First Look: Leica ER5 2-10x50mm

Leica optics for less cost. That’s the promise of the new ER 5 series of scopes from this 170-year-old German company. German scopes have been revered for decades for two great reasons: superb optical quality and precise construction. Like most German optics manufacturers, Leica engineers the best and builds the best. There are just two problems with most top-end Euro scopes: features and cost.

The new ER 5 line fixes both. Here are five things you need to know.

1. It features a first focal plane reticle so it doesn’t fatten as power is turned up. 
Europeans do a lot of night hunting and very little small-game/varmint sniping, so they appreciate second focal plane reticles that enlarge with magnification. American’s don’t like to cover up small targets at long range, high magnification.

2. It’s waterproof with the turret caps off. 
Traditionally European scopes were only waterproof with turret caps on tight because Europeans did not traditionally adjust/zero their own scopes!

3. It features1/4 MOA click finger adjustments on turrets. 
Most Euro scopes are 1/3 MOA clicks in keeping with their metric system. Many requires a coin or screwdriver to turn the reticle adjusting screws, too, since they tend to zero and never vary. American’s are too likely to try different loads, hunt different game, hunt at different altitudes, all of which demand adjustments.

4. We’re talking about top-quality optics here. 
The ER5 line sports great lenses with Leica’s proprietary anti-reflection coatings. These are what optimize light transmission and maximize contrast for views that seem to be cut from the background with a razor. They’re durable, too. Drop ‘em, bang ’em, knock ‘em around. From their 30mm, one-piece, machined main tubes to their dual leaf spring erector systems, ER 5 scopes are built tough to shoot under rugged conditions.

5. The price is lower than ever. 
By manufacturing in the U.S.A., Leica avoids high German wages and perhaps some import duties. Advantage: customer.