LeicaUltravid BR 8x20 Robust Waterproof Compact Binocular with AquaDura Lens Coating, Black 40252

Probably the best compact 10x25 binoculars - but with some compromisesTested this model against the trinovid 10x25 and Swarosvki CL 10x25 - dismissing the trinovids was easy, has it was very obvious right away they did have a lower sharpness and subdued color. They were lighter and felt a bit flimsy too.The Swarovski, was a different story - very sharp, nice contrast, but they are 4 ounces heavier, a bit thicker and I dislike the diopter adjustment wheel. OTOH, the eye cups are better designed and found the pouch, raincover and strap a better deal than with the leica.So why the Leica Ultravid? weight, overall size, and better controls.As far as optics, I barely can tell the difference. To my eyes, the Ultravids seem to have a more pleasant blur. They supply an eyecup cover set,which the swaros don't. Both models don't come with front lens coversThe Leica strap is pretty flimsy, and not sure how well it held in the field, so likely will have to be upgraded.Wish they would offer lens covers.Overall outstanding optics and craftsmanship - you (have to) pay premium to get almost flawless higher quality

Best pair of Binoculars I've ever used. Small and compact so you will bring them with you instead of leaving them at home.. I just wish they had a soft leather case instead of the canvas pouch ...

These are simply the best mini binocular available when considering the most important features (excluding cost). I am a retired wildlife biologist and have owned Swarovski, Ziess, Leica, Nikon, Milolta, and numerous cheaper brands of optics equipment. For convenient travel size, bright and clear focus, solid and durable with high quality construction, very close focus and good light gathering quality, these waterproof mini binoculars are my top choice for travel or nature hikes. Don't waste your money on disappointing cheap binoculars. If you appreciate quality over price, and use and carry binoculars frequently, these are the best you can get.

I need a pair of bins that stay in my car, that I can take on a casual walk, or take with a big lens (500-600mm) camera for spotting. These tiny 8x20 are perfect. The image quality is excellent. I had some Nikon 10x25 but it was very difficult to get the eyes to align and I often got double image. These Leica's are very easy to get aligned and they focus very easily. The push-button diopter adjustment is great! No accidental changes.I picked these over the 10x25 because my main pair are 10x and these 8x have better close focus. They see about 8.5" at minimum distance. Your center of view is about 4", so a single flower looks good. The 10x see about 11.5" at minimum distance. It's not as good as the Trinovid HD (at 4.6" FoV minimum distance), but those are giant compared to these guys.I don't mind having no front lens caps -- I never use them anyway. But I'm not going through wind blown sand or extreme dust.The case is easy to use and slide the bins in/out. It's a bit bulkier than some cases, but small nonetheless. I appreciate that there's no velcro.

If you prioritize compactness and light weight but still want a top-tier binocular, this is probably it. It compares very well to high-end full-size binoculars, but with its form factor there are the expected compromises. Swarovski makes something similar (forget the model) but those are a bit more expensive and noticeably heavier.Eye relief is adequate for me (I wear eyeglasses), and the depth of field is a bit shallower than full-size binos. They are very bright for what they are but a tiny bit dimmer compared to good 42mm glass. I find them plenty bright even on gloomy overcast days. Clarity and color representation are fantastic for my eyes.They are slightly slower to unfold and deploy compared to full size binos but that’s to be expected. With a little practice I’ve gotten pretty quick with them.The case is well made but is a bit larger than it needs to be…I’d like the case to be a bit smaller/snug fitting but it works fine as is.For my use (field work, travel, hiking, keeping in my motorcycle tank bag) they are awesome and I love them. If size and weight aren’t the priority for you and you are looking for a single do-it-all binocular then there are similarly priced full-size binos which are probably a better value.

Bought this pair of binoculars as a gift having owned a pair for the past five years. We keep them in the glove box of the for birding when not in our backpack during the hiking season. They are very lightweight but yet stabile when viewing just came back from Africa where they proved their weight in gold. Either in the pocket or around the neck always available without heavily hanging around the neck as larger glasses. Their brightness and field of view are quite surprising for such a small set. The plane of focus and ability to focus are both stunning. The only downside might be the price, but you are buying a Leica product and this product is a great example of that quality and engineering.

excellentbinoculars-light@compactgreatproduct