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Leica ultravid HD 8X32 - Swarovski 8X32 el (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter arran
- Start date
kristoffer
Used Register
use the search button. There are alot of threads on this topic 
Try them if you can--personal fit is key when the optics of both is top notch. If you wear glasses, the Leica might have insufficient eye-relief (only listed at 13 mm). They also have a somewhat narrower FOV. I have the El's and quite like them--esp. the ergonomics.
Best,
Jim
Best,
Jim
Last edited:
John M Robinson
Well-known member
I'm a Leica fan, but like Jim said personal fit sometimes conflicts with the absolute view. I liked the sharpness and contrast slightly better with the Ultravids, but I had slight black-outs with them, the ELs were much easier to my eyes to get that full, no black-out view. I like the ergonomics of both, though they are quite different.
John
John
Alexis Powell
Natural history enthusiast
They are both superb, so as others have already said, your individual preferences for optical personality and ergonomics are likely most relevant in determining the deciding factors.
Though they are certainly different, I'd say I like them equally overall w/respect to optics and ergonomics. For me, the most relevant factors in choosing between them would be the following:
eye-relief (EL is a bit better if you wear glasses)
size (Ultravid is _much_ more compact, so I'd pick it over EL for travel, backpacking etc)
focus stiffness in cold (Ultravid works better if used for extended periods in extreme cold)
If any of these three factors matter to you, then be aware that these binos differ w/respect to them. If they don't, choose the one you like best after trying them both side by side.
--AP
Though they are certainly different, I'd say I like them equally overall w/respect to optics and ergonomics. For me, the most relevant factors in choosing between them would be the following:
eye-relief (EL is a bit better if you wear glasses)
size (Ultravid is _much_ more compact, so I'd pick it over EL for travel, backpacking etc)
focus stiffness in cold (Ultravid works better if used for extended periods in extreme cold)
If any of these three factors matter to you, then be aware that these binos differ w/respect to them. If they don't, choose the one you like best after trying them both side by side.
--AP
Just a note regarding eye relief. In practical terms, the Leica ER, even though stated at 13mm, is greater than the ER on my x32 Zeiss which are rated at 16mm, so you really need to test them personally. The Swaros are listed as 15mm. I tried the Swaros a couple of years ago and did not like the ergonomics, but that is just personal. I also agree that centering is critical for the Leicas, but I am used to it, and love the view.
Alexis Powell
Natural history enthusiast
I agree with the need to test personally because there is always the possibility that some peculiarity of one's facial anatomy (or one's glasses, if applicable) will favor the fit of one model over the other, despite the specs. Case in point: jacquot's claim that the Zeiss 8x32 FL has less eye-relief than the Leica 8x32 Ultravid. It is simply not so, even taking into account differences in how manufacturers measure/report eye-relief. The Zeiss 8x32 FL has longer eye-relief than either the EL or the Ultravid, but if one has deep-set eyes or wears large diameter glasses, the larger diameter ocular cups on the FL might prevent access to all that is there.
--AP
The Kerreran
Has hat, will stand in the rain
To summarise what's been said - find a retailer who will let you try the Leica, Swaro, and Zeiss, side by side and outdoors. Pick whichever fits your eyes and hands best. Enjoy!
Published technical specs, and indeed the opinions of others [included, of course, mine!] are only really useful as guidelines - our individual differences are such that only by trying for yourself can you find the right optics for you. Leica and Swarovski [and of course Zeiss] make excellent binoculars, close enough in quality that individual interface is the biggest difference between them.
Published technical specs, and indeed the opinions of others [included, of course, mine!] are only really useful as guidelines - our individual differences are such that only by trying for yourself can you find the right optics for you. Leica and Swarovski [and of course Zeiss] make excellent binoculars, close enough in quality that individual interface is the biggest difference between them.
Nick Elliston
Well-known member
Couldn't have put it better.
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