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I recently spent a very pleasant afternoon at Loch Leven RSPB reserve, comparing HD+s and Noctovids. To my eyes, the view through the Noctovids was far superior - noticeably clearer and more immersive, with a real "wow" factor that I didn't get with the HD+s. What I didn't like so much was the handling; with the focus wheel too far up the body for comfort and the strap lugs not positioned further round to the back and out of the way. .....
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..... It's a pity that they don't combine the handling of the HD+ with the view of the Noctovid.
I couldn't agree more, Swarovski Man.
I like the Ultravids and also the Noctivid - you seem to call it "Noct
ovid" - binoculars, but I find it a pity that the Noctivid, which is a step up optically (the more "immersive" experience which you describe may have to do, among other things, with the better off-axis sharpness and the wider field of view), is a step back for me in terms of design and ergonomics.
I find the UV HD+ an "industrial design icon"; the bino feels right all around, and it rests perfectly in my hand; the Noctivid doesn't, the double hinge his too small to place my fingers, the focus wheel is too far "up" and not comfortable for my index finger. The Noctivid's optics are superb, though!
The optics of the Noctivid in the body of the UV HD+ could also for me be the ultimate Leica bino - for the time being, if I had to choose, I would probably stick with the UV HD+ (I am sure many here would rather go with the Noctivid).
BTW: I think Leica has the best line-up of all premium binos with their Ultravids:
8x20, 10x25, 8x32, 10x32, 7x42, 8x42, 10x42, 8x50, 10x50, 12x50,
each one of them a great instrument.
Canip