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Leica Ultravid 8x20 dissection (The beauty) (2 Viewers)

Nice pictures 👏
Is there space inside the cordura case to store the binoculars with the IPD setting? The double hinge is strong enough to keep up with IPD?
 
Nice pictures 👏
Is there space inside the cordura case to store the binoculars with the IPD setting? The double hinge is strong enough to keep up with IPD?

No, the OEM CORDURA case is not large enough to store the UV with the IPD setting. However, yes the UV 8x20 hinges are stiff enough to go in and out of a pocket or larger case and retain the IPD distance. In this respect the UV 8x20 is a bit easier and quicker to deploy for either pocket carry or with a slightly larger case than the also excellent SW Curio 7x21 because it doesn't have quite as much hinge tension.

Mike
 
Nice pictures 👏
Is there space inside the cordura case to store the binoculars with the IPD setting? The double hinge is strong enough to keep up with IPD?
Thank you! The model is also very important. This Ultravid has great photo potential, because it is gorgeous!
Regarding the questions, I am on the same frequency as Mike answers. To put it in cordura case, I have to reset IPD. But it is not a problem because the hinges tension are stable, being accessed without loose stiffness, even after many intensive use.. The IPD adjustment is done easily, without effort! Ultravid has the same moving mechanical parts as the first day,
 
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For me, a small pocket binocular must also be beautiful. I say this because these small tools are design objects in themselves, and they are usually used as emergency binoculars, more admired for their appearance than their use! But if, in addition to this attractive design, they also have very good optics, they become an ideal pocket binoculars. This is the case with the Leica Ultravid 8x20.
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I bought one of these to take on trips and hikings without weighing it down in my backpack and I admired it more for its use than for its appearance. Of course, the reliable construction was decisive, using it without fearing that the diopter knob will fall off was decisive, but the optical quality surprised me for an 8x20, I rarely miss my fulls-size for my use.
 
For me, a small pocket binocular must also be beautiful. I say this because these small tools are design objects in themselves, and they are usually used as emergency binoculars, more admired for their appearance than their use! But if, in addition to this attractive design, they also have very good optics, they become an ideal pocket binoculars. This is the case with the Leica Ultravid 8x20.
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Yes, it looks beautiful! I have the Curio 7x21 black edition and like it's looks as well, although I think the Ultravid looks even better. The Curio has a bit too much metal for my taste.
Aesthetics are important for me, not only for pocket bins (also for fullsize bins).
Very nice picture!
 
For me, a small pocket binocular must also be beautiful. I say this because these small tools are design objects in themselves, and they are usually used as emergency binoculars, more admired for their appearance than their use! But if, in addition to this attractive design, they also have very good optics, they become an ideal pocket binoculars. This is the case with the Leica Ultravid 8x20.
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I agree with the assessment. One problem I experienced, though, that bridge cover with the red Leica sign is not very sturdy. I had to have it replaced when it came lose under pressure and could no longer be attached.
 
I've played around with some numbers and if Leica ever brought out an Ultravid 6x20 BR I'd be in the market for a third pocket bino to go with my Curio and the VP 8x25.
 
...if Leica ever brought out an Ultravid 6x20 BR I'd be in the market...
Me too, on board for anything small format 6 or 7x from them. Got a Zeiss 6x18 on the way now, and am really looking forward to it, but so hard to find and I wish there would be some gumption from the makers to educate the public about just how great life can be with these lower magnification options.
 
... Got a Zeiss 6x18 on the way now, and am really looking forward to it, but so hard to find and I wish there would be some gumption from the makers to educate the public about just how great life can be with these lower magnification options.
Oooh nice. The only thing that has always kept me from one of those is that I am not so good with just one eye - which was also the major reason behind the aqcuisition of the BTX. I hope you will share your thoughts on the Zeiss 6x18 once you have played around with it.
And yes, most folks not (hunting) in the American West would be totally happy with 6x and 7x if only they gave it a try. The calm view alone is worth it.
 
Oooh nice. The only thing that has always kept me from one of those is that I am not so good with just one eye - which was also the major reason behind the aqcuisition of the BTX. I hope you will share your thoughts on the Zeiss 6x18 once you have played around with it.
And yes, most folks not (hunting) in the American West would be totally happy with 6x and 7x if only they gave it a try. The calm view alone is worth it.
Awaiting confirmation from @Trinovid I believe he got the Zeiss design series 6x18 binocular. Should be interesting.....

