As some of you may have noticed, I've been on a bit of an alpha odyssey of late. Tried many many bins, and learned a lot in the process.
Through it all, I had settled on the 8x32 HD+ Uvids as being an underrated sleeper. Even looked at two copies, one 2nd hand and one brand new from the local Leica shop. As of several days ago I had settled on them.
I've been a bit challenged on figuring out what my objectives are through this whole process. I have 8x32s coming out my ears - SEs, BNs, Conquest HDs...and in a certain way yet another pair seems a bit nuts. But the Uvids have seemed like the ultimate 8x32s in their diminutive size, elegant and robust design/build, and middle of the road, clean, contrasty but no-drama nature (both the ELs and SFs strike me as "better" but more ultimately more flawed binoculars). In particular, I travel/hike/etc. a lot, and their small package is just fabulous. However, their bottom line clarity and resolution seemed maybe not the best - the SEs and HDs both often seem cleaner, and even the BNs in many conditions seem more a more straightforward/clean view (though with less pop and bling).
Then there is a whole other line of thought of doing something completely different, as in the 7x42 Uvids. Very cool bins.
So last night I ended up back at the Leica store (they are definitely getting sick of me) with the thought of getting the 7x42s instead. Just for fun, I asked to see the 7x35s. And I have to say, I feel like their ease of view and resolution were better than either the 7x42 or 8x32 Uvids I was looking through - it was hard to put my finger on it, but it was there. There are certain bins that just feel right and I don't have to think much about (ie are my eyes comfortable? is the view clear?). My 8x32 BNs and 8x32 SEs are in this category.
It occurs to me that the 7x35 Retros offer a lot - very light and small, pocketable, a different range of magnification/brightness/stability (maybe not like the 7x42s, but a step different than the 8x32s) - combining two objectives in one binocular.
Maybe this whole post is an answer to my own question - but bottom line I wonder if folks think the idea that the Uvid 8x32s wouldn't match the 7x35 Rvid clarity of view is off?
Any thoughts/reflections appreciated!
Through it all, I had settled on the 8x32 HD+ Uvids as being an underrated sleeper. Even looked at two copies, one 2nd hand and one brand new from the local Leica shop. As of several days ago I had settled on them.
I've been a bit challenged on figuring out what my objectives are through this whole process. I have 8x32s coming out my ears - SEs, BNs, Conquest HDs...and in a certain way yet another pair seems a bit nuts. But the Uvids have seemed like the ultimate 8x32s in their diminutive size, elegant and robust design/build, and middle of the road, clean, contrasty but no-drama nature (both the ELs and SFs strike me as "better" but more ultimately more flawed binoculars). In particular, I travel/hike/etc. a lot, and their small package is just fabulous. However, their bottom line clarity and resolution seemed maybe not the best - the SEs and HDs both often seem cleaner, and even the BNs in many conditions seem more a more straightforward/clean view (though with less pop and bling).
Then there is a whole other line of thought of doing something completely different, as in the 7x42 Uvids. Very cool bins.
So last night I ended up back at the Leica store (they are definitely getting sick of me) with the thought of getting the 7x42s instead. Just for fun, I asked to see the 7x35s. And I have to say, I feel like their ease of view and resolution were better than either the 7x42 or 8x32 Uvids I was looking through - it was hard to put my finger on it, but it was there. There are certain bins that just feel right and I don't have to think much about (ie are my eyes comfortable? is the view clear?). My 8x32 BNs and 8x32 SEs are in this category.
It occurs to me that the 7x35 Retros offer a lot - very light and small, pocketable, a different range of magnification/brightness/stability (maybe not like the 7x42s, but a step different than the 8x32s) - combining two objectives in one binocular.
Maybe this whole post is an answer to my own question - but bottom line I wonder if folks think the idea that the Uvid 8x32s wouldn't match the 7x35 Rvid clarity of view is off?
Any thoughts/reflections appreciated!