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Leica 7x42 Ultravid HD+ owners thoughts. (1 Viewer)

[email protected]

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Here is an old Leica link showing the differences in the size of birds among the various powers of the Leica binoculars.

Scroll down to the the paragraph Bigger may or may not be better.

http://www.company7.com/leica/binoculars.html#Choosing

Bob
That's very interesting. I kind of like 15x. You can see the long beaks on the birds. Good comparison. There is a lot of difference between 10x and 12x. Makes me want to try a 12x. Maybe tough to hold steady though.
 

Vespobuteo

Well-known member
Where did you get 6.84 degrees for Zeiss 10x42 SF? The Zeiss website says 6.5 degrees. My figures are correct. I think the 360 FOV for the Zeiss 10x42 SF is what is incorrect. It doesn't correlate with 6.5 degrees. Also, the Zeiss UK website says the Zeiss 10x42 SF has a 65 degree AFOV which is just what I calculated.

http://www.zeiss.co.uk/sports-optic...-binoculars/victory-sf-binoculars.html#models

NOOOOO, Zeiss say that the AFOV is 65°.

Taking that approximative formula for AFOV and using it backwards will not work any better than the other way around.

Zeiss SF 10x42 have a 4.3% larger FOV (360ft/120m) than the 10x50 SV (345ft/115m).

Just make the effort and compare the bins IRL, and you will notice it.
 
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Torview

Registered User
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The best thing Dennis could do is go look through a 10x42 SF, only then will he realise it has the largest fov of any premium roof available right now.

I compared it to the 10x42 SV, and its seriously notable how much wider the SF is.
 

Troubador

Moderator
Staff member
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True the 7x or 8x gives you a bigger FOV but the birds are smaller and harder to see in that FOV. Sometimes I pick up a small bird in my 10x that I wouldn't have seen in a 7x or 8x especially at distance. I was scanning for Elk in Hayden Valley in Yellowstone this summer and I had both my 8x and 10x SV's. I was using my 8x first and I couldn't see any Elk at all and then I tried my 10x and could just make out some movement at the base of a distant mountain and upon closer inspection I saw antlers moving. Sure enough there was a large herd of Elk moving along slowly at the base of the mountain. 10x will especially at distance reveal birds and animals that you will never see in a 7x or 8x. For your close in birding in the UK 7x or 8x is probably fine but out here in open country or say on an African Safari 10x is going to find you more animals and birds. That is why most hunters and guides use 10x.

All fascinating stuff Dennis but nothing at all to do with what we were discussing which was the relevance of AFOV vs real size of FOV when searching for birds.

Lee
 

[email protected]

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The best thing Dennis could do is go look through a 10x42 SF, only then will he realise it has the largest fov of any premium roof available right now.

I compared it to the 10x42 SV, and its seriously notable how much wider the SF is.
I wish I could try the Zeiss 10x42 SF. There is not a local store that handles them around here. Cabella's has the Zeiss Terra and the Conquest HD and that is about it.
 

henry link

Well-known member
Swarovski and Zeiss have caused some confusion with their recent AFOV specs by apparently changing to MEASURED AFOV, which would include the contributions from distortions. That's certainly the right way to do it, but it means that their specs no longer mesh with either the simple or the ISO calculations.

The 10x42 SF has a measured apparent field spec of 65º and the Swarovski 10x50 SV has a measured apparent field spec of 62º, not a huge difference, but the Zeiss AFOV is a little larger.
 

BruceH

Avatar: Harris Hawk
I wish I could try the Zeiss 10x42 SF. There is not a local store that handles them around here. Cabella's has the Zeiss Terra and the Conquest HD and that is about it.

Cabelas is showing stock for both the Colorardo Lone Tree store south of Denver and the Thorton Store north of Denver. Grand Junction shows out of stock. I suggest you call first to confirm.

........... There is a lot of difference between 10x and 12x. Makes me want to try a 12x. Maybe tough to hold steady though.

The weight to me is more of an issue, but that does not seem to be an issue for you with the 10X50. If you can hold the 10X50 without struggling, it is likely you will not have a problem with the 12X50, other than maybe not being to hold it as long. The view should be similar to your 10X, just less field of view, but more magnification. Even though the FOV is less on th 12, the apparent field of view is actually larger as published by Swaro (12X-63 degrees, 10X-62 degrees).

If you go there, leave your bias at home and walk through the door with an open mind!

There are still some closeout 12X50 SV's on sale. Euro Optics is $2,200 and they have a like new demo Zeiss SF 10X42 for $2,149 (eBay).

I will use both a 7X and the 12X here at the house during the morning feed. The 7 allows me to take in all the action with the wlde field and large depth of field. The detail from the 12X is incredible with some of the birds less than 10 yards away. Two totally different viewing experiences and both are excellent. The 7 is an EDG with the ISO 52.2 AFOV and even though it does take in a lot of ground, it does seem slightly restricted after using other binoculars with wider apparent fields of view.
 

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[email protected]

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Cabelas is showing stock for both the Colorardo Lone Tree store south of Denver and the Thorton Store north of Denver. Grand Junction shows out of stock. I suggest you call first to confirm.



The weight to me is more of an issue, but that does not seem to be an issue for you with the 10X50. If you can hold the 10X50 without struggling, it is likely you will not have a problem with the 12X50, other than maybe not being to hold it as long. The view should be similar to your 10X, just less field of view, but more magnification. Even though the FOV is less on th 12, the apparent field of view is actually larger as published by Swaro (12X-63 degrees, 10X-62 degrees).

If you go there, leave your bias at home and walk through the door with an open mind!

There are still some closeout 12X50 SV's on sale. Euro Optics is $2,200 and they have a like new demo Zeiss SF 10X42 for $2,149 (eBay).

I will use both a 7X and the 12X here at the house during the morning feed. The 7 allows me to take in all the action with the wlde field and large depth of field. The detail from the 12X is incredible with some of the birds less than 10 yards away. Two totally different viewing experiences and both are excellent. The 7 is an EDG with the ISO 52.2 AFOV and even though it does take in a lot of ground, it does seem slightly restricted after using other binoculars with wider apparent fields of view.
Thanks Bruce. Next week I will be in Thornton so I am going to go by the Cabella's and take a look at the Zeiss 10x42 SF. Unfortunately they don't have the Zeiss 8x42 SF in stock. I am sure it will be great with a 360 foot FOV. 7x and 12x are a nice combination. You just have more flexibility with two binoculars like that. 7x is good for the wide FOV and the 12x is great for close up detail. Similar to my 8x and 10x except more wide range. Is your 12x an SV? I guess we are getting off topic here. Back to the Leica 7x42 HD Plus.
 
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BruceH

Avatar: Harris Hawk
Yes, it is a Swaro 12X50 SV EL pre Profield. Both of the Sportsman's Warehouse stores out here had a Zeiss SF 10X42 in store. I believe there is a Sportsman's Warehouse in Thorton so that may be another option for you.

The discussion has drifted from direct discussion of the Leica 7X42 UV Plus but at least it is still on binoculars rather than beers or sports cars. If there is more to say, then start a new thread and we will find it.

When you are at Cabelas's, check to see if they carry the Leica 7x42 in store. The only Ultravid, old or new, on their site is a compact. I should be going to the Glendale Cabelas's next week so I will check there. I would like to look through one after all of the discussion. I have looked through the 10 UV Plus and it was nice, so I doubt if Torview and GG are suffering!
 

Gilmore Girl

Beth
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United States
When you are at Cabelas's, check to see if they carry the Leica 7x42 in store. The only Ultravid, old or new, on their site is a compact. I should be going to the Glendale Cabelas's next week so I will check there. I would like to look through one after all of the discussion. I have looked through the 10 UV Plus and it was nice, so I doubt if Torview and GG are suffering!

I'm thoroughly satisfied with the UV so far. Spent a good amount of time with it today. I went to an overlook and then a wooded trail and small field. On the way home I realized this has to be the best bino purchase I've ever made. It's a wonderful fit for me and is so easy and comfortable with my glasses. I need to hold on to this one since the 7x42 seems to be going extinct. I don't think I can go back to anything less comfortable. Also loving the nice DOF and handling...feels comfy to hold...and the view is gorgeous of course. At first I was a bit concerned with spending so much money, but I feel it was worth it now. Thanks to Caruh for suggesting it would be a worthy investment when I was still deciding what to do.
 

cycleguy

Well-known member
I'm thoroughly satisfied with the UV so far. Spent a good amount of time with it today. I went to an overlook and then a wooded trail and small field. On the way home I realized this has to be the best bino purchase I've ever made. It's a wonderful fit for me and is so easy and comfortable with my glasses. I need to hold on to this one since the 7x42 seems to be going extinct. I don't think I can go back to anything less comfortable. Also loving the nice DOF and handling...feels comfy to hold...and the view is gorgeous of course. At first I was a bit concerned with spending so much money, but I feel it was worth it now. Thanks to Caruh for suggesting it would be a worthy investment when I was still deciding what to do.

Congratulations on your find...!!!
And thanks for bringing this thread back on topic.:t::t::t:

CG
 

chill6x6

Well-known member
I'm thoroughly satisfied with the UV so far. Spent a good amount of time with it today. I went to an overlook and then a wooded trail and small field. On the way home I realized this has to be the best bino purchase I've ever made. It's a wonderful fit for me and is so easy and comfortable with my glasses. I need to hold on to this one since the 7x42 seems to be going extinct. I don't think I can go back to anything less comfortable. Also loving the nice DOF and handling...feels comfy to hold...and the view is gorgeous of course. At first I was a bit concerned with spending so much money, but I feel it was worth it now. Thanks to Caruh for suggesting it would be a worthy investment when I was still deciding what to do.

