Spotting Scope
The spotting scope is a small, portable telescope with added optics to present an erect image for the observation of terrestrial objects. They are often used for bird watching, but in our case they are used for hunting, for verifying a marksman's shot placement, for surveillance and observation, and for other applications that require more magnification than a pair of binoculars, typically zooming between 15x and 60x.
In a sniper pair, the spotter will take charge of the spotting scope, and place his position beside the snipers position as close to the rifle scope as possible but without interfering, using his optics to read the wind, call the range, identify targets and make calculations for angled shooting, mil-dot relation calculations, corrections for atmospheric conditions, and leads for moving targets. A good quality spotting scope with good glass is also necessary to read the mirage at your target end. If you are not on a budget, choose a spotting scope with a reticle that matches that of your rifle scope, such as the mil-dot reticle. Try and keep to the same focal plane as your riflescope.
What do we have?
Leupold Golden Ring 15-30x50mm
Military Snipers get issued the best equipment that money can buy. In this case, Leupold's Mark 4 Tactical 12-40x60mm First Focal Spotting Scope. It comes with a mil-dot reticle and a first focal lens system, allowing the spotter to work in perfect cooperation with the sniper when estimating range or engaging targets. This is the best option if you can afford a R28 000 or $1700 spotting scope. If not, we went for this guys baby brother, the Leupold Golden Ring 15-30x50mm Compact Spotting Scope. And the choice was a good one. Although the scope is fairly basic, with no reticle and small in size, the scarity and zoom is outstanding, There is zero peripheral distortion, and absolute clarity when viewing objects from near to far. This scope comes with Leupolds Lifetime Warrantly, and is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Leopold Golden Ring 15-30x50mm Compact Spotting Scope:
The Leopold Golden Ring compact spotting scope is the ultimate in packable power, made to a very high standard and of excellent quality. The carbon fibre construction makes it a great scope choice with a light weight and high performance to pack for hunting or hiking in the most rugged of environments. The scope features multicoated lenses, and is 100% waterproof and fog proof. The clarity and focus is outstanding, and the scope impressed us in a big way.
Estimated Price - SA, R7000 or US, $450
Golden Ring 15-30x50
Mark 4 12-40x60mm