New Release of Leica Trinovids? (1 Viewer)

[cl_em_2015]

I am considering buying a pair of Leica Trinovid HD 8x32, and was wondering if Leica would be introducing a new pair "soon"... I'd be willing to wait ~6 months if something new was in the works.

The HDs were introduced in 2015, and now have been in production for over 7 years. (based on what I can find on the internet.) Zeiss recent introduced their Conquest HDX, after ~12 years of the Conquest HD (2012 => 2024).

The BAs and BNs were in production for 7-8 years... so I wonder will Leica will be introducing a new pair soon, since the HDs will soon reach the 8 year mark.

- -

Trinovid Chronology I found:
1993-2000 Trinovid BA - 7 years of production
2000-2008 Trinovid BN - 8 years of production
2012-2015 Trinovid
2017-2025 Trinovid HD - 7+ years of production

 

[Paultricounty]

I am considering buying a pair of Leica Trinovid HD 8x32, and was wondering if Leica would be introducing a new pair "soon"... I'd be willing to wait ~6 months in something new was in the works.

The HDs were introduced in 2015, and now have been in production for over 7 years. (based on what I can find on the internet.) Zeiss recent introduced their Conquest HDX, after ~12 years of the Conquest HD (2012 => 2024).

The BAs and BNs were in production for 7-8 years... so I wonder will Leica will be introducing a new pair soon, since the HDs will soon reach the 8 year mark.


Trinovid Chronology:
1993-2000 Trinovid BA - 7 years of production
2000-2008 Trinovid BN - 8 years of production
2012-2015 Trinovid
2017-2025 Trinovid HD - 7+ years of production

I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting on Leica. Also you never be sure if a new Trinovid comes out it would be an upgrade. The 2017 model was a downgrade from previous 2012 model. Nikon did the same downgrade thing from the top of the line EDG to the upper mid level MHG. Although Leica still maintains their high end UVHD+ and of course the top of the heap in the Noctivids.

Id buy what you want use them and enjoy them. If and when something new comes out you’d have time to evaluate the product before buying. I’ve been waiting for a Noctivid 32 for the last 2 years.

 

[ArchStanton]

I am considering buying a pair of Leica Trinovid HD 8x32, and was wondering if Leica would be introducing a new pair "soon"... I'd be willing to wait ~6 months if something new was in the works.

The HDs were introduced in 2015, and now have been in production for over 7 years. (based on what I can find on the internet.) Zeiss recent introduced their Conquest HDX, after ~12 years of the Conquest HD (2012 => 2024).

The BAs and BNs were in production for 7-8 years... so I wonder will Leica will be introducing a new pair soon, since the HDs will soon reach the 8 year mark.

- -

Trinovid Chronology I found:
1993-2000 Trinovid BA - 7 years of production
2000-2008 Trinovid BN - 8 years of production
2012-2015 Trinovid
2017-2025 Trinovid HD - 7+ years of production

I was wondering the same thing as well. If they come out with a new Trinovid, maybe they'll add hydrophobic coatings along with a wider FOV.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I wouldn't hold my breath for a totally new Leica Trinovid. Even if Leica does introduce a new model, it won't be appreciably different from the older Trinovid. They might add something like hydrophobic coating or slightly upgrade the coatings, but they will never significantly increase the FOV like Swarovski, Zeiss or Nikon has. There is very little difference even between the older Leica Trinovid BN and the Leica UVHD+ optically if you compare them on Allbinos. I have compared them myself and could see no difference outside of the UVHD+ is slightly brighter. Compare the transmissions on Allbinos between the older Trinovid BN and the UVHD+ if you doubt me. They are both 87% transmission which is behind Zeiss, Swarovski and Nikon.

Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 10x42 - binoculars review - 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

"Two things happened in 2007: the production of Trinovids ceased and the Ultravids HD were launched on the market. Once again the new pairs of binoculars differed from the old ones in their casing (which weight was reduced for the second time); apart from that the field of view increased slightly, and the producer added AquaDura hydrophobic coatings along with improved antireflection coatings. Year 2014 saw another Leica launch, this time of the Ultravid HD-Plus series. Still, if you compare these devices to the Ultravid HD binoculars, you find out all the numbers remained the same. The producer just boasted of using glass of new type produced by the Schott company, with a better transmission.

