Leica UVHD+... all I can say is that the view is simply "DELICIOUS" (2 Viewers)

[ZDHart]

I received a pair of Ultravid HD Plus 10x42 today.

I've enjoyed the Conquest HD 8x32 and 10x42 for many years. They really are excellent, all-around bins! No peer, at their level, I guess.

But recently, I decided to step up and sample some "alphas".

And all I can say is... I won't be needing those wonderful Zeiss Conquest HDs any longer. Fortunately, Conquest HD just HAPPEN to be my wife's favorite bins! They fit her eyeglass wearing needs and she's thrilled with them. She isn't a binocular fanatic, like I am, either. That's all well and good!

My recent Ultravid HD PLUS sampling includes the 8x32, 7x42, and joining today is the 10x42. The UVHD+ 7x42s certainly have impressed me, and the super compact UVHD+ 8x32 are stunningly nice! And so far, I'm even MORE impressed with the UVHD+ 10x42. I think my impressive UVHD+ 7x42's may see a lot less action, now.

In every case, that Leica "look" is stunningly satisfying to me. And while the flat-field sharpness all the way to the bleeding edge offered by some other options isn't undesirable to me, I don't consider that characteristic to be "all that and a bag of chips". Not everyone places high value on flat-field sharpness, all the way out to the edges.

The sweet spot for me - if it covers about 70% from center out, is fabulous. Honestly, I am much less interested in what the very edges look like, than how the sweet spot looks. I DO understand that it is quite a technical accomplishment to get great sharpness all the way out to the edges, but such an accomplishment is not necessarily all that important to everyone who uses binoculars.

I don't scan my binocular view by scrutinizing the image quality at the extreme edges... I move the central area (sweet spot, perhaps 70%?) of whatever bins I am using to MY area of interest. I don't spend my viewing time, staring at the edges.

If something of interest shows up closer to your edge of binocular view, do you keep looking at it, at the edge of your binocular view? Or do you move the binoculars, placing that subject of interest in the center of your binocular view? Yes... the latter, of course!

A wide field of view can be nice to have, as well. But not necessarily nicer to have than a stunning, visually inspiring picture quality "look" presented to your eyes. Perhaps it is the artist/photographer in me that responds to the picture quality that Leica bins present. They are, after all, a premier camera company, renown for stunningly beautiful picture quality.

While some competing options may rate higher on "technical" scoring, or technical "achievement"... Leica still brings that beautifully rich, uber-sharp clarity, pleasingly warm color-character, punchy-color look, contrast, and "sparkle" to the eyes.

In a word... the Leica view is simply visually "DELICIOUS." And, with UVHD+, the clarity and sharpness of detail in the sweet spot is truly stunning! I noticed this right off when I got the UVHD+ 8x32. Then again when I got the UVHD+ 7x42. And today, even MORE so with the UVHD+ 10x42.

In my view, Ultravid HD+ (particularly for those of us who do not wear glasses and don't NEED long ER!) is VERY much in the running, among all the "latest" alphas. The build quality is stellar, they feel great in the hands, the view looks amazing to the eyes... and they are priced SOMEWHAT reasonably, compared to the "latest, greatest" alpha bins. There is a lot to love about ALL of that.

I certainly do enjoy my Zeiss 8x32 SF bins, but they aren't what I most want to reach for. I love the SF ocular balance, the light focus wheel feel, and the wide field-of-view, but as wonderful as the SFs are (and kudos to Zeiss for SF technical achievement!) they come off more "technical" than artistically alluring. The SFs lack the personality and charisma that Leica glass so excels at, and presents to mine eyes. Neither is better than the other, of course, as they are each SO very different from each other.

Bottom line: There are great alpha glass options available to please each and every comer, and every unique preference.

I do enjoy having bins from the BIG THREE (I have two pair of Swaro CL Pockets, also, the 8x25 and 10x25), but the photographer and artist in me is gravitating toward Leica!

One more pair of bins are arriving Friday, to compare to... Zeiss Victory SF T* 10x42. I'm eagerly awaiting this "lauded" pair of bins - I expect they will be quite similar, in quality and attributes, to my pair of 8x32 Victory SF bins.

Yes, I am on quite a roll. But it's a really fun one.

