Ultravid 8x20 BL

Mine are the Ultravid BCL (leather) version, $869 USD from the Leica Store. Compared to my Leitz Trinovid 10x25 from the 1970's, it's slightly brighter, but about the same sharpness and clarity as best I can see. The features and build quality are great, but getting the single round image with my Rayban glasses (clear prescription lenses) is extremely difficult.

Bought the BR. These are truly a class of their own. Almost the ergonomics of a full size bino. Well, you can use two fingers to focus and it's possible to wrap your ring and pinky fingers around the barrel. Optics are super! I think this is close to as good as a compact can be.

I have just received a pair of rubber coated 8x20 from the Canadian importer/distributor.I had little choice but to buy them sight unseen and untried as I live in a remote community where quality optics are not available. I had narrowed down my choice to 3 European manufacturers offering similar sized and priced products and opted for this one basing myself on my experience with their cameras and equally on older reviews (2005) found elsewhere on this site. I am elated with my choice as the optical quality is by this layman s standard outstanding, the design thoughtful, and the execution flawless. The locking diopter compensation with its scale is a bonus for an eyeglass wearer. The end product is a rugged, light and well designed package. My only reserve has to do with the supplied case and neck strap which are not made of leather nor available as an option in Canada. The factory sealed silver packaging proved difficult to open as I suffer from weakened hands. My expectations were high and fully met. As of next week I will fully try them out in remote forested Cuban mountains and parks seeking the native parrot.