Want a lightweight smaller binocular. I'm looking at Leica and Swarovski, but Im wanting the advice of the binocular guru.

Caladan is the binocular guru. What are the intended use(s) for the binoculars?

Nomsag1 said:

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Want a lightweight smaller binocular. I'm looking at Leica and Swarovski, but Im wanting the advice of the binocular guru.

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I have Swaro CL 8x25's and love them! I have plenty of bigger optics but these are my go to for travel, hiking, fishing etc since they are so small!

Dammit! Now I want a $1k bino. Thanks OB.

Nomsag1 said:

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Want a lightweight smaller binocular. I'm looking at Leica and Swarovski, but Im wanting the advice of the binocular guru.

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I tend to regard a "compact" bino as having a 25mm objective, and a "pocket" bino as having a 20mm objective. Yes, one can stuff a compact into a large coat pocket, but we aren't always wearing something that has pockets that large.

Swarovski doesn't make a pocket bino any more. Which is fine, since the last one they did make wasn't all that great anyway. Zeiss doesn't either, although their previous 20mm's aren't hard to find on the used market. Leica is the only one that makes an "alpha-level" 20mm, the 8x20 Ultravid (UV). It is by far and away the best 8x20 on the market. Sadly, they are priced as such too. They have excellent build quality, excellent optics, solid and sturdy eyecups, and a very precise focus wheel. Leica also makes a lower-level 8x20 called the Trinovid. I've only used one at a store, and although it's not bad, it certainly doesn't come close to the UV (as their prices would suggest). However, it is certainly a serviceable 20mm bino. Nikon also makes an 8x20 High Grade that is supposed to be a very good bino, but I haven't tried one. However, based on what I have read about them, it would most likely be the only other 8x20 I would consider outside of the UV. A potential downside to the Nikon HG is the lack of warranty support, as I believe that they are not sold through the US importer, and must be purchased from Japan.

As for 25mm binos, Zeiss, Swaro, Leica all make them. I think Nikon has a 10x25 HG too, but don't quote me on that. The 25mm Leica UV is only in 10x. Although it is a very good 10x25 as far as that configuration goes, I would not recommend a 10x25 to anyone unless they have other really good alternatives with an EP greater than 2.5mm. Swaro makes both 8x and 10x, as mentioned above. Take note that they are called CL Pocket (CL-P), as to distinguish them from the 30mm CL. I really like the CL-P's build quality and sturdy eyecups over their closest competitor the Zeiss Victory Pocket (VP). However, the VP has a noticeably wider FOV compared to the CL-P. Both 8x25's are excellent however, so let specifications such as ER and FOV and the like guide your choice.

Lastly, I will say that Ziess has one other alternative you might consider. Their Terra line of binos has never excited me, however I had the chance to use an 8x25 Terra that belongs to an OB member here, and I have to say I was impressed. It is the best "non-alpha" 25mm I have ever used. A Terra will save you a lot of money, while giving up very little in performance.

C

The Leica 10x25 Trinovid binoculars are excellent compacts. Hard to beat in my opinion.

I bought a pair of the pocket Leica Trinivid for my wife after we checked out the options from Zeiss and Swaro and a few others at the Dallas Safari Club a few years back.

At the time it was hands down the winner after looking at them all back to back and the Leica reps were great as well. we have been very happy with them I can't imagine you wouldn't be happy with them as well.

Love my Leicas. Smaller than the equivalent Swaros. Fit my hand great.

Thank you for the answers. I'm going on a hunt with potential for long walks, but thicker brush. It's looking like Leica ultravid.