Torview
Well-known member
I`v owned this binocular for over a month now and have used it extensively for Birding in that time and thought I would post my feelings about it.
I wish I still had my 8x42 Ultravid HD for comparison, but this was sold to fund the purchase of the 7x42.
For many reading this the Ultravid will need no introduction as its been around for 10+ years and although the optics have been updated over the years the body has remained unchanged.
However for those who have`nt tried a pair, the binocular is very compact and certainly noticeably smaller than the other Alpha offerings in a 42mm format.
Personally I like the ergonomics, the shape offers me a solid grip, I like the raised thumb ridges on the underside whilst for me the large focus wheel is perfectly positioned with no need to stretch the index finger forward or back.
Speaking of the focus, I`m sure its been improved on the plus models, it seems faster (from memory) than the HD with 460 deg of rotation clockwise from minimum focus, which on mine is a little under the quoted 3m.
Its also silky smooth and honestly the best from Leica yet IMO.
The eyecups now have more click stop positions than the HD, and from personal experience the aquadura coatings Leica apply to the lenses makes them very east to clean, much easier than the Lotutec on a previous Zeiss, or the Swarodur on my SV, again this my experience, others may disagree.
I just adore the optical quality of this model, the HD+ offers a sparkling image that really speaks to me, razor sharp high contrast view with wonderful rich colours that seem neutral in tone to my eyes.
There is classic pincushion distortion, so it is not a flat field design, nor is it sharp to the edge, but panning is comfortable and overall the view is very relaxing with extended use.
The fov is quoted as 140m at 1km, but this seems conservative, comparing it to my Nikon EII it does`nt seem much smaller, in fact if I had to guess, I`d say it felt more like 144-48m !
I genuinely feel I`v found optical nirvana for my preferences, I`v always been a fan of seven power binoculars, and as I`v never tried a 7x42 Nikon Edg, but have experienced the Zeiss 7x42Fl and Swarovski 7x42 Slc Neu, I`d say the UVHD+ is the finest 7x42 roof ever made, and may be the finest that will ever be made given the formats demise at the Alpha level.
Truly something really special where the sum is more than the parts, try one if you can.
John.
I wish I still had my 8x42 Ultravid HD for comparison, but this was sold to fund the purchase of the 7x42.
For many reading this the Ultravid will need no introduction as its been around for 10+ years and although the optics have been updated over the years the body has remained unchanged.
However for those who have`nt tried a pair, the binocular is very compact and certainly noticeably smaller than the other Alpha offerings in a 42mm format.
Personally I like the ergonomics, the shape offers me a solid grip, I like the raised thumb ridges on the underside whilst for me the large focus wheel is perfectly positioned with no need to stretch the index finger forward or back.
Speaking of the focus, I`m sure its been improved on the plus models, it seems faster (from memory) than the HD with 460 deg of rotation clockwise from minimum focus, which on mine is a little under the quoted 3m.
Its also silky smooth and honestly the best from Leica yet IMO.
The eyecups now have more click stop positions than the HD, and from personal experience the aquadura coatings Leica apply to the lenses makes them very east to clean, much easier than the Lotutec on a previous Zeiss, or the Swarodur on my SV, again this my experience, others may disagree.
I just adore the optical quality of this model, the HD+ offers a sparkling image that really speaks to me, razor sharp high contrast view with wonderful rich colours that seem neutral in tone to my eyes.
There is classic pincushion distortion, so it is not a flat field design, nor is it sharp to the edge, but panning is comfortable and overall the view is very relaxing with extended use.
The fov is quoted as 140m at 1km, but this seems conservative, comparing it to my Nikon EII it does`nt seem much smaller, in fact if I had to guess, I`d say it felt more like 144-48m !
I genuinely feel I`v found optical nirvana for my preferences, I`v always been a fan of seven power binoculars, and as I`v never tried a 7x42 Nikon Edg, but have experienced the Zeiss 7x42Fl and Swarovski 7x42 Slc Neu, I`d say the UVHD+ is the finest 7x42 roof ever made, and may be the finest that will ever be made given the formats demise at the Alpha level.
Truly something really special where the sum is more than the parts, try one if you can.
John.
