New releases

[Eric F]

Hi all,

Does anyone know of any rumours/news about new optical products at the Rutland Birdfair this year?

I'm currently very eager to explore the high-end 7x42 models on the market - namely Ultravid & FLs and wondered if there are likely to be any other contenders to consider before I commit to upgrading my current bins (Leica 8x42 BNs).

Both Nikon & Swarovski seem to stay clear of this spec bin for some reason.

[Curtis Croulet]

Swarovski has a 7x42 SLC.

[Pileatus]

Hi all,

Does anyone know of any rumours/news about new optical products at the Rutland Birdfair this year?

I'm currently very eager to explore the high-end 7x42 models on the market - namely Ultravid & FLs and wondered if there are likely to be any other contenders to consider before I commit to upgrading my current bins (Leica 8x42 BNs).

Both Nikon & Swarovski seem to stay clear of this spec bin for some reason.

Eric,

The Swarovski 7X42 is a great glass that is optically very similar to the Trinovid 7X42 and Ultravid 7X42. I've compared all three in the field and it's uncanny how similar the views are. The FL 7X42 is also a wonderful 7X bin that you should definitely put on your list. These are the 7X's to consider if you want the best.

In the field, I extensively compared my 7X42 Ultravid to a Trinovid 8X42. I concluded that both bins exhibited a distinct "Leica" view and that the Ultravid was slightly brighter and more colorful. At first, I thought the Trinovid was a bit sharper, but close examination revealed this was a product of brightness and contrast and not true sharpness. The Ultravid is brighter and I think Leica fine-tuned the Ultravid coatings for low-light conditions. After many hours of use in my forested surroundings I can say with certainty that, when the light fades, my Ultravid reveals amazingly colorful details. In bright sunlight I might prefer the deeper contrast of the Trinovid. The bottom line, however, is that these two Leica bins were so similar it was impossible to quantify any differences, except, of course, magnification.

Happy Birding…

John

[Eric F]

Eric,

The Swarovski 7X42 is a great glass that is optically very similar to the Trinovid 7X42 and Ultravid 7X42. John

Thanks guys,

I hadn't overlooked the 7x42 SLCs; I should have been clearer in my original message - if I upgrade my bins, one of the main factors besides a switch to 7x would be weight, so I guess I should have said that it's a shame that Nikon & Swarovski haven't brought out a 7x42 in their EL & HGL ranges.

I'm not sure whether we'll be in for any surprises at the Rutland birdfair in terms of new hi-spec releases from the big names this year as they all seem to have relatively "new" ranges out already. Maybe Leica will shock us with a lightweight large scope?

PPS: Does anyone know of any new binocular on the horizon that may make it worthwhile postponing an upgrade?