Leica PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope Review | Optics Trade Reviews

By Polona Kraner Sep 5, 2022

Leica PRS 5-30x56i is an exciting tactical scope from Leica Sport Optics that was released at Las Vegas SHOT SHOW in 2020. It’s a wonderful addition to the world of precision rifle shooting (PRS discipline). We’ll go through the features and illuminate what makes this scope so special. Look out for the pros and cons list at the very end.

Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope - Angle View with Sunshade — Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope – Angle View with Sunshade

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Leica PRS

The Leica PRS 5-30x56i is the company’s first MIL-MIL tactical scope. When it was introduced in 2020, it was a major surprise to everyone. This is a near military-grade scope from Leica, a traditional company known for catering to hunters with elite optics above anyone else. This scope is something entirely different, a specialist scope for PRS competitions that especially popular in the USA. Of course, there are plenty of tactical shooters across Europe, and there’s no reason why this Leica scope shouldn’t be a bestseller on the Old Continent as well.

There is no predecessor model to Leica PRS 5-30x56i. This is Leica’s first foray into the world of tactical scopes. As of 2022, it also remains the only model in the Leica PRS series. Through the early design stage and final touches, Leica sought advice from pro-PRS shooters like Austin Orgain and Cal Zant. Leica’s collaborative approach with its target audience paid off handsomely.

Watch Leica PRS 5-30x56i Review

Physical Properties

First, let’s go through the main features. The magnification range of 5-30x enables you to zoom in by 6x. This is a true MIL-MIL and completely tactical scope with a 34-millimeter tube that allows for 33 MILs of elevation.

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Build Quality

With its remarkable build and timeless design, this scope is a Leica through-and-through. However, upon closer inspection of the technical prowess, it’s clear that PRS 5-30x56i was designed by people with significant experience in tactical shooting. This outside expertise was critical because the overwhelming majority of Leica engineers has an extensive background in hunting only.

The length of the model is approximately 36 centimeters. This falls in line with what you can expect in this scope category. This is also true for the weight. Leica PRS clocks in at 1.1 kilograms.

Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope - Side View with Sunshade — Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope – Side View with Sunshade

Water, Temperature and Shock Resistance

The nitrogen purging technology all but eliminates fogging of the lens, making Leica PRS 5-30x56i riflescope perfect for use in all environments. This Leica PRS scope is fully shockproof and waterproof, meaning you can take it anywhere without worrying about damage. The lenses also have a great fit and finish, with hydrophobic AquaDura lens coating that repels waterdrops and protects against dirt particles, mild scratches, and abrasions.

While we are really impressed with the overall built quality, Leica has cut some corners to get such a low price. The basic plastic caps instead of metal flip-ups are the first example of this.

Windage and Elevation Turrets

Another money-saving design pertains to turrets. Turrets function just fine but there is no locking mechanism and a lack of mechanical turn indicator. Turrets are multi-turn, not just dual-turn. In our honest opinion, there is nothing wrong with cutting the cost here. For 600 or 700 euros lower price than the competition, we are perfectly content with no locking mechanism and mechanical turn indicator on Leica PRS.

These multi-turn turrets move audibly, with a clear distinction between clicks. The value of a single click is 1 centimeter. The maximum elevation possible is 33 MIL, which the user reaches in 3 turns. Compared to elevation, the windage turret is more limited – it can travel 18 MILs max. The windage turret is also returnable to zero.

Leica PRS 5-30x56i - Elevation Turret — Leica PRS 5-30x56i – Elevation Turret

Leica PRS 5-30x56i Zero Stop

What’s especially interesting about this scope is the zero stop function. Thanks to the innovative design, the user can set the positive mechanical stopping point without the use of any tools.

A small U-shaped handle is seamlessly incorporated into the top of the turret. The user simply has to pull it up and they’ll be able to remove the turret by twisting this handle in the clockwise direction. Once the turret is open, the zero can be set.

The simple, tool-free activation of zero stop is that extra frill we’re so accustomed to with Leica Optics. The fact that this is a hard zero is just a bonus.

Turn Indicator

There is no mechanical turn indicator. Instead of a protruding pin, the middle part of the elevation turret juts out more and more with each turret revolution. Not the best approach possible but again, these design shortcuts reduce production costs. What matters is that Leica devices always perform in terms of image quality and reliable construction.

For many users, this will also be a preferable budget-friendly turn indicator to simple white lines hidden under the turret. It’s what most competitors would offer for the same price.

Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope - Turn Indicator (1st vs. 3rd Revolution) — Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope – Turn Indicator (1st vs. 3rd Revolution)

Parallax Adjustment

Leica PRS 5-30x56i has an adjustable parallax. This feature is located on the side turret that is very stiff to maneuver. It’s also where you’ll find the illumination dial but more on that later.

The parallax can be adjusted from 20m up to infinity. Note that the adjustment is mostly intuitive as the only distances marked on the turret are 20m, 100m, and infinity.

Leica PRS 5-30x56i - Side Parallax Turret — Leica PRS 5-30x56i – Side Parallax Turret

Optical Properties

Now, let’s turn our attention to the optical quality. The magnification range is 5-30x, perfect for the PRS competition. The scope has a true 6x zoom.

The eye relief is 9 centimeters as it’s the industry norm. This is a fast-focus eyepiece and just like everything else on this model, it has such a nice, polished feel to it.

The big 56-millimeter objective lens provides a bright image. Leica does not state an exact percentage of traveling light in the manual leaflet. But the Optics Trade team extensively tested the scope and it most certainly goes toe-to-toe with light transmission rate of far more expensive scopes in its class.

Leica PRS 5-30x56i - Ergonomic Magnification Ring with a Tactile Fin — Leica PRS 5-30x56i – Ergonomic Magnification Ring with a Tactile Fin

Leica 5-30x56i Field of View

The field of view is 8.2 meters per 100 meters at the lowest magnification power, which is really good. When dialed all the way to 30x, the FOV is 1.3m/100m. Even at the highest image enlargement, there is no tunnel effect with Leica PRS whatsoever.

Leica PRS 5-30x56i Reticle

There are 3 reticle designs available. All are configured in the first focal plane.

The first reticle design is the well-liked Leica L-4a. You can find it on most Leica scopes from the hunting segment and it’s normally configured in the second focal plane. Seeing its FFP variant on a specialist competition scope is quite a surprise.

The next FFP reticle is Ballistic, with super-useful holdover lines yet a clean design. This one was made popular in the last few years.

The PRB is a brand new and very exciting FFP reticle. It was created in collaboration with PRS shooters like Cal Zant, who is also a prolific author behind Precision Rifle Blog. Perhaps the most crucial feature is the blank circle at the center. The blank circle is not illuminated and allows the user to achieve the desired shot placement and faster target acquisition.

Illumination

As stated above, all 3 reticle options on Leica PRS 5-30x56i are illuminated. The illumination on this model is only usable in a low-light environment as it is not day-bright, which is understandable.

Where can you set the intensity of illumination? The side parallax turret also houses the illumination dial and the battery compartment. The illumination is powered by a single CR2032 battery.

Just like with the parallax adjustment, the illumination knob glides slowly through the settings. There are 10 intensity levels in total. Between each intensity level, there is an OFF step.

Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope - Open Battery Compartment on the Illumination Turret — Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope – Open Battery Compartment on the Illumination Turret

Leica PRS 5-30x56i vs. Schmidt & Bender 5-25×56 PM II

When it comes to benchmark products in the precision shooting segment, we all know the top dog. Schmidt & Bender 5-25×56 PM II continues to impress new shooters many years after its release in the early 2000s. Not only is the S&B model way more expensive, but at least in the lower magnification range, Leica PRS also outperforms it optically.

Of course, Schmidt & Bender 5-25×56 PM II is a battle-proven scope. It’s geared towards military use and is now a record-breaking war veteran, so to speak. But that’s not what Leica has planned for the PRS line. Compared to the Police Marksman II series, Leica PRS aims to satisfy civilian tactical shooters first and foremost.

Scope of Delivery

Now, let’s see what you get in the box.

The user receives a 3″ sunshade, throw lever, cleaning cloth, and hexagonal key tool. The basic lens caps that come with the scope are made of plastic and are largely ineffective. The majority of PRS shooters keep these caps in the box as backups.

There’s additional material inside the packaging. Leica included a short manual with notes on the product, product registration card and a hand-signed QC certificate to prove the product was examined by a factory worker before leaving the premises, as is typical for Leica.

Leica is also well-known for making elegant supplementary products like neoprene covers and lens caps, which many Leica PRS 5-30x56i buyers will be interested in. The company supplies a catalog of accessories that includes these items.

Finally, there’s a promo leaflet with a special 10% discount on all Tenebraex products. If you’re looking for the right fit, the outer objective bell of Leica PRS 5-30x56i measures 65mm. The outer eyepiece bell measures 44mm.

Looking for more Leica PRS accessories?

Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope - Scope of Delivery — Leica Optics PRS 5-30x56i Riflescope – Scope of Delivery

Leica PRS 5-30x56i Price

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the pricepoint – €2900 for a premium PRS scope made in Germany. This makes PRS 5-30x56i more affordable than Leica’s top-of-the-line Magnus scopes.

Not only that, but this riflescope is also more affordable than any comparable model from Kahles, Zero Compromise Optic (ZCO), Steiner, Schmidt & Bender… pretty much any other scope of this caliber manufactured in Europe. But you couldn’t tell the difference in price from Leica’s meticulous attention to detail.

Leica PRS 5-30x56i Warranty

Leica PRS 5-30x56i riflescope comes with an extended 10-year warranty for the optics and housing, as well as a 2-year warranty for electronic components.

Want to know more about Leica production?

This premium scope is made at Leica factory in Wetzlar, Germany. Note that all sport optics from this German manufacturer are repaired in Leica’s facility in Portugal, which ensures faster turnaround. The work they provide is top-notch, also thanks to state-of-the-art technologies at their disposal. With good care, Leica PRS 5-30x56i will be your shooting companion for decades to come.

Pros

Now, let’s focus on the sweet and sour part. What we think is really good about the scope and what could have been done better.

The Leica PRS 5-30x56i riflescope is a high-quality optic that offers superior performance in a variety of settings. It features a wide field of view with no keyhole effect whatsoever. We also like that it has 10 intensity levels of illumination and Leica made 3 reticle designs to choose from. What’s also great is 33 MILs of elevation.

Most of all, no Europen competitor can beat the incredible price-to-performance you get by choosing Leica PRS 5-30x56i. It’s a real gem.

Pros Summary:

design & build quality
tool-free activation of hard zero stop
3 FFP reticle options
incredible price
made in Germany

Cons

What could be done better? Sure … if this was a €3500 scope, we’d like a mechanical turn indicator and lockable turrets. Beyond diving into these hypotheticals, it’s really hard to find anything fault with the scope.

In order to make Leica PRS line a success, the manufacturer has to improve brand awareness amongst tactical shooters. It’s that simple.

The respect Leica garnered among hunters and binocular users is second to none. If you’re looking for a really good pair of binos with an integrated laser range finder, Leica Geovid is the way to go. Not to mention that the parental company Leica Camera AG is the cream of the crop for renowned photographers worldwide.

But Leica Sport Optics hasn’t covered much ground when it comes to tactical MIL-MIL scopes. This scope is criminally overlooked, even though it’s probably one of the best buys on the market. We can only think about one single scope at a similar price point made in Europe – Kahles K624i 6-24×56. That one is manufactured in Austria. Everything else is much more expensive.

For all its shining quality, there is simply not enough discussion about Leica PRS 5-30x56i in the tactical community. Once Leica bridges this gap with its target audience, success is inevitable.

Cons Summary:

non-lockable turrets
no mechanical turn indicator
basic lens caps
only 1 model in the PRS series

Final Thoughts

We’re sure that we’ll be hearing more about Leica PRS in the future. As more people try Leica PRS 5-30x56i, good word will spread. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Leica will expand the PRS range with new models and reticle options. After all, it’s also the rich selection in the tactical lineup that currently works in favor of specialized producers like Kahles and Schmidt & Bender.

If you are in the market for tactical scopes as a civilian precision shooter, this is one of the greatest choices available at the moment. It checks off all the boxes: amazing optical quality, highly competitive price point, and the made-in-Germany seal of approval.