Home » Spotting Scopes » Leica APO Televid 82 Spotting Scope Review (25-50X Eyepiece & Extender)

Leica APO Televid 82 Spotting Scope Review (25-50X Eyepiece & Extender)


This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links.

leica apo televid 82 spotting scope - angled body only
Image Credit - Leica

Viewing Configuration: Angled
Magnification: 25-50X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: Yes
Eyepiece included: No
Objective Diameter: 82 mm
Close Focus Distance: 12.5 feet
Length: 12.91 inches
Weight: 51.82 ounces
Field of View: 120-69 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 19 mm/2.6-1.3 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: Schott Glass
Focus System: Focus Knob/Dual Focus
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Digiscope adaptable: Yes

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation, Photography, Celestial-Viewing

Leica APO Televid 82 Review

This APO-Televid 82 spotting scope has fully multi-coated optics, AquaDura coatings, and recessed dual focus controls. It also has the bayonet eyepiece catch system, is fully weatherproof, and has huge 82 mm objective lens!

Online, you're not going to see any ratings. This is one of those wish-list spotters that most can only dream of posting a review about. But, since it's a Leica, you know if there were ever going to be any ratings, they're all going to be 5 star ones!

Since the 65 mm and the 82 mm models are essentially identical spotting scopes in optical quality and features, we'll go over some finer details in this review of the Televid 82.

If there's anything more you want to know about the Leica APO-Televid spotting scopes, it's going to be right here.

Pros:

  • Excellent quality
  • High powered
  • Versatile
  • Die-cast magnesium chassis
  • Interchangeable eyepiece

Cons:

  • Price

APO Televid 82 Spotting Scope Q&A:

What does WW and ASPH mean?

leica 25-50x ww asph eyepiece
Televid 25-50X WW ASPH eyepiece (Image Credit - Leica)

The abbreviations in the Televid 25-50X WW ASPH eyepiece might be a little confusing if you're new to optics, so let me interpret for you.

The WW is representative of wide-angle. This means that the eyepiece is no ordinary eyepiece, it's going to have a wider field of view versus other eyepieces of the same power range. Wider angle equals wider peripheral view in your field of view.

The ASPH stands for aspherical lenses. This means that the image is going to have a deeper depth of field, quite like a 3D effect. You're also going to have extremely sharp resolution throughout the entire picture - from edge to edge.

What is the Leica eyepiece extender?

leica 1-8x eyepiece extender
Leica 1.8x Eyepiece Extender (Image Credit - Leica)

This is actually something really neat.

It's a magnifying extender, and it can increase your power range by 1.8X times.

This then takes your 25-50X range to 40-90X for that extra reach without compromising on image quality.

But, it's only compatible with the angled Televid spotting scopes.

It also has the bayonet safety feature on both ends of it.

How do I install the eyepiece extender?

The extender is installed onto the scope first, and it's the "middle man" in between the body and the eyepiece.

While the scope is taken apart, you want to attach the eyepiece extender to the scope body. To do this, take the end that has the obvious bayonet interlocking feature and securely insert and twist into the scope body.

You should be left with what looks like the "threading" part of the extender being exposed.

Now take the 25-50X eyepiece with the bayonet end and attach that end to the exposed end of the extender.

What kind of prism system does Leica's Televid APO 82mm spotting scope have?

The angled models of the 65 and 82 mm Televids have the roof style prism system, the Schmidt prism system.

Both straight models of the 65 and 82 mm Televids combine both the Schmidt and Pechan assemblies together create a pair of prisms called the Schmidt-Pechan prism system.

Both prism assemblies are used as an image erecting system that rotates and flips the image so that you see it forward facing and right side up.

Where does Leica get its glass from for its sport optics?

There's a lot of speculation about where Leica gets its glass from, and even with a phone call to the company, it's still hard to get a direct answer. Why?

