Wondering about Ultravids, esp. 12x50... (1 Viewer)

[Thotmosis]

Well... we now have a 12x50 UVHD+ with a gorgeous classic view. It's a format I've been curious about, and somehow we seemed to need to try a Leica again. I won't go further into why not EL 50 or NL 42 or even Meopta, as they're all excellent so it's just a matter of personal taste or even what opportunity comes along. My wife can take it when I'm carrying SLC 56, or we can take 12x and 10x instead of two 10s. It's easier to use than 15x but doesn't quite have the reach, so we'll see how it fares. We've both been enjoying it so far.

Roger Vine did a nice review of this model focused on astronomy; in daytime use the gradual curvature of the outer field is hardly noticeable. It has generous FOV, and like other UVs resists glare very well but can show moderate CA toward the field edge in high-contrast situations. Eye placement is easy, making it very natural, familiar, and relaxing to use. The focuser is smooth, and faster (more convenient for birding) than SLC 56. (I've tried at least four modern Leicas and never encountered any stickiness.)

This 12x50 must have been quite an achievement when first introduced (even with the additional weight of the BA model) and is still very nice today with some modest improvements, though I doubt many are sold anymore. This one had been stored in some way that caused white powder (zinc stearate?) to form on the armor, but that washes off easily. I have just two small complaints: like other full-sized UVs I've tried, the eyecups are too shallow so I had to get deeper ones from Leica. (This may seem surprising given stated ER of only 13mm, but of course it's all relative, and a common design problem.) And if you take the thumb ridges as a guide it's a bit front-heavy; it balances better held further forward, and the focuser is long enough to allow that.

Welcome to the Leica 12x50 club Tenex. I hope you will enjoy yours as much as i do!

 

[Thotmosis]

Tenex, congratulations on your latest Ultravid bins. The 12x50 hd+ ooze quality and sturdiness. They are also quite discreet to carry.

The view is easy and truly never fails to please me, the way focus snaps and the bright clear neutral image works.
Picking them up they intuitively fit to my hands, and I've added batwings to the eyecups for extra fit-comfort.
I actually use them a lot sat outside in the back garden. This sunny morning had nice views of a hunting sparrowhawk being blown about in the wind, and a jet flying towards Glasgow. They focus down to about 11feet so work for robin or soaring gull.

Downsides? Four possibles:
•I don't wear glasses so the measured 11mm eye relief (Binoculars Today)is not a problem.
•IPD is only just enough for me to keep the objective covers fitted, but it your IPD is smaller than 58mm you might struggle.
•Weight of any large bins like these becomes noticeable when birding & carrying any distance, even bandolier style. When holding they are balanced and don't really cause fatigue (at least the way I hold them).
•The focus wheel has the excellent Ultravid double wheel to include the dioptrw. With the 12x Ultravid I use middle and ring finger together to focus, otherwise the two wheels feel a little heavy to start, but once moving it's easy.

So after some years of use they remain one of my favourites, even in comparison to the Swarovski EL, or latest similar NL series such as the 12x42.

Sometimes we know in our hearts what is technically better. Yet we also feel when something perhaps a bit dated is incredibly pleasing and desirable.

I have small IPD and i can not keep the objective covers fitted. Also i had to put other eyecups. Other than that, for daytime viewing, they are a dream come true.

 

[Thotmosis]

Truly, newer doesn't always mean better. The main satisfaction I get from the Leica UVHD+ product line is that it is fully matured, the culmination of years of bug-fixing and incremental improvements. This is evident when you use them in the field.

A lesson I learned from my father- from cars to new restaurants to binoculars, don't rush to buy the latest and greatest right away. Wait a little while until they work all the kinks out.

So true!

 

[HenRun]

Look what you guys made me do.

With my "new" (well a year into them now, but still...) glasses I have rediscovered a few binoculars. The Ultravid family has been sort of "off limits" for my face and/or glasses ever since I started wearing glasses again, which is a pity because I have always loved the look, feel and image through them.

The other week I was picking up a new tripod head for my spotting scope and they had an older Leica UV 12x50 in store, the old non HD model, refurbished by Leica. I took it out for a few minutes and was happy to discover that I can see the whole field of view with my new glasses, barely, but still comfortably so.

