Spotting Scopes of Note

Leupold Golden Ring15-30x50

Mid-priced Scopes Round-up, 2009

by Michael and Diane Porter

The only straight-through scope in our survey, the Leupold did well. It placed second among the 50mm gang, bested only by the costlier Nikon Fieldscope. This is a sharp little scope. The testers praised its brightness and contrast. However, our judges found the focus knob stiff and hard to turn and complained that it was hard to focus without disturbing the image. They also noted that the focus knob is on the right side, where it can be accessed only by the right hand.

The scope is available in straight-through version only. The kit includes a tabletop tripod, a special adapter that lets it mount on a tripod, a quick-detaching shoulder strap, padded belt case, and hard-side carrying case. The price shown on the chart is for the complete kit. Without the extras, the scope alone costs about $100 less.

Leupold's Full Lifetime Guarantee covers manufacturer's defects and damage incurred in the normal use of the product. The warranty is transferable, and no warranty card is required.

30x resolution score: 3.6; Overall score: 3.45

Copyright 2009 by Michael and Diane Porter.

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