Leica doesn't want any copy-cats trying to duplicate their proprietary formulas and processes that produces their excellent and truly superior image quality. And, it all starts with the glass.

But, one thing the Leica US rep did tell me is that they get their glass from many different sources, primarily from Germany. Apparently, not even Leica reps are allowed to know specific answers.

So, here's my theory that falls in line with many other sport optic-obsessed amateurs. Leica gets its glass from Schott AG - the Carl Zeiss Foundation-owned glass authority in the world.

Since Schott specializes in very many grades of quality, I'm assuming that Leica is one of the largest buyers of the top-of-the-line grades who then uses top-secret engineering processes to produce the kind of lenses that are only speculated about by experts and leaves the rest of us in awe.

What are the product numbers for the 82 mm Televids?

Knowing the right product numbers for the many parts that are available for the 82 Televid can ensure that you know you're getting exactly what you're ordering when you buy Leica spotting scopes online.

The APO-Televid 82 straight is product number 40119.
The APO-Televid 82 angled 45 is product number 40121.
The Televid 1.8 eyepiece extender is product number 41022.

What kind of outdoor activities is the Leica Televid APO 82 appropriate for?

Televids make excellent birding, nature-observing, and even celestial-viewing spotting scopes. But, I think they're allowed to be in the same field as hunting and range spotting scopes. Why? Let me ask you one question.

In terms of magnifying power and aperture size, how different is the APO-Televid 82 to the NightForce TS-82 and the several other 20-60X80 spotting scopes that are recommended for hunters? It's not.

In fact, what makes the Leica Televids so convenient for nature watching, birding, and star-spotting is what also gives them super-power clarity for range use and hunting.

You'll be able to confirm tiny bullet holes for long distance shooting at the range and for spotting game of all shapes, sizes, and sex while out in the field. Good enough even to land you that once-in-a-lifetime trophy!

So, if you're a hunter with expensive taste and the luxury to have a spotting scope that dabbles beyond excellence in hunting, birding, and nature-observing, go for it. Why the heck shouldn't you have one of the best spotting scopes on the market?

YouTube video

How much more weight does the Televid APO 82 model have over the 65?

If you're worried about toting weight while you're out in the field, you don't need to be. The 82 mm is extremely compact and lightweight for its size in comparison to the 65 mm.

The 82 model is only 12.32 inches in length in the straight model, and is only 12.91 inches in the angled model.

It also only weighs 51.82 ounces with the eyepiece attached with the angled model, and weighs 53.62 ounces with the straight model.

In comparison to the 65 mm model, it's only an inch longer and a couple ounces heavier at most.

What is the Televid spotting scopes made out of?

The spotters are made out of die-cast magnesium. This is an extremely durable and lightweight material used for only the most premium sport optics made today.

Magnesium is the lightest structural material you can make, and 33 percent lighter than aluminum.

The Televid is going to be extremely durable because the die-cast magnesium chassis has a high strength to weight ratio and high-resistance qualities.

When it takes a bump while out in the field, its greater energy absorbing body gives it shatter-proof capabilities, and it's going to withstand higher temperature applications.

What accessories does the Leica APO Televid 82 come with?

For such mammoth prices you'd think it might come with some freebies thrown in, but unfortunately, it doesn't. It doesn't even come with a hard case when it arrives.

What does come with the spotting scope is an objective lens cap that can be attached with two very sturdy and robust pinch clips. It also comes with a cover that threads into the bayonet mount end.

The eyepiece also comes with two caps to protect each end of it. When it arrives in a separate box, it does come in a zippered case.

How is the Leica APO Televid 82 spotting scope packaged for shipping?

This is a legitimate question since we've established that the Televid spotting scope doesn't come with a case of any sort - no soft or hard carry case.

Instead, the scope is protected in two pieces of molded foam. The thin, top layer of foam has cut-outs that exposes the objective bell and two finger indents to easily grab and remove the foam.

