I ordered these after trying the Swaro EL 8.5X42. I wanted to try both and see which one was "better". Truth is there really is no better per say, just differences.
First off, this is a much smaller unit in the hand, it is about 1/2 shorter than either the EL or 3/4" than the new Zeiss SF. I liked that. However, the EL did not bother me with it's size as a deciding factor.
-The diopter works great on both, but I liked being able to see what the position was on the Leica, again nothing big.
-I like the fact this is 7x, after plenty of research I feel this is one of the best if not THE best magnification to get, with the wider fov, better dof and bigger 6mm exit pupil for low light. 8 or 8.5x also ok, after trying both (8 & 7) side by side I really could not see the slight mag increase and so the other factors weighed heavily in my decisions to go 7x.
-Glass - great nothing bad to say. Seems to be clear to the edges, maybe not quite as much as the EL? I could not really tell to be honest, but that is the EL claim to fame with their field flattener. The Leica glass is very very clear and warm. The colors just POP. In low light it works wonders as well. I had an old Zeiss Classic 10x40 (excellent glass) and did a direct comparison in dusk to almost night time and the Leica made a HUGE difference. I was looking at a planters pot at about 30yards away and with the Zeiss it was black and the leaved were mudded and everything just faded into the background. With the Leica the planet still looked brown and the leaved clear and crisp with plenty of DOF.
Overall, very happy with the glass
- Eye cups, better than the EL for me. These have VERY positive clicks in and out and will not move. No complaints there. The EL were a bit more sloppy (wrong word really) but were just fine.
-Build Quality - Leica is well, Leica. So the build quality is excellent! They use a Magnesium housing with a Titanium rod for the focus, that way it will not be susceptible to climate changes making the focus move slower in cold weather - very cool! The rubber armor is very nice feeling. Overall you feel like this is a luxury product. It feels VERY well made.
In comparison to the EL, the Leica wins for build quality in my opinion. The Swaro is excellent too, but their rubber does not feel as nice to me and overall, I just did not get the same feeling of quality. If you search around you will get people thinking the same thing. Leica<Swar<Zeiss foru build quality is the general consensus and I agree.
That's about it I guess. I guess it sort of ended up being a comparison to the EL? So I hope that helps people out a bit. The Swar is great too. I may try the NEW EL coming out in OCT 2015. Glass will be the same just cosmetic differences and the armor is changing, so maybe that will address the feeling of it for me? Not sure. Either bin is far and beyond gtg for your average user and is just splitting hairs to be honest.
I highly suggest taking the 7x a go vs 8x. Go do your HW on the topic. There is plenty out there on it. Birdforum being a great tool for research.
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This Item  Leica Ultravid 12x50 HD Plus Binoculars with HighLux-System HLS, Black |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $2,559.99 | $1,749.95 | -5% $449.00 Typical: $472.22 | $479.00 | $1,834.95 | -12% $166.95 List: $189.95 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, May 9 | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Light weight | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | 6ave | Fast Ship Direct | Gritr | Gritr | Web Offers | Amazon.com |
| field of view | 299 feet | 7.7 degrees | 6.6 degrees | 285 feet | — | 3.8 degrees |
| focus type | — | Center Focus | Center Focus | Center Focus | Center Focus | Center Focus |
| lens coating | Phase Coating | HDC™ multicoating and Leica AquaDura™ lens coating | Multi-Coated | Phase Coating | Phase Coating | Multi-Coated |
| eye relief | 13 millimeters | 4 millimeters | 14 millimeters | 13.7 millimeters | 16 millimeters | 8.6 millimeters |
| exit pupil diameter | 4.2 millimeters | 4 millimeters | 2.5 millimeters | 2.5 millimeters | — | 5 millimeters |
| objective lens diameter | 50 millimeters | 32 millimeters | — | — | 42 millimeters | 50 millimeters |
| binocular prism | Roof Prism | Roof Prism | Roof Prism | Roof Prism | Roof Prism | Porro Prism |
| zoom ratio | 12 multiplier x | 8 multiplier x | 8 multiplier x | 10 multiplier x | 10 multiplier x | 10 multiplier x |
| material | Magnesium | Magnesium, lens, objective | Aluminum | polyurethane | Nylon, Neoprene, Glass | Rubber |
From the manufacturer
For Breath-Taking Views
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Innovative Aquadura CoatingThe AquaDura coating developed by Leica gives crystal clear vision in any weather and protects the lenses from scratches and abrasion. Raindrops simply roll off. Dirt and fingerprints are easily wiped away. |
Resistant By NatureThe timeless elegant design hides and protects what’s inside: precise mechanisms and the finest optics. The Ultravid HD-Plus binoculars are reliable companions that have been tested under the toughest conditions. |
Crystal Clear VisionThe Leica Ultravid HD-Plus series is a precise combination of state-of-the-art technology, new coating processes, innovative glass materials and the greatest optical know-how. |
Leica Ultravid 12 x 50 HD Plus Binoculars
Outstanding for viewing over longer distances.
Reliable detail resolution and identification.
For detailed, longer observation.
Benefits at a glance
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Dirt repellent
- AquaDura coating
- Roof prism with phasecorrecting coating P40
- HighLux-System HLS
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| Leica Ultravid 10x50 HD Plus | Leica Ultravid 12x50 HD Plus | |
| Customer Reviews |
5
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22
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| Price | $2,239.95 | $2,554.95 |
| Magnification | 10 x | 12 x |
| Front lens diameter | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Eye-relief | 15 mm | 13 mm |
| Objective angle of view | 6.7° | 5.7° |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 125 x 178 x 70 mm / 4.9 x 7.0 x 2.8 in | 120 x 182 x 78 mm / 4.7 x 7.2 x 3.0 in |
| Weight | 1,000 g / 35.3 oz | 1,040 g / 36.7 oz |
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Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2018
Style: 8x32