FANTASTIC! Sounds as if the Leica met or even exceeded your expectations! That IS a great feeling! The Leica's really ARE hard to beat...a Leica 7X42 is certainly on my LIST! I also like your idea of adding a 10X somewhere down the road. Each magnification has its place. Happy Birding! :t:
 

[email protected]

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Yes, it is a Swaro 12X50 SV EL pre Profield. Both of the Sportsman's Warehouse stores out here had a Zeiss SF 10X42 in store. I believe there is a Sportsman's Warehouse in Thorton so that may be another option for you.

The discussion has drifted from direct discussion of the Leica 7X42 UV Plus but at least it is still on binoculars rather than beers or sports cars. If there is more to say, then start a new thread and we will find it.

When you are at Cabelas's, check to see if they carry the Leica 7x42 in store. The only Ultravid, old or new, on their site is a compact. I should be going to the Glendale Cabelas's next week so I will check there. I would like to look through one after all of the discussion. I have looked through the 10 UV Plus and it was nice, so I doubt if Torview and GG are suffering!
Will do but I don't remember Cabella's having many Leica's much less a 7x42 Ultravid Plus. Leica's are definitely nice. Probably the best build quality of any binocular around. I think all our Cabella's had was the new Trinovid when I was in there last. Any of the alpha's are a good choice. Just little differences separate them really. It just a matter of personal likes and dislikes and how well that particular binocular fits you.
 
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dwever

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What focal length would you guys recommend for birding and African Safaris
7 x 42
8.x 42
Or 10.x 42
The reason I ask is I've never used binoculars before but have just been offered a brand new Leica 10 x 42 HD for a really good price

I served as the Regional Director for Africa with my company for seven years and out of ignorance dragged around a pair of Steiner 7X50 for five then Zeiss 7X50 Marines for the last two years. The Zeiss were at least a couple of orders of magnitude better than the Steiners' and all around awesome, but I'm not in the Royal Navy :), and for air travel to Africa it would of been any alpha 8/8.5X42 that would of taken my binocular choice from great to best.

You can occasionally wish for 10x, and they will serve you very well especially in the South Africa and East Africa park drives; but just as readily, you'll see many things like African porcupines among others in dark dense foliage or at dusk/night making a bright 8X HT or HD Plus make the most sense. And, even the big game safari drives begin just before dawn and just before dusk. Bright 8X. You want to be able to see at night. As I've mentioned in other post, in April I'll be gorilla sighting outside of Kigali and I have bought an Ultravid HD Plus in 8X for that. I'll report back.

Lastly, safari drives tend to be two to three hours, and very rugged. Kruger National Park in South Africa is the only park I have ever been in that has any paved roads. And while you stop frequently, there are many times you want to use your glass on the move. We saw as much game the last few miles driving into the Kruger park as in it. 10X is tough sledding from a pitching vehicle crawling through ruts. Those were times I really appreciated the 7X Marines, and I think the much lighter and more compact 8X Leicas will still serve me well on the move. Of my small sampling of parks in Africa, my top five would be (spelling is suspect): 1. The Rhino Pak in Swaziland (can't call the name, but it's a very small country) 2. Ruaha in Tanzania 3. Rift Valley Kenya. 4. Voi West Kenya 5. Ambocelli Kenya.

Oh my goodness, Fed Ex just dropped off a box with my Leicas literally as I was writing this.

Pic 1: me and some new friends in Ghana after the Ebola crisis. Not saying which one is me.
Pic 2: a box that arrived from Fed Ex as I was writing this post with some UV HD Plus inside.
 

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Troubador

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You can occasionally wish for 10x, and they will serve you very well especially in the South Africa and East Africa park drives; but just as readily, you'll see many things like African porcupines among others in dark dense foliage or at dusk/night making a bright 8X HT or HD Plus make the most sense. And, even the big game safari drives begin just before dawn and just before dusk. Bright 8X. You want to be able to see at night. As I've mentioned in other post, in April I'll be gorilla sighting outside of Kigali and I have bought an Ultravid HD Plus in 8X for that.

D
When I went to South Africa and Zimbabwe I had a Zeiss 10x40 Dialyt and it was fine for most of the day but just as you point out, much of the real drama takes place in the half light of dawn or dusk and I really could have been better served by an 8x.

Lee
 

JabaliHunter

Well-known member
D
When I went to South Africa and Zimbabwe I had a Zeiss 10x40 Dialyt and it was fine for most of the day but just as you point out, much of the real drama takes place in the half light of dawn or dusk and I really could have been better served by an 8x.

Lee

Or a 10x50
 

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