Leica ultravid 7x42 thoughts

Eastfork

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Aug 12, 2018
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Ok. So I'm in the market looking at optics. Was leaning towards kowa. 8x33. Wanting something 8x ish. So along can a used pair of leica 7x42 ultravid HD. 600 bucks later I'm holding them and wondering how they compare with the kowas. Looks like I got a decent deal. They are Little bigger than I wanted...... am I losing much by going with 7x vs 8x?
 
To quote a famous European Optics Afianado:

“7x42s are becoming a rarity and that’s shame because I love ‘em. Low power means a naturally wide and deep field for less panning and re-focusing, low false colour and lots of blackout-free eye relief. Bright and steady, a 7x42 is easy for novices and easy when you’re tired. 7x42s are often the lightest of a range because the lower power permits fewer lens elements.

Now, though, the 7x42 format is being dropped in favour of higher powers, relying on more glass and technology to force an 8x42 or a 10x42 to do the things a 7x42 does natively....One of the very last top quality 7x42s is Leica’s traditional-premium Ultravid.

Centre-field sharpness, resolution and focus ‘snap’ are just superb, indicating good-as-it-gets optical quality...false color is very low....unequalled depth of field...The Ultravid 7x42 are a fabulously comfortable and practical binocular that is highly recommended.”

The author does go on to say that the best of the Alphas are better but it was clear that he was a huge fan of the Ultravid 7x42. FWIW, that author liked but was not equally impressed with the Kowa 8x33, and if pressed would likely tell you to enjoy the Ultravids.

In my personal opinion the Ultravid HDs are a bit underrated and a great binocular. If you got them for $600 that is a steal of a deal. The Kowa is also a great mid-sized glass and one of the very best available in its price range. If you are looking for a mid-sized glass in addition to the Leica they are a great choice. Call Doug at Cameraland as they have a sale on them right now. If you’re looking for a full-sized 8x or 10x there are a whole world of options. It really just depends on how much you want to spend.
 
To quote a famous European Optics Afianado:

“7x42s are becoming a rarity and that’s shame because I love ‘em. Low power means a naturally wide and deep field for less panning and re-focusing, low false colour and lots of blackout-free eye relief. Bright and steady, a 7x42 is easy for novices and easy when you’re tired. 7x42s are often the lightest of a range because the lower power permits fewer lens elements.

Now, though, the 7x42 format is being dropped in favour of higher powers, relying on more glass and technology to force an 8x42 or a 10x42 to do the things a 7x42 does natively....One of the very last top quality 7x42s is Leica’s traditional-premium Ultravid.

Centre-field sharpness, resolution and focus ‘snap’ are just superb, indicating good-as-it-gets optical quality...false color is very low....unequalled depth of field...The Ultravid 7x42 are a fabulously comfortable and practical binocular that is highly recommended.”

The author does go on to say that the best of the Alphas are better but it was clear that he was a huge fan of the Ultravid 7x42. FWIW, that author liked but was not equally impressed with the Kowa 8x33, and if pressed would likely tell you to enjoy the Ultravids.

In my personal opinion the Ultravid HDs are a bit underrated and a great binocular. If you got them for $600 that is a steal of a deal. The Kowa is also a great mid-sized glass and one of the very best available in its price range. If you are looking for a mid-sized glass in addition to the Leica they are a great choice. Call Doug at Cameraland as they have a sale on them right now. If you’re looking for a full-sized 8x or 10x there are a whole world of options. It really just depends on how much you want to spend.
Thanks a bunch. That's some Good info. I'm actually pretty excited to try them out. Thanks for the info on the kowas also! Think I'll grab those too!!
 
$600 for Ultravid HD is a steal. Leica’s 42mm glass is slightly smaller than competitors. Like between a 32 and 42mm EL.

Birders love them. I think they would be great for archery and thicker woods. If out west a nice compliment for 12s off a tripod.

If you don’t like them you can move them along with no loss of money.


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So I pick them up yesterday. Still can't believe I got them for 600 after looking into them. I do live on the west coast, and mainly archery hunt. First impression was very nice! The view is very clear and bright. FOV is awesome. These are very nice binoculars. I'm pretty excited with my purchase. They are literally brand new. Last evening I tried them out, overcast and dark out they were excellent and far superior than 8x32 meoptas. Sustainability brighter as the evening progressed. The one and only hold make is they are just a tad bigger than I wanted but I think I'll be able to get over that. Still planning on getting some kowa genesis 8x33. ....
 
I own several alpha binoculars, including a brand new pair of NL10x42s, and my Leica Ultravid 7x42s are my favorite.
Cheers to the awesome deal you got on those. Enjoy.
 
I own several alpha binoculars, including a brand new pair of NL10x42s, and my Leica Ultravid 7x42s are my favorite.
Cheers to the awesome deal you got on those. Enjoy.
Thank you! To say that is something to be considered. I'll probably never have a chance to put a pair of NLs to my eyes so I'll just appreciate and enjoy these leicas!! Very very excited with them
 
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