[ld74]

After researching several different Leica binocular models (Ultravid 8x42BR, Ultravid 8x32BR, and Trinovid 8x32BN) I decided to drive down IH 35 to Cabela's in Buda, Texas, this weekend for a side-by-side comparison. I liked all of them, but when I saw the sale price of the Trinovid 7X42BN I thought it would be worth my while to at least give it a look. Well, I'm glad I did...I was really overwhelmed with the brightness of the image and how easy it was to use with my glasses. Much easier for spectacle wearers than the 8X32s, and noticeably better eye relief than the Ultravid 8X42. What's also interesting is how I couldn't really notice the slight decrease in magnification between the 7x and 8x. True, they are heavy, but I think I actually prefer the balance and handling of the Trinovids over the Ultravids. Admittedly, though, my neck may think otherwise.

The pair I was trying was the last set in all of Cabela's stock (I later learned that the 7x42 Trinovid is no longer made) so I made my mind up to take them. I can't say I have any regrets--the price was right, the image was beautiful, and I get a new, full-size set of Leica bins with Passport warranty for well under $1,000. I was prepared to shell out $1,5000 + for some Ultravids, but I feel pretty good about the purchase. I didn't have it in my mind to even look at a 7X42 model, but I think I'll be satisfied with this purchase for a long time.

Still, I'm curious to know your thoughts on 7x42 configurations, and the Trinovid BN in particular. Any fans out there? I doubt I'll have any buyers remorse, but I wonder if I'll be losing out anything to 8x42, which I had considered. Also, any thoughts on the 7x42 Ultravids over the Trinovid? I know the former is a better instrument, but I don't know if it warrants basically twice the price I paid for my Trinovids. And could it be that they may be worth something in the future as they're no longer in production? I know this is the case for Leica M cameras and lenses (my original obsession with Leica optics) but I'm not sure about the market for binoculars.

In any event, I can't wait to trek down to the Texas coast over the holidays to do some birding with my new instrument. I'll follow up with a report of how they actually handle in the field.

Thanks from Austin, Texas.

[nctexasbirder]

im sure there wont be any noticeable differences form 8-7x, there are good advantages with lower power: FOV, brightness, etc.

[Pileatus]

Originally Posted by ld74

After researching several different Leica binocular models (Ultravid 8x42BR, Ultravid 8x32BR, and Trinovid 8x32BN) I decided to drive down IH 35 to Cabela's in Buda, Texas, this weekend for a side-by-side comparison. I liked all of them, but when I saw the sale price of the Trinovid 7X42BN I thought it would be worth my while to at least give it a look. Well, I'm glad I did...I was really overwhelmed with the brightness of the image and how easy it was to use with my glasses. Much easier for spectacle wearers than the 8X32s, and noticeably better eye relief than the Ultravid 8X42. What's also interesting is how I couldn't really notice the slight decrease in magnification between the 7x and 8x. True, they are heavy, but I think I actually prefer the balance and handling of the Trinovids over the Ultravids. Admittedly, though, my neck may think otherwise.

The pair I was trying was the last set in all of Cabela's stock (I later learned that the 7x42 Trinovid is no longer made) so I made my mind up to take them. I can't say I have any regrets--the price was right, the image was beautiful, and I get a new, full-size set of Leica bins with Passport warranty for well under $1,000. I was prepared to shell out $1,5000 + for some Ultravids, but I feel pretty good about the purchase. I didn't have it in my mind to even look at a 7X42 model, but I think I'll be satisfied with this purchase for a long time.

Still, I'm curious to know your thoughts on 7x42 configurations, and the Trinovid BN in particular. Any fans out there? I doubt I'll have any buyers remorse, but I wonder if I'll be losing out anything to 8x42, which I had considered. Also, any thoughts on the 7x42 Ultravids over the Trinovid? I know the former is a better instrument, but I don't know if it warrants basically twice the price I paid for my Trinovids. And could it be that they may be worth something in the future as they're no longer in production? I know this is the case for Leica M cameras and lenses (my original obsession with Leica optics) but I'm not sure about the market for binoculars.

In any event, I can't wait to trek down to the Texas coast over the holidays to do some birding with my new instrument. I'll follow up with a report of how they actually handle in the field.

Thanks from Austin, Texas.

I own an Ultravid 7X42 and I assure you that a good sample of the Trinovid 7X42 is optically on par with the Ultravid. The Ultravid is marginally brighter but, during the day, I often think it's too bright and I sometimes prefer the Trinovid view. I also know, based on direct comparisons, that the effective eye relief is a tad better on the Trinovid.

Both Leica 7X42's are excellent binoculars with very crisp centerfields, excellent color saturation, and acceptably large sweet spots. If your eyes demand perfection, the diopter adjustment on the Leica is second to none.

Enjoy

John

[scampo]

I've always liked 7x optics but they are few and far between. They were very popular a while back. The problem with the Trinovid will be weight - your neck will know it, perhaps.

[FrankD]

My comments tend to mirror John's. I bought one of the 7x42 BNs from Cabelas back in September and I do not regret it. I still own it and that says something considering how quick I am to return or sell a bin that I am not happy with.

I think the 7x42 BN has alot going for it. In terms of image quality it has a very large sweet spot which makes viewing with it extremely comfortable. Add to that the excellent depth of field and the large 6 mm exit pupil and you, arguably, have one of the best combinations in terms of a natural, relaxed image.