Why am I writing about it? On our website, you can find tests of all 10x42 models, from the Trinovid BN to the Ultravid HD-Plus. It is easy to check what the customers gained throughout all these years. Firstly, the results show unanimously that, within the margin of measurement error, the HD-Plus model is practically the same as the HD model. Maybe the transmission level varies a bit but even if you compare the measurements taken with a spectrophotometer the differences remain very slight; it is really difficult to say whether they are an effect of measurement errors, natural differences between two specimens or the actual influence of Schott HT glass. If the spectrophotometer doesn’t show any distinct difference, it won’t be visible to the naked eye either.

So we have a situation where the Ultravid HD doesn’t differ markedly from the Ultravid BR and the Ultravid BR is an almost identical copy of the Trinovid but closed in a lighter casing. It seems that for almost 25 years, Leica haven’t introduced any innovative optical solutions to its key series of binoculars. Of course, the weight reduction and hydrophobic coatings are appreciated, along with a slight transmission increase or a tad wider field of view. Still, such a reputable company should have done better, especially if you take into account the length of the period of time we are talking about. As a result of such stagnation, Leica devices started to compete with each other: you can still buy a second-hand specimen of Trinovids in mint condition for half the price of the new Ultravids HD-Plus.

That tactics of Leica are especially strange because generally you can’t deny the company an innovative approach in optics, particularly when it comes to binoculars. After all, they pioneered in the rangefinder optics, making such revolutionary moves as launching Perger-Porro prisms instruments on the market. Why the line-up of ordinary binoculars has seen so few ground-breaking changes we don’t know."

 

[Paultricounty]

I wouldn't hold my breath for a totally new Leica Trinovid. Even if Leica does introduce a new model, it won't be appreciably different from the older Trinovid. They might add something like hydrophobic coating or slightly upgrade the coatings, but they will never significantly increase the FOV like Swarovski, Zeiss or Nikon has. There is very little difference even between the older Leica Trinovid BN and the Leica UVHD+ optically if you compare them on Allbinos. I have compared them myself and could see no difference outside of the UVHD+ is slightly brighter. Compare the transmissions on Allbinos between the older Trinovid BN and the UVHD+ if you doubt me. They are both 87% transmission which is behind Zeiss, Swarovski and Nikon.

Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 10x42 - binoculars review - 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

"Two things happened in 2007: the production of Trinovids ceased and the Ultravids HD were launched on the market. Once again the new pairs of binoculars differed from the old ones in their casing (which weight was reduced for the second time); apart from that the field of view increased slightly, and the producer added AquaDura hydrophobic coatings along with improved antireflection coatings. Year 2014 saw another Leica launch, this time of the Ultravid HD-Plus series. Still, if you compare these devices to the Ultravid HD binoculars, you find out all the numbers remained the same. The producer just boasted of using glass of new type produced by the Schott company, with a better transmission.

Why am I writing about it? On our website, you can find tests of all 10x42 models, from the Trinovid BN to the Ultravid HD-Plus. It is easy to check what the customers gained throughout all these years. Firstly, the results show unanimously that, within the margin of measurement error, the HD-Plus model is practically the same as the HD model. Maybe the transmission level varies a bit but even if you compare the measurements taken with a spectrophotometer the differences remain very slight; it is really difficult to say whether they are an effect of measurement errors, natural differences between two specimens or the actual influence of Schott HT glass. If the spectrophotometer doesn’t show any distinct difference, it won’t be visible to the naked eye either.

So we have a situation where the Ultravid HD doesn’t differ markedly from the Ultravid BR and the Ultravid BR is an almost identical copy of the Trinovid but closed in a lighter casing. It seems that for almost 25 years, Leica haven’t introduced any innovative optical solutions to its key series of binoculars. Of course, the weight reduction and hydrophobic coatings are appreciated, along with a slight transmission increase or a tad wider field of view. Still, such a reputable company should have done better, especially if you take into account the length of the period of time we are talking about. As a result of such stagnation, Leica devices started to compete with each other: you can still buy a second-hand specimen of Trinovids in mint condition for half the price of the new Ultravids HD-Plus.

That tactics of Leica are especially strange because generally you can’t deny the company an innovative approach in optics, particularly when it comes to binoculars. After all, they pioneered in the rangefinder optics, making such revolutionary moves as launching Perger-Porro prisms instruments on the market. Why the line-up of ordinary binoculars has seen so few ground-breaking changes we don’t know."

