SanderBird82
Well-known member
Not too close? 8x vs 10x on same 32 mm? Do you notice enough difference for the money?
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Having 2 pairs of binoculars. Which would you choose? (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter ReinierB
- Start date
norway
🔻DTI🔻
Although there are obviously some similarities, there turned out to be less overlap between these two 32-mm optics than I expected.
There’s quite a difference in the image rendering between the classic curved field of the Leica glass and the flattened (some would say over-flattened) field of the EL, plus they handle differently.
The super-compact Ultravid is optimal for travelling and hiking, and excels at motion and panning. Conversely, the longer body and higher magnification of the EL suits its optical design, which is in my opinion better for detailed stationary observation.
Subjectively, I find the viewing experience with the Leica to be more relaxing and immersive, while the Swaro feels colder and more clinical.
As far as similarities go, the UVHD+ and the EL both offer the advantage of having a wider field of view in 32 mm than the versions with larger objective-lens diameters.
Both are also very bright, and I have yet to find myself truly regretting that I didn’t pack something larger even in low light.
Personally, I tend to spend a lot more time moving than glassing, so compactness and light weight usually win out over objective diameter when choosing what to bring in the field and makes 32 mm my favourite form factor.
There’s quite a difference in the image rendering between the classic curved field of the Leica glass and the flattened (some would say over-flattened) field of the EL, plus they handle differently.
The super-compact Ultravid is optimal for travelling and hiking, and excels at motion and panning. Conversely, the longer body and higher magnification of the EL suits its optical design, which is in my opinion better for detailed stationary observation.
Subjectively, I find the viewing experience with the Leica to be more relaxing and immersive, while the Swaro feels colder and more clinical.
As far as similarities go, the UVHD+ and the EL both offer the advantage of having a wider field of view in 32 mm than the versions with larger objective-lens diameters.
Both are also very bright, and I have yet to find myself truly regretting that I didn’t pack something larger even in low light.
Personally, I tend to spend a lot more time moving than glassing, so compactness and light weight usually win out over objective diameter when choosing what to bring in the field and makes 32 mm my favourite form factor.
Based on my personal preferences … ease of carry, ease and comfort of use, and optic/build quality … I can easily get by with just one binocular - a high quality 8x30 or 8x32.
If I was required to have two, it would likely be a second copy of the same for backup.
If it could be a second optic non-binocular, then it would be a high quality spotting scope, likely small objective based on my personal preferences for ease of carry but likely large objective based on my personal preferences for light level at high magnification dawn & dusk use… so help me with this one.
CG
If I was required to have two, it would likely be a second copy of the same for backup.
If it could be a second optic non-binocular, then it would be a high quality spotting scope, likely small objective based on my personal preferences for ease of carry but likely large objective based on my personal preferences for light level at high magnification dawn & dusk use… so help me with this one.
CG
The Ultravids are my favorite binoculars and I've got the x32 in both 8 and 10, then latter of which I got right here in the forum. Glad whenever someone else feels the same way about them.
norway
🔻DTI🔻
For sure. At least for what I value, the Ultravid series is the most appealing option on the market.
The materials and design are top-notch, the tactile experience is great, and for whatever intangible reasons that may be, I just plain tend to enjoy the view through them more than anything else.
Something seldom noted but worth mentioning is that Leica is apparently the only manufacturer that still employs people with the competency to get the typographic details really right; there’s no crappy Arial or Calibri to be seen anywhere.
They’re still the most compact alpha glass available, too — and that counts for a lot to me. If I was into staring head-on at flat brick walls via the edge of the FoV, I might prefer one of the bulkier options. But for how I actually carry and use binoculars, it’s pretty tough to beat Leica’s UV series.
And among all the luxury-priced offerings out there, they’re the only one that genuinely looks and feels like a luxury product.
