Choosing a 7x42 between UVHD+ and EDG (3 Viewers)

[hopster]

Hi all

I already asked a more general question here about the best 7x42 roof prism options a while ago and got a lot of helpful feedback. It turns out that in summary if I want the best I should aim at Zeiss FL, Nikon EDG or Leica UVHD+.

Although many liked the wider FOV, brightness and close focus on the Zeiss, they are only available second-hand now and don't come up very often. Also, my experience with Zeiss of that era (FL & HT) is that they lack red/warmth somewhat in the visual presentation.

So now it's probably between the Leica and the Nikon. Both should share the following features:

• good glare control
• an identical FOV apparently
• no lack of warmth in the image

Advantages for the Nikon are (please comment): better focuser, better image edges, less CA, I can buy new for ~£1,100 directly from Japan.

Advantages for the Leica are (please comment): smaller/lighter, a more certain warranty/servicing future, no problem with dioptre drift, water-repellent coatings.

Have I missed anything?

 

[Tim S]

Hi all

I already asked a more general question here about the best 7x42 roof prism options a while ago and got a lot of helpful feedback. It turns out that in summary if I want the best I should aim at Zeiss FL, Nikon EDG or Leica UVHD+.

Although many liked the wider FOV, brightness and close focus on the Zeiss, they are only available second-hand now and don't come up very often. Also, my experience with Zeiss of that era (FL & HT) is that they lack red/warmth somewhat in the visual presentation.

So now it's probably between the Leica and the Nikon. Both should share the following features:

• good glare control
• an identical FOV apparently
• no lack of warmth in the image

Advantages for the Nikon are (please comment): better focuser, better image edges, less CA, I can buy new for ~£1,100 directly from Japan.

Advantages for the Leica are (please comment): smaller/lighter, a more certain warranty/servicing future, no problem with dioptre drift, water-repellent coatings.

Have I missed anything?

Bought an 8x32 UV+ recently, focus is perfect. No doubt someone will prove me wrong but I think sticky focusers on Ultravids is a thing of the past. Two recent purchases of 8x42 UV's at my local patch have also been fine. And yes, I tried them, but I have 8x42 NV so not tempted there, a 7x42 however...

 

[hopster]

Bought an 8x32 UV+ recently, focus is perfect. No doubt someone will prove me wrong but I think sticky focusers on Ultravids is a thing of the past. Two recent purchases of 8x42 UV's at my local patch have also been fine. And yes, I tried them, but I have 8x42 NV so not tempted there, a 7x42 however...

If I do buy one I may need to sacrifice the 8x NV to pay for it as I'm not sure I can justify two such similar expensive optics. I don't want to do that of course...

 

[Shine]

You could consider the GPO Passion ED 8x42, light transmission 90%, ED Multi coated glass, field of view 143M, close focus under 6ft, magnesium which is very tough and better than aluminium or plastic for long life and temperature stability.
Relatively new company 2015 set up by Ex Zeiss, Leica and Meopta top brass, but incredibly under priced for the specification.
Great review in Bird Watching magazine October 2024 and Bird Watch March 2025.

 

[hopster]

You could consider the GPO Passion ED 8x42, light transmission 90%, ED Multi coated glass, field of view 143M, close focus under 6ft, magnesium which is very tough and better than aluminium or plastic for long life and temperature stability.
Relatively new company 2015 set up by Ex Zeiss, Leica and Meopta top brass, but incredibly under priced for the specification.
Great review in Bird Watching magazine October 2024 and Bird Watch March 2025.

But I'm not looking for an 8x42, in fact I am potentially looking to swap perhaps the best one there is for a 7x42.

 

[Shine]

But I'm not looking for an 8x42, in fact I am potentially looking to swap perhaps the best one there is for a 7x42.

Ok, not sure if your in Wales but I know Birders Store Worcester are very good and stock a very wide range of binoculars and Brian and Bev may have the various options your considering. Or Cambrian in North Wales or Carmarthen in South Wales. Always best to compare to find what suits your eyes best. If you live more Norfolk way One Stop Nature or Cleyspy.

 

[hopster]

Ok, not sure if your in Wales but I know Birders Store Worcester are very good and stock a very wide range of binoculars and Brian and Bev may have the various options your considering. Or Cambrian in North Wales or Carmarthen in South Wales. Always best to compare to find what suits your eyes best. If you live more Norfolk way One Stop Nature or Cleyspy.