Dennis,

Even with all the opinions from multiple users that have had many of these Leica models side by side (I'm one of them) and have seen reasonable improvements model to model, you consistently dismiss all of them. For a website that has changed their testing methods over the years and has had many users disagree with quite a few reviews. That's even leaving out the website reviewer's preferences and biases. I feel this is extremely misleading of you and really does an injustice to new members. You consistently talk about improvements with Zeiss and Swarovski in the field of view department, but you are misleading by not mentioning the problems with blackout, eye placement issues, panning issues, and flat field characteristics, not to mention the blue rings which most of the Leicas don't suffer from any of those design flaws. I enjoy the Zeiss and Swaro as well, but when you add it all up, the Leica competes very well because of how well-rounded the optics are. Your biases clearly are not helping anyone. And it really is getting to be obnoxious every time a new member asks a question.

 

[tenex]

Welcome to Birdforum. Anyone is going to have the same reaction: I wouldn't hold my breath. No one has any inside information, Leica moves more slowly than others, and as Paul brilliantly pointed out you can't be sure you'd like the next model better anyway. This Trinovid HD is exactly what Leica wants it to be, mediocre FOV and all. If it's what appeals to you, go ahead and get it, and enjoy it.

It may seem obnoxious to you when I don't recommend Leica's to new members, but I am being honest in my opinions and my opinions are based on facts.

A thousand words of repetitive junk, when no one asked for your recommendation at all! Now that's obnoxious. The OP only said he's interested in the Trinovid HD.

 

[has530]

The people that disagree with Allbinos disagree because they have a Leica that is ranked 20th place.

I'm sure everyone with an ultravid wishes they had the higher ranked on allbinos vanguard endeaver Ed

Blackouts and eye placement are more a function of EP size than binocular design, and given the same EP size Leica's don't have any unique characteristic that makes them better than Zeiss, Swarovski or Nikon in those areas.

This is just flat out wrong and once again shows you have absolutely no grasp on the physics of optics. (See below for an example of eye placement depending on eyepiece design and not exit pupil)



I think the biggest disservice to new members is they come seeking help only to be bombarded by you either pretending to know what you're talking about or just talking up whatever you're about to sell (recent example, weeks of posts about the 7x42 habicht is the greatest binocular then try to sell it at a generous markup. Then mere days after selling it starting a thread about how important a wide field of view is...the glaring weakness of what you just sold!).

It is truly unfortunate because there is a wealth of wonderful knowledge on this forum but it is difficult for new members to find when they have to sort out the constant inane blather coming from certain members.

 

[dorubird]

I wouldn't hold my breath for a totally new Leica Trinovid. Even if Leica does introduce a new model, it won't be appreciably different from the older Trinovid. They might add something like hydrophobic coating or slightly upgrade the coatings, but they will never significantly increase the FOV like Swarovski, Zeiss or Nikon has. There is very little difference even between the older Leica Trinovid BN and the Leica UVHD+ optically if you compare them on Allbinos. I have compared them myself and could see no difference outside of the UVHD+ is slightly brighter. Compare the transmissions on Allbinos between the older Trinovid BN and the UVHD+ if you doubt me. They are both 87% transmission which is behind Zeiss, Swarovski and Nikon.

Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 10x42 - binoculars review - 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

"Two things happened in 2007: the production of Trinovids ceased and the Ultravids HD were launched on the market. Once again the new pairs of binoculars differed from the old ones in their casing (which weight was reduced for the second time); apart from that the field of view increased slightly, and the producer added AquaDura hydrophobic coatings along with improved antireflection coatings. Year 2014 saw another Leica launch, this time of the Ultravid HD-Plus series. Still, if you compare these devices to the Ultravid HD binoculars, you find out all the numbers remained the same. The producer just boasted of using glass of new type produced by the Schott company, with a better transmission.

Why am I writing about it? On our website, you can find tests of all 10x42 models, from the Trinovid BN to the Ultravid HD-Plus. It is easy to check what the customers gained throughout all these years. Firstly, the results show unanimously that, within the margin of measurement error, the HD-Plus model is practically the same as the HD model. Maybe the transmission level varies a bit but even if you compare the measurements taken with a spectrophotometer the differences remain very slight; it is really difficult to say whether they are an effect of measurement errors, natural differences between two specimens or the actual influence of Schott HT glass. If the spectrophotometer doesn’t show any distinct difference, it won’t be visible to the naked eye either.

So we have a situation where the Ultravid HD doesn’t differ markedly from the Ultravid BR and the Ultravid BR is an almost identical copy of the Trinovid but closed in a lighter casing. It seems that for almost 25 years, Leica haven’t introduced any innovative optical solutions to its key series of binoculars. Of course, the weight reduction and hydrophobic coatings are appreciated, along with a slight transmission increase or a tad wider field of view. Still, such a reputable company should have done better, especially if you take into account the length of the period of time we are talking about. As a result of such stagnation, Leica devices started to compete with each other: you can still buy a second-hand specimen of Trinovids in mint condition for half the price of the new Ultravids HD-Plus.