 

[AGPank]

The compactness of the UV is a highlight too, probably similar height to your 8x32 SF. Great write up. I’ve tried several mid-tier glass, then worked up to Swarovski, but my eyes favor Leica.

I don’t have any UV+, but a 8x32 UV, a 12x50 HD and 10x42 Trinovid (2012-2015).

I recently picked up the 8x42 Noctivid and really like it. I comparing it to the SF 8x32 and am pleasantly surprised how similar the image quality is. The ergonomics and feel are slightly ahead for me in the Noctivid as is low light performance (as would be expected in the 42). I’m impressed how Zeiss kept the weight so low, but it is a large 32mm.

 

[ZDHart]

The compactness of the UV is a highlight too, probably similar height to your 8x32 SF. Great write up. I’ve tried several mid-tier glass, then worked up to Swarovski, but my eyes favor Leica.

I don’t have any UV+, but a 8x32 UV, a 12x50 HD and 10x42 Trinovid (2012-2015).

I recently picked up the 8x42 Noctivid and really like it. I comparing it to the SF 8x32 and am pleasantly surprised how similar the image quality is. The ergonomics and feel are slightly ahead for me in the Noctivid as is low light performance (as would be expected in the 42). I’m impressed how Zeiss kept the weight so low, but it is a large 32mm.

AGP... yes, the Zeiss 8x32 SF are wonderful bins. So light weight, and the balance toward the ocular feels amazing, really. Flat field, sharpness to the edges. Quite an achievement for Zeiss. But yes, they are long.

When it comes to the "beauty" of the picture image presented to your eyes... I have to hand it to the Leica.

The UVHD+ 8x32 are incredibly compact, for 8x32. And, their image detail, exquisite clarity, and fine sharpness are as absolutely wonderful as is the color-quality of the Leica image presented! Leica has "the look" perfected!

 

[ZDHart]

Now that the sun is down, quite dim out as I gaze out into the Sonoran desert. Many rabbits and still a few birds are about. The coyotes and owls come out about now. The UVHD+ 10x42 are giving way to my UVHD+ 7x42. This is the time of day where the 7x42's really come into their own.

I think I will use the UVHD+ 10x42 much more during the bright sunny daylight than the UVHD+ 7x42s. But, in this dim light, I will definitely reach for the UVHD+ 7x42s.

 

[jcnguyen09]

I recently picked up the 8x42 Noctivid and really like it. I comparing it to the SF 8x32 and am pleasantly surprised how similar the image quality is. The ergonomics and feel are slightly ahead for me in the Noctivid as is low light performance (as would be expected in the 42). I’m impressed how Zeiss kept the weight so low, but it is a large 32mm.

In my case, I compared the 10x42 Noctivid to the NL Pure 10x32 and really happy that I own both. Nothing can compare with Leica regarding the color rendition and 3-D effect. However, I think Leica made a mistake about how wide the FOV listed on their website. They still have that incorrect spec on their website: Noctivid 10x42 at (376' at 1000 yd) and 8x42 at (443' at 1000 yd). The true actual measure is 337.3' and 406.6' respectively. I purchased the Noctivid based on the wrong spec and unhappy about that for a while. Someone should bring this up to Leica and ask for compensation.

 

[ZDHart]

In my case, I compared the 10x42 Noctivid to the NL Pure 10x32 and really happy that I own both. Nothing can compare with Leica regarding the color rendition and 3-D effect. However, I think Leica made a mistake about how wide the FOV listed on their website. They still have that incorrect spec on their website: Noctivid 10x42 at (376' at 1000 yd) and 8x42 at (443' at 1000 yd). The true actual measure is 337.3' and 406.6' respectively. I purchased the Noctivid based on the wrong spec and unhappy about that for a while. Someone should bring this up to Leica and ask for compensation.

It is a shame if the specs on their website are incorrect!

That said, I think that reading specs to determine suitability is much like reading horsepower and torque specs for a vehicle. Close to meaningless, compared with actually driving the vehicle and seeing how it feels in use.

If you would have rejected the NV 10x42, due to FOV, after actually using the bins, that would have been the time to return them to the seller and buy something else.

I get the sense, though, that you absolutely love the Leicas... now that you have used them. That's a good thing!

 

[ZDHart]

The compactness of the UV is a highlight too, probably similar height to your 8x32 SF. Great write up. I’ve tried several mid-tier glass, then worked up to Swarovski, but my eyes favor Leica.

I don’t have any UV+, but a 8x32 UV, a 12x50 HD and 10x42 Trinovid (2012-2015).

I recently picked up the 8x42 Noctivid and really like it. I comparing it to the SF 8x32 and am pleasantly surprised how similar the image quality is. The ergonomics and feel are slightly ahead for me in the Noctivid as is low light performance (as would be expected in the 42). I’m impressed how Zeiss kept the weight so low, but it is a large 32mm.

Yes, the Victory SF 8x32 are longer than the UVHD+ 10x42! But the 10x42s are slightly "beefier".

I have sure been loving these UVHD+ 10x42s today.

The show-down at High Noon comes this Friday, when the Victory SF 10x42s arrive!

 

[jcnguyen09]

It is a shame if the specs on their website are incorrect!

That said, I think that reading specs to determine suitability is much like reading horsepower and torque specs for a vehicle. Close to meaningless, compared with actually driving the vehicle and seeing how it feels in use.

If you would have rejected the NV 10x42, due to FOV, after actually using the bins, that would have been the time to return them to the seller and buy something else.

I get the sense, though, that you love the bins... now that you have used them. That's a good thing!

Yeah. At that time, I had been using the EL SV 10x50 for few years but it became heavy for me so I looked to downsize it to either the SF or NV. I just couldn't find any NV 10x42 in my area to try out. I only can try out in the store the SF 10x42 which has the FOV of 360' out of 1000 yard. As said, the NV 10x42 with 376' out of 1000 yard as listed on Leica's website should have wider FOV I thought, also I can get the new NV green for around $2k, also I already own an SF 8x42. So I went with the NV. Until I received the NV and be surprised about the tunnel feel of the viewing, I knew something not right. I am not really an amateur on binoculars so I realized the spec might be incorrect. But who can think that the company like Leica can have it wrong on their website. As you think, I ended up liking the color rendition and 3-D effect of the Leica, my first Leica. I owned Zeiss since the 80's: Still keep the Carl Zeiss Jena 7x50, SF 8x42, NV 10x42, NL 12x42, NL 8x42, NL 8x32, SLC 15x56 and ATM 80 scope.

 

[ibramr]

In my case, I compared the 10x42 Noctivid to the NL Pure 10x32 and really happy that I own both. .....[Edited].... They still have that incorrect spec on their website: Noctivid 10x42 at (376' at 1000 yd) and 8x42 at (443' at 1000 yd). The true actual measure is 337.3' and 406.6' respectively. I purchased the Noctivid based on the wrong spec and unhappy about that for a while. Someone should bring this up to Leica and ask for compensation.

Greetings. Is it possible that the measures above are correct in yards and meters, respectively? Regards.

 

[jcnguyen09]

Greetings. Is it possible that the measures above are correct in yards and meters, respectively? Regards.

Here is the link on their website. They got it correctly on metric (meters) but wrong on Standard (ft and yard). No surprise! Leica is European company but here is Leica USA, they should be familiar with Standard system!

Leica Noctivid 10 x 42 Green

Explore the world of Leica. Browse our wide range of products from rangefinders to compact cameras, accessories, and lenses.

leicacamerausa.com

 

[ZDHart]

Here is the link on their website. They got it correctly on metric (meters) but wrong on Standard (ft and yard). No surprise! Leica is European company but here is Leica USA, they should be familiar with Standard system!

Best thing to do before buying is a bit of research. Check with your regional/country retailers and also reviewers, for specifications. The few USA retail sites I checked (B&H is my primary source for camera gear and bins) do have the measurements correct.

ANYWAY... let's get back to the topic at hand: Ultravid HD Plus... now that I have three pair of them (8x32, 7x42, 10x42) I'm sold on these magnificent bins. I still enjoy my Zeiss Victory SF, the two pair of Conquest HDs, and two pair of Swaro CL Pockets, but there is the Leica look and feel of the Ultravid HD Plus bins that put them in a special realm for me.