Yes in fact Birders Store Worcester is where I have already bought two of my optics including the current Noctivids and I was very happy with their service. I have also visited the Carmarthen store that seems to be in an old chapel!

I don't think I'll find an EDG in any bricks and mortar stores anymore though, apart from second-hand.

 

[chill6x6]

So I've had I guess most of not all of the 7X42s. I still have the EDG(gen I), FL, UVHD+, and SLC. ALSO a Zen-Ray 7X36, Retrovid 7X35, and Opticron Discovery 7X42. Had a Meopta B1 7X42...fine binocular. Oh yeah...Have had a Trinovid 7X42 too.

Most have a FOV of somewhere around 420ft @ 1000yds(A few feet here or there doesn't matter) except for the FL which is 450ft. I tend to use the UVHD+(size, weight, handling) or the FL(FOV, smooth focus) mostly of the 42mms. I use the SLC some too. But really, I used the Trinovid(Retrovid) 7X35 the most. Handling, size, weight, smooth focus, a dream! I've used all of these day in, day out for months/years. Not for a day and then sell them "new, open box."

Of the ones you mentioned...I'd probably go with the UVHD+ as it's a current model OR a used FL. But I'd also heavily consider the Retrovid 7X35.

 

[hopster]

So I've had I guess most of not all of the 7X42s. I still have the EDG(gen I), FL, UVHD+, and SLC. ALSO a Zen-Ray 7X36, Retrovid 7X35, and Opticron Discovery 7X42. Had a Meopta B1 7X42...fine binocular. Oh yeah...Have had a Trinovid 7X42 too.

Most have a FOV of somewhere around 420ft @ 1000yds(A few feet here or there doesn't matter) except for the FL which is 450ft. I tend to use the UVHD+(size, weight, handling) or the FL(FOV, smooth focus) mostly of the 42mms. I use the SLC some too. But really, I used the Trinovid(Retrovid) 7X35 the most. Handling, size, weight, smooth focus, a dream! I've used all of these day in, day out for months/years. Not for a day and then sell them "new, open box."

Of the ones you mentioned...I'd probably go with the UVHD+ as it's a current model OR a used FL. But I'd also heavily consider the Retrovid 7X35.

Thanks. I hadn't really considered the Meopta (even though I have the 12x50) or the Trinovid but I'll have a look around at specs and UK prices on those.

It seems that of the three I mentioned you are least keen on the EDG?

 

[Tim S]

Hi all

I already asked a more general question here about the best 7x42 roof prism options a while ago and got a lot of helpful feedback. It turns out that in summary if I want the best I should aim at Zeiss FL, Nikon EDG or Leica UVHD+.

Although many liked the wider FOV, brightness and close focus on the Zeiss, they are only available second-hand now and don't come up very often. Also, my experience with Zeiss of that era (FL & HT) is that they lack red/warmth somewhat in the visual presentation.

So now it's probably between the Leica and the Nikon. Both should share the following features:

• good glare control
• an identical FOV apparently
• no lack of warmth in the image

Advantages for the Nikon are (please comment): better focuser, better image edges, less CA, I can buy new for ~£1,100 directly from Japan.

Advantages for the Leica are (please comment): smaller/lighter, a more certain warranty/servicing future, no problem with dioptre drift, water-repellent coatings.

Have I missed anything?

Bought an 8x32 UV+ recently, focus is perfect. No doubt someone will prove me wrong but I think sticky focusers on Ultravids is a thing of the past. Two recent purchases of 8x42 UV's at my local patch have also been fine. And yes, I tried them, but I have 8x42 NV so not tempted there, a 7x42 however...

If I do buy one I may need to sacrifice the 8x NV to pay for it as I'm not sure I can justify two such similar expensive optics. I don't want to do that of course...

Speaking from experience, you'll regret it if you do.

 

[Dennis Mau]

As chill6x6 said, don't overlook the older Leica Trinovid 7x42 BN. It will give the other 7x42's a run for their money, and if you look around you can pick up a nice one for less cash. The Leica Trinovid 7x42 BN has a very color saturated natural view that you will like. There is not much difference between the Trinovid 7x42 BN and UVHD+7x42 outside of the UVHD+ is a little brighter than the BN, and I actually prefer the ergonomics and build quality of the BN over the UVHD+. Leica doesn't change their binoculars much because I think they figure they got it right the first time.

Leica 7x42 Bn's Best Binoculars I Have Ever Used!