The bottom layer of foam is taller and holds the scope body in place during transit for shipping.

If you want a case for your scope, you're going to have to buy that separately, and that will cost you an extra $200-$400 more.

Is there a stay-on cover for the Televid?

Although you already know that a stay-on cover isn't included when you buy this brands spotting scopes, there is one available to buy separately.

It's Leica's cordura ever-ready case. It has has two removable covers that expose the objective lens, the eyepiece, and the focus controls. The small hole in the bottom of the case exposes the tripod mount and locking knob.

The case also has a ring system that allows it to be attached and locked in two places to a shoulder strap so that toting and mounting it is easy and fast.

How much does the APO Televid 82 mm cost?

These are prices according to online listings, so note that they may be subject to change and can vary in price according to supplier and availability.

APO-Televid 82 Straight body only: approx. $2840
APO-Televid 82 Angled body only: approx. $2600
APO-Televid 82 Straight with eyepiece: approx. $3550
APO-Televid 82 Angled with eyepiece: approx. $3900
25-50X WW ASPH Eyepiece only: approx. $800
Televid 1.8X Eyepiece Extender: approx. $550
'Close to Nature' Set: approx. $4600 (includes APO-Televid 82 Angled body, eyepiece, eyepiece extender, carbon fiber tripod and tripod head)

The most common, recognized price across the board for the 82 spotter and eyepiece is around $3900.

What warranty does the Leica Televid APO 82 spotting scope have?

A brand new purchase of the best Leica spotting scopes come with Leica's Factory Passport warranty. Additionally, since this is a sport optics, it's also covered under the Leica Lifetime Sport Optics Protection Plan.

That warranty also includes coverage on the eyepieces too. And, it covers accidental damage due to breakage and water damage. It really covers any accidents which is awesome.

Just don't get it stolen, or put it in a position for it to mysteriously disappear, cause deliberate damage, or for some unknown reason, have it exposed to fire damage. You'll void your warranty - duh.

What if I bought my Leica outside of the United States?

If you bought your Leica from a licensed US dealer, it will be covered under the USA Lifetime Sport Optics Protection Plan. But, if you didn't, don't fret - it's still covered under the international warranty.

In short, your Leica is covered for practically everything and anything - forever. This is expected and appreciated when you're spending a few grand!

Noteworthy Features:

  • Interchangeable eyepiece technology
  • 1.8X eyepiece extender available, 25-50X WW ASPH eyepiece available
  • AquaDura lens coating technology for water and dust repellent surfaces
  • Built-in dual focus control for fast focus and fine adjustments
  • Fully watertight to 16.5 feet
  • Bayonet eyepiece connection for interlocking security
  • Pure APO fluoride-containing glass
  • Center locking knob for multi-angle and rotational viewing
  • Backed by Leica's Factory Passport warranty/USA Passport Protection Plan

Our Verdict On The Leica APO Televid 82 Spotter

The scoop on the scope is, the Leica Televid 82 Angled spotter is the best there is - it earned its spot on our line-up of the best premium spotters for good reason. Everything from the bayonet interlocking system to the APO glass and the dual focus is top notch. As expected, the cost for a Leica is beyond most of our budgets, and it doesn't make it any better that you have to purchase the eyepiece separately. But, you never have to question quality when it comes to Leica. Just peer through the spotter just once and you'll be sold with this Leica test!

If the 82 objective lens of the Televid is a just too much for your hunting needs, consider the Leica APO-Televid 65. They're identical to each other, but they have different size objective lens. Don't get us wrong, setting up the 82 for a stationary hunt will be a very sweet setup, but the 65 will be more practical so check it out.

Leica is an authority in the optics world. You won't have to think twice about ever having to buy another spotter after a Leica buy. Don't settle for less, and do the Leica test!

Further Reading

Photo of author

Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

Never Miss a Thing!

Get Our Latest Guides & Field Tests Straight to Your Inbox

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

As Featured Footer Image