Is anyone here who has/had the opportunity to compare the new Leica 7x42 Ultravid HD agains the Zeiss 7x42 BGATP?
I have the latter one for almost 20 years and would like an upgrading. Not optically but mechanically especially concerning the advantage of the new Leica being waterproof. Not that I have any complaints about the optical performance of the old Zeiss. But it's also time to get something new. And therefore I would part with the Zeiss to buy another 7x42.
Another option would be the Nikon EDG. Are there any experienced users in this forum who would like to share their experiences?
About 2 years ago I was looking for a top end 7x42 and I had the chance to try out the following all together and the basic results were:-
Leica 7x42 Ultravid HD - I felt the colours where a little subdued and I wasn't happy with the focuser. Sharpness maybe not as good as it should have been for this grade of binocular.
Zeiss 7x42 BGAPT - While probably very good in its day, it didn't compete well with any the other more modern offerings.
Zeiss 7x42 FL - A very nice binocular but some colours could be brighter against other colours which then appeared subdued. I have since seen a transmission graph and it's not very flat across all the colours which might explain the this phenomena. Very sharp in the centre but started to tail off quite early. I owned the 8x32 which was very much the same.
Nikon 7x42 EDG - An incredible binocular. Colours near perfect for me and sharp over most of the view. Comfortable in the hands and with a focuser that is probably the best on any binocular. There is a review by Peter Kitchener on the forum that might help.
My choice by a significant margin was the EDG. To back that up, I am now the owner of a Nikon 7x42 EDG and that was probably the best decision I have ever made during my binocular buying history.
The caveat concerning the slightly lower level of light transmission through the EDG is mention earlier, but don't let this put you off. The transmission graph is very level through all the colour which is more important to me than a lift in one area in order to claim the holy grail of higher transmission. But then I don't go looking for black cats in coal holes.
If you are in the market for this level of binoculars can I reiterate what has been said many times before. Try before you buy and preferably with as many as possible at the same time. Your eyesight and your facial feature are unique to you and you will only be able to decide if a binocular suits you by handling it. Sorry to preach!
Good luck with your search.
Stan