September 23, 2010
Light done right
Create a new line of binoculars that meet or exceed all of the qualities of the Leica line, but in a more compact and lighter weight configuration. This was the challenge given to Leica development engineers. Result: Leica Ultravid binoculars .
Built with a housing made of light high-grade magnesium, the Leica Ultravids are considerably lighter than previous models manufactured. The Leica Trinovid 8x42BN binocular is 6 ounces heavier than the Ultravid 8x42 BL, which weighs in at 24.9 ounces.
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According to Leica's Terry Moore, the 150-year-old German company took their time in creating a lighter binocular line that was demanded by. . .bird watchers.
"The birding market complained about heavy optics, which quickly translated to the hunting market. Our competition started coming out with lighter models, which left Leica with the task of making a new generation of binoculars," said Moore.
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In addition to the magnesium housing, the center axis shaft of the Leica Ultravid is made of space age titanium to shave further weight. The complete focusing assembly is made of durable metal components.
Each Ultravid Binocular features enhanced optics with quality contrast and brightness by virtue of Leica's High Lux Sytem (HLS) and stray light elimination. The High Lux System is a special mirror coating enhancing the prism system that is applied utilizing an advanced Physical Vapor Deposition process generated by an Ion Beam and particle accelerator. Forty-three separate coatings are applied in a thickness as little as 40 nanometers. These so called lamba/2 coatings, which transfer 99.5% of the light over the mirrors, not only generate additional brightness, but also allow for optimization for only one wavelength of light. Additionally, a new mechanical and optical design improves contrast and total light transmission. This is accomplished with new glass and new lens coatings. Net result: extraordinary light transmission that delivers a bright and natural image.
The new Leica Ultravid was ergonomically styled after the design of Leica's Duovid binoculars. The magnesium body of the Ultravid BR models are completely covered with impact-absorbing, soft touch rubber armoring. The user also finds molded thumb rests on the back surface for vibration free viewing.
The Ultravid features a large, freestanding multi-function center drive control. The design makes for fast and responsive focusing, even when wearing gloves, and requires only slightly more than one complete turn to travel from infinity to the near focus point.
Additional enhancements to the design of the multi-functioned center drive were made. The basic principle of the two coupled focusing wheels has been retained from previous Leica designs allowing fast, positive, and secure adjustment for setting user diopter correction. A new design element of the Ultravid is a ring-shaped window that makes it easier to read the diopter scale.
Leica Ultravids are fast to the eye, even for those who wear eyeglasses. Each eyepiece has a rotating sleeve with two click stops that can be adjusted to each individual for preferred eye position. This eyepiece design means a full field of view for everyone, including those who wear glasses. The eyecups can also be easily removed for cleaning.
Each model of Ultravid Binoculars is nitrogen filled and waterproof to a depth of 16.5 feet. They also have an extreme operating temperature range from -13 to +131 F. and are fog proof.
Ultravid Binoculars are available in both 40mm and 50mm models. The 42mm models are offered in magnifications of 7, 8, or 10 power and the 50 mm models in 8, 10, or 12 power. Both models are offered in either black or green rubber armor coating. Additionally the 8x42 and 10x42 models are also available in a classic and stylish leather-covered variation.
Leica Ultravids, as are all Leica binoculars and spotting scopes, are covered by Leica's Lifetime Passport Protection Plan. This protection provides "No Fault" product repair or replacement for the lifetime of the original owner if the binocular was purchased through a licensed Leica dealer.
Leica Ultravid Product Specifications Magnification 7x42 BR 8x42 BL 8x42 BR 10x42 BL 10x42BR 8x50 BR 10x50 BR 12x50 BR Description Green or Black Rubber Armor Leather Green or Black Rubber Armor Leather Green or Black Rubber Armor Green or Black Rubber Armor Green or Black Rubber Armor Green or Black Rubber Armor Objective Lens 42mm 42mm 42mm 42mm 42mm 50mm 50mm 50mm Exit Pupil 6.0mm 5.25mm 5.25mm 4.2mm 4.2mm 6.25mm 5.0mm 4.2mm Field of View @ 1000 yds. 420 ft. 390 ft. 390 ft. 330 ft. 330 ft. 345 ft. 345 ft. 300 ft. Weight 26.8 oz. 24.9 oz. 27.7 oz. 24.5 oz. 26.8 oz. 35.6 oz. 35.4 oz. 36.9 oz. Dimensions L 5.6 " L 5.6" L 5.6"H 2.6"
L 5.7" L 5.8" L 7.2" L 7.0" L 7.2" Twilight Factor 17.1 18.3 18.3 20.5 20.5 20 22.4 24.5 Close Focus 10.8 ft. 10.2 ft. 10.2 ft. 9.7 ft. 9.7 ft. 11.8 ft. 11.0 ft. 10.7 ft. Waterproof Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Suggested Retail Price $1,420.00 $1,550.00 $1,500.00 $1,600.00 $1,550.00 $1,600.00 $1,650.00 $1,675.00
