New Leica HD Ultravid PLUS (1 Viewer)

[Hermann]

A quick comment on the Ultravid HD Plus: I had a chance to compare one (the 8x42) to a Trinovid 8x42 at a trade show. In earlier comparisons in the field I had found that the "normal" Ultravid HD and the Trinovid were virtually indistinguishable with regard to their optics.

Today, however, I found the Ultravid HD Plus was clearly brighter and more neutral than the Trinovid. In fact, I found the image quality of the HD Plus to be very very good. The increase in transmission and so on Leica reported does appear to make a clearcut difference, I think, and taken together with their robust construction Leica seems to have a competitive range of binoculars for the birding market again at long last.

That, I think, is good news.

Hermann

 

[elkcub]

It amazes me how much Leica can milk out of basically the same instrument. Using the specs posted on Eagle Optics, all 8x42 Ultravid products share the same limitations: ER=15.5mm, FOV=389', and Short focus=9.8'.

It may be that image quality is improving, but I wouldn't agree that "...Leica seems to have a competitive range of binoculars for the birding market again at long last." The Swarovski 8x42 SLC markets for about $700 less and has a generous ER=18.5mmm and FOV=408'. Admittedly the short focus is about 1' greater, but arguably, the construction is equally good and the customer service is much better.

Ed

 

[Pileatus]

It amazes me how much Leica can milk out of basically the same instrument. Using the specs posted on Eagle Optics, all 8x42 Ultravid products share the same limitations: ER=15.5mm, FOV=389', and Short focus=9.8'.

It may be that image quality is improving, but I wouldn't agree that "...Leica seems to have a competitive range of binoculars for the birding market again at long last." The Swarovski 8x42 SLC markets for about $700 less and has a generous ER=18.5mmm and FOV=408'. Admittedly the short focus is about 1' greater, but arguably, the construction is equally good and the customer service is much better.

Ed

Leica's finest alpha option is the 7X42 Ultravid. It has just enough eye relief, a great FOV and is sharp as a tack. I agree...the 8X42 SLC beats the 8X42 Ultravid in more than one category.

 

[Hermann]

It amazes me how much Leica can milk out of basically the same instrument. Using the specs posted on Eagle Optics, all 8x42 Ultravid products share the same limitations: ER=15.5mm, FOV=389', and Short focus=9.8'.

It may be that image quality is improving, but I wouldn't agree that "...Leica seems to have a competitive range of binoculars for the birding market again at long last." The Swarovski 8x42 SLC markets for about $700 less and has a generous ER=18.5mmm and FOV=408'. Admittedly the short focus is about 1' greater, but arguably, the construction is equally good and the customer service is much better.

Well, maybe. But people who (a) like Leica for whatever reasons, (b) can live with the short ER and slightly smaller field of view, (c) prefer the slightly slimmer and smaller body of the Leica over the Swarovski, or (d) want a 7x42, can now get a pair of binoculars from Leica that is up-to-date with regard to brightness and colour reproduction. Also, not everyone lives in the US, and here in Germany the Leica service is good.

That said, I left the trade show with the distinct impression that Leica will have some new products in the not-too-distant future. Next year, in fact. I have no details, but to me it seems these will be roofs rather than porros.

Hermann

 

[stereotruckdriver]

Well, maybe. But people who (a) like Leica for whatever reasons, (b) can live with the short ER and slightly smaller field of view, (c) prefer the slightly slimmer and smaller body of the Leica over the Swarovski, or (d) want a 7x42, can now get a pair of binoculars from Leica that is up-to-date with regard to brightness and colour reproduction. Also, not everyone lives in the US, and here in Germany the Leica service is good.

That said, I left the trade show with the distinct impression that Leica will have some new products in the not-too-distant future. Next year, in fact. I have no details, but to me it seems these will be roofs rather than porros.

Hermann

Hermann, did Leica upgrade the 7x42?

I haven't seen any info that states that?

That would be the only binocular that would create any interest for me at
this time.

Bryce...

 

[jan van daalen]

Hermann, did Leica upgrade the 7x42?

I haven't seen any info that states that?

That would be the only binocular that would create any interest for me at
this time.

Bryce...

If you consider the HD plus an upgrade the way Hermann does, yes Leica upgraded the 7x42 to an HDplus 7x42.

Jan

 

[Hermann]

Hermann, did Leica upgrade the 7x42?

I haven't seen any info that states that?

Yes, they did. They upgraded the 7x42, the 8x42 and the 10x42. In fact, I tried the 7x42 for a while as well yesterday ... Unfortunately no upgrade to the 8x32.

Hermann

 

[ceasar]

Hermann, did Leica upgrade the 7x42?

I haven't seen any info that states that?

That would be the only binocular that would create any interest for me at
this time.

Bryce...

Eagle Optics is preparing for it.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/leica/leica-ultravid-hd-plus-7x42-binocular

Bob

 

[jgraider]

New products, from the same company with a schitttty USA warranty. Still a joke.

 

[sako]

New products, from the same company with a schitttty USA warranty. Still a joke.

Presumably you're referring to the non transferable warranty. Not a major problem for me and many other people I know who use their binoculars. I don't own any Leica binoculars; just one of their ER rifle scopes and a 1600B rangefinder.

