Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i Riflescope Review | Optics Trade Reviews

By Maja Pahič Sep 5, 2022

In this article, we will be closely examining the Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i riflescope. Leica company was created in 1849 in Wetzlar, Germany, and currently employs over 1600 people worldwide.

Leica is constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to improve its sports optics. Their product line includes items such as rifle scopes, range finders, spotting scopes, and binoculars. They also have proprietary ballistic programs. But they are most renowned for their cameras.

Table of Contents

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The new Leica Magnus i series
Physical Properties of Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i
The optical performance of Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i
Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i Price and Warranty
Scope of delivery
Pros
Cons
Final thoughts on Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i
Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i Relevant Comparisons
Similar Reviews
Gallery

Leica Magnus 1.8-12x50 i — Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i riflescope

Interested in Leica Magnus i scope?

The new Leica Magnus i series

The Leica Magnus i is the second generation of the Magnus series, as we may infer from its name. With riflescopes from the Magnus i series, Leica introduced several innovative features. They changed every little aspect of the rifle scope that they thought was subpar or unworthy of Leica:

the battery holder,
illumination knob,
logo,
optical elements, and
other physical qualities were all improved.

Watch our Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i Riflescope Review Below

Physical Properties of Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i

There is no denying the amazing physical properties of the Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i. To begin with, the finish on this riflescope is exceptional. The magnification ring turns smoothly and effortlessly. Additionally, the diopter adjustment ring can be easily adjusted to your preference. Lastly, the illumination knob is also very user-friendly and easy to use.

The length of the riflescope is approximately 340 millimeters, making it very compact and elegant. It weighs around 700 grams.

The parallax on Magnus 1.8-12×50 i scope is not adjustable. It’s fixed on 100 meters or 109 yards.

Because of its 12x magnification, the scope is best used for hunting at close to medium range. It’s also perfect for hunting in various lighting conditions, from low light to full bright daylight. This riflescope has a magnification range of 1.8-12 and a 6x zoom factor with an objective lens diameter of 50 millimeters.

Mounting of Magnus i scope

Magnus 1.8-12×50 i riflescope has a tube diameter of 30 millimeters, but the buyer also has the option to buy this product with a Zeiss ZM/VM rail. If the user wants to add more robustness to their rifle scope, we advise ordering the riflescope with a rail, which will ultimately make the riflescope more sturdy.

Looking for a scope mount?

Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i Reticle

The reticle on the Magnus 1.8-12×50 i riflescope is in the second focal plane and designed for hunting. This scope has an L4A reticle that is illuminated. In the past, this scope was also available with an L-Ballistic reticle, but it has been discontinued.

Interested in Reticle L4A? Watch our Reticle Subtension Video Below

Illumination System

The illumination system on the Magnus i series of riflescopes is worth noting. It’s designed with a large illumination knob that can easily be adjusted, even while wearing gloves or with just bare hands.

This highly intelligent illumination system is usable in both daytime and low light conditions. It has a setting for day and night use, with 60 steps of adjustable brightness levels. This allows you to set your illumination down to the finest detail.

To adjust the illumination, press down on the illumination knob. The minus and plus symbols on either side of the knob indicate whether you want to increase or decrease brightness. Simply press down on the appropriate side of the knob to make your selection.

The Magnus 1.8-12×50 scope has a position sensor that auto- shuts off illumination when placed on its side or vertically, saving the battery in the process.

Like we said before, you can use the scope even in the brightest daytime conditions. Another improvement from the first series to the second one is that the dot size is more defined and covers a smaller area than on the first generation of Magnus scopes. Also, the intensity of illumination is just as strong. This might be the most ergonomic rifle scope available for purchase.

How to replace the battery?

Replacing, removing, or installing the battery is a breeze. Just remove the illumination knob and place a CR 2032 battery inside before screwing it back on.

This riflescope has an improved battery holder mechanism that is easy to use. Simply turn the knob, insert the battery, and close it up. The battery will stay put and not move around, so you don’t have to worry about it coming loose.

