Leica Ultravid 10x32 HD Plus, Black

I ordered these after trying the Swaro EL 8.5X42. I wanted to try both and see which one was "better". Truth is there really is no better per say, just differences. First off, this is a much smaller unit in the hand, it is about 1/2 shorter than either the EL or 3/4" than the new Zeiss SF. I liked that. However, the EL did not bother me with it's size as a deciding factor. -The diopter works great on both, but I liked being able to see what the position was on the Leica, again nothing big. -I like the fact this is 7x, after plenty of research I feel this is one of the best if not THE best magnification to get, with the wider fov, better dof and bigger 6mm exit pupil for low light. 8 or 8.5x also ok, after trying both (8 & 7) side by side I really could not see the slight mag increase and so the other factors weighed heavily in my decisions to go 7x. -Glass - great nothing bad to say. Seems to be clear to the edges, maybe not quite as much as the EL? I could not really tell to be honest, but that is the EL claim to fame with their field flattener. The Leica glass is very very clear and warm. The colors just POP. In low light it works wonders as well. I had an old Zeiss Classic 10x40 (excellent glass) and did a direct comparison in dusk to almost night time and the Leica made a HUGE difference. I was looking at a planters pot at about 30yards away and with the Zeiss it was black and the leaved were mudded and everything just faded into the background. With the Leica the planet still looked brown and the leaved clear and crisp with plenty of DOF. Overall, very happy with the glass - Eye cups, better than the EL for me. These have VERY positive clicks in and out and will not move. No complaints there. The EL were a bit more sloppy (wrong word really) but were just fine. -Build Quality - Leica is well, Leica. So the build quality is excellent! They use a Magnesium housing with a Titanium rod for the focus, that way it will not be susceptible to climate changes making the focus move slower in cold weather - very cool! The rubber armor is very nice feeling. Overall you feel like this is a luxury product. It feels VERY well made. In comparison to the EL, the Leica wins for build quality in my opinion. The Swaro is excellent too, but their rubber does not feel as nice to me and overall, I just did not get the same feeling of quality. If you search around you will get people thinking the same thing. Leica<Swar<Zeiss foru build quality is the general consensus and I agree. That's about it I guess. I guess it sort of ended up being a comparison to the EL? So I hope that helps people out a bit. The Swar is great too. I may try the NEW EL coming out in OCT 2015. Glass will be the same just cosmetic differences and the armor is changing, so maybe that will address the feeling of it for me? Not sure. Either bin is far and beyond gtg for your average user and is just splitting hairs to be honest. I highly suggest taking the 7x a go vs 8x. Go do your HW on the topic. There is plenty out there on it. Birdforum being a great tool for research.

If you are trying to decide whether to buy Ultravids or Trinovids, then maybe I can help. I own and have owned several of both. The Ultravids, in any magnification and size, are sharper and clearer, but not by much. I do not believe that the difference in price justifies the incremental differences in use across the two classes. But, if like me you want the best without spending $3k, then the Ultravids are the way to go. This pair, the Ultravid 8x32 HD Plus, is smaller and lighter than I expected. They are beautifully made, of excellent optical quality, and are a joy to use in the field. The diopter adjustment is precise and is better than the Trinovids. The focus wheel is perfect in size and resistance. Light transmission is stunning. I go birding on an almost daily basis, so I use several pairs of Leicas regularly. I really like the brand. There are other brands and models that are excellent. But you won't be disappointed with these. Yes, the price is punishing, but only once. Then, every use thereafter is rewarding. Save up, and then buy the best you can.

It depends on how shallow your eye sockets are but I found the eye cups to short for the stated eye relief. This results in a lot of black outs unless you "float" the binoculars away from your eyes and don't rest them in your eye sockets. Not really usable that way. A lot of binoculars are this way and I don't know why manufacturers continue to not make the eye cups long enough. Unusable for me. I returned them.

Superb optics, sturdy build quality, excellent adjustment. Eye cups could be more comfortable though, would be nice if they had interval stops. Nevertheless, I'm very happy with the purchase.

If you want Clarity , and the best money can buy this is the one , we are on an Alaska Cruise and these are Excellent to say the least

A wow experience. These are as high a quality of binocular as one can buy. The edge to edge brightness and clarity is stunning. The design is very comfortable and focusing is a snap. I have been familiar with the century old Leica brand for decades, and their many years of technological craftsmanship shine through. Such a purchase is often a pocketbook challenge. But these optics are well worth the price because it is a lifetime investment. Cheers to Leica for a superior product.

The crystal clear views. The sharpness. All the superlatives. Leica is the only brand of the big three that I have had zero quality control issues with. A Zeiss Conquest 15x56 with a notchy focus mechanism. A Swarovski 15x56 with a smudge of some kind on the inside of an objective lens. Yes, they were returned, but it is at least annoying.

For birding: These are life changing. I should have splurged on these years ago. Gorgeous images; clear even at dusk and dawn; easy to focus; the best binoculars I have ever used. I have a scope. These are better than my scope. Worth every penny.