Differences between Leica UV 8x20 BCR and Trinovid BCA (1 Viewer)

[PHA]

Hello,

I am in the process to buy a top pocket binocular. I will go for Leica. Other than the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece in the Trinovid, have these two Leica pocket binoculars the same optics?

Thank you!

PHA

 

[MiddleRiver]

Hopefully some one will respond with direct comparison. Meanwhile: Ultravid BCAs vs *current* Trinovid BCAs - real optical difference or mostly mechanical?

 

[Mono]

If you want a binocular that is more truly pocketable then get the Trinovid. On the spec sheet if might not seem much but in the hand the Trinovids are noticeably more compact.

If you want absolute optical performance then the Ultravids are simply better, more contrast, more clarity they just pop.

Bear in mind that the Ultravids are a third again more expensive than the Trinovids, and the Swarovski Curios are optically better again than the Ultravids.

I had a similar pocket binocular quest a few years ago and tried out all the available contenders. I went for the Trinovids on size. Although the Curios weren't around then. Should my Trinovids go missing I may have to go for the Curios but I do baulk somewhat at the price.

 

[dorubird]

If this small binoculars are not the only ones in your possession then I recommend the Trinovid 8x20. In this case the small binoculars will be used very rarely anyway. The price difference between them is not justified as they are very little used and with small performance differences. But if this bino will be the only ones bino in your possession than go to Leica Ultravid 8x20 or Swaro Curio 7x21

 

[Thotmosis]

I tried them both and find the optics of the Ultravids are brighter and have more contrast then the Trinovids. Also they are fully waterproof where the Trinovids are (only) splashproof. They are both very good instruments though. I have the 10x25 BL (leatherette) version, for hiking i would suggest the rubber version, more tough.

 

[PHA]

Thank you all!
And thank you MiddleRiver to show the link!
Best!

PHA

 

[mwhogue]

If this small binoculars are not the only ones in your possession then I recommend the Trinovid 8x20. In this case the small binoculars will be used very rarely anyway. The price difference between them is not justified as they are very little used and with small performance differences. But if this bino will be the only ones bino in your possession than go to Leica Ultravid 8x20 or Swaro Curio 7x21

Agree with your reasoning. For pocket fans little differences can make a big difference. Trinovid has the smaller size which can make daily carry more convenient and thus more likely. If B&H specs are correct the UV has one more mm ER, 15 v. 14 and 5.9' CF v. 9.8 for the Trinovid. With my glasses I can just get the full FoV on the UV (never tried the Trino) so the ER may be an issue for those who have to use glasses. IMO the CF of the UV is an unsung virtue. You can always find something enjoyable or interesting to look at with CF of 5.9 not near so much with 9.8. These won't be issues for many.

Mike

 

[Thotmosis]

IMO the CF of the UV is an unsung virtue. You can always find something enjoyable or interesting to look at with CF of 5.9 not near so much with 9.8.

Nice unsung virtue indeed, i didn't know that. Until two years ago i never thought about looking at objects and animals close by but then came covid ..... now i do and a whole new wonderful world has opened up for me. Plants, insects and even objects in my house. It's great fun and good to have some binoculars with close focus in your collection.

 

[PHA]

Hello,

Thank you again! From your experiences and readings you provide, TO ME there are some key features to justify the UV over the Trinovid pockets:
1- Sealing
2- Close focus distance
3- Not too big but CLEARLY better optics.

Best!

PHA

 

[MiddleRiver]

Hello,

Thank you again! From your experiences and readings you provide, TO ME there are some key features to justify the UV over the Trinovid pockets:
1- Sealing
2- Close focus distance
3- Not too big but CLEARLY better optics.

Best!

