Curio 7x21 v Leica trinovid 8x32 HD (1 Viewer)

[truculenter aspicientis]

Which of these would give the best views?
I know the Leica are larger objective, but both similar in cost. £630 swaro v £695 Leica.

What would you buy?

Thanks Gary

 

[Canip]

If I were to buy a pocket binocular, I would choose the Curio.

But pocket binoculars, even the best ones such as the Curio or the Leica UVs, have the great advantage of pocketability, but optically they have their natural limitations (tiny exit pupil).
For me, „real binos“ start at 8x25 (e.g. Zeiss Victory, Zeiss Terra, Swarovksi CL Pocket) or better at 8x30/8x32.
So if you were to look for a compact all purpose binocular, I would recommend to go with the Trinovid HD or a similarly good 8x30/8x32.

Just my 2 ct.

 

[truculenter aspicientis]

Thanks for reply, do you think the Leica would give a better image than the swaro or would there be nothing in it? Clarity, contrast sharpness etc.

 

[Canip]

My view:
The Trinovid is good, but optically the same size Zeiss Conquest HD wins in almost all respects, the Trinovid wins in terms of mechanics (focus etc.), ergonomics and haptics.
And there are other 8x32s I would also prefer over the Trinovid, such as the GPO Passion ED 8x32.
I have a hard time comparing the image of an 8x32 to the one one of a 7x21, the two are not in the same league. The Curio is excellent in its own right, hard to find something better in that size.
The Trinovid is good, but for me does not have the „best in class“ label that the Curio has. Still, the Trinovid may be the better binocular depending on what you are using it for. Image clarity is good, contrast is okay, chromatic aberration a bit on the high side for me (despite the „ED“ label).

 

[truculenter aspicientis]

Being only £35 between these binoculars, which would you buy?
Sense says the Leica, bigger objective lens, great brand.
But in terms of image quality does anyone know which gives the best views?
I'm in a dilemma.
Thanks Gary

 

[gweller]

Being only £35 between these binoculars, which would you buy?
Sense says the Leica, bigger objective lens, great brand.
But in terms of image quality does anyone know which gives the best views?
I'm in a dilemma.
Thanks Gary

I presume you are referring to the Leica Trinovid 8x32HD, not the Ultravid?? Both the Leica and the Swaro are very good bins in their own rights, but it is a bit like comparing apples and oranges.

The Leica Trinovid is full size and rather weighty for an 8x32, where as the Curio is a tiny, take anywhere, gem of a binocular. I think perhaps you should ask yourself what are you going are to use the binoculars for and in what situations? If they are going to be your only pair, and you are going to use them in all sorts of activities, then I would go for the Leica. If you already have a good full size bin but want to supplement it with something you can take with you when are just out about, like walking the dog etc, then go for the Curio.

I have the Curio, and it is wonderful, but would not own it if it was to be my only binocular.

Hope this helps!
Regards (from another) Gary

 

[truculenter aspicientis]

Thanks, yes they will be my only binocular, for birdwatching, wildlife and nature watching, just want a quality pair to have.. but just one pair.

 

[ReinierB]

Then I would chose the Trinovid 8x32 or another 8x32. It's a very nice format: not heavy, quite usefull in dim conditions as well, comfortable.
I once tried the trinovid 10x32 and liked it.

 

[Trinovid]

Leica 8x32HD v Swarovski curio 7x21 choice...which would you buy?

I bought both and with the considerable size difference it's a little like wondering whether to have a bike or a car, which for me is again, both. If you don't mind the size of the 8x32 HD+, then that could make a perfect single binocular, but if you'd prefer something you could carry with you all the time, everyday, the little 7x21 Curio would get the nod.

I could even use the Curio as my only-binocular if I had to.

 

[Dennis Mau]

If you are only going to have one binocular, definitely go with an 8x32. I don't really carry a binocular in my pocket, so I have no pocketable binoculars anymore because you give up a lot in optics and usability for the small size. The only reason to have a pocket binocular is if you need a binocular you can carry in your pocket. I think a good 8x32 is the best all around size for birding and the Trinovid 8x32 is a pretty good choice, although it has a smallish FOV and somewhat soft edges. I would seriously look at the Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 or if you want something smaller try the 8x30's like the CL. MHG or the new SFL.

