Leica 8x32 Ultravid HD Binoculars
I have been looking for a replacement for my old Swarovski SLC 8x30WB binoculars. They are a little heavy to hang on my neck at 20.8 ounces and they just aren't as clear and crisp as I would like. Also, according to tradition, in order to upgrade my stuff I have to pass the old ones down and Super Coop is ready for his first good set of glasses.
I was looking for top of the line not just something to get me by so, I went to the gettin' place, The Outdoorsmans, and took a look around. Terry and I talked about it for a while and since I am a big Leica fan we decided on their 8x32 Ultravids.
The Leica 8x32 Ultravid binoculars are compact, light, clear and crisp. Actually these are the new HD models which are even a little better than the BRs.
It is just not easy to describe how good best-in-class optics are so you just have to take my word for it. These are phenomenal little field glasses with a great field of view. All Terry had in the shop at the time were the BR models but he ordered me a set of the new HDs with the Fluoride glass. In the mean time, I found a set to use for a couple days. Very impressive.
Why Leica? Well, look, at this level you are really splitting hairs. It is like choosing between a beautiful blond, red head or brunette. You are going to be just fine with any of them but I wanted more than just fine, I wanted the best for me. I like the Leicas because they fit me better than say the Swarovski ELs and they are lighter at just 18.9 ounces. I also like the diopter adjustment best on the Leicas.
Now, at the risk of pissing somebody off, why change now right, you are going to see mostly Swarovskis in the all important and highly coveted hunting pictures that end up in the magazines. The guides use them because they get 'em for little or nothing and the wannabes use them because the guides do. Are they great glasses? Yes. Can you make a solid argument for the Swaros? Sure you can but I am still going to pick the Leicas because they work best for me.
All I'm saying is that if you are going to spend this much money on optics, make sure you try them all out and then choose the ones that work best for you. Either way, you can get them at The Outdoorsmans.
Wade Nelson
Editor
I was looking for top of the line not just something to get me by so, I went to the gettin' place, The Outdoorsmans, and took a look around. Terry and I talked about it for a while and since I am a big Leica fan we decided on their 8x32 Ultravids.
The Leica 8x32 Ultravid binoculars are compact, light, clear and crisp. Actually these are the new HD models which are even a little better than the BRs.
It is just not easy to describe how good best-in-class optics are so you just have to take my word for it. These are phenomenal little field glasses with a great field of view. All Terry had in the shop at the time were the BR models but he ordered me a set of the new HDs with the Fluoride glass. In the mean time, I found a set to use for a couple days. Very impressive.
Why Leica? Well, look, at this level you are really splitting hairs. It is like choosing between a beautiful blond, red head or brunette. You are going to be just fine with any of them but I wanted more than just fine, I wanted the best for me. I like the Leicas because they fit me better than say the Swarovski ELs and they are lighter at just 18.9 ounces. I also like the diopter adjustment best on the Leicas.
Now, at the risk of pissing somebody off, why change now right, you are going to see mostly Swarovskis in the all important and highly coveted hunting pictures that end up in the magazines. The guides use them because they get 'em for little or nothing and the wannabes use them because the guides do. Are they great glasses? Yes. Can you make a solid argument for the Swaros? Sure you can but I am still going to pick the Leicas because they work best for me.
All I'm saying is that if you are going to spend this much money on optics, make sure you try them all out and then choose the ones that work best for you. Either way, you can get them at The Outdoorsmans.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Posted by Wade Nelson at 10/18/2008 12:44 PM 
Categories: Optics-Ranging
Tags: light weight binoculars compact binoculars neck binoculars
Categories: Optics-Ranging
Tags: light weight binoculars compact binoculars neck binoculars
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