pgk Posted June 19, 2013 Share #41 Posted June 19, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) I too have a pair of 8x32 BAs which I bought many years ago secondhand. A friend who is into birds tried them and now he and his wife both use Ultravids as a result. I've used his Ultravids and the main difference I noticed was the difference in weight. Optically the Ultravids are a little better too, but my old pair are still superb binoculars. If money were no object I might just be tempted to 'upgrade' but only because of the weight. Advances in technology have evidently enabled slightly better optical quality alongside the reduction in weight. All that said, my 8x32s are actually quite a nice size and weight is perfectly acceptable in all honesty. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 19, 2013 Posted June 19, 2013 Hi pgk, Take a look here Leica Binos. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Bill W Posted June 19, 2013 Share #42 Posted June 19, 2013 I too have a pair of 8x32 BAs which I bought many years ago secondhand. A friend who is into birds tried them and now he and his wife both use Ultravids as a result. I've used his Ultravids and the main difference I noticed was the difference in weight. Optically the Ultravids are a little better too, but my old pair are still superb binoculars. If money were no object I might just be tempted to 'upgrade' but only because of the weight. Advances in technology have evidently enabled slightly better optical quality alongside the reduction in weight. All that said, my 8x32s are actually quite a nice size and weight is perfectly acceptable in all honesty. My 8x32 BA's are probably 15 years old. I took them on vacation to Alaska and while doing some whale watching, I let my sister in law borrow them for a moment and she said "can I get some of these delivered to the boat" we were all on a cruise ship. Remarkable clarity. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCW Posted June 21, 2013 Share #43 Posted June 21, 2013 As magnificcation increases, so does 'bino shake' until it really makes accurate viewing impossible. I understand that there may be individual variation between users, but for me, 10x in a reasonably sized package is the useful maximum. Strap support can be a useful aid the steady holding, as with cameras. Largely to avoid the 'bino shake' Lars describes, I opted for the 7X42 Ultravid HDs. These are very bright, a godsend in low light. And despite the lower magnification, I find it easier to focus on and follow a moving bird with these. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikonosguy Posted June 26, 2013 Share #44 Posted June 26, 2013 i found a leitz mardixit binos at a yard sale -=--- neat stuff, heavy, but impressive Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted June 26, 2013 Share #45 Posted June 26, 2013 i found a leitz mardixit binos at a yard sale -=--- neat stuff, heavy, but impressive If in good condition they can be better than the Trinovid roof prism models which superseded them; porro prism binoculars are bulkier than roof prism but the porros are much better for astronomical observation. dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikonosguy Posted June 28, 2013 Share #46 Posted June 28, 2013 leitz mardixit binoculars -- x-rayed If in good condition they can be better than the Trinovid roof prism models which superseded them; porro prism binoculars are bulkier than roof prism but the porros are much better for astronomical observation. dunk Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/186959-leica-binos/?do=findComment&comment=2360716'>More sharing options...
marknorton Posted July 1, 2013 Share #47 Posted July 1, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have a pair of 8-12 Duovids and they are good but as my eyes are wider apart than the two eye-pieces can be separated, I find them a strain to use. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 2, 2013 Share #48 Posted July 2, 2013 I have a 10x42 Trinovid which used to outperform my wife's Trinovid 10x32 in low light. She got an Ultravid 10x32 now which is as good as my Trinovid in dusk. So the Ultravids are a real improvement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted July 7, 2013 Share #49 Posted July 7, 2013 Ok, he's my impossible to answer question. I'm thinking of buying a pair of 8x20s. A friend has a couple of pairs of Leica binoculars, one of which are 8x20 Trinovids. I was _very_ impressed by the quality. The Ultravids are quite a bit more expensive. Are they worth the extra? I've no specific use for them, I'm just looking for something light enough to carry around in the camera bag. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 7, 2013 Share #50 Posted July 7, 2013 Ok, he's my impossible to answer question. I'm thinking of buying a pair of 8x20s. A friend has a couple of pairs of Leica binoculars, one of which are 8x20 Trinovids. I was _very_ impressed by the quality. The Ultravids are quite a bit more expensive. Are they worth the extra? I've no specific use for them, I'm just looking for something light enough to carry around in the camera bag. You can download the full specifications of both the Trinovid and Ultravid binoculars on the Leica Camera website if you access Sport Optics - Compact Binoculars. Some differences 'on paper' are: Ultravid BR (rubber covered) : 110m field of view at 1000m, 1.8m close focus, 15mm eye relief, 8.5oz weight Ultravid BL (leather covered) : 113m field of view at 1000m, 1.8m close focus, 16mm eye relief, 8.1oz weight Trinovid: 113m field of view at 1000m, 3m close focus, 14mm eye relief, 8.3 oz weight The 1mm and 2mm extra eye relief on the Ultravids could make a difference if you wear glasses. The closer focus could be useful if looking at eg butterflies and damselflies. The Ultravids are likely to be sharper at the edges of the image frame - but you are unlikely to notice that the Trinovids are lacking in sharpness - unless you compare the two models at the same time. You might wish to consider a good 'late' manufactured secondhand Ultravid or Trinovid from a reputable dealer - there are some bargains available if you know where to look. 8x20 Leica Trinovid binos are being given away by Leica dealers if you purchase a new 8x42 