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C-7 Home Page
Leica Index
Binoculars |
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Trinovid and ULTRAVID Compact Series Models:
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Trinovid and ULTRAVID Mid and Full Size Models:
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| DUOVID Models: |
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GEOVID Range Finding Models:
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GEOVID LUX Range Finding/Data-Voice Transmitting Models:
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Overview: What Makes a Leica Binocular Special
The decision to buy a Leica binocular is a decision in favor of uncompromising quality. Leica's binoculars provide unsurpassed sharpness, clarity, color rendition and image definition. You literally have to see to believe: how a distant image can be drawn in until it appears close enough to touch, sharp and crystal clear. How easy it is to distinguish the most delicate textures and hues, the smallest details...even in low light, thanks to a brilliance produced by high resolving power and increased definition.
Most binoculars are compromises of durability and resistance to the elements, and of balance, weight, size and performance. There are those who prefer to buy one rather compact high performance binocular, even at greater cost than to buy a less costly bulkier and heavier binocular that might approach the optical performance of the better smaller binocular. The Leica binocular and spotting telescopes are as close to perfection in all the critical areas as modern technology permits. In fact each may be the last binocular or spotting telescope that you ever buy - though in time you may come back to Company Seven to buy several different models for varying applications. Leica is is so certain of the merits and durability of their product that their confidence is tangibly backed by a most incredible "no fault" lifetime warranty!
Leica owners can enjoy the advantages of optical superiority and structural reliability even under the most demanding conditions. The Leica line has evolved since 1907 to now offer the perfect binocular for virtually every use!
The common obvious differences between the Leica binocular models are magnification and field of view, physical size and weight, and brightness. There are less obvious design considerations including: Eye Relief (the distance between the observers eye and an eyepiece), Interpupilary Distance (the separation distance between the observers two eyes, binocular feel and balance.
Bigger may or may not be better. Magnification of 1x represents the typical wide angular field of view visible with the unaided human eye. As magnification is increased (1x to 7x, etc.) then the objects in the distance will appear larger, but the area that can be viewed (Actual Field of View) is diminished accordingly. As the field of view is diminished then it will require more and more practice to be able to point a binocular and acquire the object of interest, particularly if the object of study is moving. Furthermore particularly when moving about or hiking where the breathing and pulse accelerate, then as the magnification is increased the lack of steadiness by the holder will become more and more apparent as the image apparent sharpness declines. Most customers can comfortably hand hold 7x or 8x binoculars, but fewer can hand hold 10x or higher well enough to truly see the fine details that these optics reveal. So Company Seven urges our customers to try before buying, and when in doubt seek a suitable compromise.
Click on the respective magnification factors below to view how the different zoom factors affect enlargement and field of view:
In the illustration to the right one can see how Leica's long eye relief (eyecup retracted) will accommodate a spectacle wearer. The rubber trim of the eyecup acts as a bumper cushion to protect the eyeglass lens. With the eyecup extended it provides shade preventing light that might otherwise come in from the sides from forming a distraction. With or without the eyecup extended, any user can brace the binocular against their brow or their spectacles for steadiness. While not common, there are some people who have deep set eyes, and wear very thick prescription glasses; this combination of factors may result in a need for so much eye relief that few if any binoculars will permit them to see the entire field of view.
The "C" in the suffix indicates the binocular is a compact model, suitable to be stored in a coat or shirt pocket.
The "A" suffix indicates the binocular has been treated with a non slip armoring of a durable synthetic material; this has now been replaced by an 'N' indicating armored with the improved near-focus range. Full size binoculars with the "L" suffix indicate a leather covering. The compact binoculars that are not armored are finished in black leather, while the BN series armored models are available in Green, Black, or for the Marine 7x 42 BN in Blue.
The "DUOVID" term describes the unprecedented Leica DUOVID 8 + 12 x 42 and Leica DUOVID 8 + 12 x 42 binoculars. The DUOVID is the first high performance binocular available worldwide capable of providing the user a choice of two magnifications (and with practice, a third too). Aside from the obvious benefits of being able to vary the magnifications, the DUOVID may solve the problem for couples or groups who must share one binocular, where one person may not be able to comfortably hand hold a binocular at magnifications higher than 10 x.
For those who prefer higher magnifications but can not hand hold a binocular we offer Tripod Adapter to support the binocular on a camera tripod, car window mount, etc.
On the outside, the new BN binoculars can be differentiated from BA models only by the BN on their name plate, and by Leica product model numbers. While the ULTRAVID are clearly distinguished by their form as well as their respective BR and BL suffixes.
BN, BR, BL, HD SERIES At the famous "Photokina 2000" photographic industry trade show Leica announced the TRINOVID BN binocular series. And then in August 2003 continuing their tradition of innovation, Leica introduced their ULTRAVID series. For 2004 through 2007 Leica gradually upgraded their ULTRAVID binocular series to the ULTRAVID HD (retaining BL for leather covered models).