In terms of build quality I have yet to find a binocular that is built as solid and durable. Jokingly, one of the other members of the forum suggested they could be used to beat off a mugger and, jokingly or not, I believe him to be correct! They are a bit "brickish" because of the lack of thumb indents but I find that their shape and balance can often create the feeling that they actually weigh much less than they do. I have used mine at the local hawkwatch for a full 8-9 hours at a time and I have yet to be dissatisfied with their handling or optical performance.

Speaking of that particular situation, I have found that it tends to make or break a binocular when it comes to image quality. That birding environment really tends to show off any potential imperfections in a bins' optical performance. Issues like increased edge distortion, high chromatic abberation levels, misalignment, etc... are all glaringly obvious while scanning the horizon, glassing up into the sky or down among the treetops. The Leica 7x42 BN is the one bin that I owned this fall that did not disappoint whatsoever in that environment. To me that is probably the highest praise I can give to it.

Be happy with your pair of bins. They are one of the true gems out there in terms of optical quality.

[bradshrike]

LD, the Ultravid 7x42 is hand's down the finest bin I've ever peered through... that said, the 7x42 BN is close. It is, however, HEAVIER and BULKIER than the Trinovid. IF that's important go with the Ultravid.

[ceasar]

For years I wore glasses and needed a binocular with long eye relief. About 15 years ago I stumbled onto the Leitz 7 x 42 BA Trinovid and since then I've been a believer. I recently replaced them with a Leica 7 x 42 BN Trinovid in much the same manner you did with yours and at a nice saving too! I've said it before and I'll repeat it. The 7 x 42 format is the most user friendly of all binocular formats. In virtually all cases they have both long ER and a wide FOV. Their 6 mm exit pupils makes it easy to align them with your own pupils and makes them brighter when you are out on a gloomy, drizzly, overcast day. The 42mm Objective Lens keeps the weight of the binocular within reasonable limits. And not enough is said about their remarkable depth of field! Fiddling with the focus knob is kept to a minimum. I don't have enough knowledge of Optics to explain why all these salubrious developments occur in the 7 x 42 format, but what I've noted above has not been copied in other popular binocular formats. Maybe it's because 7 x 42 fits the adult human eye and brain so well!

Cordially,
Bob

[Atomic Chicken]

Greetings!

The Leica Trinovid BN 7x42 is my favorite binocular of all time - I have over a dozen pairs of premium binoculars and can afford to buy any model out there, but the Leica 7x42 Trinovid is the one I chose to be my main high-end binocular for all-around use. Buy them - you won't be sorry.

Best wishes,
Bawko

[matt green]

Don't want to give current owners of these 7x42 trinovids the ''willies'' but
what is the future prospect of servicability,considering this specification is no longer in production?

I would anticipate future repairs and servicing would not be a problem?

Matt

[ld74]

Originally Posted by matt green

Don't want to give current owners of these 7x42 trinovids the ''willies'' but
what is the future prospect of servicability,considering this specification is no longer in production?

I would anticipate future repairs and servicing would not be a problem?

Matt

That had occurred to me. But the liftetime, no-fault Passport Warranty was part of the deal, so Leica is obligated to honor it. I don't think this will be a problem. I know from my experience with Leica cameras that they still service long out-of-production camera bodies and lenses (for a hefty fee, of course.) Under the USA Passport Warranty, if they can't repair a damaged unit, they will replace it with a comparable model at no charge. But I hope it doesn't come to this...

[ceasar]

Originally Posted by matt green

Don't want to give current owners of these 7x42 trinovids the ''willies'' but
what is the future prospect of servicability,considering this specification is no longer in production?

I would anticipate future repairs and servicing would not be a problem?

Matt

My guess is most of their serviceable parts are interchangeable with the 7 x 42 Ultravids. They might charge more because of this but why complain about repairs that are improvements?
Bob

[FrankD]

My thoughts/anticipations were on the same lines as the two previous posts. However, it is their warranty so I really wouldn't mind if they were forced to replace my Trinovids with a pair of Ultravids.

:-)

[matt green]

Originally Posted by FrankD

My thoughts/anticipations were on the same lines as the two previous posts. However, it is their warranty so I really wouldn't mind if they were forced to replace my Trinovids with a pair of Ultravids.

:-)

Reassuring to know..

Hunt a pair down before they go the way of the zeiss 7x42 dialyts!

Matt

[solentbirder]

Originally Posted by matt green

Reassuring to know..

Hunt a pair down before they go the way of the zeiss 7x42 dialyts!

Matt

Hi Matt
If the UK price was equivalent to the USA price I'd be tempted, but the best UK price I've found is £729 (that $1385 at current exchange). If anyone sees new ones being sold for less please let us all know !
Cheers
John

[ferryman]

Originally Posted by solentbirder

Hi Matt
If the UK price was equivalent to the USA price I'd be tempted, but the best UK price I've found is £729 (that $1385 at current exchange). If anyone sees new ones being sold for less please let us all know !
Cheers
John

John,
South West Optics' website says they have a shop ex-demo pair for £649 if you're quick and feel like taking a slight chance. You're right though, all the other usual good value suppliers look like £720ish.
Best wishes,
Keith.