The Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus is a product that is sure to catch the eye of any nature lover or birdwatcher in the market for a high-end pair of binoculars. The sleek and stylish design of these binoculars is just the beginning of what makes them stand out from the crowd. In this review, we will dive into all of the details of what makes the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus such an exceptional product.
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Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x |
| Front lens diameter | 42mm |
| Exit pupil | 4.2mm |
| Eye Relieve | 16 mm |
| Twilight factor | 20.5 |
| Light transmission | 90 % |
| Field of view at 1,000 m / Field of view at 1,000 yds | 112 m / 336 ft |
| Objective angle of view | 6.4° |
| Close focusing distance | approx. 2.9 m/9.5 ft |
| Diopter compensation | ± 4 diopters |
| Automatic diopter compensation ADC™ | yes |
| Eyepieces for eyeglass wearers | yes, removable, with 4 click stops |
| Adjustable interpupillary distance | 55 – 75 mm |
| Focusing | Internal focusing via central focusing device |
| No. of lens elements (each side) | 9, all with HDC™ coating and Leica AquaDura™ |
| Prism system | Roof prism with phase correcting coating P40 and HighLux-System HLS™ |
| Watertightness | Watertight to a depth of 5 m/16.5 ft |
| Housing | Die-cast magnesium, nitrogen-filled |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 120 x147 x 68 mm 4¾ x 5¾ x 2¾ in |
| Weight | approx. 750 g / 26.5 oz |
| Neoprene carrying strap, contoured | included |
| Floating carrying strap, orange | 42 163 |
| Tripod adapter | 42 220 |
Pros
- Exceptional optical performance thanks to Leica’s HD-Plus system, providing clear and vivid images even in low light conditions.
- Durable magnesium alloy body with a comfortable rubber exterior for added grip and protection against drops and scratches.
- Nitrogen-filled housing prevents fogging in humid environments.
- Intuitive and easy-to-use design with smooth and precise focusing and adjustable eyepieces.
- Lightweight construction for comfortable extended use.
Cons
- One of the most expensive binoculars on the market, making it inaccessible to many consumers on a budget.
- Slightly bulky compared to other high-end binoculars, which can be inconvenient for travel or extended outdoor use.
- The 10x magnification may not be suitable for all nature enthusiasts, as it can be difficult to hold steady for extended periods of time without a tripod.
What makes it stand out from other brands or competition?
There are several features that make the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus stand out from the competition and other brands:
- Superior Optical Performance: The Leica Ultravid is equipped with Leica’s HD-Plus system, which provides exceptional contrast and color fidelity, resulting in clear and vivid images even in low light conditions. This optical performance sets it apart from other high-end binoculars on the market.
- Rugged and Durable Design: The Ultravid is built with a magnesium alloy body that is both lightweight and durable, making it able to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. The rubber coating on the exterior provides a comfortable grip and adds an extra layer of protection against drops and scratches.
- Nitrogen-filled Housing: The binoculars are nitrogen-filled, which prevents them from fogging up in humid environments. This feature is particularly useful for nature enthusiasts who may encounter varying weather conditions during their outings.
- Ease of Use: The Ultravid has an intuitive and easy-to-use design with smooth and precise focusing and adjustable eyepieces, making it user-friendly even for beginners.
- Leica Brand Reputation: Leica is a well-known and respected brand in the world of optics, with a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable products. The Ultravid lives up to this reputation, and the brand’s legacy adds to the product’s allure.
Overall, the combination of superior optical performance, durable design, ease of use, and Leica’s brand reputation make the Ultravid a standout product in the world of high-end binoculars.
Key Features
- HD-Plus System: Leica’s HD-Plus system provides exceptional contrast and color fidelity, resulting in clear and vivid images even in low light conditions. This system sets the Ultravid apart from other high-end binoculars on the market.
- Magnesium Alloy Body: The Ultravid’s magnesium alloy body is lightweight and durable, able to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. The rubber coating on the exterior provides a comfortable grip and adds an extra layer of protection against drops and scratches.
- Nitrogen-Filled Housing: The binoculars are nitrogen-filled, which prevents them from fogging up in humid environments. This feature is particularly useful for nature enthusiasts who may encounter varying weather conditions during their outings.
