A2GG
Beth
I thought I should provide my impressions of this new model since there
seems to be barely any reviews or discussions on both BF and the internet at large.
I felt I was taking a chance on purchasing this new Trinovid based on the several short user reviews I read online. A few of those reviews are somewhat negative and the overall impression of the new Trinovid on this forum appeared to me to be generally not very good. There are only a couple of professional grade reviews online and these
were both very positive. I’m referring to the Binomania and Birdwatching.com reviews. So, I took a chance on this binocular and hoped the pro reviews were accurate. Another thing that worried me a little bit about the Trinovid purchase is the fact that it is a full size binocular. I’ve always preferred small, light mid-sized binoculars and only have
owned one full sized (Leupold 7x42). I was not sure if I would like using regularly a larger , heavier binocular.
I’ve always liked the Leica brand just based on handling the Ultravids at the Audubon nature store. This is the only
place where I could handle Leica optics in person. I was so impressed with the build/design (especially) and optics of the Leica UV 8x32
that I intended to purchase it to be my primary binocular. However, recently I changed my strategy and decided to get 3 bins that could cover all bases instead of one super expensive all purpose bin.
I recently purchased a 6x30 (Leupold Katmai – love it) and the Trinovid 8x42. I wanted a 10x as well for the reservoir and large fields I frequent
and purchased a Kowa SV 10x32, but the IPD was not narrow enough and the smallish exit pupil was just tedious wearing my glasses.
I recently started wearing eyeglasses and discovered that I can’t tolerate a small exit pupil (it’s just too annoying). So, if I do get a 10x I will
need a 10x42 at least. I am unsure right now about the 10x and holding off. I’m finding the Trinovid to be quite sharp and helps with ID
at distance. I may not need the 10x, but this is something I will need to think about a little more.
The following points are my impressions based on usage over the weekend and are not scientific or technical in nature; just personal
feelings about the handling and view. I did not compare this model side by side with any other brands/models.
Out of the box I was already pleased, as the binocular has a similar feel of the nice Ultravids that I handled at the store. The armor/finish is
smooth and feels very nice just like the Ultravids. It did not feel as heavy as I imagined. I thought it would feel like a brick, but it doesn’t, as the weight
is balanced very well. Compared to my Katmai which is a little over 18 oz , the Trinovid does not feel a ton heavier. This is due to the fact that the Katmai is very short and squat and the weight is not distributed evenly over long barrels. The Trinovid has good weight balance and this was a nice surprise. I used it with my harness over the weekend. In the Binomania review, the reviewer states that he weighed the Trinovid with an electronic scale revealing a lighter weight than specified by Leica.
Ergonomics and fit in my hands was another very pleasant surprise. When using with both hands it fits nicely and is
comfy to hold. The ridges under the barrels are helpful making it more comfortable and also provide a better grip. The top of each barrel flattens out
which provides a nice flat area where your fingers can lay nicely on the top of the binocular. This makes it easier or more convenient to reach the focus wheel too.
The Trinovid does feel tank-like and very substantial. I don’t mind this in a full size. With mid-sized bins I like small and light, but with full size I accept
the fact that it will be heavier and more substantial. I find some security in the build, as I perceive the binocular to be rugged and durable.
It has a magnesium housing and stainless steel focus mechanism. The eyecups have several click stops, but I keep them screwed in for my eyeglasses anyway. For those who do not wear glasses, I think you will find the eye cups nice and of good quality.
The focus is not fast, but smooth. I’ve heard the complaints of unsmooth focus with Leica binoculars, but I have encountered no problems here
as of yet. The focus is even with no notchy spots (unlike the Swaro CL I had). The focus wheel and diopter combo is just awesome and the best diopter I’ve ever used. Both wheels have rubber ridges or ‘treads’ which I find very helpful and I’m sure will help with gloves in the cold weather. After setting the diopter it is essentially back to zero. I will need to fiddle with this one more time and see if I get the same result. Normally, I find setting the diopter tedious, but this diopter mechanism makes it a little easier. This might sound strange, but I find the click noise when pulling up the diopter and closing it sort of satisfying.
The ER is sufficient with my glasses at 15.5mm, but I think it could be a tiny bit better if it was around 16mm or 16.5mm (like the Katmai). I was able to get by with the Swaro CL at 15mm, so it’s not really a problem. The large exit pupil helps and overall it’s good with eyeglasses. Joel at CameraLand
assured me that it would be ok with glasses (I was skeptical) and he was right.
When I first took a long look through the binocular I found it to be sharper than I imagined. I think this may be due to having lower expectations from
reading some negative reviews beforehand. After I ordered the bin I was not quite sure if I was getting a high quality binocular (based on the pro reviews)
or somewhat crappy optics (based on user reviews). My first thought after looking through the binocular for the first time was, what the heck are people talking about…this is really nice !
Some of the comments express disappointment with the new Trinovid for not containing HD/ED or fluorite glass and that this is an example of Leica falling behind in technology at this point in binocular advancement. This is a valid point when you have the Conquest HD and Vortex Razor HD (among others) competing in around the same tier.