It was very nice to look through the Leica and my most used magnification is 12X. CA levels were a little bit on the high side towards the edge of the field but the view is very nice. So much so I was very tempted to look for a used UVHD+ (or UVHD for that matter) to see if it was an improvement.

There is no logic in me getting another 12X bino, I am very pleased with my Meopta 12x50, for many a good reason. But, my life is surely not dictated by logic and there was a second hand UVHD+ out there that I snagged - which should be coming in a week or so. I actually can not see the Leica besting the Meopta in the optical department but I felt compelled to have an alternative in rotation.

My gut feeling is that it will really like it, and it will be different enough from the Meopta to justify having both.

My other two binos (both 8X) have remained in service for the exact same reason: they are both excellent, but quite different and that is probably why I like them both so much.

Würst Käse Scenario is that I will not enjoy the 12x50 UVHD+ long term and pass it on to someone else down the line. But if I do like it enough I will be happy to have snagged a UVHD+ at a reasonable price.

 

[Trinovid]

The other week I was picking up a new tripod head for my spotting scope and they had an older Leica UV 12x50 in store...and there was a second hand UVHD+ out there that I snagged - which should be coming in a week or so.

Würst Käse Scenario is that I will not enjoy the 12x50 UVHD+ long term and pass it on to someone else down the line. But if I do like it enough I will be happy to have snagged a UVHD+ at a reasonable price.

The 12x50 Ultravid is the one I can't stop thinking about, even though I'm really happy with the Viper version I picked up off the forum last year.

I thoroughly enjoyed your binocular missive and look forward to hearing more when it shows up!

 

[Bentley03]

The 12x50 Ultravid is the one I can't stop thinking about, even though I'm really happy with the Viper version I picked up off the forum last year.

Scratch that itch, you 100% won't regret it!

I currently own three full size Ultravids, 7x42, 10x42 and 12x50. Since acquiring the the 12x50, the other two barely get a look in, and I'm reluctant to leave home without it, I'm quite (ok, very) addicted to it. With the standard eyecups replaced by the longer 5 click stop eyecups, it fits me perfectly, and is the roof prism binocular I'm currently enjoying most. It's heavy, but ease of use (for me) is outstanding, I have no problem using it over a period of several hours and the view is simply...😍😍😍😍😍

My bond with them is, to a large extent, emotional. I do own other 12x, all of which would probably best the Ultravid in side by side review tests, but the Ultravid exudes quality and has that 'something' (physically, mechanically and optically) which sets them apart and presents a different and (for me) more appealing user experience. I love mine!

Just do it!

 

[limonabe]

+1 for the 12x50 UV. Curiously easy to handhold in my experience, and works beautifully on a monopod.

 

[tenex]

My gut feeling is that it will really like it, and it will be different enough from the Meopta to justify having both.

This will make an interesting comparison: MeoStars have a pleasantly warm look too, just a bit heavier, and a slightly smaller FOV. The UV should be a bit brighter; the B1 might have less CA. One thing I'm particularly curious about: Roger Vine notes that softness in the B1's outer field is astigmatism (Allbinos say coma?), not just field curvature as most of it is in the UV. I've disliked that effect in Zeiss FL 42s, even in daytime viewing, and wonder how it strikes you compared to the UV.

 

[HenRun]

Tenex: I will make my best effort to investigate the differences and similarities.

I have not been bothered by softness in the edges of the B1+ Meostar. It is noticeable when viewing a treeline with some depth to it but the center view is always great.

Looking at structures it has not been bothering either and the fall off is gradual and with the eyes drawn towards the center it has been a non issue for me.

For close range birdwatching it is not noticeable at all, any object with some depth to it is well defined and for following birds in flight the focus snap is excellent - here the lack of center ca helps.

Afov feels generous and this as well as focus snap is something I really look forward to comparing against the Leica. Focuser is fast on the Meopta but not so much so that focusing past birds in flight is a problem, the wheel is well weighted in operation.

 

[Sheepwatcher]

I've really enjoyed this thread! I also own a pair of 12x50 UVHD+ and like them more and more as I get to know them. I was bothered initially by a sticky focus wheel, but it's gotten much better with regular use.