I just want to say I have had almost every brand and size of binocular and for my eyes Leica 7x42 BN'S are the best optically and mechanically I have ever seen. They are just fantastic! Thanks Leica for building such a great product. They are so good I just had to say that. Dennis

www.birdforum.net

 

[Rg548]

I've looked through them both.
Both lovely bins, but I was able to put the Nikons back, but could easily see myself buying the Leicas if I needed 7x.
Also Leica are leagues ahead of Nikon for warranty stuff.
Can't grumble at either really though !!

 

[Conndomat]

Hello @hopster,

the EDG has two advantages: the phenomenal glare protection; I don't know of any better lens, and the EDG's focuser is also world-class.
The diopter adjustment, however, is suboptimal; in my opinion, it's a complete design flaw. In my 8x32 and 7x42 the diopter walked with the focuser.

The UV is a work of art. It doesn't have any truly unique selling points, but it's very good in all areas, including optical performance, build quality, and handling ergonomics. In my opinion, the UV doesn't have any real weaknesses; perhaps that's precisely its strength.

I've never regretted switching from the EDG to the UV.

Andreas

 

[chill6x6]

Thanks. I hadn't really considered the Meopta (even though I have the 12x50) or the Trinovid but I'll have a look around at specs and UK prices on those.

It seems that of the three I mentioned you are least keen on the EDG?

You are welcome!

The Meopta B1 7X42 will probably be the hardest one to get your hands on. I bet there weren't many made. The B1s are great binoculars all the way around.

EDG....really a very nice binocular. The 7X42 almost has too much ER. The diopter adjustment sure isn't the best. I really liked the 8X32 and 8X42 EDG IIs I had. For what ever reason, they sat on the shelf while other binoculars were getting used. PART of that was the fear of continuity of service for that model. I ultimately sold the 8X42 and 8X32....buyers were elated AFAIK.

Ultimately...whichever you pick of those you are looking at are for the most part "no-brainer" binoculars. They are all at the pinnacle of binocular craftsmanship. If I showed up somewhere to bird sans binocular and someone handed me any one of these, I know I would be well equipped!

 

[oldfortyfive]

The Meopta B1 7X42 will probably be the hardest one to get your hands on. I bet there weren't many made. The B1s are great binoculars all the way around.

I love mine....My goto truck bino's

 

[Scott98]

The 7x42 EDG and UVHD are the same weight or within 1 ounce of each other. Similar size.

The focuser is the big difference. For me you are literally talking about the best binocular focuser in the business (EDG) and the worst focuser of any binocular I"ve used - UVHD. EDG and Nikon 12x50 SE have the best edge sharpness of the all the binos I've used. I'm actually OK w/ UVHD edge sharpness, it's fine, it's not quite as good as EDG but that wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me. The other big strength of the 42mm EDG is the lack of CA, among the very best.

So I like the EDG better in most areas except one big one - the EDG have the 4 roof prism spikes on bright light at night, which I really don't like to see. It's also going to degrade the view by some amount, however small, during the day too. UVHD prisms are totally clean.

FWIW I've been using the 7x42 EDG for a couple years now and the diopter has never drifted. I was under the impression that they had changed the design of the diopter adjustment many years ago and fixed the problem. I just set it to zero at the beginning and it hasn't moved.

 

[mwhogue]

So now it's probably between the Leica and the Nikon. Both should share the following features:

• good glare control
• an identical FOV apparently
• no lack of warmth in the image

Advantages for the Nikon are (please comment): better focuser, better image edges, less CA, I can buy new for ~£1,100 directly from Japan.

Advantages for the Leica are (please comment): smaller/lighter, a more certain warranty/servicing future, no problem with dioptre drift, water-repellent coatings.

Have I missed anything?

@hopster

Both my 7x42 HD+ and EDG II control glare very well but EDG is the best in a roof in this respect IME. FOV is identical but the AFOV seems a bit smaller in the EDG, if only noticeable in direct comparison. Both have a warm image, the EDG being even slightly warmer.

Agree with others the EDG focuser leads the league. I'm not as sensitive to CA as some so won't comment on that aspect. Edge performance of the Nikon is "better" but probably a matter of preference. No problems for me with diopter drift on the 7x42 or 10x32 EDG II and both were bought used.

Some differences as @chill6x6 pointed out, the EDG has 22mm of ER which may be too much for some. For some reason that first click stop on the EDG is a big one. The EDG ocular lenses are huge if you like that feature. The HD+ ER of 16mm is more "typical" FWIW.