Despite no fluorite glass, I find the image to be generally rich or vibrant. Based on memory, it appears to have better contrast than the Swaro CL. It is also notably sharper. I wouldn’t say it is razor sharp, but it is close and is certainly sharp enough for me. Of course it is very bright being a 42mm full size bin. The sweet spot seems to be large. I had difficulty trying to spot the point where the image begins to degrade (I really couldn’t…it’s super gradual) which I think says something good there. It is not
sharp edge to edge, but I’d say that it has a large area of high quality image. More experienced optics users could probably see more than I could in terms of where the sweet spot ends and to what degree it degrades going out towards the edge.
CA is very well controlled in the center of the image and practically non-existent there. We had three days in a row here in NJ with white/gray skies, so I had a good chance to test for CA over the weekend. I looked at tree branches against the whitish and grayish overcast sky. CA is prevalent towards the edges and in one instance was a bit ugly (away from the center) revealing a purple hue. I tested for CA about 3 times over the weekend with and without the eyeglasses. I watched Black Vultures flapping by against a very white sky and saw no discernable color fringing around the birds. I viewed a Mallard silhouette with strong sun reflecting off of the melting ice behind him making him a virtual shadow. I was able to make out his face and eye as dark as the figure was.
When I was not testing for CA it was simply not present. It wasn’t present because I was not looking for it and was instinctively centering each subject.
This CA issue will most certainly bother some of you who are susceptible to CA or cannot abide an expensive binocular without HD/ED glass. This is something which does not bother me at all. CA is something that never really bothered me like it bothers others. I have my personal pet peeves with binoculars, but CA is not one of them. If it is controlled well and essentially absent in the center (which it is here with the Trinovid) then I’m happy.
The lens caps all fit nice and snug which I prefer. The tethered obj. lens caps cover the barrels more than other lens caps that I’ve had and the rain guard fits tightly. I don’t like loose rain guards. The box the binocular and accessories came in has two foam trays stacked on top of one another that hold each item securely in place. There is a little signed inspection card also included which I thought nice and inspires a little confidence in the product you are receiving.
I purchased this bin at CameraLand as a demo. I paid $1,150. I do agree that the cost new is a bit high at $1,500 when you have the Vortex Razor HD and Conquest HD at lower prices. However, I feel I have a real nice binocular with very good optics. I especially like the way it is designed, the fit and feel and the smoothness of the mechanics. I am very happy with this purchase. I feel that I made two big scores lately with finding the discontinued Katmai 6x32 and taking a chance on this wonderful new Trinovid.
~ Beth
seems to be barely any reviews or discussions on both BF and the internet at large.
I felt I was taking a chance on purchasing this new Trinovid based on the several short user reviews I read online. A few of those reviews are somewhat negative and the overall impression of the new Trinovid on this forum appeared to me to be generally not very good. There are only a couple of professional grade reviews online and these
were both very positive. I’m referring to the Binomania and Birdwatching.com reviews. So, I took a chance on this binocular and hoped the pro reviews were accurate. Another thing that worried me a little bit about the Trinovid purchase is the fact that it is a full size binocular. I’ve always preferred small, light mid-sized binoculars and only have
owned one full sized (Leupold 7x42). I was not sure if I would like using regularly a larger , heavier binocular.
I’ve always liked the Leica brand just based on handling the Ultravids at the Audubon nature store. This is the only
place where I could handle Leica optics in person. I was so impressed with the build/design (especially) and optics of the Leica UV 8x32
that I intended to purchase it to be my primary binocular. However, recently I changed my strategy and decided to get 3 bins that could cover all bases instead of one super expensive all purpose bin.
I recently purchased a 6x30 (Leupold Katmai – love it) and the Trinovid 8x42. I wanted a 10x as well for the reservoir and large fields I frequent
and purchased a Kowa SV 10x32, but the IPD was not narrow enough and the smallish exit pupil was just tedious wearing my glasses.
I recently started wearing eyeglasses and discovered that I can’t tolerate a small exit pupil (it’s just too annoying). So, if I do get a 10x I will
need a 10x42 at least. I am unsure right now about the 10x and holding off. I’m finding the Trinovid to be quite sharp and helps with ID
at distance. I may not need the 10x, but this is something I will need to think about a little more.
The following points are my impressions based on usage over the weekend and are not scientific or technical in nature; just personal
feelings about the handling and view. I did not compare this model side by side with any other brands/models.
Out of the box I was already pleased, as the binocular has a similar feel of the nice Ultravids that I handled at the store. The armor/finish is
smooth and feels very nice just like the Ultravids. It did not feel as heavy as I imagined. I thought it would feel like a brick, but it doesn’t, as the weight
is balanced very well. Compared to my Katmai which is a little over 18 oz , the Trinovid does not feel a ton heavier. This is due to the fact that the Katmai is very short and squat and the weight is not distributed evenly over long barrels. The Trinovid has good weight balance and this was a nice surprise. I used it with my harness over the weekend. In the Binomania review, the reviewer states that he weighed the Trinovid with an electronic scale revealing a lighter weight than specified by Leica.
