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Leica Binos


jimleicam3

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I operate photographic safaris, which involves a great deal of bird watching as well. In my opinion in order to get the best viewing, the most important thing to consider is the weight and bulk of the binocular and not the focal length, despite what anyone may tell you about buying binoculars with the longest focal length and widest aperture.

 

Obviously the longer focal length and larger aperture binoculars are the heaviest and bulkiest. With long periods of use, the weight in your hands makes them more unsteady, as a result even the slightest movement is magnified.

 

Over the years I've used several different focal lengths of Leica binoculars. I have a pair of of Trinovid 8X42 which I've used for the past 20 years, superb but rather heavy.

About three years ago I purchased a pair of Leica 8X32 HD Ultravids which are light, compact with superb optical performance and an amazing close focus distance of up to 2.1m, in my opinion this is the best binocular I've ever used. A number of my clients have purchased these after having used mine.

 

I suggest that you visit a dealer and play around with various size binoculars and see what feels right in your hands.

Edited by michali
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I would add that the Ultravids are a good deal lighter than the Trinovids. Patricia has a 8x32 Ultravid and used to have the equivalent Trinovid (stolen:mad:) and the weight difference is considerable. The optical quality is not much better imo, as the Trinovids were stunning already.

I use an old green Trinovid 10x42 BCA and am perfectly happy.

Edited by jaapv
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My wife also has a pair of Ultravid 10x32s while I have a pair of Trinovid 10x42 BNs, bought second hand about 10 years ago.

 

I actually prefer the older, larger form factor, but she likes the newer ones, so we are both happy.

 

As Jaap says, the difference in quality is pretty hard to establish.

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I was actually a longtime birdwatcher before I ventured back in photography with the M9P. Initially I was very pleased with my Japanese binoculars but the first time I used my friend's Leica binos, jaw dropped and now I own 3 Leico binos and a spotting scope.

 

You need to decide on what your priorities are: quality of image, comfort of viewing, brightness of image, weight and portability are more or less my priorities. I chose the 10x42 trinovids as my first pair about 10 years ago and have had countless hours of birdwatching bliss with them. Yes, they are a bit heavier than the 7x32 or 8x 42 but not once have I begrudged their weight on my travels...and I travel and bring them everywhere I go. The 7x and 8x binos always leave me just wanting a bit more magnification when the bird is just a little far away and so the 10x mag is just perfect. It's bright, comfortable and just astounding optically even now when it's ten years old.

 

I do have a pair of 8x24s which I use for the theatre or when weight is truly critical. I also have a 15 x 56 geovid which is too much mag for most people cos of accompanying movement blur.

 

My unequivocal recommendation: take the 10x 42s! And buy the hard leather Leica case that you have to order separately..you can then check in the binos in your suitcase on your way to birding sites...

 

enjoy!

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Jaap- out of curiosity are Patricia's 8X32s the HD version?

I had a pair of 8X32 and then sold those when the 8X32 HD became available, IMO there is quite a difference in optical quality between these models.

 

I also have a pair of 8X32 Carl Zeiss Jenna made in the old Deutsche Demokratische Republik, which I bought for $150- from a Cuban officer in Angola at the end of the war there.....superb, compact but nowhere near the Leicas in terms of optical quality throughout the field of view. Still great to use in the field because of their compactness.

 

So as not to move too far off topic, IMO even if one may be splitting hairs in terms of optical quality between the different models, weight should be a deciding factor in choosing a suitable binocular for continuous use in the field....

Edited by michali
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I've also been a birdwatcher for many years. I prefer medium power, smaller binoculars and 8x32 Ultravids are perfect for me, noticeably brighter than many 8x42's because of superior lenses and coatings. Others prefer Zeiss, Swarowski, Nikon etc, so you really need to try different magnifications and types to find what is comfortable for viewing for you, bearing in mind the weight. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to hold a heavy pair of 10x steady, I'd far sooner have good quality 7x or 8x for a more comfortable and enjoyable viewing experience.

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I am a keen birdwatcher and walker and would never part with my 8x20 BR Leica Ultravid binoculars that are optically sharp and very light/ compact. I guess they would be a bit lacking in twilight conditions for birdwatching, so perhaps the other suggestions such as the 8x32s would be better. Try and avoid heavy binoculars which can be difficult to hold steady.

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I quite agree about the weight, Mike We are schlepping enough in cameras as it is...:p

I'll have a look at Patricia's binoculars, I was not aware there are two levels of Ultravids.

 

Hi Jaap,

With the Ultravid HD the difference is quite noticeable - especially in low light conditions. I have the Trinovid 8x32BN, the (old) Ultravid 10x32 and the (new) Ultravid 8x32HD, so I can compare.