PHA

I think this is correct. So it comes down to $$ or EU ;-)

I finally did send of my Trinovids off to Leica for cleaning etc. They came back as-new, for a modest cost. I've debated many times selling them and getting the 'better' UV's but have choked on the upgrade cost. My reasoning is that in my case they are just my 'backup go everywhere' glass and seldom used. But I'll admit everytime I see one of these threads I start looking at UV's again! LOL

 

[PHA]

I think this is correct. So it comes down to $$ or EU ;-)

I finally did send of my Trinovids off to Leica for cleaning etc. They came back as-new, for a modest cost. I've debated many times selling them and getting the 'better' UV's but have choked on the upgrade cost. My reasoning is that in my case they are just my 'backup go everywhere' glass and seldom used. But I'll admit everytime I see one of these threads I start looking at UV's again! LOL

Hi MR,

Perhaps if I had one of the last Trinovid BCA I would not even thinking to change it. In that case, perhaps, I could not justify go to UV.

Thank you!

PHA

 

[chill6x6]

Hello,

Thank you again! From your experiences and readings you provide, TO ME there are some key features to justify the UV over the Trinovid pockets:
1- Sealing
2- Close focus distance
3- Not too big but CLEARLY better optics.

Best!

PHA

What sold me on the Ultravid is the access/placement of the focus adjustment.

 

[Pepitogrillo]

But, the small Trino can be a best " Pocket binocular" , than the UV, no?
PG

 

[mwhogue]

But, the small Trino can be a best " Pocket binocular" , than the UV, no?
PG

Pepito,

Based on my use of the UV 8x20 for several years, all the positive reviews on BF and my discussions with another BF member who owns and regularly uses both the UV and Trino 8x20, the Trino is a good choice as a pocket. But whether it would be "better" for you than the UV depends mainly on the size of your pockets and your budget. According to the specs on B&H photo the main difference in size is the length - 3.8" for the Trino and 4.4" for the UV - or 11.1 versus 9.6 mm. So Trino would be the better choice if small size (and maybe lower price) is the most important factor to you, more important than slightly better image quality, water proof and better CF of the UV.

Mike

 

[Trinovid]

Just to allow others to judge for themselves, these are some pics I took of my 8x20 bins in both Ultravid and Trinovid versions.
Owning both and having hoped for even more compactness from the Trinovid, I don't believe that it's enough difference for the majority of users to recognize a difference in bulk either way. For some, maybe, but not for most.

I really can't see a huge difference in view either, because I'm a relative novice I suppose, but it's nothing like to easily apparent difference between my 8x32 BN and older Leitz version. The greatest reasons for me to prefer the Ultravid is the locking diopter, waterproofing, focuser and the absolute minimalist strap that comes with them.

 

[mwhogue]

Nice work and photos Trinovid, thanks. Clearly your 8x20 Trinovid is not meaningfully smaller than the UV. I wonder about the difference between the specs online.

If I have missed the answer sorry but is the older or newest Trinovid smaller than the one pictured?

Mike

 

[dorubird]

When the eyecups are completely folded down, then it can be seen that the Ultravid is a little longer than the Trinovid. But when they are extended, the binoculars have the same length.
When the binos are folded completely the width of the Ultravid is also a little large because his bigger focus wheel, which does not let the tubes get closer.

 

[Trinovid]

If I have missed the answer sorry but is the older or newest Trinovid smaller than the one pictured?

I'm not knowledgeable enough to give an answer, but as I understand the Trinovids with the logo in the center are among the newest of that line.

I'm going to try take a couple comparative shots between the armored and leatherette 8x20 Ultravids tomorrow, as there is the slightest difference in outer dimensions, which some may find to be of at least some interest.

 

[Sc0tty]

I don’t know what cases come with Leica compacts these days but some compact bins come with quite bulky cases which defeats the object of pocket bins. The leather case for my old Trinovids is perfect.

 

[LucaPCP]

The Ultravid BL (in leather) come with a leather case that is almost as small as that of the Trinovids.
The Ultravid BR (in rubber covering) come with a case that is a bit bulky; on the forum, you will see people discussing carrying them in eyeglass soft slips. I carry them in a tiny snug neoprene sleeve.