Roger Vine's review of the Retrovid 8x40 (2 Viewers)

[John A Roberts]

Roger has just posted his review at: Leica Trinovid Classic 8x40 Review
See an image of it compared to the Zeiss SF x42.

And as many will be aware Roger previously reviewed the 7x35 version at: Leica Trinovid 7x35 ('Retrovid') Review


For more detail on the optical construction, and the specifications for all three Retrovids, see posts #138 and 139 (along with the link) at:
Retrovid 7X35 a viable birding binocular?

And Canip and others have previously reviewed/ commented in detail about the 8x40 at: Retrovid 8x40: A brief review

However, while there’s been a lot of interest and comment about the 7x35 - and a reasonable amount about the 8x40 -
there's been little about the 10x40.


John

 

[Canip]

Thank you, John!! Very nice review by Roger.

The only thing I slightly wonder about is Roger’s comparison of the Retrovid with the Victory SF.

Roger mentions himself that these two „aren‘t natural competitors“, but then goes on anyway comparing them.

I find it hard to compare binos that have been built with a completely different design philosophy - size (just look at the two), mechanics (focus mechanism), color saturation, etc. I guess hardly anybody would evaluate the two binos in question as alternatives when looking for an instrument in a shop.
In my view, it would have been much more interesting to compare the Retrovid with the same size Ultravid and Noctivid. But maybe I see this too narrow?

Otherwise, I agree with most findings in Roger‘s review.

Canip

 

[Brummie]

Roger mentions himself that these two „aren‘t natural competitors“, but then goes on anyway comparing them.

Well, that and the fact that he keeps saying they’re real leather, when they’re not (which is a good thing).

I think the main conclusion for all the retrovids is the same. On a practical level, they give a lovely image, and they’re more compact than the alternatives, albeit lacking a bit in FOV and CA control.

But, the real reason for buying them is that they’re what he misleadingly calls “ungeeky”. My 7x35 is my man-about-town binocular because they’re just cool and sexy. Of course, no one who’s seen me carrying them has thought (far less said), “wow, you look cool and sexy”. But that’s OK, because I know they’re cool and sexy, and by extension so am I.

 

[tenex]

In my view, it would have been much more interesting to compare the Retrovid with the same size Ultravid and Noctivid. But maybe I see this too narrow?

I supposed he meant to show how close it comes to the very best models today, and SF just happened to be the one he had at hand. Or perhaps he wouldn't consider UV/NV quite the "best" today, next to SF/NL -- an interesting question.

 

[greekgeek]

Roger has just posted his review at: Leica Trinovid Classic 8x40 Review
See an image of it compared to the Zeiss SF x42.

And as many will be aware Roger previously reviewed the 7x35 version at: Leica Trinovid 7x35 ('Retrovid') Review


For more detail on the optical construction, and the specifications for all three Retrovids, see posts #138 and 139 (along with the link) at:
Retrovid 7X35 a viable birding binocular?

And Canip and others have previously reviewed/ commented in detail about the 8x40 at: Retrovid 8x40: A brief review

However, while there’s been a lot of interest and comment about the 7x35 - and a reasonable amount about the 8x40 -
there's been little about the 10x40.


John

Having recently tried out the 8x40, I am sort of surprised these are not more widely known and talked about. My experience so far aligns well with Roger's review, they offer a unique value proposition of fine design aesthetic, build quality, lightweight, with remarkably high quality optics.

A niche product today, perhaps they will one-day become a sought after classic. Albeit on land only.

 

[Canip]

Having recently tried out the 8x40, I am sort of surprised these are not more widely known and talked about.

We did here talk about them a little:

Retrovid 8x40: A brief review

I had two brief “shop encounters” with Retrovids over the last three months, one with the 7x35 and 10x40, and a second one with the 8x40. Then, more recently, I purchased the 8x40 (and not the 7x35, see below why) and have used it now for a good week. To rate its performance, I have compared it...

www.birdforum.net

 

[greekgeek]

We did here talk about them a little:

Retrovid 8x40: A brief review

I had two brief “shop encounters” with Retrovids over the last three months, one with the 7x35 and 10x40, and a second one with the 8x40. Then, more recently, I purchased the 8x40 (and not the 7x35, see below why) and have used it now for a good week. To rate its performance, I have compared it...

www.birdforum.net

Indeed, a nice read. Thanks for your review! Seems some split opinions on its place in the market and it's design. I guess the prism type also took some wind out of its sales at launch, according to some other thread.

I am kind of smitten with it and its lack of bulk. The similarly styled B&L Elites and Browning I have been comparing it to share similar proportions but lack the brightness, color and contrast of the more modern Leica.

 

[Conndomat]

Roger has just posted his review at: Leica Trinovid Classic 8x40 Review

Refreshing, a real review and no insults at all.

Well done Roger...

Andreas

 

[Canip]

Refreshing, a real review and no insults at all.

Yes, so old-fashioned, isn’t it?

 

[NDhunter]

Roger Vine has some of the best reviews around. Very complete and with excellent photos that
really add to it. And for some of the optics I have in common, he is spot on and reliable in his
discussion.
Jerry

 

[quincy88]

This is a pretty old thread about a pretty old review, but since it's back up to the top I will contribute.
Roger's reviews are very nicely done. Big thanks to him for taking the time to do such a great job. He's one of the best reviewers on the internet.

 

[gweller]

A quick post to bump this thread back into life.... I noticed a couple of days ago that the Leica Store in Amsterdam had the Retrovid 8x40 back in stock. I have the 7x35 and just could not resist getting the 8x40 as well. It arrived this afternoon, and I will post some more comments when I have more time, but my initial opinion is very, very favorable. Typical Leica view, very sharp and bright, with beautiful colors and an easy view.

 

[greekgeek]

A quick post to bump this thread back into life.... I noticed a couple of days ago that the Leica Store in Amsterdam had the Retrovid 8x40 back in stock. I have the 7x35 and just could not resist getting the 8x40 as well. It arrived this afternoon, and I will post some more comments when I have more time, but my initial opinion is very, very favorable. Typical Leica view, very sharp and bright, with beautiful colors and an easy view.

Congrats on the pick up, the 8x40 is a wonderful binocular.

 

[Trinovid]

Congrats on the pick up, the 8x40 is a wonderful binocular.

My 8x40 is the inspiration for the Retrovid, original Leitz and I have to agree.

 

[PatR]

A quick post to bump this thread back into life.... I noticed a couple of days ago that the Leica Store in Amsterdam had the Retrovid 8x40 back in stock. I have the 7x35 and just could not resist getting the 8x40 as well. It arrived this afternoon, and I will post some more comments when I have more time, but my initial opinion is very, very favorable. Typical Leica view, very sharp and bright, with beautiful colors and an easy view.

What fabulous news! Such a beautiful binocular which brings joy every time I use her. A truly delightful and optically superb bundle of Leica deliciousness! Enjoy and cherish!

 

[gweller]

What fabulous news! Such a beautiful binocular which brings joy every time I use her. A truly delightful and optically superb bundle of Leica deliciousness! Enjoy and cherish!

I certainly intend to!

 

[GrampaTom]

Thought these were discontinued? Was that just the 735?

 

[gweller]

Thought these were discontinued? Was that just the 735?

The 7x35 seemed to be available over here if you searched around a bit for them (not just in the Leica Store but in other specialist shops) but the 8x40 and 10x40 disappeared of the shelves a while back. Not sure how long the have been available again in the Leica store - I just happened to see them on their website more or less by accident. Was not really looking for another bin (I also have the Zeiss 8x40 SFL) but couldn't resist them once I saw them!