or 10x42 Ultravid model from them. The best way to choose a binocular is to try it - so might be best to try the Ultravid at a dealer ... and at the same time compare it to the Trinoviod. Best wishes dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aesop Posted July 7, 2013 Share #51 Posted July 7, 2013 Ok, he's my impossible to answer question. I'm thinking of buying a pair of 8x20s. A friend has a couple of pairs of Leica binoculars, one of which are 8x20 Trinovids. I was _very_ impressed by the quality. The Ultravids are quite a bit more expensive. Are they worth the extra? I've no specific use for them, I'm just looking for something light enough to carry around in the camera bag. ....Steve, as always (with Leica), you get what you pay for: The Trinovid's benefits at a glance: - Outstanding resolving power in a pocket size - HDC® coating for outstanding colour fidelity and high-contrast viewing - Non-slip rubber armouring - Light, handy and water-resistant - Easily set dioptre compensation - Folding mechanism for particularly compact size The Ultravid's benefits at a glance: - The benchmark standard for compact binoculars - Brilliant, high-contrast and pin-sharp viewing - Outstanding suppression of stray light - Nitrogen filling prevents internal fogging - Water and dust repellent AquaDura® coating - Ideal eyepieces for spectacle wearers - Non-slip focusing wheel - Waterproof to 5 m / 16.5 ft Dunk's advice is sound - it is best to try before you buy. For me, nitrogen-filling, waterproofing and ease of use for spectacle-wearers will always be a big deal. Good luck. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
masjah Posted July 8, 2013 Share #52 Posted July 8, 2013 When planning a spending extravagence, I always repeat the mantra that "the pleasure remains long after the cost is forgotten". It usually talks me into it at the time of purchase, and then, lo, it comes true. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 8, 2013 Share #53 Posted July 8, 2013 When planning a spending extravagence, I always repeat the mantra that "the pleasure remains long after the cost is forgotten". It usually talks me into it at the time of purchase, and then, lo, it comes true. With some Leica 'extravagences' (usually 'invested' secondhand) I say to myself ... 'capital expenditure - not revenue expenditure'. Because I have seldom ££ lost out on the purchases. My M and R lenses would show a better return than my bank deposit account if I decided to sell them. dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
masjah Posted July 8, 2013 Share #54 Posted July 8, 2013 With some Leica 'extravagences' (usually 'invested' secondhand) I say to myself ... 'capital expenditure - not revenue expenditure'. Because I have seldom ££ lost out on the purchases. My M and R lenses would show a better return than my bank deposit account if I decided to sell them. dunk The way some of my R lenses have appreciated recently so would mine. And I think I'm right in believing that photographic equipment is classed within the group of items classed as "depreciating assets", or whatever they are called, which are automatically assumed by HMRC not to be eligible for capital gains tax. Not that I'm intending to sell, but it's a sign of the times that CGT is even a consideration! Go on Steve, try them out at a dealers, and, if you like them, to hell with the cost. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted July 8, 2013 Share #55 Posted July 8, 2013 Go on Steve, try them out at a dealers, and, if you like them, to hell with the cost. Well, Ffordes had a pair of ex-dem 8x20 Ultravids for £469. I'm sure you can guess what happened next - especially given the fact that I'm using the past tense. Damn that 'friend' who let me have a play with his, it's all his fault <grin>. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 8, 2013 Share #56 Posted July 8, 2013 Well, Ffordes had a pair of ex-dem 8x20 Ultravids for £469. I'm sure you can guess what happened next - especially given the fact that I'm using the past tense. Damn that 'friend' who let me have a play with his, it's all his fault <grin>. And up until 5 minutes ago they had another ... (regular new price is £660 c/w leather case) dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted July 9, 2013 Share #57 Posted July 9, 2013 The binoculars arrived this morning, and if I hadn't been told they were ex-demo I'd have assumed they were new. Very fast service, and a big thumbs up for Ffordes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 10, 2013 Share #58 Posted July 10, 2013 The binoculars arrived this morning, and if I hadn't been told they were ex-demo I'd have assumed they were new. Very fast service, and a big thumbs up for Ffordes. My 8x20 Ultravids arrived yesterday too. I can read the small print on a supermarket receipt and a £5 note at 1.6m / 63 inches with them - so will be ideal for insect observation. This is closer than the 1.8 meters in the original specification. And the leather case is excellent quality. dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aesop Posted July 10, 2013 Share #59 Posted July 10, 2013 My 8x20 Ultravids arrived yesterday too. I can read the small print on a supermarket receipt and a £5 note at 1.6m / 63 inches with them - so will be ideal for insect observation. This is closer than the 1.8 meters in the original specification. And the leather case is excellent quality. dunk ...couldn't stand the brown leather case that came with my 10x25 Ultravids and immediately got rid of it. Blasted thing looked like some sort of flask-carrier. Hideous and impractical for my purposes. Other than that, a superb product. Different strokes, I guess. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aesop Posted July 10, 2013 Share #60 Posted July 10, 2013 ...couldn't stand the brown leather case that came with my 10x25 Ultravids and immediately got rid of it. Blasted thing looked like some sort of flask-carrier. Hideous and impractical for my purposes. Other than that, a superb product. Different strokes, I guess. ...oh, I managed to get one of the old leather Ultravid cases off Leica. Smart, commonsense and practical. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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