Since you can't compare them directly, the safer choice would likely be the UV, but if you are inclined to risk the expense and inconvenience of a possible return, I recommend you give the EDG a try, especially given the current price difference.

On possibly going with the 7x35 Retrovid, I have yet to find any difference in optical performance compared to the HD+ 7x42.

Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

 

[Dennis Mau]

@hopster

Both my 7x42 HD+ and EDG II control glare very well but EDG is the best in a roof in this respect IME. FOV is identical but the AFOV seems a bit smaller in the EDG, if only noticeable in direct comparison. Both have a warm image, the EDG being even slightly warmer.

Agree with others the EDG focuser leads the league. I'm not as sensitive to CA as some so won't comment on that aspect. Edge performance of the Nikon is "better" but probably a matter of preference. No problems for me with diopter drift on the 7x42 or 10x32 EDG II and both were bought used.

Some differences as @chill6x6 pointed out, the EDG has 22mm of ER which may be too much for some. For some reason that first click stop on the EDG is a big one. The EDG ocular lenses are huge if you like that feature. The HD+ ER of 16mm is more "typical" FWIW.

Since you can't compare them directly, the safer choice would likely be the UV, but if you are inclined to risk the expense and inconvenience of a possible return, I recommend you give the EDG a try, especially given the current price difference.

On possibly going with the 7x35 Retrovid, I have yet to find any difference in optical performance compared to the HD+ 7x42.

Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

I agree I had the UVHD+ 7x42 at the same time that I had the Retrovid 7x35, and optically you can't tell the difference, but the Retrovid 7x35 has the advantage of a lighter weight and smaller size. Between the two, I would get the Retrovid 7x35.

 

[hopster]

The 7x42 EDG and UVHD are the same weight or within 1 ounce of each other. Similar size.

The focuser is the big difference. For me you are literally talking about the best binocular focuser in the business (EDG) and the worst focuser of any binocular I"ve used - UVHD. EDG and Nikon 12x50 SE have the best edge sharpness of the all the binos I've used. I'm actually OK w/ UVHD edge sharpness, it's fine, it's not quite as good as EDG but that wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me. The other big strength of the 42mm EDG is the lack of CA, among the very best.

So I like the EDG better in most areas except one big one - the EDG have the 4 roof prism spikes on bright light at night, which I really don't like to see. It's also going to degrade the view by some amount, however small, during the day too. UVHD prisms are totally clean.

FWIW I've been using the 7x42 EDG for a couple years now and the diopter has never drifted. I was under the impression that they had changed the design of the diopter adjustment many years ago and fixed the problem. I just set it to zero at the beginning and it hasn't moved.

Thanks for the useful comparison.

Is the UVHD really the worst focuser you have ever used? Some here seem to think it's OK and better in the recent versions but nothing special.

I do like the idea of a lovely focuser and no CA. Two of my favourite things in a binocular. I doubt if I'll be using it as a night glass so hopefully the prism spikes wouldn't be too much of a negative.

 

[hopster]

@hopster

Both my 7x42 HD+ and EDG II control glare very well but EDG is the best in a roof in this respect IME. FOV is identical but the AFOV seems a bit smaller in the EDG, if only noticeable in direct comparison. Both have a warm image, the EDG being even slightly warmer.

Agree with others the EDG focuser leads the league. I'm not as sensitive to CA as some so won't comment on that aspect. Edge performance of the Nikon is "better" but probably a matter of preference. No problems for me with diopter drift on the 7x42 or 10x32 EDG II and both were bought used.

Some differences as @chill6x6 pointed out, the EDG has 22mm of ER which may be too much for some. For some reason that first click stop on the EDG is a big one. The EDG ocular lenses are huge if you like that feature. The HD+ ER of 16mm is more "typical" FWIW.

Since you can't compare them directly, the safer choice would likely be the UV, but if you are inclined to risk the expense and inconvenience of a possible return, I recommend you give the EDG a try, especially given the current price difference.

On possibly going with the 7x35 Retrovid, I have yet to find any difference in optical performance compared to the HD+ 7x42.

Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

More useful information, thanks.

Warmer than a Leica might be a bit too warm perhaps?

I would be using it with glasses so plenty of ER is probably a good feature. If it doesn't match the click stop like with my Noctivid I'll use O-rings to set the right position. I do love the Noctivid for all of its lovely capabilities - in many ways the best there is - but I think it's the most fussy 8x42 with regard to eye position that I have ever used. Get the IPD or ER even slightly wrong and you start to see CA or blackouts.