Leica Duovids

[RCMann]

Could we have an update from Duovid users? It seems like a pretty neat concept, but how does it work in the field, and are the visuals compromised because of the switchability? Thanks...Rod

[postcardcv]

I have had a pair for about 6-9 months now and think they're great. Most of the time I use them as 8x42s and find the image to be bright and clear - when buying I compared them to the BNs and was very impressed. Personally I prefer the feel of them in the hand to the BNs. A lot has been said about the weight of them (1040g compared to 890g for 8x42BNs) but they are very well balanced and this does not notice even during prolonged viewing.

The switching mechanism is very simple, you just turn a disc just below each eyepiece to convert them to 12x. The image is still excellent at the higher magnification, even in poor/low light conditions. The one noticable trade of for this feature (other than weight) is field of view - 120m at 1000m (8x) and 90m at 1000m (12x) - field of view on 8x42 BNs is 130m at 1000m.

Personally I think the slightly decrease field of view and the greater weight is well worth it as having the higher mag can be very useful. Switching mag can be much quicker than getting the telescope out if you want to check a detail on a bird. When at a friends wedding (without a scope!) I popped of to see my first least sand and with out the extra mag I would not have been able to see so much details on the bird.

[RCMann]

Thanks for the reply. Had a couple more questions if you don't mind; A website selling these indicates they can also be tuned to ~10x, I assume by feathering the adjustment between 8x and 12x-have you tried this? Also, did you find them equally as good as the BNs, or just close? Thanks again...R

[postcardcv]

Yeah I have tried setting the dials to the middle setting and using as 10x although this did work it was a touch fiddly and probably would be of little use when out in the field.

When comparing to the BNs (which I spent some time doing) I was very impressed with the quality of the duovids. To my eyes (and friends who were with me) the duovids actually out performed the BNs at 8x and were just about as good at 12x. I was actually planning to buy BNs and only tried the duovids out of interest had they not performed to such a high standard at 8x I would not have gone for them.

[robinj]

Could we have an update from Duovid users? It seems like a pretty neat concept, but how does it work in the field, and are the visuals compromised because of the switchability? Thanks...Rod

Agree with other replies,I have 8+12's,and find them exceptionally good,at both magnifications.Do not find weight a problem,and 12x is really useful on some ocassions.
Robin

[Andy Thatcher]

Had mine just over a year now.

So far they have not only been good but I would say very good. More of which in a minute.

I got them just before a trip to The Gambia so they got a thorough going over for those 2 weeks. I had been expecting the 12 x setting to be useful for greater distance but this trip showed that they were also great for sorting out the minor differences between the many little brown jobs that represent the females of different species at closer range.

As has been said there is just something about Duovids in the hand, they just feel right. OK they are heavier than you would expect but not cumbersomely.

When you spend as much on bins as these you test and retest before you buy and to my eyes the light they let in is fantastic in comparison to most others.

Now will I still be using them in 25 years ? That is how long my Jenoptems were bashed about for. It is still early to say that but at present I would feel deprived without them when out.

I was the first of my mates to own a pair for which I got more than a little ribbing. It say much for them that those that were absolutely set against them now own some themselves.

[wizard]

they are good, very good. having mine for about a year & used them in most conditions & they always perform tops. one thing i wonder about & others may be able to help here. the adjustable eye cups are a little loose, saying that i mean they have a little play in them so when put to the eye it has an anoying little movement. dont effect it in any way but not what i would expect. contcted Leica who promptly sent me new cups but were the same after a very short while. they said to send them back so they can inspect but when is there ever a best time to be without your bins.

any advice??