Increasingly, many nature lovers requested a pair of LEICA TRINOVID binoculars that would focus at shorter distances than the original BA series. And so Leica is catered to that demand with the TRINOVID BN and the most recently introduced ULTRAVID models. With the new TRINOVID BN and ULTRAVID models Leica provides ideal possibilities of getting really close to nature, as the TRINOVID BN binoculars featured two major innovations: a significantly improved close-focus range and Leica's HDC™ optical coating. While the lighter weight ULTRAVID series offer even better light throughput, further improvements in imaging properties, and improved ergonomics.
The Leica BN, BR, and ULTRAVID BL binoculars improved close-focus over the prior BA series of as close as 2.10 m (10x 32 BN), and not more than 3.60 m (8x 50 BN and 8x 50 BR) as close focus limits. The close-focus distance is of particular interest for field ornithology, insect watching, general nature observation and forestry. Leica's HTC™ optical coating employed on the exposed eyepiece and objective lenses is a multiple layer coating that is extremely resistant to abrasion and other environmental influences. This high resistance is achieved by a special process in which the coating materials are applied to the lens elements in a high-vacuum plasma technique.
The TRINOVID BN binoculars inherited the well-proven features of the previous TRINOVID BA models, such as the trend setting Leica Design, the high-quality optics with the successful Leica multiple coating, the Schmidt-Pechan pentaprisms and the true internal focusing, water tightness to a depth of 5 m, the patented multifunctional central drive, the high-point eyepieces with sliding eyecups and the polyurethane armoring. The ULTRAVID improves further in many of these areas.
Fluoride lenses: with the help of recently developed fluoride (FL) glass the Leica HD and APO spotting telescope models offer supreme color fidelity and contrast. Optical FL lenses are to a large part made up of calcium fluoride, a mineral with a crystalline structure. Unlike conventional optical lenses, this creates a very low level of dispersion (light scattering) and corrects aberration (imaging errors) significantly better than previous glasses. So as a result the viewing experience is more natural and three-dimensional, more impressive than it has ever been before
Leica Binocular Center Focus Mechanisms these are engineered to provide ease of use (central focus), quick and smooth performance, and a lifetime of reliable service. The focus mechanism is an "internal" arrangement where optics within the binocular body are moved to accomplish changes of focus. So the exterior does not change, the length of the binocular does not change with focus. This internal central focus mechanism makes it a quick and simple matter to change focus from very close objects out to infinity. And by means of this advanced mechanical arrangement the binocular is sealed well from moisture, dirt and other contaminants.
Left: Ultravid HD internal focusing mechanism. Rotating the focus collar drives a focusing lens element in each optical barrel (34,591 bytes).
Click on image to see enlarged view (65,030 bytes).
And focusing the Ultravid HD is even smoother than ever before. The mechanism remains free of play across the entire range. Optimized material pairings and gliding discs made from extremely tough, high-performance plastic are used. In cold conditions, the conventional greased focusing mechanisms sometimes only work with difficulty, and at higher temperatures they move too freely. Furthermore, these focusing mechanisms can feel "sticky", and at higher temperatures there is even the danger that grease can off gas or escape and run on the lens. With the optimized Leica focus, these risks have been eliminated. The new mechanics of the Ultravid HD models work practically without any lubricants. So even in extreme temperatures it is always fully functional and with a constantly optimal degree of smoothness.
Being mechanical systems, they may require only minor cleaning and/or lubrication service after years or decades of service - depending on the amount of use and the operating environment!
Background: How The Eye Works a binocular can be thought of as a light funnel gathering light through its objective (front) lens, with prisms to erect the image, and with an eyepiece funneling light into the eye.
The entrance pupil is the black spot in the center of the iris, this is the opening in the iris through which light passes. Between the cornea and the iris is the anterior chamber filled with vitreous fluid, a clear jelly-like solution. Light passes through the vitreous on it's way to the retina. The retina is lined with light-sensitive sensors (cones and rods) that accumulate the visual signal and then transmit the information through the optic nerve to the brain where the signals are processed. And so by dilating and exposing more sensors to the stimulis, then the Iris causes the eye to compensate with increased area what is lacked in intensity can provide reasonably good views of fainter areas at night.
Diopter Adjustment As people age it is likely their vision will change in focus near or distant or both for example, and one may develop astigmatism too. Changes of the eye tend to result in various degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). In a single tube such as a telescope we simply focus to accommodate differences between observers. But with binoculars it is necessary not only to focus to accommodate differences between people, but to also have some mechanism to compensate for differences between the left and right eyes.
2. gently pull the focus knob up (away from the binocular bridge)
3. now turn the protruding dial clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve best focus for the right eye
4. without turning the extended dial, turn the inner dial (adjacent the binocular bridge) clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve best focus for the right eye
5. without turning either dial, gently push the extended knob back into place to reseal the focus mechanism.
Leica binoculars incorporate mechanisms to compensate for differences between the left and right eyes known as a "diopter adjustment". The exact mechanical arrangement varies but the principle of operation remains the same to allow the observer to incorporate a consistent variable into the focusing. In the mid to larger Leica binoculars one simply:
1. dial the focus knob to achieve approximate focus
Left: Ultravid HD internal focusing mechanism. Rotating the focus collar drives a focusing lens element in each optical barrel (34,591 bytes).
