2013 Leupold Sports Optics Catalog

l e u p o l d
the broadest Line in the indUstry. UnsUrpassed
opticaL performance. These are two hallmarks of the
Leupold brand, and have been since 1907. However, there is
one other trait in our DNA that is most closely associated with
the Leupold name: rugged dependability.
Sports optics are put to the test each time they go into the field. Harsh and changing weather conditions.
Travel over unforgiving terrain. And the relentless pounding of recoil associated with centerfire rifles.
This is not a place for the meek or the mild.
That’s why our optics must pass the industry’s most torturous testing program before they are ever
deemed ready to accompany you on your hunt or competition.
And that’s your assurance that your hard-earned investment will be there when you need it.
Understanding
the LangUage
of optics.
lighT Transmission
Chances are you’ve heard that scopes “gather light” or “scopes with larger
objectives gather more light.” In reality, scopes do not “gather light,” but rather
“transmit it.” The lenses in your scope channel the available light into a beam
and direct it to your eye. How much of that usable light is transmitted to your
eye determines the brightness (and the quality) of the picture you see.
exiT PuPil
The exit pupil of a scope is the circle of light containing the image of the object
being viewed as it leaves the scope through the eyepiece. To find the diameter
of the exit pupil (in millimeters) divide the objective diameter of the scope
(in millimeters) by its magnification level. A 50mm objective scope set at 10x
would offer an exit pupil of 5mm in diameter. Place your eye the proper distance
from the eyepiece (optimal eye relief) and the full field of view of the scope will
be seen. The exit pupil also has an effect on how “bright” an image appears
(see Total Light Throughput ).
ToTal lighT ThroughPuT
The visible brightness differences from one scope to another are due to a variety
of factors, but NONE more important than the exit pupil. The human eye has a
pupil dilation range from about 2mm in bright sunlight to 7mm in darkness.
In order to get the full potential from a scope, the exit pupil needs to match
the pupil dilation of the eye. A 40mm objective on 10x will have a 4mm exit
pupil, an area of 12.6 square millimeters…well suited for early morning or
evening shooting. A 50mm objective would increase the exit pupil to 5mm, an
area of 19.6 square millimeters. This represents a 56% increase in Total Light
Throughput. On some optics, such as a fixed power 4x33mm, the exit pupil is
more than 8mm…your eye is awash in light and the image is incredibly bright.
So, the advantage of a large objective is that it increases the exit pupil size at
higher magnifications.
eye relief
The space between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece. Ample eye relief keeps
your eye a safe distance from the scope during recoil.
resoluTion
A crisp, finely detailed image. Without good resolution, the remaining optical
elements are useless.
conTrasT
The best indicator of proper light management. Resolution and light
management (often mistakenly called light gathering) enhance contrast while
glare degrades it.
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The Punisher—Dishing iT ouT. over anD over anD over again.
We built the most advanced recoil test center in the world, featuring machines
that can be calibrated to replicate the impact of nearly any kind of rifle on earth.
We call it, “The Punisher.” We also measure the stress on the scope throughout
the impact cycle, which helps us design scopes that are rugged, yet extremely
lightweight. Our standard test? 5,000 impacts at 750 G forces—the equivalent
of a .375 H&H Mag. rifle.
imPacT shifT TesTing—sTeaDy as she goes.
Once impact testing is completed, a Leupold QC technician places the scopes
on the Frame Grabber. This machine tests whether or not the point of impact
has shifted after 5,000 rounds of punishing abuse. Our impact testing protocols
are the most stringent in the industry. You get the confidence of knowing your
aim point will be rock steady shot after shot.
Thermal shock/exPosure TesT—a shock To The sysTem.
During our Thermal Shock Test, we rapidly heat and freeze the scopes to
determine if they will fog or condense in real-world conditions. Then we subject
the scopes to the Thermal Exposure Test, baking and freezing the scopes again
to check all moving parts for proper operation. Both are critical to our promise
of delivering 100% waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof performance.
The Dunk Tank—Performance unDer Pressure.
To test our scopes’ waterproof seals, every Leupold is placed in a specially
designed and manufactured tank filled with 120° water. As the scopes are
submerged, a vacuum is generated that makes the pressure inside the scope
tubes greater than the pressure outside. Any flaws in the waterproof seals will let
tiny bubbles of gas escape. Your Leupold will be 100% waterproof. Guaranteed.
Tell us your sTory.
We often receive letters and emails from hunters and shooters telling us how
their Leupold optic survived—and performed—in the field. If you have an
interesting story or a photo to share, tell us about it at www.leupold.com. 5