I keep reading references to getting eyecups with more extension. I feel like I would benefit from these, but I can't figure out how to get them. I spoke to 2 people at Leica USA who claimed they don't exist. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Milton

 

[Bentley03]

I've really enjoyed this thread! I also own a pair of 12x50 UVHD+ and like them more and more as I get to know them. I was bothered initially by a sticky focus wheel, but it's gotten much better with regular use.

I keep reading references to getting eyecups with more extension. I feel like I would benefit from these, but I can't figure out how to get them. I spoke to 2 people at Leica USA who claimed they don't exist. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Milton

Hi Milton,
I suspect tenex is the best person to help you with this, as he's a fellow countryman and I believe secured longer eyecups for his own 12x50 from Leica USA.
But, in case this helps, in securing my own longer eyecups for mine, I spoke to Francesca B (who is always super efficient and a pleasure to deal with) at the UK office at the Leica shop in Mayfair, requesting some 5 click-stop eyecups as supplied as standard with the 10x42 Ultravid. She double checked that they were indeed longer and posted them out to me promptly. A simple process and the replacement eyecups were supplied free of charge.

Good luck and I hope you secure those eyecups, they do make a considerable difference, allowing me to bury them quite deep into my eye sockets for a very comfortable view.

I was out with mine again this afternoon for several hours, in search of raptors and, more specifically, barn owls. An abundance of raptors viewed, but I was in barn owl heaven, four in total in three different locations, with the 12x50 Ultravid serving up the most stunning views of them, both static and in flight. I had a really, really great day with my 12x50 UVHD+!

 

[HenRun]

I am glad to read posts from actual owners of the 12x50 UVHD.
Barn Owl heaven sounds terrific! I have a Cat Owl I am revisiting first thing when I get the 12x50.

For me - as a glasses wearer and considering the short eye relief - would you recommend I stick with the original eye cups or are there any solution that allows me to gain a mm or two closer to the rear ocular lenses, or are the original eye cups as good as I am going to get?

 

[Sheepwatcher]

I am glad to read posts from actual owners of the 12x50 UVHD.
Barn Owl heaven sounds terrific! I have a Cat Owl I am revisiting first thing when I get the 12x50.

For me - as a glasses wearer and considering the short eye relief - would you recommend I stick with the original eye cups or are there any solution that allows me to gain a mm or two closer to the rear ocular lenses, or are the original eye cups as good as I am going to get?

The original eyecups come darn near flush with the outermost element of the ocular. I don't think you'd want anything less.

 

[Sheepwatcher]

Hi Milton,
I suspect tenex is the best person to help you with this, as he's a fellow countryman and I believe secured longer eyecups for his own 12x50 from Leica USA.
But, in case this helps, in securing my own longer eyecups for mine, I spoke to Francesca B (who is always super efficient and a pleasure to deal with) at the UK office at the Leica shop in Mayfair, requesting some 5 click-stop eyecups as supplied as standard with the 10x42 Ultravid. She double checked that they were indeed longer and posted them out to me promptly. A simple process and the replacement eyecups were supplied free of charge.

Good luck and I hope you secure those eyecups, they do make a considerable difference, allowing me to bury them quite deep into my eye sockets for a very comfortable view.

I was out with mine again this afternoon for several hours, in search of raptors and, more specifically, barn owls. An abundance of raptors viewed, but I was in barn owl heaven, four in total in three different locations, with the 12x50 Ultravid serving up the most stunning views of them, both static and in flight. I had a really, really great day with my 12x50 UVHD+!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

And your outing sounds quite lovely! I envy you your barn owls...they are very rare visitors here, and I've never seen one.

 

[mwhogue]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

And your outing sounds quite lovely! I envy you your barn owls...they are very rare visitors here, and I've never seen one.

For @ 10 years we had a nesting pair of barn owls in the park across the street. I had seen them several times at night (and once during the day) both with and without binoculars. There is something about their appearance which is almost ghostly in a good way.

