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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kammerdiner" data-source="post: 1479843" data-attributes="member: 75300">I've only used the Leica 8x20 Ultravid for about a month now, but I get on with them fine. They are fiddly when it comes to IPD and eye placement, and the double hinges don't help matters. I use compacts while hiking or traveling instead of dedicated birdwatching, so rather than having them around my neck all day they tend to go in and out of the case often. Folding and unfolding double-hinges and fiddling with IPD becomes annoying after a while. In fact I'm looking for a close-fitting case that will hold 8x20 Ultravids unfolded, without simply negating the compact nature of the bins (any suggestions?).The Leicas are sharp and bright in daytime use but they suffer pretty quick as the light fades. Compared to 8x32's they just fall short. Then again I don't really expect them to compete.Prior to the Leica I used cheap Minolta Activa 8x25 reverse porros for years. Surprisingly, the sharpness is almost identical to the Leicas, though not quite to the edges. In the center, sharpness is really too close to call. IPD and eye placement are notably less fiddly with 25mm objectives and there is no folding and unfolding. They weigh only a bit more (about 10.5 oz as I recall, compared to 8.5 for the Leica) and are only slightly bigger in the case. The real problem with these old Minoltas is a dingy yellow cast to the image (just bad coatings I suppose). I think these Minoltas may still be sold under the Olympus name (Tracker 8x25) and they get great reviews on Amazon. Maybe the coatings are improved? No one complains at any rate. They sell for $57 and I'm tempted to have a look. Does anyone have experience with the Olympus Tracker?A top-notch 8x25 reverse porro would be great. You could probably make one for $200 that would equal the alpha 8x20 roofs in any category except weight and size, and even there we're talking maybe 2-3 oz. and only a bit more bulk. They would certainly be easier to use in the field in terms of eye placement and tracking birds on the wing. They wouldn't have the cachet of the roofs--but who cares?What else is out there? I did try the Nikon 8x25 ProStaff and it didn't cut it for me--not as sharp as the beater Minoltas or the new Leicas. Heavy rubber armor pushed the weight and bulk up as well.</blockquote>

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