Viewing Configuration: Straight
Magnification: 20-60X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: No
Eyepiece included: Yes
Objective Diameter: 80 mm
Close Focus Distance: 75 ft
Length: 15.5 in
Weight: 62 oz
Field of View: 121-42 ft/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 30 mm/4.1-1.3 mm
Optics Coatings: Unknown
Glass: BaK-4
Focus System: Focus ring/Single
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes
Digiscope adaptable: Yes
Best Uses: Tactical Use, Hunting, For the Range, Bird Watching, Wildlife Observation
Leupold Mark 4 20-60X80 Spotting Scope Review
Getting a reticle in a spotting scope perfect is right up Leupold's alley. When it comes to execution, they've nailed it. The Mark 4 spotter is only available in the straight design and has said to be a tactical and military-grade spotter. Combat aside, this doesn't mean that you couldn't use it for the range or in the hunt.
The spotter is available with either the Mil-dot or Tactical Milling reticles. Neither are illuminated, although, you could get it with this option via Leupold's Custom Shop. The mil-dot reticle provides points on both elevation and windage crosshairs for wind drift and bullet drop. The dots are spaced 1 mil apart while being 2 mils in diameter.
Moving on to the optics, this spotter has the Xtended Twilight Lens System to maximize blue and red lightwaves during low-light hours. The external lenses are also coated with Leupold's Diamondcoat 2 technology that provides abrasion-resistant properties and also improves light transmission.
As expected, this spotting scope is expensive. It's right up there with the best spotters that run for over $2000. Everyone who gets their hands on one of these can speak of Leupold's reputation for clear glass and excellent optical quality. The reticle is tight and accurate to depend on when those fine adjustments are needed for sharpshooter precision.
Pros:
- Mil-dot reticle
- Extremely accurate
- High-powered
- Excellent optical quality
- Military-designed
Cons:
- Price
Leupold Mark 4 20-60X80 Q&A:
Is the Mil-dot reticle caliber-specific?
The mil-dot reticle is not caliber-specific. However, you will want to use a mil-dot rifle scope with this spotting scope to effectually use it for accurate adjustments.
What does the TMR reticle look like?
The TMR (Tactical Milling Reticle) takes things to a whole new level of accuracy.
Instead of dots it has hash marks for both wind compensation and bullet drop spaced .5 mils apart and then increases to 2 mils on the outer edges.
What does Military-Designed mean?
The mil-dot reticles were designed for military use, and they're currently the military standard for estimation making this ranging spotting scope suitable for tactical purposes. Additionally, the spotter has a flat black finish without any shiny accents or gold rings taking away from the tactical design.
Does Leupold's Mark 4 Spotting Scope have fully multi-coated optics?
Nowhere can we establish that it does, but at the same time we can't establish that it doesn't. We assume that it does because it already sports Leupold's other high-end coatings. Without fully multi-coated coatings in the mix, it just wouldn't be up to par for a premium spotter, and for the price we're pretty sure it does.
Can you wear glasses with the 20-60x80 Mark 4 Spotting Scope?
Nevertheless, Leupold equipped the spotter with fold-down rubber eye cups, so with 30 mm of eye relief, you bet you can. That's so much eye relief that it's almost ridiculous. Bases covered? Heck yeah!
Is the Mark 4 spotting scope made of plastic or metal?
The 20-60x80 Mark 4 has aluminum housing that's entirely covered in durable rubber armor for positive and non-slip grip. It's metal baby, no cheap, hard plastic here.
Is the Leupold's Mark 4 waterproof?
It wouldn't be over $2000 if it wasn't. It's completely waterproof and fogproof to endure all conditions that you find yourself in.
Does the Leupold Mk 4 20-60x80 come with a case?
The Mark 4 spotting scope does come with a cover case. It's fitted case that's intended to stay on the scope even during use. According to buyers, it doesn't get in the way, and it's form-fitting making it a practical accessory. There are multiple points on the case where there is velcro and a zipper which can be loud in tactical and hunting scenarios. However, the case does offer some decent protection against bumps, falls, and accidental scratches against brush.
Where are the focus and magnification rings on the Mk 4?
The focus ring is closest to the ocular with ridges on it for positive identification and easy gripping for focusing. The magnification ring is behind the focus ring and is large and smooth. It might be a little too close together for some users, but the textured differences should give you an indication of the different controls without having to take your eyes off the sight picture.
Noteworthy Features:
- Ranging spotting scope with mil-dot reticle
- Can adjust for wind compensation and bullet drop
- Two available reticles: mil-dot and TMR
- Excellent optical and build quality
- Extended eye relief of 30 mm
Our Verdict On The Leupold Mark 4 Spotting Scope
The scoop on the scope is, the Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80 is one of the best ranging spotting scopes in the market. Sure, it will cost you more than a few bucks, but if you want unmatched precision and accuracy like never before, it's worth it.
However, Leupold isn't the only company that makes a ranging spotter. You can also land the brand new to 2017/18 Burris Signature HD 20-60x85 spotting scope. It does have the interchangeable eyepiece system, so it will come with the standard 20-60x eyepiece, but you'll also have the option to purchase the 30x fixed eyepiece with either the SCR Mil or SCR MOA reticles. By the way, it's cheaper than the both the Leupold spotter, although you do have to purchase the reticle eyepiece separately.
Alternatively, if your budget just won't stretch that far, why not take a look at our Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x80 review.
Leupold has been trusted for decades to provide outstanding optics. It's only natural that they would be among the top brands to pump out more than one ranging spotter. Sticking with the best often means getting the best. We say Leupold is worth sticking to!
Further Reading
- Maven S.3A 20-40X67 Spotting Scope Review – Hands-On Field Test!
- Maven CS.1 Review - 15-45x65 Spotting Scope (Real Hands On Field Test)
- Leupold SX2 Alpine HD Spotting Scope Review (Angled)
- Maven S.1A 25-50 X 80mm Spotting Scope Review (Angled Body)
- Zeiss Victory Harpia Spotting Scope Review - 85mm Angled with Dual Speed Focus System