One bright full moon night several years ago I was returning to the house without having caught sight of the calling birds.Passing through a large patch of moonlight in the front yard, something made me look down. I saw on the ground the moon shadow of an owl in flight passing directly overhead. Of course the owl made no sound. I didn't see the owl itself but am not sure how I could ever arrange to see the shadow of an owl in flight again. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than to be good.

Mike

 

[Thotmosis]

Scratch that itch, you 100% won't regret it!

I currently own three full size Ultravids, 7x42, 10x42 and 12x50. Since acquiring the the 12x50, the other two barely get a look in, and I'm reluctant to leave home without it, I'm quite (ok, very) addicted to it. With the standard eyecups replaced by the longer 5 click stop eyecups, it fits me perfectly, and is the roof prism binocular I'm currently enjoying most. It's heavy, but ease of use (for me) is outstanding, I have no problem using it over a period of several hours and the view is simply...😍😍😍😍😍

My bond with them is, to a large extent, emotional. I do own other 12x, all of which would probably best the Ultravid in side by side review tests, but the Ultravid exudes quality and has that 'something' (physically, mechanically and optically) which sets them apart and presents a different and (for me) more appealing user experience. I love mine!

Just do it!

Hear, hear!

 

[Hillclocks]

Hi, fellow UV 12x50 users. I am following this thread with interest. Yes, the UV 12x50 binos are a little heavier, yet in use they have a "balanced" feel one hardly notices it. Actually, your favorite binoculars should feel like part of you!
On the issue of eye cups, I'll share my experience. I have always worn glasses. On many of my binoculars I need to pulled them out a little. To keep them solid at the point of the best view I slip a 1/8 or a 3/32 inch rubber O-ring over the eye cup. This makes a solid base for the eye cup to rest on. Always in place , and firm. These can be found in the plumbing section of a well stocked hardware store. On the UV 12x50s I do not need them.
Enjoy your "favorite" binoculars.

 

[Isthatascratch?]

Hi, fellow UV 12x50 users. I am following this thread with interest. Yes, the UV 12x50 binos are a little heaver, yet in use they have a "balanced" feel one hardly notices it. Actually, your favorite binoculars should feel like part of you!
On the issue of eye cups, I'll share my experience. I have always worn glasses. On many of my binoculars I need to pulled them out a little. To keep them solid at the point of the best view I slip a 1/8 or a 3/32 inch rubber O-ring over the eye cup. This makes a solid base for the eye cup to rest on. Always in place , and firm. These can be found in the pluming section of a well stocked hardware store. On the UV 12x50s I do not need them.
Enjoy your "favorite" binoculars.

I’d like to look through the Ultravid 12x50 HD plus!

 

[hopster]

Tenex: I will make my best effort to investigate the differences and similarities.

I have not been bothered by softness in the edges of the B1+ Meostar. It is noticeable when viewing a treeline with some depth to it but the center view is always great.

Looking at structures it has not been bothering either and the fall off is gradual and with the eyes drawn towards the center it has been a non issue for me.

For close range birdwatching it is not noticeable at all, any object with some depth to it is well defined and for following birds in flight the focus snap is excellent - here the lack of center ca helps.

Afov feels generous and this as well as focus snap is something I really look forward to comparing against the Leica. Focuser is fast on the Meopta but not so much so that focusing past birds in flight is a problem, the wheel is well weighted in operation.

I have also never been bothered by edge softness on the B1+ 12x50 but then my attention is always in the centre and a wide FOV is not that important to me in a 12x. I find the lack of CA quite remarkable in a 12x optic - perhaps the best there is? The only two very mild complaints are a very slightly warm/amber colour tone and it is one grade less bright than the very best. For the build quality, price, 30 year warranty(!) and lack of CA I think it's an excellent choice.

 

[HenRun]

Hopster: I agree. That is just about my take on it. The very slight amber tone works nicely on cloudy days and I can not really see it on a sunny day. Evening sun viewing is also still not nearly as orange as older Meostars, but Ultravid should look different.

Brightness is probably a slight notch below the EL and Ultravid.

I expect the Ultravid to be a little bit brighter than the Meostar but I have not found the brightness of the Meopta to be a problem during overcast days or in the shade.

The UVHD+ should arrive on Monday. I really look forward to putting it to good use.