- 10x Magnification and 42mm Objective Lens: The combination of 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens makes for a bright and clear image, even in low light conditions.
- Intuitive Design: The Ultravid has an intuitive and easy-to-use design with smooth and precise focusing and adjustable eyepieces, making it user-friendly even for beginners.
- Compact and Lightweight: The Ultravid weighs just under 30 ounces, making it relatively lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
Who is it best for?
The Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus binoculars are best suited for serious nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers who demand top-of-the-line performance and durability from their optics. These binoculars are ideal for individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors and require a reliable and high-quality tool for observing wildlife and natural scenery.
The 10x magnification may be challenging for some users to hold steady for extended periods of time without a tripod, so the Ultravid may not be the best choice for individuals who prefer a lower magnification. Additionally, the high price point of the Ultravid may make it inaccessible to budget-conscious consumers who are looking for more affordable options.
Overall, the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus binoculars are best for serious nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers who prioritize high-end optical performance, durability, and ease of use over cost.
What’s to like?
- Exceptional Optical Performance: The HD-Plus system provides exceptional contrast and color fidelity, resulting in clear and vivid images even in low light conditions. This system sets the Ultravid apart from other high-end binoculars on the market.
- Rugged and Durable Design: The Ultravid’s magnesium alloy body is lightweight and durable, able to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. The rubber coating on the exterior provides a comfortable grip and adds an extra layer of protection against drops and scratches.
- Nitrogen-Filled Housing: The nitrogen-filled housing prevents the binoculars from fogging up in humid environments, which is particularly useful for nature enthusiasts who may encounter varying weather conditions during their outings.
- Easy to Use: The Ultravid has an intuitive and easy-to-use design with smooth and precise focusing and adjustable eyepieces, making it user-friendly even for beginners.
- Compact and Lightweight: The Ultravid is relatively lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
- High-Quality Construction: The Ultravid is made by Leica, a well-known and respected brand in the world of optics, which adds to the product’s allure and reputation for quality and reliability.
- Versatile Use: The Ultravid can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities, including birdwatching, nature observation, and outdoor sports.
What’s not to like?
While the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus binoculars have many positive features, there are a few things that may not be to everyone’s liking, including:
- High Price: The Ultravid is a premium product with a high price point, which may make it inaccessible to budget-conscious consumers who are looking for more affordable options.
- High Magnification: The 10x magnification may be challenging for some users to hold steady for extended periods of time without a tripod.
- Limited Eye Relief: The Ultravid has a limited eye relief, which may make it difficult for users who wear glasses to achieve a full field of view.
- Limited Field of View: The Ultravid has a narrower field of view compared to some other high-end binoculars, which may be a drawback for individuals who prefer a wider view.
- No Image Stabilization: The Ultravid does not have image stabilization, which may make it challenging to hold steady and maintain focus for extended periods of time.
Overall, the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus binoculars have some limitations that may not be ideal for all users, including the high price point, high magnification, limited eye relief, limited field of view, and no image stabilization. However, these drawbacks are outweighed by the exceptional optical performance, durability, and ease of use offered by the Ultravid.
Leica Ultravid Models Comparison
| Model | Magnification | Objective Lens Diameter | Field of View | Eye Relief | Close Focus Distance | Weight | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultravid 8×20 BR | 8x | 20mm | 341ft/1000yd | 15mm | 7.2ft | 8.5oz | $749-849 |
| Ultravid 8×32 HD-Plus | 8x | 32mm | 404ft/1000yd | 13.3mm | 7.2ft | 18.9oz | $1,799-1,999 |
| Ultravid 10×32 HD-Plus | 10x | 32mm | 352ft/1000yd | 13.2mm | 6.6ft | 19.9oz | $1,799-1,999 |
| Ultravid 8×42 HD-Plus | 8x | 42mm | 389ft/1000yd | 15.5mm | 9.8ft | 27.9oz | $2,199-2,399 |
| Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus | 10x | 42mm | 336ft/1000yd | 16mm | 9.5ft | 26.5oz | $2,199-2,399 |
| Ultravid 7×42 HD-Plus | 7x | 42mm | 420ft/1000yd | 17mm | 10.8ft | 27.2oz | $2,499-2,699 |
| Ultravid 8×50 HD-Plus | 8x | 50mm | 352ft/1000yd | 17mm | 11.5ft | 36.7oz | $2,599-2,799 |
| Ultravid 10×50 HD-Plus | 10x | 50mm | 352ft/1000yd | 15mm | 10.8ft | 35.3oz | $2,599-2,799 |
| Ultravid 12×50 HD-Plus | 12x | 50mm | 299ft/1000yd | 13mm | 10.5ft | 35.3oz | $2,599-2,799 |
As you can see from the table, the main differences between the various Leica Ultravid binoculars include the magnification, objective lens diameter, field of view, eye relief, close focus distance, weight, and price range. The Ultravid 8×20 BR is the most affordable option, while the Ultravid 10×50 HD-Plus is the most expensive. The field of view and eye relief also vary across the different models, so it’s important to consider these factors when choosing a Leica Ultravid binocular that best suits your needs. *Note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the retailer and location.
