Coming Late to the Noctivid Party (1 Viewer)

[lmans66]

Was in a nature store today and had the pleasure of testing out the Leica Line-up which I have never previously tested (10x42 models) and I was blown away / impressed with the Noctivid and only wish my current budget could afford it! I saw a used Ultravid online and wanted to test one in person before buying as I was not overly impressed with it's 'close-up' ability in the specs. But as I tested the Ultravid and found out my initial thoughts about the close-up were perhaps not as bad as I thought, I also tested the Noctivid 'side by side' (as well as Trinovid).

I know from reading forum responses that some birders see little 'optical difference' between all three, but I for one could see and feel the difference. Noctivid all the way, baby...What a binocular, ....as I am sure I could have stated about the NL or SF too.

What is interesting though is kind of an eye-opener on myself. This past summer I was on a quest to find the perfect mid-price range 8x32mm and was adamant that I wanted to stay away from Alphas. I kept telling myself that having a mid level binocular gave me 90% of an Alpha so why bother, and let me save my money! A side note, is that at one time I did own a 8x42 SLC as well as a 10x42 HT. But I was a strong opponent of investing money into Alphas this past summer. But now, .....hmmmmmmm. I want one. The moral of the story: The Alpha's are expensive but there is a reason behind those $'s....

 

[dries1]

Careful, it could lead to Binocular Acquisition Syndrome (BAS).

Andy W.

 

[hop_sing]

Just surrender and get it.

 

[ZDHart]

There is good reason for alpha pricing... there is a difference.

I'm a huge fan of Ultravid+, but haven't had the pleasure to try Noctivid yet.

What I have is some extended, valued experience with SF and NL 32s. In the end, I bought 8x32 SF and 10x32 SF. What stellar bins they are, in every way! And, not priced to cause total nose bleed!

I'm a believer in alpha bins. And, I'm sure, a Noctivid will find its way to me sooner or later! Leica glass is awesome.

 

[jcnguyen09]

I have been using several top alpha but still end up using NV 10x42 quite often! No one can produce the beautiful, classy color rendition the way the Leica can do! I would certainly add the Noctivid 8x32 in the future if Leica is making it!

 

[jcnguyen09]

Was in a nature store today and had the pleasure of testing out the Leica Line-up which I have never previously tested (10x42 models) and I was blown away / impressed with the Noctivid and only wish my current budget could afford it! I saw a used Ultravid online and wanted to test one in person before buying as I was not overly impressed with it's 'close-up' ability in the specs. But as I tested the Ultravid and found out my initial thoughts about the close-up were perhaps not as bad as I thought, I also tested the Noctivid 'side by side' (as well as Trinovid).

I know from reading forum responses that some birders see little 'optical difference' between all three, but I for one could see and feel the difference. Noctivid all the way, baby...What a binocular, ....as I am sure I could have stated about the NL or SF too.

What is interesting though is kind of an eye-opener on myself. This past summer I was on a quest to find the perfect mid-price range 8x32mm and was adamant that I wanted to stay away from Alphas. I kept telling myself that having a mid level binocular gave me 90% of an Alpha so why bother, and let me save my money! A side note, is that at one time I did own a 8x42 SLC as well as a 10x42 HT. But I was a strong opponent of investing money into Alphas this past summer. But now, .....hmmmmmmm. I want one. The moral of the story: The Alpha's are expensive but there is a reason behind those $'s....

I got my Greeen NV 10x42 new from Duncan at Leica de lisse in Netherlands for $2K US. Don't know if he still have that deal but you might check it out. The European vs USA warranty might be different if that would be the concern!