Scope advice

[hypnos16]

This is my first post and would appreciate a little advice.

I have seen a new old stock Leica 77 APO with 20x60 lens for £1300 and a good used one for £950. What are your opinions on this scope. Clearly I know Leica has a newer range as do the leading manufacturers but with a much higher price. (I dont need to know a scope of £2000+ is a better scope)

I would like to know what current owners of the 77 APO think of the scope. I have looked at the top of the range Opticron for a similar price but dont think its any way close to the quality of the Leica 77.

Any comments will be most helpful

Many thanks

[darrenjhughes]

Cracking scope. price soso, its heavy get the serial No then phone leica uk to see if there has been any issues with the coatings.It has always been a problem with both the 77 and 62 if well used.Seawatching is the worst offender.
On another note I know that Ace optics Bath had a mint 77 plus zoom in part ex about a month ago for a new 82 by a mate I was with him, they gave him £600/£650 maybe a bargining point.

Good Luck
Darren

[Colin Key]

This is my first post and would appreciate a little advice.

I have seen a new old stock Leica 77 APO with 20x60 lens for £1300 and a good used one for £950. What are your opinions on this scope. Clearly I know Leica has a newer range as do the leading manufacturers but with a much higher price. (I dont need to know a scope of £2000+ is a better scope)

I would like to know what current owners of the 77 APO think of the scope. I have looked at the top of the range Opticron for a similar price but dont think its any way close to the quality of the Leica 77.

Any comments will be most helpful

Many thanks

Hello, and welcome.

The Leica 77 is a top-class 'scope but I would prefer it with a fixed FL eyepiece rather than the zoom. I have used all three of the "old" 'scopes (Swaro 80 HD, Leica 77 and the Zeiss 85) and would rate them in that order - I find the the Zeiss Diascope 85 produces a rather unnatural "yellow caste" to the image and is not sharp to the edge of field and would rate it worst of the three (I know that others would argue!).

I cannot comment on the price of the new (old) Leica you have found, that is up to you to research and decide upon. If you think it is a bargain then it is a 'scope which will serve you well for a very long time.

Colin :smile:

[michael23]

I agree with colin, using it with fixed eyepieces rather than the zoom would be better, Which Opticron scope have you looked at?

[Downy]

I have owned the old Leica 77 a top scope, but had problems with the coating on the front element and sold it after repair, it is, as others have said, pretty heavy. I have used since Swarovski for some years, first the 65 ATS and then the 80 ATS HD. Now that the next generation of scopes are coming out there is bound to be a glut in the market of older generation instruments. Take a look at Kay optical in London, they often have good deals. You should be able to get an ATS 65 for a reasonable sum. Good luck.

[SzimiStyle]

I used Leica Televid 77 and was happy to switch to Swarovski. Leica could never provide as nice image as Swaro did. Customer service is soso... :puzzled: I am sure you can find fine used Swarovski within the price tag you are looking for.

Szimi

[hypnos16]

Thanks or all the info. It makes me think of taking the plunge and going for a new scope. Not the Leica though...its brilliant but not £2500 brilliant.

Many thanks