A2GG
Beth
Recently, I acquired a 'refurbished' HG 8x30 direct from Nikon for a great price.
I also ordered a 'used' Ultravid HD+ 8x32 to compare with the Nikon.
I wanted to select one of these as my primary birding binocular and keep my 1st gen Swarovski CL 8x30 as my backup bino.
I returned the Ultravid this morning, sadly. The only reason had to do with ease of view and comfort with my eyeglasses. The view was tunnel-like compared to the HG and I found this frustrating. The HG has more eye relief and huge ocular lenses. Also, I think the eyecup shape may have helped. Even trying the ultravid without glasses and eyecups extended at each stop I found the view a bit frustrating; blackouts and sort of a tunnel-like view with eyecup extended all the way.
Putting aside the eyeglasses issue, I'll list my impressions of both from looking through them this morning for a couple of hours. It's a very gray, cloudy day here. I first sat in a chair outside and looked through both back and forth for a while. Later, I took a walk with just the Uvid around the block and then took only the HG on the same route looking at the same things.
A couple of birds were still perched in the same spots on my second walk.
The Ultravid HD+ 8x32 may be the best and most satisfying view I've ever seen.
Ultravids (at least the Plus version) just have a very satisfying color presentation that I prefer. What a beautiful view! Blacks look deep black; looking into shadows within a group of pine trees just looked more impressive through the Uvid. Browns, greens, blues looked better...really almost every color looked more satisfying to me.
Ultravid controls glare and CA better than the HG.
Ultravid is very slightly sharper than the HG (which is already quite sharp); There is very little difference here, but it came to me as I kept using them.
Ultravid resolution is overall a little better. The image appears subtly smoother and cleaner.
Ultravid focus on this unit was super smooth … real nice.
HG image is a little warmer (yellow).
HG ergonomics are a little better to me.
HG is about 3 ounces lighter and was noticeable.
HG ease of view and comfort with eyeglasses is definitely better for me.
HG focus is faster and it takes adjusting to get the image sharp due to the quicker focus action. I'll need to get used to it over time.
Looking forward to finally going out birding with the HG. I feel such a sense of satisfaction knowing I got it for such a super reduced price !
Leica Ultravids … can't say enough about the view through these … simply beautiful.
I also ordered a 'used' Ultravid HD+ 8x32 to compare with the Nikon.
I wanted to select one of these as my primary birding binocular and keep my 1st gen Swarovski CL 8x30 as my backup bino.
I returned the Ultravid this morning, sadly. The only reason had to do with ease of view and comfort with my eyeglasses. The view was tunnel-like compared to the HG and I found this frustrating. The HG has more eye relief and huge ocular lenses. Also, I think the eyecup shape may have helped. Even trying the ultravid without glasses and eyecups extended at each stop I found the view a bit frustrating; blackouts and sort of a tunnel-like view with eyecup extended all the way.
Putting aside the eyeglasses issue, I'll list my impressions of both from looking through them this morning for a couple of hours. It's a very gray, cloudy day here. I first sat in a chair outside and looked through both back and forth for a while. Later, I took a walk with just the Uvid around the block and then took only the HG on the same route looking at the same things.
A couple of birds were still perched in the same spots on my second walk.
The Ultravid HD+ 8x32 may be the best and most satisfying view I've ever seen.
Ultravids (at least the Plus version) just have a very satisfying color presentation that I prefer. What a beautiful view! Blacks look deep black; looking into shadows within a group of pine trees just looked more impressive through the Uvid. Browns, greens, blues looked better...really almost every color looked more satisfying to me.
Ultravid controls glare and CA better than the HG.
Ultravid is very slightly sharper than the HG (which is already quite sharp); There is very little difference here, but it came to me as I kept using them.
Ultravid resolution is overall a little better. The image appears subtly smoother and cleaner.
Ultravid focus on this unit was super smooth … real nice.
HG image is a little warmer (yellow).
HG ergonomics are a little better to me.
HG is about 3 ounces lighter and was noticeable.
HG ease of view and comfort with eyeglasses is definitely better for me.
HG focus is faster and it takes adjusting to get the image sharp due to the quicker focus action. I'll need to get used to it over time.
Looking forward to finally going out birding with the HG. I feel such a sense of satisfaction knowing I got it for such a super reduced price !
Leica Ultravids … can't say enough about the view through these … simply beautiful.
Last edited: