I think Leica should make soon a new binocular to compete with the last Swarovski (Swarovision).
His Ultravid is from 2003, and Ultravid HD adds nothing new.
Ok, here we go, on to the future: what would we like to see in the next binoculars from Leica (or Zeiss, Nikon or any manufacturer imaginable).
In the last couple of months of this venerable year 2011 I extensively compared two binoculars of the venerable company Swarovski: the 8.5x42 EL Swarovision and the 8x42 SLC HD. Why? Because the rumor was spread, here and elsewhere, that the EL SV was the last word in binocular construction, a groundbreaking, possibly even revolutionary design. I took the SLC HD because it was said to be of comparable quality, arriving at the same goal by using a more conventional approach.
What did I find? I found them to be truly superb, really modern binoculars, both of them. Possibly even the best of today’s heap, why not.
Of course I also compared the two race horses in an A-B contest. And the verdict was, and still is, that I preferred the SLC over the EL. In my humble opinion the SLC is the better binocular, for birding.
Let me repeat that: for birding. I think it’s very well possible that I would have chosen the EL over the SLC if my application was different. But the fact is, it isn’t. For instance, if I happened to be a stargazer (or a stargazing birder), I think I would have appreciated the flat field and the sharp edge of the EL more. But I don’t split stars, I’m a birder. And for birding a flat field and a crack-sharp edge is only of secondary importance. It has always been like that, and it still is, in my opinion.
The SLC definitely shows field curvature, and so a blurry edge. But the curvature is so nicely controlled and gradual, one can easily have a quick look at the edge when some movement is noticed there, and point the binoculars in the desired direction. Again, that’s he way birding is done, and the SLC is a perfect instrument to perform the task.
In comparing the two models on center sharpness, one of my other priorities, I found them to be both excellent. So close to my reference binoculars (Zeiss 8x56 FL, Swift Audubon 804 ED, Leitz 8x30 Binuxit) that it would be childish not to call them equal in performance. On one aspect however, also very close to my heart, I felt I couldn’t really get along with the EL. Not in comparison to the SLC anyway. Now I’m aware I could be somewhat vague here, but I can’t say it any other way: ease of view. The EL didn’t convince me in ease of view. To me this is the ease, the convenience, my eyes are allowed by the binocular to go their own way in the viewing circle. Not guided, not directed, free and on their own. My eyes simply do like the SLC better in this respect and the question is of course: why.
My explanation is that my eyes are protesting against the complexities of the EL’s optical design. For that’s what it is, rather complex. Strong correction of field curvature plus strong correction of pincushion distortion, leading to a kind of ‘compound distortion’ (Henry Link), I think my eyes are telling me: OK boss, we won’t let you down but please be aware we’re not on vacation.
Wrapping things up, I think that as great a binocular the EL is, in comparison to its more humble brother (but is it really?) it leaves something to be desired. Something essential. In a more stern mood I think I’d say that the EL SV is more interesting as an optical experiment than as a good, practical tool for birding.
And this brings me – at last, at last – to the subject proper of this thread. I think it would be a mistake of the likes of Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and others to simply adopt the inventions of the Swarovski EL SV. Just because folks like their bins ‘sharp to the very edge’? Come on, there are other, more important issues to address. How about the lousy angle of view we birders have to live with for the last 50 years or so? 8 degrees in an 8 power binocular and that’s it? If there’s any progress in optical engineering (and there is, have a look at the Swaro EL SV!) please give us (back) the 10 degrees Leica put in their 1958 first edition Trinovid. Fuzzy edge and all (but I wouldn’t care).
Renze