Leupold Spotter Question

[RiverRatMatt]

I'm heavily considering a Leupold Mk4 12-40x60 with TMR reticle.

Now, I've read that the HD Golden Ring version has better optics and you can have any reticle added later for $400.

Is that correct?
Are the optics better on the HD GR?
If so, what mil-based reticles should I consider?

 

[Bayou1535]

I'm also curious of this question as I mainly looking at the GR

 

[DT1]

Where did you read that the glass is better on the Gold Ring?

 

[19Scout77]

The gold ring version of the 12-40 has HD glass, the MK IV does not. I have no idea as to the signifigance.

 

[DT1]

Thanks Scout, I wasn't calling anyone out with the question, I'm curious also. I have a Mark 4 spotter and really like it. Glass isn't as clear as my Leica Televid but it's pretty darn good.

Here's a comparison on the Leupold website Tactical Spotting Scopes | Leupold Optics. Doesn't really give ya too much to go on, just typical marketing rhetoric. I assume the Mark 4 has better armor and is more ruggedly constructed vs the Gold Ring? That plus the reticle is probably the reason it costs more.

Hopefully someone in the know will post some first hand info comparing the two.

 

[19Scout77]

As far as a comparison, no idea. My understanding is that Leupold does not put the HD glass in the MK IV because something to do with their military contracts. I forget the source of this info.

 

[cramey74]

I have a mark 4 12-40X60 and all I can say is it has been great. I have looked through a golden ring right next to mine and I think the glass in mine was a touch better. I bought mine from Webys with the Mil-Dot ret. I plan in sending it in for a change to the TMR. They quoted 400.00 for that conversion.

 

[MilDot1960]

G'day, I would like to point out that there are 2 versions of the GR scope and one has normal high quality optics and the other is their HD version, heres a shop in the US that lists every model in the range and you can see how many GR/Mark IV models are Made,

Leupold Spotting Scopes

hope this helps, John

 

[DT1]

Interesting. Unless there is some unspecified advantage of the Mark 4, it looks like you could save around $200 by purchasing a GR with HD glass and having a TMR or mil-dot reticle installed for $400.

I would still like to know if there is some sort of difference in the construction or armor of the MK4 vs the GR.

 

[MattyG]

It comes down to this, the GR and MK4 are identical when you talk about glass, body, etc. The difference is in the coatings. Mk4 spotters have a laser folter coating and is specd without the HD coatings the GR comes with. This is why the GR has a slight edge on resolution and light transmission. If done right the GR with a reticle install will be cheaper and a Mk4.

 

[MilDot1960]

It comes down to this, the GR and MK4 are identical when you talk about glass, body, etc. The difference is in the coatings. Mk4 spotters have a laser folter coating and is specd without the HD coatings the GR comes with. This is why the GR has a slight edge on resolution and light transmission. If done right the GR with a reticle install will be cheaper and a Mk4.

Do you know if all the Mark IV products have that filter coating on them because I have a Pair of those Coyote MK IVs Binoculars so as they were used by the Military and they are part of the Tactical Range would it be on them,

John

 

[MattyG]

Yes, all true military contract optics have laser filters of one form or another. Pure and simple, a blue laser into the objective of any magnified optic would cause permanent vision damage to whomever is behind it. The lens coatings generally look green from the objective end. I see this on S&B scopes, Leupold, Fujinon, etc.

 

[MilDot1960]

Yes, all true military contract optics have laser filters of one form or another. Pure and simple, a blue laser into the objective of any magnified optic would cause permanent vision damage to whomever is behind it. The lens coatings generally look green from the objective end. I see this on S&B scopes, Leupold, Fujinon, etc.

Thanks Matt, I did wonder about why the lenses were green, they still have are very sharp and bright even with this coating and if the Mark IV Spotter is the same I might get one for my self, and not the GR, I have been hit in the eyes 3 or 4 times with Lasers and even the normal red ones can do damage.

Thanks again Matt.

John

 

[DT1]

It comes down to this, the GR and MK4 are identical when you talk about glass, body, etc. The difference is in the coatings. Mk4 spotters have a laser folter coating and is specd without the HD coatings the GR comes with. This is why the GR has a slight edge on resolution and light transmission. If done right the GR with a reticle install will be cheaper and a Mk4.

Thank you! That is very helpful information and definitely answers the questions!

 

[RiverRatMatt]

Sweet, great info guys!

 

[Woodlanddude]

I thought the coatings were just anti reflective. There is an actual LFU/ARD combination unit that screws on the front end of the mark IV.