I personally don't buy expensive optics with a view to selling them or trading them until they've had at least ten years of use. I've heard and read reports from people who have had their old Leica binoculars repaired free of charge and they were not the original owners. Admittedly, these were not USA owners.

From what I've observed, Leica optics are very well made and seem to have fewer problems than many other high end brand optics. I own a Swarovski EL 8X32 SV and a Zeiss HT 10x42 and although there's not much in it, both don't feel as ruggedly made as a friend's Leica 10x42 HD. Just a personal observation.

 

[Hermann]

From what I've observed, Leica optics are very well made and seem to have fewer problems than many other high end brand optics. I own a Swarovski EL 8X32 SV and a Zeiss HT 10x42 and although there's not much in it, both don't feel as ruggedly made as a friend's Leica 10x42 HD. Just a personal observation.

The mechanical quality of the Leicas is outstanding in my opinion. I recently had a chance to have a look at a 7x42 HD Plus in the field, and it's extremely well made. The optics were also very good indeed and IMO quite clearly better than that of the HD (without the "Plus").

The problem with Leica was that they didn't keep up with the other major players, especially with regard to transmission and colour reproduction. Now, at long last, they've done something about that. And while I understand why everyone keeps talking about the Swarovisions and the Zeiss SF, I feel the latest version of the Leica deserves more attention than it is getting.

Hermann

 

[gandytron]

Is the 7x42 sharp to the edge?

I love my 7x42 FLs but the curvature at the edge is annoying...

 

[jan van daalen]

The mechanical quality of the Leicas is outstanding in my opinion. I recently had a chance to have a look at a 7x42 HD Plus in the field, and it's extremely well made. The optics were also very good indeed and IMO quite clearly better than that of the HD (without the "Plus").

The problem with Leica was that they didn't keep up with the other major players, especially with regard to transmission and colour reproduction. Now, at long last, they've done something about that. And while I understand why everyone keeps talking about the Swarovisions and the Zeiss SF, I feel the latest version of the Leica deserves more attention than it is getting.

Hermann

Hermann,

The current Trinovid was launched as a completely new design and turns out to be nothing more than a replica of the Ultravid.
That Ultravid was upgraded to an HD status and after a few years upgraded with Schott HT prism glass which only boost it in the blue spectrum.
While a sympathize with the building specs I can't do the same with the way Leica is currently moving. There is NO innovation and IMO this model is just a "waiting period sample" for the next generation.
So why should I give this model any attention?

Just my thoughts!!

Jan

 

[SteveTS]

So why should I give this model any attention?

Just my thoughts!!

Jan

Perhaps because even you, Jan, should not be without an alpha seven ?

Best wishes,

 

[jan van daalen]

Perhaps because even you, Jan, should not be without an alpha seven ?

Best wishes,

You're so right and that's why I have them all three (inclusive the magnificent 7), but that does not take away the fact that Leica got to get their act together and deliver a Alpha anno 2014/15 instead of this well built but outdated model!

Merry Christmas Sam!

Jan

 

[elkcub]

Ahmen!

 

[Torview]

I`m really hoping Cleyspy have the 7x42 to try when I`m in Norfolk next month, I`m desperate to have a superb 7x42 (my Opticron bga was`nt a keeper) and the choice keeps diminishing.

 

[ronh]

So it appears that Leica has caught up with Z and S in light transmission. It remains to be seen if they have caught up in color correction.

But, some of you want them to improve on the body, the design, the diopter adjustment, the weight, the compactness, the appearance, the feel, the function? I don't see how that is possible. Or at least, it seems to me that the current Z and S are no better, in some categories worse.

Although it adds nothing to a normal binocular, their new Perger Porro prism improves the rangefinder, and the result is a radically different instrument. This suggests that their ingenuity is not dead. Leica really hit it with the old Trinovid BA/BN design, and is smart to stay with it. I expect when image stabilization is ready to go, we will see a significantly different Leica.

Leica-apologetically,
Ron

 

[jan van daalen]

So it appears that Leica has caught up with Z and S in light transmission. It remains to be seen if they have caught up in color correction.

But, some of you want them to improve on the body, the design, the diopter adjustment, the weight, the compactness, the appearance, the feel, the function? I don't see how that is possible. Or at least, it seems to me that the current Z and S are no better, in some categories worse.

Although it adds nothing to a normal binocular, their new Perger Porro prism improves the rangefinder, and the result is a radically different instrument. This suggests that their ingenuity is not dead. Leica really hit it with the old Trinovid BA/BN design, and is smart to stay with it. I expect when image stabilization is ready to go, we will see a significantly different Leica.

Leica-apologetically,
Ron

Ron,

As sgtrange as it may sound from me, seen my former post, but we both agree on your post, but......

In sales the SF will be equel to the SV and the HT will be (if Zeiss drop the price with a few hundred) also be equel to the SLC.

Leica does not sell (except the Trinnie with a cashback)!
Sorry mate. The current Ultra is well built and all your conclusions are right but the customer will not buy it because there is marginal/cosmetic innovation.
I assume Leica Optics is in the business for the business and if they want to stay in that business they have to get their act together!

Still I admitt it is a hell of a bin, but it does not sell!!!

Jan

 

[Omid]

...There is NO innovation...
Jan

No innovation? Interesting! Brings this topic to mind...