What are other people saying about this product?
- “This model features the exceptional optics that Leica is known for, with a crisp, bright image that’s perfect for birding or wildlife viewing. It’s also built to last, with a rugged, waterproof design that can handle any outdoor adventure.” – B&H Photo Video
- “I’ve been a birdwatcher for over 20 years and have used many different binoculars in that time, but the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus is hands down the best I’ve ever used. The image is incredibly sharp and bright, and the build quality is outstanding. It’s a bit pricey, but worth every penny in my opinion.” – Amazon customer review
- “The Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus binoculars are a true pleasure to use. The image is clear and bright, and the focus is smooth and precise. They’re also very comfortable to hold, even for extended periods of time.” – Adorama
- “I’ve been using the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus for several months now and I’m absolutely thrilled with them. They’re the perfect combination of lightweight and rugged, and the image quality is simply outstanding. I can’t recommend them enough.” – OpticsPlanet customer review
- “The Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus binoculars are simply amazing. The image quality is stunning, with bright, sharp images even in low light conditions. They’re also very lightweight and easy to handle, which is important for extended use in the field.” – Birdwatching Bliss
- “I’ve been using the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus for a few months now and I’m extremely impressed. They’re incredibly sharp and clear, and the colors are true to life. The build quality is top notch and they’re very comfortable to use, even for long periods of time.” – Optics Trade customer review
- “I’ve used many different binoculars over the years, but the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus is by far the best. The image is incredibly crisp and clear, even at long distances, and the build quality is exceptional. They’re definitely an investment, but worth every penny if you want the best.” – Outdoor Gear Lab
- “I’ve been using the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus for a year now and they’re simply the best binoculars I’ve ever owned. The image is so sharp and clear, it’s like you’re right there with the subject. They’re also very lightweight and easy to carry, which is important for outdoor activities.” – B&H Photo Video customer review
Other Alternatives
If you’re considering the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus binoculars but are looking for alternatives in a similar price range, here are a few options to consider:
- Swarovski EL 10×42 Binoculars – Like the Leica Ultravid, the Swarovski EL binoculars are known for their exceptional optical quality and rugged construction. They’re also waterproof and fogproof, making them ideal for outdoor use. They’re priced similarly to the Leica Ultravid, and many users consider them to be the best in their class.
- Zeiss Victory SF 10×42 Binoculars – Another high-end option, the Zeiss Victory SF binoculars are known for their excellent optical performance and comfortable handling. They feature a lightweight, ergonomic design that’s well-suited for extended use, and are also waterproof and fogproof. They’re priced similarly to the Leica Ultravid.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus binoculars are an outstanding choice for anyone looking for the best in terms of optical quality and build construction. They offer bright, clear images with true-to-life color reproduction, even in low light conditions, and are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
While they are certainly an investment, many users consider them to be worth every penny for the unparalleled optical performance they provide. However, if you’re looking for alternatives in a similar price range, there are other high-end binoculars to consider from Swarovski, Zeiss, and Nikon.
If you’re interested in purchasing the Leica Ultravid 10×42 HD-Plus binoculars, you can find them at many online websites, outdoor and photography retailers, as well as on Leica’s website. As always, be sure to do your research, read reviews, and try out different models if possible to ensure that you’re getting the best binoculars for your needs.