Drag your Mouse Cursor back and forth over the image to see Focus Diopter Dial extend and retract. Note the red waterproofing seal O-ring.
It is also possible that over time, some of the detrimental aspects may change in a way that improves vision too.
ULTRAVID HD series introduced in 2007, offers additional internal improvements. The exteriors were unchanged and the basic specifications (magnification, field of view, etc.) similarly remained the same so these appear at first glance identical to the original ULTRAVID models. The improvements provided with the HD address the focusing mechanism. And the optical design of the HD were refined with newly available Fluoride glass technology, and then were treated with advanced contrast and resistance coatings to repel water and dirt with the new AquaDuraTM process.
Leica AquaDuraTM ensures greater visibility in wind and rain
It is a cold morning and the lens fogs up - that is not much fun. Fingerprints, dust and rain are also annoying when viewing. The innovative Leica AquaDuraTM coating considerably reduces these disturbing factors. Imitating nature as with the lotus plant, this new water and dirt-resistant protective layer on the outer glass surfaces ensures that dirt and moisture are barely able to take hold on the specially adapted surface structure of the optic. This is the same coating applied by Leica for their latest APO-TELEVID spotting telescopes introduced in 2007 and coming available in 2009.
Right: Microscopic image of water droplet demonstrating the operating principle of AquaDura (32,870 bytes).
Click on image to see enlarged view (47,295 bytes).
On the previous generations of anti-reflection coating the water tended to bead on the optical surface, this is particularly distracting on the eyepiece lenses being closer to focus. But with Leica AquaDuraTM the water droplets do not adhere, and the surface is also resistant to the formation of fog that would otherwise reduce contrast if not completely obscure the object of the observation.
Left: Leica AquaDura applied on the right objective lens of a Leica binocular. Compare this with previous generation high transmission coatings applied on the left objective (82,183 bytes).
Click on image to see enlarged view (142,864 bytes).
reduced cleaning efforts required leaves you more time for viewing!
n.b.: The coating has already been used for other binoculars, but is being advertised for the first time with the launch of the BN binoculars. The BC binoculars also feature HDC™ optical coating.
And in an interesting courtesy for our customers worldwide Leica binoculars are supplied with a new instruction manual translated into six languages: German, English, French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish.
Compare the TRINOVID BN and ULTRAVID BR/BL/HD models against the prior TRINOVID BA models:
| Binocular Model
Near Focus in Meters/Feet Before (BA series) Now (BR/BL/HD & BN series) |
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|---|---|---|
| 8x32 | 3.25 m / 10.6 ft. | 2.30 m / 7.5 ft. |
| 10x32 | 2.70 m / 8.8 ft. | 2.10 m / 6.8 ft. |
| 7x42 | 6.30 m / 20.5 ft. | 3.30 m / 11 ft. |
| 8x42 | 5.30 m / 17.2 ft. | 3.10 m / 10.1 ft. |
| 10x42 | 4.60 m / 15 ft. | 2.95 m / 9.6 ft. |
| 8x50 | 5.40 m / 17.5 ft. | 3.60 m / 11.7 ft. |
| 10x50 | 4.80 m / 15.6 ft. | 3.30 m / 11 ft. |
| 12x50 | 4.60 m / 15 ft. | 3.20 m / 10.4 ft. |
Brief Description of Each Leica Binocular
Each factor outlined above about choosing a binocular may be as important a consideration as the other in assuring the long term satisfaction of our customer. However, in an effort to aid you with your search for the binocular of your dreams we have prepared the following brief:
The 8x 42 HD is available in armored Slate Black cladding while the 8x 42 ULTRAVID BL is provided with black leather covering for lighter weight, providing incidentally - a most luxurious appearance. And this version includes a beautiful and well engineered form fitting leather case. The 8x 42 ULTRAVID BL is the best of the most excellent of gifts. And it too is built to provide a lifetime of pleasure.
Its' wide angle eyepiece design (55 degrees at 8x and 61 degrees at 12x) also affords good eye relief for spectacle or sunglass wearers!
Using infrared light waves in a custom band from 300nm to 2000nm, the LightSpeed technology transmits voices (at 16, 32, or 64 Kbps) to another GEOVID LUX up to a distance of 1-½ miles (2-½ km) away - crystal-clear, without any interference, day and night. For voice it employs any tactical/COTS headset. Even data such as video, text or images can be fed in via the USB port and transmitted at a rate of up to 1 Mbps. This development has evolved from a cooperation arrangement with the well-known secure electronics development company in the USA. This form of bug-proof communication offers special police and military units a wealth of tactical advantages. The extremely compact yet powerful LEICA GEOVID LUX 8x 56 also has further application potential in stalking, industry and rescue services. US federal government agencies should contact Company Seven to obtain our DLA or ORCA information.
To read more about the ULTRAVID HD series download: