Worth Updating from Trinovid to Ultravid?

[captain]

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I have had a pair of Trinovid 10X25's for a couple of years since new. Green rubber armored that look nice and solidly made. Not a bad binocular overall. I just find the tiny focusing wheel really awkward. Its not rough to focus but nowhere near as silky smooth as the Compact Zeiss Classics I has before. In fact if there is no other sound around you can hear them focus! If you use two fingers to focus its a bit smoother but thats really awkward given their small size and when you use one finger to focus it must put downward pressure on the shaft and it gets a bit rougher to focus. They were meant to last a lifetime but they arent as nice to use as my Zeiss and Nikons that I have had previously. I notice that the Ultravids have a much larger focusing wheel. I was wondering if anyone upgraded to the Ultravids and if it was worth the change?

[andybarton]

I have a pair of 10x42BN Trinovids and my wife has 10x32 Ultravids.

 

The obvious difference is the size and weight, but the Ultras are nearly as bright as the Trinos.

 

The focus ring on the Ultras is smooth, wide and chunky.

 

Both pairs are a joy to use.

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[SoFi-Chaser]

Since I could compare my 10x50 TrinovidBA against a Ultravid 10x42BL, I'm dreaming of an ultra (15x56 geo or another 2" now with the more resistant coating of the front lens).

Even as a rather experienced observer, I was astonished about the difference in contrast and brightness.

For smaller apertures as you might look for, the difference in handling should be more important. So just go into the shop and try out.

If the ultra feels better, go for it and don't think of the price.

Or don't do the test, because IF you like the ultra more than yours, you'll think of it, whenever you use your trino ;-)

regards

TS

[wizard]

I use a 8x20 Trinovid for 20 years now, and mine is a bit stiff to focus as well (always was). Recently, I compared a new 8x20 Trinovid to the then new on the market 8x20 Ultravid and noticed that even the new Trinovid focused much smoother than my own one. The Ultravid was even a bit better, but not much. Try a new Trinovid yourself to find out.

 

Andy

[yst]

The overall quality of the new Ultravid pocket sized binoculars are BY FAR much better then the older models, the focusing is very smooth, the focusing wheel is bigger and taller, much easier to use; and the overall handling is better for sure as well.

 

Those are the actual comparisons and field application experiences I have on those two models.

[captain]

Since I could compare my 10x50 TrinovidBA against a Ultravid 10x42BL, I'm dreaming of an ultra (15x56 geo or another 2" now with the more resistant coating of the front lens).

Even as a rather experienced observer, I was astonished about the difference in contrast and brightness.

For smaller apertures as you might look for, the difference in handling should be more important. So just go into the shop and try out.

If the ultra feels better, go for it and don't think of the price.

Or don't do the test, because IF you like the ultra more than yours, you'll think of it, whenever you use your trino ;-)

regards

TS

 

Where I live in Australia there are basically no stockists of any Leica products its all mail order im afraid and no opportunity to sample them. So have to do alot of online research before committing.

[Shac]

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If I understand your original question - you seem concerned with the focussing of your binocs. If you are happy with the optics - why not simply have them overhauled?

David

[leicapages]

I am using the compact 8x20 Trinovid and the bigger 10x32 Ultravid. Apart from the obvious difference in terms of size/weight, I use them for different purposes. Both deliver excellent optical quality. I have compared the small Trinovid with similar compact glass from Minox and without any doubt the Trinovid are much better and more comfortable to use for eyeglass-wearers. Comparing the mechanical qualities of the Trinovid and the Ultravid, the latter is more sumptuous and overall smoother, including the focusing adjustment ring. If you buy new, get the Ultravid line. If you already have Trinovid, than it is uncertain whether you'd need upgrading at all. The best would be to try them out side by side.

[stumac]

James,

 

Have you had a look at Bintel in Glebe, their melbourne shop had a good stock when I was in earlier in the year, they did a good job on an old Zeiss binocular of mine, clean and collimate.

 

Regards, Stuart