It was at Photokina two years ago that I tried the HD version in the low-light conditions of the Leica Hall and was blown away by them. I still love my old Trinovids, but they are heavier and really can't match the HD's in performance. These HD binoculars were a real delight for my bird watching on my recent trip to Iceland.

Edited by vertekijker
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I have both 10x32 BCA black and 10x25 black. They are each over 10 years old and the optics are just superb. I also have a cheap pair of Nikon 10x25 and they difference is very noticeable. Oops I also have a Leica televid 77 scope with a zoom eyepiece. It is large and heavy. Too much stuff....!!!

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Jaap- out of curiosity are Patricia's 8X32s the HD version?

I had a pair of 8X32 and then sold those when the 8X32 HD became available, IMO there is quite a difference in optical quality between these models.

 

I also have a pair of 8X32 Carl Zeiss Jenna made in the old Deutsche Demokratische Republik, which I bought for $150- from a Cuban officer in Angola at the end of the war there.....superb, compact but nowhere near the Leicas in terms of optical quality throughout the field of view. Still great to use in the field because of their compactness.

 

So as not to move too far off topic, IMO even if one may be splitting hairs in terms of optical quality between the different models, weight should be a deciding factor in choosing a suitable binocular for continuous use in the field....

Juist looked; HDs. I guess you have better eyes than I have. The only real improvement I see is higher contrast in low light.

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If you have suitably deep pockets and are going to spend $2000 you will not be disappointed with any of the current Leica offerings .... or any of the competitors in that bracket for that matter.

 

Optically they are all astonishingly good in comparison to 'normal' or older bins.

 

I have to say I prefer my old Trinovid Uppendahl prism 7x42 and 8x40's which are mint and off ebay at good prices...... light and a delight to handle. I have some hideously expensive Swarovskis but if anything the image is TOO bright and harsh for extended viewing in normal daylight conditions.

Edited by thighslapper
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Except when we are on a SCUBA diving trip we always do carry-on luggage only, so for many years the compact Trinovid 10X25 came with us. We have since added a second pair of binos, the Ultravid 10X25 and its performance, too, is excellent.

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Before buying a binocular, you might consider having the maximum diameter of your eyes' pupils measured by an opthalmologist - maybe the next time you have an eye test. As we get older, our eye pupil diameters decrease - thus can shrink from eg 7.0mm in our 20s to 4.5mm in our 50s and 60s. Binoculars have 'exit pupils' which is the ratio of objective diameter divided by magnification . Thus an 8x56 binocular has an exit pupil of 7mm ... and an 8x42 binocular has an exit pupil of 5.2mm ... and an 8x32 binocular has an exit pupil of 4mm.

 

The 8x56 binocular with a 7mm exit pupil, in theory has the brightest image. However, an older person with pupils of eg 5mm or less diameter will not be able to take advantage of the wide 7mm exit pupil in dim light... so it would not be prudent for him/her to pay a premium price for same. He/she would be better off considering a binocular with an exit pupil of 5mm or less to match his/her eyes' capabilities in dim light … even the 8x42 binocular with an exit pupil of 5.2 could be an overkill in terms of both brightness and price.

 

However, regardless of pupil diameter, the golden rule when considering buying a binocular is to try before you buy and thus make sure it suits as regards weight, ease of focusing, ease of diopter adjustment, and eye relief - especially if you wear glasses. If you wear glasses, use distance glasses with your binocular rather than varifocals - or take your glasses off and rely on the binocular's diopter adjustment.

 

Best wishes

 

dunk

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Except when we are on a SCUBA diving trip we always do carry-on luggage only, so for many years the compact Trinovid 10X25 came with us. We have since added a second pair of binos, the Ultravid 10X25 and its performance, too, is excellent.

 

...I am on my second set of Ultravid 10X25s, Stuart (the previous set did not have the AquaDura coating). These benchmark compact binoculars may not possess the light-gathering capabilities of their chunkier and heavier cousins, but they are easily the best offering for my specific requirements - size, weight, design, waterproofing, magnification, performance and durability are my main drivers. I do very little (if any) low-light viewing.

 

I am surprised no one has mentioned "ease of use" thus far. Perhaps we are all spoiled by Leica.

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However, regardless of pupil diameter, the golden rule when considering buying a binocular is to try before you buy and thus make sure it suits as regards weight, ease of focusing, ease of diopter adjustment, and eye relief - especially if you wear glasses.

 

Agree 100%. What's more, really good binoculars last decades - so even if you don't wear glasses now, you may well need them later so it's best to buy binoculars designed to work well with them.

 

take your glasses off and rely on the binocular's diopter adjustment.

This is only practical if your distance vision is reasonably good without glasses. Otherwise, the distraction of removing glasses and raising binoculars means you lose track of whatever it was you wanted to look at!

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