Leica Trinovid...new competition at $1000

[AGPank]

It looks like he recent Leica close out on Trinovids was in preparation for the new version.
https://us.leica-camera.com/Sport-Optics/Leica-Hunting/Binoculars/Leica-Trinovid-HD
They are also shown on Eagle Optics, $950 for 8x42 if I remember correctly.

The physical change is the relocation of the diopter adjustment. Not sure on all else.

I'm sure is will bring a lot of questions similar to the SLC price drop a couple of years ago.

I don't see a lot of talk about Leica binoculars here. I for one was pushed away by initial cost.

I always wanted a pair, a rancher / guide I grew up around used to let me use his pair. I jumped on the cameralandny close out and 10% sale. They arrived yesterday.

I will post a separate thread on my thoughts. I can compare to some of my other recent binoculars including SLC neu, SLC HD, razors, and Meostar HD.

 

[dotman]

My only concern would be customer service, I have seen way more negative cs experiences with Leica then any other optics mfg. Keep us updated.

 

[flyinsquirel]

And the fact that Leica charges uber prices for optics without a lifetime warranty.

 

[AGPank]

The warranty is lifetime. 3 years against accidental damage. I don't think it is transferable.

 

[AK Shane]

After the prices dropped on the Trinovid I was expecting to see an HD version hitting the market. To me at $1,000 the older version is a good buy. The original $1,500 tag was overpriced. I spent some time at the store comparing the Trinovid, Mostar HD, Razor, and SLC on a couple different occasions. The Trino is no SLC but for $800 less will definately have you contemplating cost vs benefit. The SLC and Meopta are both brighter and have better edge to edge clarity. To me the Trino was better than the Razors in about every way. It's unfortunate that the new Trino won't have the center diopter focus but Leica really did need to get the price point down on the Trinovid to make it more competitive.

 

[AGPank]

My initial impression is that these are one of the best looking binoculars I have owned. The black armored body feels great and they are just sexy. They have raised thumb rests instead of the detents many models have. They feel nice and balance well in my hands. At 28 oz, probably about average for a 10x42. (The razor is the lightest I've seen at 25 oz, the kowa Genesis is 34, but is 10.5x44).

The diopter adjustment works better/easier than any I have tried. The model I have still has all adjustments on the center focus. The top of the focus pulls up and the split adjustment dial focuses each eye separately. The setting is shown on he visible dial on top. The focus wheel is silky smooth in both directions of operation.

The eye cups have 4 setting positions for eye relief. I don't wear glasses so I can't speak to how that works. Each setting feels very stable and should move easily from where you set it.

The Trinovid doesn't have the typical threaded tripod adapter. It looks like they want you to buy their unit, which I don't like, even though I don't use a tripod much,many do.

 

[AGPank]

Visual performance is tough to differentiate at this level of binocular. I found a pretty thorough review here: http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2012highendbins/review.html

I'm very pleased with the image quality, resolution, and sharp image. I've had limited yard and neighborhood park use so far. The only negative is that CA control isn't as good as the SLC HD or Meostar HD. I pick up some with backlit objects with the sky as background around the edges. I guess it would depend on your typical viewing conditions if it's a deal breaker. Maybe this new HD version will improve this. I'm not sure what they would have done to lower the price in other areas.

My SLC HD is 8x42 so it's tough to compare across the line due to much different FOV and exit pupil. I sold the Meostar HD and can't align then side by side. The trinovid and SLC HD have similar neutral color rendition. The Meostar HD was slightly warmer as compared to my SLC HD. All have very large and similar sweet spots.

I did sell my Meostar to buy these. I would gladly own Meoptas again. The Meostar is probably the best of the 3 I've referenced here with CA control (in my use). They fit me well and balanced well. The few items I would like changed:
- The overall weight (4oz) heavier than the trinovid is noticeable.
- aesthetics, even when buying them the first time was tough to overcome
- the diopter adjustment was tough without using a tripod

The only real negative I have with the trinovid is the CA control could improve. I do agree with the statement above that at $1,500 it was too much for them, they are much better at current pricing.

I am aware of concerns about warranty. I do take good care of my equipment so time will tell. My pair of Steiner Big Horns lasted 25-years before getting service.

 

[huntabsarokee]

So would you trade the Meopta for Trinovid again knowing what you know now??

I just purchased the Meopta but thought about returning them for the trinovid. Only thing I don't like about the Meopta is the weight and the diopter is hard to adjust while viewing.

 

[AGPank]

It's a tough choice without looking side by side. Again mine are the last year model trinovid, not sure what the new HD one is like.

With the cabelas sale on their brand Meostar 10x42hd of $839 it's tough to beat at that price.

I intend to use the trinovid for birding and archery shoot mainly and use my 8x42 slc HD for hunting. I'm content with the trade, but I'm not blown away by differences in image. It really is a personal preference.

I would note that you need to hold the Trinovid before you buy. The have raises thumb rests under the barrels versus more typical detents.

I just never fell in love with the aesthetics of the Meostar. For image quality I would own them again in a second. I've heard the Meopro HD is the same glass in a slimmer model, but havent seen them.

I agree with both of your comments on the Meostar about the diopter and weight. I had to set the diopter off my tripod to get it where I liked it. I was using them for archery and my range is lit at night. I have different day/night vision and found myself adjusting these back and forth which was a little inconvenient.

 

[huntabsarokee]

The close out trinovid is 899 vs euro hd 839 but I have a cabelas in state so have to pay tax so they come out the same.

What do you trinovid weigh?

 

[handwerk]

I think they weigh 28 oz.
I bought some from cameralandny for my boys Christmas present, for the money these are great binos and the view comes close to my swaro el ranges.