That tactics of Leica are especially strange because generally you can’t deny the company an innovative approach in optics, particularly when it comes to binoculars. After all, they pioneered in the rangefinder optics, making such revolutionary moves as launching Perger-Porro prisms instruments on the market. Why the line-up of ordinary binoculars has seen so few ground-breaking changes we don’t know."

This is a 2016 allbinos review. A very old review!! Leica optics have moved on since then, but allbinos old reviews database hasn't presented us a Leica model for about 10 years!

 

[dorubird]

Even with other alpha binoculars the allbinos database is out of date. For example, Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 is reviewed by allbinos with a very old gray version that was changed a long long time ago!
Also allbinos has some very old and inconsistent light transmission measurements. For example, Nikon HG L 8x32 (old Premier) has a very overestimated light transmission in allbinos measurements! In reality this old binocular being surpassed in the perception of brightness by new smaller binoculars (also from Nikon). I had them next to each other and I was also surprised then that Monarch HG 8x30 and Nikon E2 8x30 (new version), are obviously brighter than the bigger and older one HG L 8x32 (Premier). For brightness: Monarch HG 8x30 > Nikon E2 8x30(new version)> Nikon HG L 8x32. The old allbinos light transmission measurements of these three Nikon binoculars does not match the actual reality, because optic have moving on since then! Same with optic from Leica models, that moving on from old 2016 reviews quoted by you!

Leica hasn't changed the optics in their binoculars much in 20 years outside of some coatings changes, so the Allbinos review is still accurate. If you look at cutaways of Leica binoculars over the years the basic optical design has remained the same.

 

[A2GG]

The Nikon's coatings may have been updated, but it is unlikely Leica's have. I recently compared a Leica Ultravid BR to a UVHD+ and I saw very little difference in brightness. There was maybe a 2% difference in transmission, and at that level it is difficult to even discern if one is brighter than the other.

Leica updated coatings on all of their binoculars around 2020-2021. This was discussed here a few times. I believe Tobias mentioned it first. I love the new coatings. The image is a bit less warm now. My Tvid HD (2022) has excellent color fidelity. Some people may not be able to see color differences well or just not care. I can see it and it's a nice improvement for me.

 

[Rg548]

I was wondering the same thing as well. If they come out with a new Trinovid, maybe they'll add hydrophobic coatings along with a wider FOV.

I think that's called an Ultravid

 

[ArchStanton]

I think that's called an Ultravid

IMHO a 1k pair of binoculars should have hydrophobic coatings, and one shouldn't have to spend 2k.

 

[Paultricounty]

Dennis,

I for one, will not go back-and-forth with you over and over about coatings, optical designs, what you believe or what you're pushing with a few outdated websites that agree with you that you copy and paste snip-its while leaving out other information. It’s like a revolving door, you talk about lack of improvement with Leica which has clearly been debunked by many users here over and over thread after thread.

I do like many of your posts, and you are quite the character, in a good way. So am I, but I have all of these binoculars and use them consistently with numerous people testing them out getting opinions, because that's what I like to do. And there's one thing I don't do is mislead people. I might say I enjoy one bino over another, but I don't make crap up, and mislead people and that’s what you’re doing.

I said it before, you are misleading people. You are not doing anybody a service, and it is quite obnoxious, (trust me, I know obnoxious 🤪) and it never seems to end. It goes from one binocular discussion to another. If I didn't know better, I would say your a chatGPT.

 

[A2GG]

IMHO a 1k pair of binoculars should have hydrophobic coatings, and one shouldn't have to spend 2k.

I always though the Trinovid HD has hydrophobic coatings. I haven't experienced any fogging while viewing with eyeglasses as can happen using binos without the coating.

The Leica website mentions this under their Trinovid HD range:

Leica Trinovid 8 x 32 HD

Explore the world of Leica. Browse our wide range of products from rangefinders to compact cameras, accessories, and lenses.

leicacamerausa.com

As is the case with the top models in the Leica range, the lenses of all Leica Trinovid binoculars feature an extremely effective, water-resistant and dirt-repellent coating. Diopter corrections can be conveniently and easily applied with the right-hand eyepiece and personal settings for the eye-relief distance can be set by adjusting the eye cups with four click-stop settings.

