You making me want a Noctivid!
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UVHD+ appreciation ~ my, how I do (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter ZDHart
- Start date
Mike F
Well-known member
It wasn’t my intention to make anyone want to get one or say that they are preferable to an UVHD+, just answering a question! The NV is however a very fine binocular.
I keep reading posts from Paultricountry and how he likes the Noctivids, but the list you made specifying all those things that sound very desirable for me in a binocular really has me wanting to look through some of them again in consideration of eventually getting one.
John M Robinson
Well-known member
I’ve lived through all the iterations of Ultravids from BR through HD+, and I really couldn’t see any difference in view. The Noctovid is the first new Leica that I can see a definite improvement over my Ultravid BR.
I spoke to the Leica agent for NZ.
The UV 12x50 isn’t sold in NZ because it’s not popular. I pointed out that if nobody ever saw a pair or got to try them, they’d never be popular.
They said they could special order me some from Germany if I wanted.
They did agree to send their demo NV 10x42 to a local dealer so I can try them. The same dealer has SFs in stock so at least I can compare.
The UV 12x50 isn’t sold in NZ because it’s not popular. I pointed out that if nobody ever saw a pair or got to try them, they’d never be popular.
They said they could special order me some from Germany if I wanted.
They did agree to send their demo NV 10x42 to a local dealer so I can try them. The same dealer has SFs in stock so at least I can compare.
Such a loser position to take, instead of "These are a fantastic binocular and we believe in them so much that we'll stock a couple sets in the firm belief that a lot of people will want them ONCE THEY GET A CHANCE TO TRY THEM!!"
I'll say it again, having had no interest in 12x at all, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the 12x50 HD+ ever since I spent the better part of an hour trying them out, even taking them out into the mall repeatedly.
Mike F
Well-known member
For what it's worth, not many places have the 12x50. 12x simply isn't a popular choice because not many people can hand hold one. I'm blessed with very steady hands so it's not an issue for me. Also of course it's not the most useful magnification for the average birder. But I have to say that it's my most used binocular - I absolutely love it! Personally, and speaking as someone who has both, I would take the 12x50 UVHD+ over the 10x42 NV, but that's very personal and based on my most common use for a binocular which is, errr..... making distant objects seem closer than they are! 
Looking at distant shore lines over large bodies of water, boats, landmarks etc. It's a truly spectacular glass. In fact 'these are spectacular!' was exactly the reaction of the last person who tried mine!
Looking at distant shore lines over large bodies of water, boats, landmarks etc. It's a truly spectacular glass. In fact 'these are spectacular!' was exactly the reaction of the last person who tried mine!
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Paultricounty
Well-known member
You mean you don’t have one already 😜. Mike really does check a lot of boxes in his description of the Nv’s, and very well said I might ad. I would include very elegant in fit , finish and feel, second to none in that area.
you make a good point - 12x has its purpose....for high-power situations. I was thinking of selling off my 12x40 but I might try keeping them around for a couple years & see if they get used more.Personally, and speaking as someone who has both, I would take the 12x50 UVHD+ over the 10x42 NV, but that's very personal and based on my most common use for a binocular which is, errr..... making distant objects seem closer than they are!
Paultricounty
Well-known member
Two different optics for two different applications. You need both to cover both applications. Don't sell them Scotty! I have the 12X50EL's for that application, UVHD's are equally nice in different ways. I use them for quick looks when I want to reach out and/or on tripod for those longer studies in combination with a wide field 7X or 8X bino. I usually use a Manfrotto light weight tripod with a nice smooth video head. When mounted this set up is better than any IS on the market.
Paul
Paultricounty
Well-known member
The NL is a 42mm so quite different than the 50mm Leica and EL's. Both are very nice and very different, but the Leica is short on eye relief (for some) compared to the EL. If eye relief is not an issue, buying either one will satisfy that12X50 high end optics need.
Paul
Eye relief in terms of wearing glasses is not presently an issue for me. I had differential LASIK several years ago so no longer need glasses (something I cannot recommend highly enough, btw).
SLC is also available here in 15x56.
Given that Swaro sell no less than three 12x options here, it is strange to me that Leica do not sell the UV 12x and claim it is not popular!
SLC is also available here in 15x56.
Given that Swaro sell no less than three 12x options here, it is strange to me that Leica do not sell the UV 12x and claim it is not popular!
Nice. Seiko Marine Master?
Paultricounty
Well-known member
I’m not buying the UV 12’s unpopularity claim as well. Anybody who wants a premium 12x50 or any 12x binocular , the UV would have to be one of the best on the market.
Sometimes we have to put up with all kinds of hurdles and speed bumps to get what you want in life. Having to search and wait for some luxury items should be looked at as a worthwhile endeavor and makes it all the more enjoyable when received.
During Covid when building an AR sporting rifle , I had to wait almost a year to gather up all the components needed to accomplish the task. Everybody was either out of stock or they wanted double or triple the retail price.
Sometimes wanting and waiting for something is better than having it, but not with optics😜🙏🏼
Paul
The only two 12x binoculars I’ve spent any time with is the EL and the HD+. Liked the EL a lot, until it made me seasick. Couldn’t identify a single shortcoming with the HD+ and I will eventually be having one.
Mike F
Well-known member
No, but close! It's a Japanese Seiko SKX009 Pepsi. Solid oyster bracelet. Had it for years!
Mike F
Well-known member
You won't regret it if the ER is sufficient. For several years I tried to persuade myself that I really didn't need/want one. I already had the 10x42 NV so how could I justify the 12x50?, I told myself. I eventually gave in when I saw a very attractive price on eBay by a Leica dealer in Holland. I have to admit that I hardly use the NV now. Yes, it's better in all of the ways which I stated in post #40, but there's just something wonderful about Leica x50 UV binoculars. The look, feel, and handling is perfect IMO. ELs make me feel seasick too!
