid 62 apo is awesome. I've owned a few over the years. No longer made and subject to focus mechanism problems. Not sure if leica does repairs or not on them anymore.

For the same or less $ check out the kowa prominar 664 m or 664 ED. Paired with the 30x wide lens they are incredible.

 

[maverick2]

The leica televid 62 apo is awesome. I've owned a few over the years. No longer made and subject to focus mechanism problems. Not sure if leica does repairs or not on them anymore.

For the same or less $ check out the kowa prominar 664 m or 664 ED. Paired with the 30x wide lens they are incredible.

Thanks. The Kowa prominar 663 ED has been at the top of my list, but I've not run across one for sale for quite a while, hence my interest in the Leica 62 when I saw it. I know the new Kowa 66a is pretty hard to beat, but optically does the Kowa 663 hold its own with the Leica?

 

[Tanner]

I’ve pretty much played musical spotters with everything from Nikon 62 ED, Swaro 65HD, Kowa 77, Zeiss Diascope TFL 15-45, and now finally a straight APO Televid 62 with the 16-48 eyepiece. Please keep in mind i haven’t compared all of those spotters side by side, BUT, I would say that the Leica 62 that I’ve got is by far the most impressive spotter when you factor in the size and weight of them, of all that I’ve owned. It really is incredible glass and I don’t know that I’ll ever need another backpacking spotter (I have said that before)…

My only complaint so far is that my iPhone doesn’t seem to jive great with it for digiscoping but it’ll improve with some troubleshooting.

 

[Brian Fahs]

Thanks. The Kowa prominar 663 ED has been at the top of my list, but I've not run across one for sale for quite a while, hence my interest in the Leica 62 when I saw it. I know the new Kowa 66a is pretty hard to beat, but optically does the Kowa 663 hold its own with the Leica?

In my opinion yes with the 30x wide angle eyepiece.

The kowa 66a is on another level but much more expensive.

Check ebay for the 663. Lots of them available from Japan. Reviews on shipping are good.

 

[maverick2]

Is there anyone out there that makes repairs to the 62 mm Leica anymore? My favorite 2 rifle scopes are both Leica so my comfort level with Leica glass is already high, but it probably doesn't make a lot of sense if I can't get it repaired if/when it needs a little work.

 

[Tryin]

Is there anyone out there that makes repairs to the 62 mm Leica anymore? My favorite 2 rifle scopes are both Leica so my comfort level with Leica glass is already high, but it probably doesn't make a lot of sense if I can't get it repaired if/when it needs a little work.

Give 'em a call.
800.222.0118

 

[Quandary]

For $1,000 in the shape you describe that is an incredible bargain. I have an APO it is great. And yes they do repairs at Leica US

 

[maverick2]

FWIW, I called Leica and they confirmed that they CANNOT get parts for these anymore, so I crossed that one off my list.