The essentials:​

• Excellent close-focusing, wide field of view, bright picture clarity
• Breathtaking possibilities of observation, even under difficult lighting conditions
• High Durability Coating (HDC) to protect against fog, rain and dust for a clear view even in the most difficult conditions

 

[ArchStanton]

I always though the Trinovid HD has hydrophobic coatings. I haven't experienced any fogging while viewing with eyeglasses as can happen using binos without the coating.

The Leica website mentions this under their Trinovid HD range:

Leica Trinovid 8 x 32 HD

Explore the world of Leica. Browse our wide range of products from rangefinders to compact cameras, accessories, and lenses.

leicacamerausa.com

As is the case with the top models in the Leica range, the lenses of all Leica Trinovid binoculars feature an extremely effective, water-resistant and dirt-repellent coating. Diopter corrections can be conveniently and easily applied with the right-hand eyepiece and personal settings for the eye-relief distance can be set by adjusting the eye cups with four click-stop settings.

The essentials:​

• Excellent close-focusing, wide field of view, bright picture clarity
• Breathtaking possibilities of observation, even under difficult lighting conditions
• High Durability Coating (HDC) to protect against fog, rain and dust for a clear view even in the most difficult conditions

I just checked the Leica website again, and under "The essentials" heading for the 8x42 version there is no mention of the HDC coatings. I previously spoke to a Leica rep who told me that the Trinovids didn't have hydrophobic coatings but the higher-models had the Aquadura coatings. If Leica is at an upcoming birding event, I'll definitely ask again and take longer look at the 8x42 Trinovids. Not having hydrophobic coatings isn't a deal breaker if the view makes up for it. Thank you for the information and have a great day!

 

[A2GG]

I just checked the Leica website again, and under "The essentials" heading for the 8x42 version there is no mention of the HDC coatings. I previously spoke to a Leica rep who told me that the Trinovids didn't have hydrophobic coatings but the higher-models had the Aquadura coatings. If Leica is at an upcoming birding event, I'll definitely ask again and take longer look at the 8x42 Trinovids. Not having hydrophobic coatings isn't a deal breaker if the view makes up for it. Thank you for the information and have a great day!

I see that now. it's not mentioned under the 8x42 but it is mentioned for both the 8x32 and 10x32. I assume they forgot to add the blurbs under the 42 version.

to me it seems my 8x32 does have the coatings. I never get any fogging and seems very easy to wipe clean.

 

[mwhogue]

I am considering buying a pair of Leica Trinovid HD 8x32, and was wondering if Leica would be introducing a new pair "soon"... I'd be willing to wait ~6 months if something new was in the works.

The HDs were introduced in 2015, and now have been in production for over 7 years. (based on what I can find on the internet.) Zeiss recent introduced their Conquest HDX, after ~12 years of the Conquest HD (2012 => 2024).

The BAs and BNs were in production for 7-8 years... so I wonder will Leica will be introducing a new pair soon, since the HDs will soon reach the 8 year mark.

- -

Trinovid Chronology I found:
1993-2000 Trinovid BA - 7 years of production
2000-2008 Trinovid BN - 8 years of production
2012-2015 Trinovid
2017-2025 Trinovid HD - 7+ years of production

You might consider shopping for a used or NOS Trinovid since the consensus is it's better overall than the newer Trinovid HD version. Going that route might save you some money as well.

Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

 

[Rg548]

I see that now. it's not mentioned under the 8x42 but it is mentioned for both the 8x32 and 10x32. I assume they forgot to add the blurbs under the 42 version.

to me it seems my 8x32 does have the coatings. I never get any fogging and seems very easy to wipe clean.

Perhaps there's a difference between 'hydrophobic' coatings and Aquadura.... as I'm sure if they had Aquadura, it would definately say in the spec.

 

[Rg548]

Anyway.... to the OP...

Leica make superb optics, and always have.
Some may prefer Zeiss, or Swaro, Nikon etc...

But lets not pretend Leica binoculars are not upto modern standards. I've never looked through any Leica, and been disappointed.
Add in their superb build as they seem to have less problems than the others, and you have a superb optic.

One of my all time faves remains the classic Ultravid.... I could live out the rest of my days with those and be happy..... even if Swaro have a wider field... (but the straps and armouring fall off occasionally)

Buy your Trinovids and enjoy them

 

[A2GG]

Perhaps there's a difference between 'hydrophobic' coatings and Aquadura.... as I'm sure if they had Aquadura, it would definately say in the spec.

that makes sense. could be the Aquadura coating is for their higher end binos and Tvid gets a basic hydrophobic coating.