Ergonomics and fit in my hands was another very pleasant surprise. When using with both hands it fits nicely and is
comfy to hold. The ridges under the barrels are helpful making it more comfortable and also provide a better grip. The top of each barrel flattens out
which provides a nice flat area where your fingers can lay nicely on the top of the binocular. This makes it easier or more convenient to reach the focus wheel too.
The Trinovid does feel tank-like and very substantial. I don’t mind this in a full size. With mid-sized bins I like small and light, but with full size I accept
the fact that it will be heavier and more substantial. I find some security in the build, as I perceive the binocular to be rugged and durable.
It has a magnesium housing and stainless steel focus mechanism. The eyecups have several click stops, but I keep them screwed in for my eyeglasses anyway. For those who do not wear glasses, I think you will find the eye cups nice and of good quality.
The focus is not fast, but smooth. I’ve heard the complaints of unsmooth focus with Leica binoculars, but I have encountered no problems here
as of yet. The focus is even with no notchy spots (unlike the Swaro CL I had). The focus wheel and diopter combo is just awesome and the best diopter I’ve ever used. Both wheels have rubber ridges or ‘treads’ which I find very helpful and I’m sure will help with gloves in the cold weather. After setting the diopter it is essentially back to zero. I will need to fiddle with this one more time and see if I get the same result. Normally, I find setting the diopter tedious, but this diopter mechanism makes it a little easier. This might sound strange, but I find the click noise when pulling up the diopter and closing it sort of satisfying.
The ER is sufficient with my glasses at 15.5mm, but I think it could be a tiny bit better if it was around 16mm or 16.5mm (like the Katmai). I was able to get by with the Swaro CL at 15mm, so it’s not really a problem. The large exit pupil helps and overall it’s good with eyeglasses. Joel at CameraLand
assured me that it would be ok with glasses (I was skeptical) and he was right.
When I first took a long look through the binocular I found it to be sharper than I imagined. I think this may be due to having lower expectations from
reading some negative reviews beforehand. After I ordered the bin I was not quite sure if I was getting a high quality binocular (based on the pro reviews)
or somewhat crappy optics (based on user reviews). My first thought after looking through the binocular for the first time was, what the heck are people talking about…this is really nice !
Some of the comments express disappointment with the new Trinovid for not containing HD/ED or fluorite glass and that this is an example of Leica falling behind in technology at this point in binocular advancement. This is a valid point when you have the Conquest HD and Vortex Razor HD (among others) competing in around the same tier.
Despite no fluorite glass, I find the image to be generally rich or vibrant. Based on memory, it appears to have better contrast than the Swaro CL. It is also notably sharper. I wouldn’t say it is razor sharp, but it is close and is certainly sharp enough for me. Of course it is very bright being a 42mm full size bin. The sweet spot seems to be large. I had difficulty trying to spot the point where the image begins to degrade (I really couldn’t…it’s super gradual) which I think says something good there. It is not
sharp edge to edge, but I’d say that it has a large area of high quality image. More experienced optics users could probably see more than I could in terms of where the sweet spot ends and to what degree it degrades going out towards the edge.
CA is very well controlled in the center of the image and practically non-existent there. We had three days in a row here in NJ with white/gray skies, so I had a good chance to test for CA over the weekend. I looked at tree branches against the whitish and grayish overcast sky. CA is prevalent towards the edges and in one instance was a bit ugly (away from the center) revealing a purple hue. I tested for CA about 3 times over the weekend with and without the eyeglasses. I watched Black Vultures flapping by against a very white sky and saw no discernable color fringing around the birds. I viewed a Mallard silhouette with strong sun reflecting off of the melting ice behind him making him a virtual shadow. I was able to make out his face and eye as dark as the figure was.
When I was not testing for CA it was simply not present. It wasn’t present because I was not looking for it and was instinctively centering each subject.
This CA issue will most certainly bother some of you who are susceptible to CA or cannot abide an expensive binocular without HD/ED glass. This is something which does not bother me at all. CA is something that never really bothered me like it bothers others. I have my personal pet peeves with binoculars, but CA is not one of them. If it is controlled well and essentially absent in the center (which it is here with the Trinovid) then I’m happy.
The lens caps all fit nice and snug which I prefer. The tethered obj. lens caps cover the barrels more than other lens caps that I’ve had and the rain guard fits tightly. I don’t like loose rain guards. The box the binocular and accessories came in has two foam trays stacked on top of one another that hold each item securely in place. There is a little signed inspection card also included which I thought nice and inspires a little confidence in the product you are receiving.
I purchased this bin at CameraLand as a demo. I paid $1,150. I do agree that the cost new is a bit high at $1,500 when you have the Vortex Razor HD and Conquest HD at lower prices. However, I feel I have a real nice binocular with very good optics. I especially like the way it is designed, the fit and feel and the smoothness of the mechanics. I am very happy with this purchase. I feel that I made two big scores lately with finding the discontinued Katmai 6x32 and taking a chance on this wonderful new Trinovid.
~ Beth
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