I’d take an Ultravid in either 5,6 or 7x, based on my 5x Nikon, 6x Leitz and Zeiss, and others.Leica Ultravid 20mm would be my choice of compact binocular - if it was released in 6x version!
Are you still very happy swapping your trinovid for the ultravid? Looking back, you still think the ultravid is worth the extra money?Leica colors
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That pretty much sums up my take on these Ultravids...I love my 8x20 UV, the ergonomics are amazing for the tiny size and the build quality + industrial design is in another class from any competitor. It is also very rugged and I am unconcerned throwing it in my pocket or in a bag without a protective case.
Having owned the Zeiss 8x25 VP, I do think a slightly larger single hinge is superior ergonomically for actual use, but the "pocket portability" advantages of the tiny 8x20 with double hinges is a better compromise for me. And the Leica construction/design makes it the highest quality execution of the double-hinge design I've used, nearly every other I've handled ends up with uneven tension, one side is floppy, etc. The Leicas have perfect tension, easy to move when needed but firm enough to stay in place while in use, and they have stayed tight over time despite reasonably frequent use.
Plus, the optics are close to perfection; yes the FOV isn't great but that's an easy sacrifice for a backup/emergency optic where portability is maximized. And it helps that what's there is nearly perfectly corrected almost to the edge of the FOV. My feeling is that if you need a wide, lush FOV for extended, comfortable viewing, you wouldn't be using your 20mm pocket binocular (I use my 7x42 for "real birding"). In all other respects -- resolution, edge-to-edge clarity, color saturation, contrast, glare control, color fringing, etc -- they are essentially best-in-class optically.
My only "if I could wave a magic wand" nitpicks:
One other benefit I've not often seen mentioned -- they are very easy to use as a pseudo-monocular for quick views. I frequently use them this way when on the move but wanting to grab a quick look; I leave them folded up with the whole thing in my fist and quickly stick one side up to my eye, using the index finger to focus. They are so small and light that I see no need to buy a separate monocular.
- The common issue of tiny eyecups + long eye relief to accommodate eyeglass-wearers... but I've developed a good system for getting quick, consistent views over time so less of an issue lately
- The market obsession with 8x... exit pupil size is the loser of the market trends, I would prefer these were 7x21 like the Curio
- Click-out eyecups tend to collapse when pushed into a pocket/bag, leading to inadvertent fingerprint smudgies on the ocular lenses when I grab them out... not really a flaw or bad design, they are perfectly stable in actual use, but it would be nice if they locked in the extended position to provide some protection for the ocular lenses
My Leica family photo
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One other benefit I've not often seen mentioned -- they are very easy to use as a pseudo-monocular for quick views. I frequently use them this way when on the move but wanting to grab a quick look; I leave them folded up with the whole thing in my fist and quickly stick one side up to my eye, using the index finger to focus. They are so small and light that I see no need to buy a separate monocular.
I've got all three of those as well, and now I finally feel validated!My Leica family photo
I have an 8x20 Leitz that is still a useful binocular and anything Leica is better yet. If you can get a good price there’s not much risk in giving them a try.I found a good offer for a nearly new trinovid 8x20 BCA. Shall I go for it? I like the idea of not having the most expensive binoculars in my pocket (leaving my jacket in wardrobes etc.) and I think it's the tiniest/lightest of all the "premium" pockets.
Thanks! € 350 is offered... double the price and I can get a new CurioI have an 8x20 Leitz that is still a useful binocular and anything Leica is better yet. If you can get a good price there’s not much risk in giving them a try.
The minimalist proportions is one of the things that I really do enjoy about the tiny Leitz.
Really nice trio! Add a UHVD 10 or 12x50 and you have covered all the ground (imho, because I like higher magnifications).I love my 8x20 UV, the ergonomics are amazing for the tiny size and the build quality + industrial design is in another class from any competitor. It is also very rugged and I am unconcerned throwing it in my pocket or in a bag without a protective case.
Having owned the Zeiss 8x25 VP, I do think a slightly larger single hinge is superior ergonomically for actual use, but the "pocket portability" advantages of the tiny 8x20 with double hinges is a better compromise for me. And the Leica construction/design makes it the highest quality execution of the double-hinge design I've used, nearly every other I've handled ends up with uneven tension, one side is floppy, etc. The Leicas have perfect tension, easy to move when needed but firm enough to stay in place while in use, and they have stayed tight over time despite reasonably frequent use.
Plus, the optics are close to perfection; yes the FOV isn't great but that's an easy sacrifice for a backup/emergency optic where portability is maximized. And it helps that what's there is nearly perfectly corrected almost to the edge of the FOV. My feeling is that if you need a wide, lush FOV for extended, comfortable viewing, you wouldn't be using your 20mm pocket binocular (I use my 7x42 for "real birding"). In all other respects -- resolution, edge-to-edge clarity, color saturation, contrast, glare control, color fringing, etc -- they are essentially best-in-class optically.
My only "if I could wave a magic wand" nitpicks:
One other benefit I've not often seen mentioned -- they are very easy to use as a pseudo-monocular for quick views. I frequently use them this way when on the move but wanting to grab a quick look; I leave them folded up with the whole thing in my fist and quickly stick one side up to my eye, using the index finger to focus. They are so small and light that I see no need to buy a separate monocular.
- The common issue of tiny eyecups + long eye relief to accommodate eyeglass-wearers... but I've developed a good system for getting quick, consistent views over time so less of an issue lately
- The market obsession with 8x... exit pupil size is the loser of the market trends, I would prefer these were 7x21 like the Curio
- Click-out eyecups tend to collapse when pushed into a pocket/bag, leading to inadvertent fingerprint smudgies on the ocular lenses when I grab them out... not really a flaw or bad design, they are perfectly stable in actual use, but it would be nice if they locked in the extended position to provide some protection for the ocular lenses
My Leica family photo
View attachment 1546052
Reinier,I found a good offer for a nearly new trinovid 8x20 BCA. Shall I go for it? I like the idea of not having the most expensive binoculars in my pocket (leaving my jacket in wardrobes etc.) and I think it's the tiniest/lightest of all the "premium" pockets. I like the idea of 8 power as well (still reluctant buying the 7x21 because of that reason)
Or will I regret it? Leaving a curio or ultravid in my pocket all the time is kind of scary. Just thinking out loud...
That’s what my parents chose to name me.Why is your name Trinovid actually? Because you leic the Trinovids?