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Leica 8 x 32 Ultravid HD plus (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter teelgul
- Start date
John Frink
Well-known member
I view with glasses also, and the 8x32 UV has just enough eye relief for me to see the entire field; but I have thin metal eyeglass frames, with adjustable bridge rests, and they sit close to my face. A heavy plastic frame with thick lenses would probably prevent most users from seeing the entire field. Thus I think it's important for anyone considering this bino to try them out first if they wear glasses. I love it; I think it's a little gem, with a lovely view. Hope this helps.
eitanaltman
Well-known member
It seems to depend on how thick your glasses are. While the eye relief is short on paper, the little Leica does maximize it by having the eye lens being nearly flush with the rim of the eyecup. See the photo below for example vs the Zeiss 8x25 Victory and Vortex 8x32 Diamondback, both of which lose a fair bit more eye relief due to more deeply recessed ocular lenses.
My wife uses the 8x32 UVHD and she loves them, she wears glasses but they aren't super thick. Some people have reported the eye relief being JUST enough, and others don't. So you may have to try them.
That said, I would strongly consider the Zeiss 8x25 Victory, which have quite long eye relief and are close to the Ultravid optically despite being half the price. And they are even lighter and fold up smaller for travel.
My wife uses the 8x32 UVHD and she loves them, she wears glasses but they aren't super thick. Some people have reported the eye relief being JUST enough, and others don't. So you may have to try them.
That said, I would strongly consider the Zeiss 8x25 Victory, which have quite long eye relief and are close to the Ultravid optically despite being half the price. And they are even lighter and fold up smaller for travel.
Try out the Little Meopta Meostar 8x32 , you could be pleasantly surprised on how it fares against the best 8x32’s out there and for sure .... the Meopta will leave more money in your pocket.
Eye relief is one thing, but trying to stabilize the tiny eye cups of the Ultravid against your bony anatomy somewhere around your eye is another. This is the same issue with the Meostar which requires very precise eye placement to get the perfect view —- a view which is clearly alpha-premium level. Tiny eye cups. Ergonomics.
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My wife wears eyeglasses when viewing. Our UVHD+ is the only bino in our collection that she cannot see the entire field of view. And she requires less ER than I do.
Yes, I’m sure there are a few eyeglass wearers out there that use the 8x32 UVHD+ to good effect, but I certainly would not recommend one to an eyeglass wearer that could not purchase one in person.
Yes, I’m sure there are a few eyeglass wearers out there that use the 8x32 UVHD+ to good effect, but I certainly would not recommend one to an eyeglass wearer that could not purchase one in person.
pbjosh
missing the neotropics
For my eyes, in my (somewhat limited experience), the 8x32 is the star of the Ultravid lineup. But it doesn't have enough eye relief for me with glasses, unfortunately. I can't comment on the Meopta, but in terms of other very small bins that handle about like a full size, I am a fan of the Victory 8x25, Monarch HG 8x30, and CL-B 8x30. Choosing between those and the Ultravid will be a function of ergonomics and personal preferences more than anything, they're all excellent.
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