Leica Ultravid 8x32 BR binoculars

"In almost every respect the Leica Ultravid 8x32s exude quality..."

Review by Brian J Small (brian At surfbirds.com)

Having recently been able to review the Ultravid 8x42 BRs from Leica, which I found to be very good in almost every respect, it was interesting to be able to use its baby 'brother' the new 8x32 BRs. In lots of ways they are quite strongly based on the old, bulkier, 8x32 model: the dimensions, etc., are pretty much the same, but they are very much slimmed down. They are lean to the point that they feel really small in the hands - almost 'compact' - and some with larger hands may find them too awkward, as I did with gloves on. The eye-cups twist out to a couple of settings, which is an improvement on the pull-out older version.

Optically, they are, as usual, extremely good, with a sharp and bright image almost to the edge of the view. I found the image quite contrasting compared with the pair of 8x42s (which is probably expected), and the visible details very good indeed. In direct

comparison with an old pair of Leica 8x32s, the sharpness and resolution power was pretty much the same, though in the new Ultravids the image was brighter and with crisper, cleaner and more realistic colours - on balance, I would say that the new pair lets through more rich image. The depth of field is fair, but the angle of view very good (certainly wider than the view in a pair of Nikon 8x42s); the close focus is excellent - in fact they focus closer than any pair of binoculars I have used, a fact that will be very much appreciated by those that watch butterflies and dragonflies.

Since reviewing the 8x42 Ultravids, it has been pointed out to me that there have been problems with the focusing wheel of several pairs of Leica binoculars - see the reviews on surfbirds. I have to say that the pair I reviewed were fine, but I did go and check this at a local optics outlet and found a problem with one or two pairs. The wheel either felt juddery, as if it was rubbing, or had some play or loosness to it; unfortunately, I have to say that the review pair of 8x32s did suffer from this - annoying, but I also feel sure that Leica will correct this quickly.

In almost every respect the Leica Ultravid 8x32s exude quality, and the customer is well provided for with a cordura case, lens cloth,etc., but the binoculars themselves have neat rubber armouring, a neoprene neck-strap. If I was honest, I would say that for me the 8x42s seemed more comfortable to use, with the eyepieces fitting more snugly in my eye-sockets, plus they fitted more neatly and solidly in my hands - their extra bulk actually making them easier to hold. Personally, I also felt that the image was better - I feel sure that others will disagree, but as I said before, personal preferences will come into play.

There are a couple of challengers for the best 8x32s - the Swarowski 8x32 ELs and the Nikon 8x32s - but the Ultravid 8x32 BRs will be extremely hard to beat and should be looked at (and through) first.

Rating 8.5/10

Brian Small

See Brian's Review of the Leica 8x42 Ultravid BR Binoculars

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