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Leica Ultravids (thread contains a variety of topics, optic reviews & other binos) (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Chas4045
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I looked through a pair a few days ago - as you would expect with Leica the optical quality is amazing. As for how they compare to other bins - I was very impressed and the fact that they are noticably lighhter weight than the current Leica models should help them to compete with ELs. Shape and look of them is much like the Leica Duovids, they are very comfortable in the hand.
If you get the chance look through them - though be warned you may well be tempted.
If you get the chance look through them - though be warned you may well be tempted.
John Cantelo
Well-known member
The new issue of 'Bird Watching' - due in the shops on Thursday, I think, has an in-depth and very positive review of these bins. Am I right in suspecting that this desgn has been produced as a direct result of Swarovski's current dominance in the 'most fashionable' binoculars stakes?
John
John
I tried them against the 8x32BN, the 10x32BN, the Swarovski 8.5x42EL, Swarovski 8x32EL, money no object, and still walked out with the 'old' 8x32BN's.
I really like the light-but-substantial feel, the rugged build, and the image quality is just superb - in common with the Leica scopes it's a much warmer image than Swarovski optics.
The image quality of the Ultravids I tried (rep's demonstration model) was equally good, but they had a wee bit of play in the focussing control; just enough to make me think the build quality wasn't what it should be, and for that kind of money I'd expect no compromise at all.
I'm very happy with the BN's, and wouldn't consider buying anything else to be an upgrade.
Al.
I really like the light-but-substantial feel, the rugged build, and the image quality is just superb - in common with the Leica scopes it's a much warmer image than Swarovski optics.
The image quality of the Ultravids I tried (rep's demonstration model) was equally good, but they had a wee bit of play in the focussing control; just enough to make me think the build quality wasn't what it should be, and for that kind of money I'd expect no compromise at all.
I'm very happy with the BN's, and wouldn't consider buying anything else to be an upgrade.
Al.
John Cantelo
Well-known member
I've since had a good look at the Ultravids and came away very impresssed. I can't didn't notice any play in the focus wheel and can't believe that leica would produce anything less than 100%. Personally, I find the old 8/10x42s unusable due to their excessive weight & 'anti-ergonomic' design. The new bins, by contrast are superbly balanced, a delight to hold and on the light side for quality 40/42 roofs (although a close focus of 3m is a bit long for butterfly watchers). Optically I still think the Nikon HG roofs have a very, very slight edge, but given their bulk the new Leicas just have the advantage overall. It's a pity that Al's dealer didn't show him the Nikon HGs 8/10x32s which are both cheaper (Wharehouse Express have them for £499!) and, in my view, a little sharper & brighter!
John
John
I agree that he feel in the hand of the Ultravids is far nicer that the BNs - design is very similar to the Duovids (which I use) and have found it very comfortably in prolonged use. I think that over the next year the ultravids will become very popular as more birders get to try them out. Good news if your looking for a bargain as it will no doubt lead to good numbers of BNs and ELs on the second-hand market....
One thing is for sure, the top three binos in the marketplace, Swaro, Leica, Zeiss, hold value better than all the rest, if you strike a good bargin when first purchasing, take good care, after several years, when you go sell, it is suprising how much you can get for them, in some cases 80% plus. The same applies to scopes. Raptor.
Raptor said:
You make a good point about quality bins holding their valiue. You did though forget Nikon whose bins are in the same class.
I'm not sure the new Leica's will lead to second-hand EL's coming onto the market. Rather, it looks like Leica now have a binocular that can match anything on the market. I too found the old style Leicas too bulky and heavy.
Anyway, I'm avoiding going anywhere near specialist optics dealers for some while.
In fact he did, but since they weigh about four times as much as anything else I was trying I left them aside pretty quickly.
The 8x32BN's cost me 599, and are shorter and more compact than any of the new Swarovskis or Ultravids. A bit fatter around the middle, granted, but this suits my shovel-like hands, and the very little extra weight makes them feel reassuringly robust. I wouldn't swap them for any others on the market.
Al
John Cantelo
Well-known member
Come on, Al, don't exaggerate! Leica 8/10x32s - 630 gm, Nikon 8/10x32s 715 gm. Weighty for a 32mm instrument, sure, but hardly four times heavier nor excessively heavy for a day's birding. Besides they're still mush nicer to hold!
John
John
All
I have both the Leica 8x32BN's and Nikon 8x32HG's, both of which optically excellent.
However, the problem with the Nikons is that the focusing wheel is high geared, which means constant refocusing to obtain a sharp image as a bird moves (shallow depth of field).
The nikons are easier to look through and if they fixed this problem they would give the BN's a run for their money, but as it is I find the BN's easier to use.
paj
I have both the Leica 8x32BN's and Nikon 8x32HG's, both of which optically excellent.
However, the problem with the Nikons is that the focusing wheel is high geared, which means constant refocusing to obtain a sharp image as a bird moves (shallow depth of field).
The nikons are easier to look through and if they fixed this problem they would give the BN's a run for their money, but as it is I find the BN's easier to use.
paj
John Cantelo said:
Leica Ultravid - a possible Swarovski-killer..
In a reliable review (http://www.kikkertspesialisten.no/) the Ultravids are rated as the best 8x42 binoculars. But as you see below the Swarovski EL:s are not far behind. Personally I think that the Ultravids are more handy than the ELs (significantly smaller and a bit lighter). The Ultravid-binoculars might be the ultimate Swarovski-killer....;-)
Result from the review (maximum category rating is 12):
Leica Ultravid 8x42
------------------
resolution 10
contrast 11-
brightness 10-
edge sharpness 10+
field of view with glasses 11+
ruggedness 10+
Swarovski 8,5x42 EL
––––––––––––––
resolution 10
contrast 10+
brightness 10-
edge sharpness 10+
field of view with glasses 11+
ruggedness 11
In a reliable review (http://www.kikkertspesialisten.no/) the Ultravids are rated as the best 8x42 binoculars. But as you see below the Swarovski EL:s are not far behind. Personally I think that the Ultravids are more handy than the ELs (significantly smaller and a bit lighter). The Ultravid-binoculars might be the ultimate Swarovski-killer....;-)
Result from the review (maximum category rating is 12):
Leica Ultravid 8x42
------------------
resolution 10
contrast 11-
brightness 10-
edge sharpness 10+
field of view with glasses 11+
ruggedness 10+
Swarovski 8,5x42 EL
––––––––––––––
resolution 10
contrast 10+
brightness 10-
edge sharpness 10+
field of view with glasses 11+
ruggedness 11
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No, I haven't seen any reviews on the 50mm models yet. But check out this page regularly: http://www.kikkertspesialisten.no/kikkerttest.htm
There are loads of reviews of binoculars to check out there..and I guess all the new Leicas will be reviewed as soon as they are common in the stores here in Scandinavia..at this time, they are very difficult to get hold of...
There are loads of reviews of binoculars to check out there..and I guess all the new Leicas will be reviewed as soon as they are common in the stores here in Scandinavia..at this time, they are very difficult to get hold of...
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