Leif said:
That's curious. A year ago Kay Optical were enthusing about how good the ELs were. I have my thoughts on why but I think I'd better keep them to myself!
Like Scampo/Steve, I too would be interested in your impression of your new bins once you have had a bit of time to get used to them. I have noticed an awful lot of used Leica 8x42 BA/BN on the market. Coincidence?
I really do think that all reviews of equipment are down to the individual so my personal thoughts are only given from my view. I don't really know the finer points of optics but i did try to buy the binoculars i felt most comfortable with.
I purchased the 10X42 ultravid which I have used quite a lot now. I have read articles and opinions on the forum and tried and tested the bins (several pairs and several days) at the BBF at rutland.
I seem to get on better with Leica optics in general including the scopes.
First up my opinon of the good bits, as best i can explain them.
Balance, This was my biggest surprise and probably the vote winner. They are balanced spot on as it seems the weight factor becomes even less when you are holding them upto your eyes.
Size. They are relativly small in the hand with a good grippy feel. The thumb guides seem to be in the right place for me, which i am sure others will find not to be the case.
Weight. I went with the 10x as the weight is less than 8x without much loss in field of view. The overall weight of the binoculars is very good too.
Depth of field. I find this just right for me as it seems to be neither to deep or shallow.
Image. Very crisp and bright, but I was expecting this anyway hence the other features taking quite a significant roll.
Other. Reasonably close focus which is a lot closer focus than Leica sates. I get down to 2m. Good neoprene strap and two year accidental damage warranty. Eye relief is very good as I wear specs. You can adjust the twist up eyecups to stop at different levels to suit different eyes. They are also very comfy against my face with soft cups of some slightly flexible material.
Niggles.
The eyecup material does tend to ride up off the actual solid structure below which has to be put back in position now and again. As posted in previous posts the wheel DOES have slight play. This does not bother me one bit though as I don't find it a hinderance. The rain cover that is supplied is possibly the worst I have ever come accross( and I can't emphasise this enough). I use a spare one that I kept from my Ace Avian Bins which fits superbly.
I do get a little colour now and again (fringing i think you call it) around birds when bright backgrounds are apparent. But this again is only noticable when looking for it.
My father uses the BN series and after much deliberation we feel that the optics are in "general" of the same high quality but the Ultras win on design and weight.
If the BNs are good for you and the size and weight are not an issue i would say snap up some of the bargains that Leif says are about.