Review of Leica Ultravid 8x20 BR
I have now examined the Ultravid 8x20 and also made a comparison to the SLCnew 7x42. Though this hardly can be a really fair comparison, because here we can really talk about "different animals"!
The 8x20 small and lightweight with small exit pupil. The 7x42 large and heavy with a large exit pupil. In the comparison to the SLC 7x42 the image through the Ultravid 8x20 feels a bit limited and dim, significantly dimmer even at daytime. The eye placement is critical through the 8x20, just a slight movement of the eye and the image becomes dimmer. With the 7x42 I will never think about it; the image is always open and clear.
The Ultravid 8x20 provides an extremely sharp image and that's over a big part of the FOV.
I have read reviews of the Ultravid 8x20 there it mention about a large sweet spot. This is correct, the image is sharp and visibly undistortioned almost to the edges and I cannot notice any neither barrel or pincushion distortion.
When I try to look indoors at objects in the shadow near the window I experience the inner reflections and ghost images to be very moderate, and quite comparable to the SLC 7x42.
About the close focus I can quite comfortably look at the object at a distance of 1,6m from the objectives.
I experience the depth of field to be better in the 7x42 than in the 8x20, Looking at close distance needs to change the focus more often in the 8x20.
The Leica Ultravid 8x20 is offered in two versions: BL with a leather surface which is more estethically attractive in my opinion, and the BR in a rubber surface. I chosed the BR because I prefer a rubber surface and the rubber version also is some mm thicker along the barrels. These factors will make the BR more comfortable to hold and constribute to a more stable view. The holding comfortability of the Ultravid 8x20 is likely as comfortable as possible with such a small sized glass; that will means a larger sized binocular of similar design is always better.
The Ultravid 8x20 is made in a reliable and waterproof performance with well workening focus knob without a play. The dioptri setting for the right eyepiece is made by pressing in a button at the underside of the "midstage" (I likely don't find the correct word for it...) when turn the focusing knob.
The eye lens is ca 16mm and the stated eye relief is 16mm at the website of Leica. But in the instruction manual it's stated to 13,9mm. Actually "eye-relief" isn't mentioned there but "exit pupil longitudinal distance" which I understand is the same as eye relief. Also the FOV is stated different between the website and the instruction manual. The manual states 6,3deg when the website states 6,5deg. But what,s matter? It's the practical experience which is important.
Leica has designed the eyepiece that an eyeglasses wearer can make use of the most possible of the eye relief; with the eyecups downfolded the eyepiece lenses are that minimally recessed as it's possible without risking to get contact with the eyeglass lenses.
Conclusion:
A compact binocular always means a compromise. I don't make the same demand of viewing comfortability as with larger binoculars. With a compact binocular you have to sacrifice either magnification or brightness. The problem in my opinion is that the usual choice is to sacrifice the brightness. Instead of the same magnification and several times lower brightness, I would wish an alternative with slightly lower magnification and slightly lower brightness.
Leica Ultravid 8x20 likely is close to be the "perfect" compact binocular. What is missing/what measure needs to make it be the perfect one? Yes, instead of a 8x20 it should be a 6x20. 6x20 would result in a 3,3mm exit pupil with significantly brighter and clearer image, even better eye relief, significantly less critical eye placement and noticable steadier image. That with a very moderate sacrifice of the practical resolution.
The difference between 2,5mm and 3,3mm exit pupil means the difference between beeing a strictly daytime binocular and to be a binocular usable even at dusk and dawn. Many years ago I had a Zeiss Classic 6x20 monocular so I have experience with that. I regret I sold it...
During the time I am waiting Leica offer an Ultravid 6x20 I will keep the Ultravid 8x20...
Regards, Patric
