Edward woodwood
Member
a friend of mine was onced asked by an Aussie for directions to Loogaburooga.......
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Leica Ultravids (thread contains a variety of topics, optic reviews & other binos) (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Chas4045
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Tim Allwood said:
Ok guys, I think Andy is right that this thread should come to an end. Wasn't it originally about Ultravid binoculars? Well, I take part of the blame for having steered it into a different direction. But I got a lot of most helpful info out of it on the way, thanks.
And for those who can't turn off their dirty mind, how about contemplating the use of a Tele Vue 85?
Although I do not agree with some magazine reviews and the way they are written, I think it is unfair to say that those involved are divs. Some are very knowledgeable on optics, and there are possibly reasons why one has a bias to one model or another (look at this thread and many like it). No doubt a good review helps sales, and how many buy as a result of someone writing a positive article, and convincing themselves that this must be the bino to be seen with. What is an honest review? Why not just enjoy the bino that you currently use.
scampo
Steve Campsall
What a wonderful thing these threads are, Chas; and many of us have found this one very interesting and entertaining. Not you, though, it seems - and you started it, too! :C . Ah well, such is life on the Internet with all its freedom. Many threads seem to have a habit of taking on a life of their own! Just maybe asking about the quality of one of the most expensive and best pairs of binoculars in the world resulted in this kind of thread, eh?
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Chris Zorro
Member
<quote>The big problem with optics reviews in British bird mags is that they will not give an honest opinion that a particular pair of bins or scope is better or worse than its rivals in the same price band<unquote>
Another problem is their system of grading for value for money, where they use the RRP as the arbiter and not the price they can be bought for. A good example is the Swarovski 8.5x42 which they cited as £1032 but are generally available for about £729.
Another problem is their system of grading for value for money, where they use the RRP as the arbiter and not the price they can be bought for. A good example is the Swarovski 8.5x42 which they cited as £1032 but are generally available for about £729.
Leif said:
The Birdwatching review was pretty poor on the 8x56 Victory. It would be interesting to see how they compare when they do a review on the Ultravid 50mm model. Surely with objectives this size, the benefits must be at dawn or dusk, and then it must be the optical performance in low light and the type of prism used that would be beneficial.
I would like to know what the manufacturers think about the reviews, as no doubt they actually have the "REAL" tested figures for binoculars. All of their R&D can go up in smoke when a negative review is published, as sales must be affected.
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CDK said:
The Bird Watching review last year gave the Zeiss 8x56 Victory top marks for optics, and dreadful marks for ease of use, presumably due to weight. In fact they gave all big binoculars low marks for ease of use so I guess they are going by birding criteria.
I believe the Royal Navy use Zeiss 7x50s for searching at dawn and dusk where they have the edge. I suspect such large objectives are useful at dawn and dusk and at night for skywatching, but only if your iris can dilate enough! For owl watchers and night owls maybe?
Hello -- I'm new to the site, but thought that i would add my 2 cents to this thread. I have been using teh 8.5 ELs for over a year now and just love them. I was very interested to have a chance to conduct a very unscientific field comparison of my 8.5's to the new 32 EL and the 42 ultravids. The result was shocking: the ultravids and the 8.5's were virtually indistinguishable in terms of brightness and contrast, but they had quite different color biases (yellow (8.5's) vs. neutral to blue (ultravids)). Personally, I find the swarovski's much more comfortable and prefer the slow focus, so the choice of the EL's over the Ultravids is a no-brainer for me. What was shocking, however, was that I and my companions found the 32EL to clearly have greater resolution and equal brightness to both the 85EL and the 42 ultravids. And of course, much lighter and more comfortable than any of the 42's.
As I said, a very unscientific test, and admittedly no testint conducted at dawn or twighlight, but all 4 of us (all experienced birders) came to the same overwhelming conclusions: the new 32EL is an absolutely incredible binocular. For the record, I have no affiliation with Swarovski (or any other manufacturer for that matter) and indeed do not find they are the best in many categories (eg, I own Zeiss 10x25 Victories as well as the new Zess 85 Scope).
As I said, a very unscientific test, and admittedly no testint conducted at dawn or twighlight, but all 4 of us (all experienced birders) came to the same overwhelming conclusions: the new 32EL is an absolutely incredible binocular. For the record, I have no affiliation with Swarovski (or any other manufacturer for that matter) and indeed do not find they are the best in many categories (eg, I own Zeiss 10x25 Victories as well as the new Zess 85 Scope).
william j clive
Well-known member
tonrot said:
The 8x32 EL topped the 32 class easily. This is what they said about them:
Design - A smaller version of the 42mm models with a unique open design. Lightweight and sleek with grippy rubber armouring, supplied with nylon case, rainguards, objective lens caps, medium wide Neoprene strap and lens cloth. Waterproof and nitrogen filled.
Simply put, the testers thought these binoculars were faultless. They were supremely lightweight and streets ahead of the competition.
Small and elegant, these were extremely comfortable to hold with a natural feel. the thumb recesses on the underside had rounder edges than the 42mm model and are less extreme and deep.
Focus - The 24mm wide focus wheel was well positioned, smooth and precise. It took just one and a half turns from horizon to minimum focus.
Image - Exceptionally good with brilliant feel and excellent close focussing distance, field of view and depth of field.
Verdict - Its been a while coming, but the testers think we have a new king of the 30-32mm class. The perfect 32mm binocular?
Model- Optical- Design- Value
Swaro LE- 9.5- 9.5- 9
Leica BN- 8.5- 8.5- 9.5
Nikon LX- 9- 8.5- 9.5
Nikon SE- 9- 7.5- 9
Swaro SLC- 8- 7.5- 8.5
Zeiss BGAT- 8- 7- 8
I thought they were a bit grudging in their praise
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CJ --any thanks for the interesting info. i'd still love to read the whole review if anyone has suggestions of how i might get a hold of a copy, but i suppose at this piont this "need" is simply idle compulsion.
Scampo -- i suppose you're right, i'm sure the 8.5's would be somewhat superior to the 32's at dawn/twighlight. still, personally i'd rather have the superior resolution and lighter weight of the 32's for the rest of the day....
Scampo -- i suppose you're right, i'm sure the 8.5's would be somewhat superior to the 32's at dawn/twighlight. still, personally i'd rather have the superior resolution and lighter weight of the 32's for the rest of the day....
tonrot said:
Tonrot: I s'pose you could order a back issue. Try sending an email to:
[email protected]
To be honest an earlier post by William J Clive has told you pretty much all you need to know! The reviews tend to be rather superficial, and the idea that the optics can be summed up by one number is odd. I believe that the Nikon 8x32 SE has far far better optics than the Swaro 8.5x42 EL (I own both), but the Bird Watching people would tell you the opposite! Part of the problem is that it depends what weight you give to the various aspects of the optics, build etc. In other words, you really need to try them yourself, preferably in the field.
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