Mike
 
Oooh nice. The only thing that has always kept me from one of those is that I am not so good with just one eye - which was also the major reason behind the aqcuisition of the BTX. I hope you will share your thoughts on the Zeiss 6x18 once you have played around with it.
And yes, most folks not (hunting) in the American West would be totally happy with 6x and 7x if only they gave it a try. The calm view alone is worth it.
I've had the 6x18 monocular for quite a while now, but finally have the binocular version on the way. So right about people accepting the lower magnifications if only they were to give it a try. All too often buyers mistakenly go after the more-is-better mindset without examining it close enough to see if it bears scrutiny.
Years ago I was asked why I didn't upgrade in engine size for my new snowmachine from 600 to 700, and the reason for it was that I wasn't a hill climber. The 600 class gave me enough power to walk on water and get over 100 when asked for, so why buy a larger engine? Buy the right tool for your own purposes and leave bragging rights about numbers to those not worth talking or listening to on the subject..
 
I found Ultravid 8x20 BR at a good price and I couldn't resist. I tested it for a while and now I will share my Ultravid impressions and images with you. (I will make soon a detailed comparison between Ultravid 8x20 and Trinovid 8x20)
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Mechanical presentation

Ultravid eyepieces covers fit perfectly, having loop for the strap it is very useful not to lose them!
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Ultravid eyepiece cups have two positions: folded and extended! The rubber is soft. The outer diameter is 30mm
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Ultravid Focus system. It has an exact and pleasant rotation, without lost motion. For pocket binoculars, the wheel is very convenient, being easy to access.
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Ultravid diopter adjustment is done without taking off binoculars from the eyes, so very convenient and efficient. This is due to the small button that disengages the focus. Has a margin of +-3.5 diopters
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Ultravid Housing finish is carefully crafted with quality rubber armor, pleasant to the touch. It is a beauty!!
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Ultravid interior finish is impeccably matte blackened and vibrated with grooves
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Ultravid hinge is double with a very good resistance
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Ultravid resistance
in water is 0.5 bar (up to approx. 5m depth). The material of the case is aluminum (bino weight with straps and caps aprox. 255g.). Operating temperature-25 degrees C. +55 Cdeg
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Ultravid ergonomics are impressive for such small binoculars. It is comfortable due to the larger and easy to access focus wheel.
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Optical presentation


Ultravid outer lenses are covered with High Durable Coating and hydrophobic AquaDura for very easy maintenance and resistance against fogging. I am extremely satisfied with this aspect, because a pocket binocular, during travels, has many unexpected situations.
Ultravid eyepieces have a tobacco-colored anti-reflective coating with a very high efficiency. From some angles you practically have the impression that the lens disappears. The diameter of the lenses is 16.5mm.
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Ultravid 20mm objective lenses have an olive colored coating with small purple hues. The roof prisms are covered with an blue/green coating, High Lux System and phase correction coating P40
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Ultravid resolution is very high. A very sharp pair of binoculars! The clarity extends to about 90% of the FOV. Only the last 10% decrease a bit in resolution, but not annoyingly
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Ultravid light transmission. I am amazed that in some tests (De verrekijkerspecialist) it has very high light transmission, higher than we are used with a Leica bino.
Ultravid contrast is very high. Ultravid 8x20 belongs to the category of binoculars with strong contrast with very deep black.
Ultravid glare resistance. With the light source near the FOV, or in the background, this small binoculars have no problems. This is due the very well blackened tubes inside, but also due the well-chosen coating and optical diaphragms in front of the prisms.
Ultravid colors saturation are vivid and strong. Especially in a sunset light, the colors take a special saturation beauty!!
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Ultravid Chromatic aberrations are minimal and only on the edges. For me it does not present any kind of problem.
Ultravid eye relief is 15mm from specification, but I think it is maybe a little higher because it is very comfortable with my glasses, having easy access to the entire AFOV.
Ultravid field of view is 6.5 with an AFOV of 52 deg. It's not a large AFOV but it's very similar to competition in this pocket class (Swarovski's Curio 7x21 has a little smaller AFOV- 51 deg.)
The binoculars can focus extremely close (1.75m measured by me). Very useful in nature
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Conclusions
Leica Ultravid 8x20 is a very small binocular that hides inside an extremely high performance optic. It has a special sparkle to the image! The mechanics are also impeccable, everything moves firmly and precisely. It gives me the impression that we are dealing with the highest possible quality concentrated per square centimeter!
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Are all the UV 8x20 made in Portugal, were they ever made in Germany? I have heard conflicting reports on this and there is a specific video review that clearly shows made in Germany on the tube below the eyecup when they are extended . They are wonderful and a joy nonetheless!
 
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