So, this is an improvement from the first series of this rifle scopes. With the earlier version, the battery holder didn’t have this notch which caused problems – for example, if you were hunting in low light and needed to replace your batteries when you opened up the knob they would just fly away. This problem was elegantly solved.

Turrets and clicks

When we get to the turrets, this 1.8-12×50 model comes with capped hunting turrets. This scope is also available with a BDC turret, which is without a doubt one of the finest turrets on the market. We’ve already put it to the test, and we think it’s great.

Clicks are adjusted in one centimeter on 100 meters or in 0.1 MIL increments. Turrets have no turn indicator, which is not necessary on a hunting rifle scope.

The elevation per turn is 10 milliradians. The turrets are resetable in a very unique and unusual way: by pressing them down. This is something new. You press the turret down and it can be effortlessly reset. This is an easy and clever solution by Leica.

Turrets have no locking function. They don’t require it since, these are hunting turrets, not tactical or target turrets. Turrets are just about right audible. The clicks are extremely crisp and well-defined. Turrets are incredibly easy to use, and there is no need to divert your attention from what you’re doing. Overall, turrets are excellent.

Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i with capped hunting turrets

The optical performance of Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i

The Magnus i 1.8-12×50 rifle scope’s optical quality is unquestionably high, and it has been meticulously crafted to the finest detail. The scope is completely shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof. It’s filled with dry nitrogen purging, so the lenses will never fog in even the most severe cold weather conditions. Leica uses Aquadura premium lens coatings.

The Magnus i riflescope can be used with any caliber of rifle, and it will hold up well against the recoil.

The Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i riflescope is recognized for its exceptional light transmission of 91 percent. On 100 meters, the field of view is 3.7 meters at the maximum magnification and 22.5 meters at the lowest, which is one of the widest FOV available in the market.

The eye box of the Leica Magnus riflescope is also outstanding. Eye relief is 90 millimeters. There is no tunnel effect to speak of. This, after all, is what you would expect from a high-end riflescope.

Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i Price and Warranty

The Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i with capped turrets and no rail costs 2620€. If you add a BDC turret, the price increases by 270€. Adding a Zeiss ZM/VM rail to the scope will cost an additional 85€. This product comes with a 10-year warranty from Leica.

Scope of delivery

With the Magnus 1.8-12×50 riflescope, you’ll receive:

lens covers,
CR 2032 battery,
lens cleaning cloth,
rifle scope manual,
warranty card, and
examination certificate.

You may also purchase the following accessories for this riflescope:

Pros

In conclusion, we will list some of the pros and cons of this riflescope. We’ll begin with the positive aspects. Some of the pros of this scope include its excellent light transmission, wide field of view, and outstanding eye relief. The ergonomics of this riflescope are unrivalled and the eye box is incomparable to any other scope on the market. The finish and overall build quality have been improved with features like a resettable turret mechanism, battery holder, and turrets making it one of the best scopes available.

Pros summary:

Excellent light transmission
Wide field of view
Outstanding eye relief
Improved finish and build quality
great illumination system

Cons

Though this riflescope has a 6x zoom factor, which is lower than some of its competitors, it is still very expensive. In fact, the Leica Magnus i 1.8-12×50 scope is even pricier than some riflescopes with 8x zoom factors. Though it is a downside, this riffle scope is still of high premium quality and has all the top-notch features one could want in a riflescope.

Cons summary:

expensive compared to competitors
only 6x zoom factor

Final thoughts on Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 i

The Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 riflescope is a high-quality riflescope. It has an excellent light transmission, a wide field of view, and outstanding eye relief. The ergonomics of the scope are also unrivalled, making it easy to use for any hunter. The construction quality is improved with features like a resettable turret mechanism, battery holder, and turrets.

The price may be a downside for some shooters, but the Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50 is still a scope of the highest quality.

If you’re looking for a riflescope for hunting at close to medium range, I recommend the Leica Magnus 1.8-12×50. It’s also perfect for hunting in various lighting conditions, from low light to full bright daylight.