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In a slightly irritating turnaround, my decision to no longer wear glasses (following cataract surgery in my left eye) has left me far less comfortable using the Ultravid than I was when I used them wearing glasses. The eyecup length is no longer optimal for me, which it was before, so whilst I still recognise what a wonderful and mighty little binocular it is, I'm now reluctant to pick them up and take them with me on my daily walks.
I'm thrilled by the options which have now opened up to me as a non glasses wearer, but deflated that several of my very favourite binoculars no longer work well for me.
For now, the 10x32 EL remains on my list of two, for me it is unsurpassed in that format, but the 8x32 UVHD+ can no longer be one of my choices, if I could only have two pairs of binoculars.
norway
🔻DTI🔻
Damn, that’s an unfortunate surprise. 😬
However, there’s at least a few millimetres of extra thread engagement in the eyecup attachment. Depending on how much adjustment is needed, adding a simple O-ring or other form of spacer may provide enough additional length to make the UVs fit comfortably again.
However, there’s at least a few millimetres of extra thread engagement in the eyecup attachment. Depending on how much adjustment is needed, adding a simple O-ring or other form of spacer may provide enough additional length to make the UVs fit comfortably again.
Yes. My list of o-ringed binoculars is increasing by the day. I'd already experimented with o-rings, but was unable to quite place the binocular where I wanted ideally. They are very usable, but there are x30's and x32's which, without glasses, now give me more comfort and work better for me overall. Sad, but true.
jafritten
Well-known member
Sad to hear your Ultravid is not as enjoyable as before. If o-rings don't work for you, you might like to try and put rubber eyecups from another binocular on the original Leica ones. That's what I do for 2mm more eye relief. I use eyecups from a pair of Bushnell Legend M 10x42. Not as elegant as before they now offer views that are more stable than before as I can rest the eyecups gently in my sockets.
Edit: UV 8x32 mod
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A good challenge! I'm out and about 99% of the time in daylight if I could only own two binoculars my choice would be clear.
The Nikon 10x25HG L for high magnification and the Nikon Monarch M7 8x30 for everything else. Both binoculars are unique in their own way and complement each other perfectly.
The Nikon 10x25HG L for high magnification and the Nikon Monarch M7 8x30 for everything else. Both binoculars are unique in their own way and complement each other perfectly.
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hopster
Well-known member
The NV in 8x is also my main binocular and I love it. Thinking of adding a 7x42 for closer and lighter use.
Regarding your question about 12x or 15x I would recommend the Meopta Meostar HDs in 12x50 and 15x56 and several others here also really like them. Excellent quality (built like a tank, so also a bit heavy but you get a 30 year warranty as a result) and class-leading CA performance, and far cheaper than the alternatives. Not a very wide & flat field though if that's important to you (it might be for astro), and just a touch of an amber tint.
Pixelsnapper
Member
As a new member I’ve found this thread very interesting….There definitely seems to be a list of 5 or 6 binos that are legendary? Must haves?
That keep popping up in peoples lists.
This is a great buyers guide….
as for my own I have a 8x32 trinovid HD that i have loved everything about it except when watching raptors against a bright sky… I can’t un see CA now
😢
I replaced it with a 10x42 El field pro as I wanted a bit more reach….and as little CA as my budget would allow.
Now what to do with the little trinovid ?
The Curio 7x21 seems to get a lot of love here ?
and would fit nicely alongside my El ?
But I like the look on paper of the Kowa BD 6.5x32…
Thoughts on CA ?
That keep popping up in peoples lists.
This is a great buyers guide….
as for my own I have a 8x32 trinovid HD that i have loved everything about it except when watching raptors against a bright sky… I can’t un see CA now
😢
I replaced it with a 10x42 El field pro as I wanted a bit more reach….and as little CA as my budget would allow.
Now what to do with the little trinovid ?
The Curio 7x21 seems to get a lot of love here ?
and would fit nicely alongside my El ?
But I like the look on paper of the Kowa BD 6.5x32…
Thoughts on CA ?
Kowa Genesis are great for dealing with CA
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