Leica Duovid binoculars 8 - 12 x 42
The Leica 8-12x42 is a niche binocular. That is, in some niche cases, you are thankful you have them. They are the best binocular for the occasion. The occasion might be entirely bird related or include other interests such as astronomy, sports - any field that may benefit from a change in power from 8 to 12. In reality you already own one (or more) quality binoculars that are your workhorses dedicated to a specific task. But you have discovered that when interests coincide and you have to make a choice - what you would really like is not make the choice and have two quality binoculars in one.
More background with example: Ive had this binocular for two years but have owned for much longer a pair 10x50 SLC and 8.5x42 EL. Yesterday I chose to take the Duovid out because I would be looking for sparrows and shorebirds. At 12x I did not need to pull my scope out of the car to ID some Greater Scaup (instead of Lesser). Once more, I passed my bins to my companion and she said, Oh yeah, Wow. when she switched from her 8s. The Wow was because she could positively ID the birds and not because of the bins. To me its all about sharing so another niche was filled.
Optics: I started with astronomy before birding and so diffraction-limited optics is my reference. The 8-12s, IMHO, are as sharp as my 8.5s and 10s at either 8 or 12x. Color fringing, contrast, etc. are also comparable. We could talk for hours but at the end of the day the Duovids belong in the class of high-end optics that Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss produce. Kudos Leica.
The feel and usability of these glasses is another issue. The Duovids are quite heavy compared to 8x42s bins. They are on par with my 10x50s, but do not feel exceptionally well balanced in the hands. I would say good/fair. But I have this issue with the Leica line preferring the form factor of Swarovski. Eye relief will also pose problems for a lot of eyeglass wearers and I do wear glasses. Try before you buy. The focus however is fast and close for butterfly use.
I suppose another implied niche here is that you got to have money to burn to buy these bins. At $2000 US you have to be loaded or crazy. I could not see the Duovid bing an all time workhorse high-class glass for many. In my case, I love optics, am an avid birder, amateur astronomer/naturalist and look for that lightest weight (two bins in one) compact optical solution that meets the demands I expect to face trekking to some situations (i.e I am crazy).
Chirps, Michael