I will admit that now, I am a little bit spoiled by UVHD+, when it comes to the Conquest HDs. 🤫. The Conquest HDs are (if I had to put numbers to them) perhaps 98% of the alphas - bordering on alpha, really quite excellent! But the Leica UVHD+ have that Leica "look" to the picture image that Zeiss just does not offer.

Of the three UVHD+ bins... the 10x42 will definitely see the most use, followed by the 8x32. I may not use the 7x42 as much, though they are awesome bins. And I keep the Zeiss Victory SF 8x32s on the kitchen counter to grab up when I see interesting things going on out on the property.

I'm at home most of the time, retired, so my use is primarily from inside my house, reclining in a recliner. - I have a magnificent wildlife watching setup right off the back patio, and a wall of glass looking out there. From the relaxing position in the recliner, I'm finding the 10x42s to be, perhaps, the perfect choice, but I keep the 8x32, 7x42, and 10x42 Ultravids on the table right beside the recliners, to be able to quickly grab up.

Rabbit having an evening drink - view from the recliner. The water bowls and bird feeders are about 50' out from the house.

Juvenile Cardinal and Gilded Flicker

Gambels Quail (we have about a half dozen quail families living on the property)

He can fly, but he can't hide!

Glorious markings of the Flicker

Rabbit... it's what's for dinner!

Momma bobcat with her cubs coming in for a drink.

Big Jack!

Young Cactus Wrens

Harris Hawk - a trio of them live nearby and frequent the property daily.

Wiley Coyote - they stop by nightly.

It's WILD out there!

 

[ZDHart]

As for how I use these three UVHD+ bins, I see the 7x42s as sort of "special purpose", useful either when viewing range is close up, like in wooded areas, and after sunset when light gets dim. Of course, they are also useful to help minimize hand-shake. I think this is why only Leica still produces the alpha 7x42. UVHD+ 7x42 are great glass, of course, but the bit of extra reach with 8x is much more popular.

So, for the way I use binoculars, I'm much more likely to use my 10x42s primarily, followed by my 8x32s. I'll grab up the 7x42s as night approaches.

 

[NZbinodude]

It sounds like you're content with your Leicas. And why not? They're premium in every sense of the word, and you're blessed to have access to such instruments!

Beautiful photos.

I'd love a pair of 7x42 HD+'s.

 

[ZDHart]

Thank you, NZbd, for your comments. I do feel truly blessed, in many ways. And very thankful for the blessings.

Don

 

[lmans66]

I 'found' Leica at the tail end of 2020....love em. The UVHD and NV's are both excellent bins. The UVHD being slightly smaller as I recall but I prefer the focus wheel / set up of the NV. But glad you too found these.

 

[ZDHart]

So, for the way I use binoculars, I'm much more likely to use my 10x42s primarily, followed by my 8x32s. I'll grab up the 7x42s as night approaches.

Interesting change in my use... during the day... viewing my property, I alternate between the UVHD+ 7x42 and the Victory SF 10x42. Pretty much 50/50. For general use, I tend to reach for the 7x42s. If I want to see more up-close detail, I reach for the 10x42. The UVHD+ 7x42s are far more useful than just in dim light. Such a gloriously delicious view they offer.

My 8x32s see less use, though would be more likely to go along when I leave the house.

 

[Maljunulo]

There is a very old saying, in a totally different context, but it still might be applicable.

"Beware of a man who has only one of something ....... he probably knows how to use it."

 

[ZDHart]

There is a very old saying, in a totally different context, but it still might be applicable.

"Beware of a man who has only one of something ....... he probably knows how to use it."

That most certainly applies to shooting firearms! "Beware the man who has one gun... he probably is very good with it." Great familiarity (particularly, much experience) with a particular firearm tends to lend itself to great capability with it.

As for binoculars... I kind of doubt the applicability of that statement.

 

[jcnguyen09]

One thing for sure is there are world experts on binoculars in this forum. There is none other sites I can find be close by a far distance regarding technical knowledge and field experiences on using binoculars.

 

[lmans66]

You are right....but in my humble opinion the experts who test bins in laboratories etc are not what I am 'after' when looking for a bin. I am more for those experts who actually use them in the field and can give me hands on experience (like many on this forum do). They have more value. Then I can take that same pair and with their sharing use my experiences to compare and contrast. But yes, you are right, this forum is 'great'......! jim