 

[ReinierB]

The CL 8x30 is a good option too.
Or maybe the CL 8x25 or the Victory Pocket 8x25, but still not as comfortable as a 8x30/32.

 

[Trinovid]

Victory Pocket 8x25

The Victory 8x25 is a perfect split in between the two and another great one-binocular option.

 

[gweller]

Another vote for the CL 8x30. A really nice binocular and for some reason often overlooked. I've had one since 2019 and can definitely recommend it - although it's a bit more expensive than the Trinovid.

 

[Binocollector]

A bit off-topic but the only bino I'd consider to really carry with me all the time would be the Nikon Skeleton 6x15 or 7x15 .
Certainly not an option for an "only bino" though .

 

[Paultricounty]

Thanks, yes they will be my only binocular, for birdwatching, wildlife and nature watching, just want a quality pair to have.. but just one pair.

I don’t know what’s going on here but im agreeing with Dennis 100% again 🤪. I must be in the twilight zone.

Seriously those two are more like an apples to grapes comparison. As your only binoculars the 8x32 format would much better than the pocket, even though the curio is cool little optic. Dennis nailed it 🙇with the Zeiss conquest, MHG and one other the Kowa Genesis are all in your Leica HD price range. The Leica is very nice as well in 8x and much better with CA than their 10x model.

Paul

 

[Dennis Mau]

I don’t know what’s going on here but im agreeing with Dennis 100% again 🤪. I must be in the twilight zone.

Seriously those two are more like an apples to grapes comparison. As your only binoculars the 8x32 format would much better than the pocket, even though the curio is cool little optic. Dennis nailed it 🙇with the Zeiss conquest, MHG and one other the Kowa Genesis are all in your Leica HD price range. The Leica is very nice as well in 8x and much better with CA than their 10x model.

Paul

I believe you are agreeing with me more often because your experience and knowledge is increasing, and you are getting closer and closer to my level of expertise, and you are beginning to see the light grasshopper. 😁

 

[Dennis Mau]

Another vote for the CL 8x30. A really nice binocular and for some reason often overlooked. I've had one since 2019 and can definitely recommend it - although it's a bit more expensive than the Trinovid.

I agree. The CL 8x30 is often overlooked, but actually it competes very well with its competition, the MHG 8x30, SFL 8x30 and even the UVHD+ 8x32. There is a reason it is ranked 6th place on Allbinos. You should never overlook a Swarovski because they are always right up there with the best. From the NL down to the Curio, they are always in the top one or two. Swarovski doesn't like to be 2nd best.

Binoculars rankings - 8x32 - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

 

[Paultricounty]

I believe you are agreeing with me more often because your experience and knowledge is increasing, and you are getting closer and closer to my level of expertise, and you are beginning to see the light grasshopper. 😁

😂 So then, it is time for me to snatch the pebbles from your hands master Kan , and time for me to leave. 🥷🏼.

I was probably agreeing with you a few years back but was new too new on the forum to admit it , due to the vitriol of some of the responses to your posts. I didn’t want any part of that 😛. But it appears in the last few months you have mellowed and have stopped calling people derogatory terms and calling people idiots that didn’t agree with you 🤪🙏🏼✌🏼.

 

[Paultricounty]

I agree. The CL 8x30 is often overlooked, but actually it competes very well with its competition, the MHG 8x30, SFL 8x30 and even the UVHD+ 8x32. There is a reason it is ranked 6th place on Allbinos. You should never overlook a Swarovski because they are always right up there with the best. From the NL down to the Curio, they are always in the top one or two. Swarovski doesn't like to be 2nd best.

Binoculars rankings - 8x32 - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

here we go again with the Allbino links 😂

 

[Trinovid]

...the only bino I'd consider to really carry with me all the time would be the Nikon Skeleton 6x15 or 7x15

I do carry one all the time and for almost a year I guess, it's been either the Ultravid 8x20 or (briefly) the Curio 7x21. Try it, you'll like it! I've even got one of those Nikon 6x15 models too.