Leica 8 X 50 BA Trinovid

.../> The catalogue issued by Leica waxed lyrical about the numerous improvements which had been made over the previous Leitz models.
Obviously the first thing noticed was the improved shape and ergonomics,easy to handhold and focus.Now I'm comparing two different types of binocular as I'd previous owned a pair of 10x40 as opposed to the 8x50's. The main reason for a change was the ability to hold the 8x more steady than the 10x-but that is ...
...side of things-the optical performance. Leica had clamed big things for it's new range of Binoculars involving new glasses and lens coating and also something called
Phase-Correction coating of the prisms.
Did it improve things?
Certainly, I noticed a remarkably bright sharp image with a depth and bite which wasn't present even with my 10x40's. The other pluses were centre-to-edge sharpness and an absolutley
neutral colour ... more

Having owned a pair of Leitz 10 x 40 BA/N Binoculars and sold them I had always wanted to own a pair of the newer style Trinovids.
The catalogue issued by Leica waxed lyrical about the numerous improvements which had been made over the previous Leitz models.
Obviously the first thing noticed was the improved shape and ergonomics,easy to handhold and focus.Now I'm comparing two different types of binocular as I'd previous owned a pair of 10x40 as opposed to the 8x50's. The main reason for a change was the ability to hold the 8x more steady than the 10x-but that is really the only comparison I have.
Now the business side of things-the optical performance. Leica had clamed big things for it's new range of Binoculars involving new glasses and lens coating and also something called
Phase-Correction coating of the prisms.
Did it improve things?
Certainly, I noticed a remarkably bright sharp image with a depth and bite which wasn't present even with my 10x40's. The other pluses were centre-to-edge sharpness and an absolutley
neutral colour balance. Some other top makes such as Swarovski tend to be very slightly warm whilst Zeiss are cold in colour rendition.
And drawbacks?
Yes one which used to be present in my 10 x 40's-colour fringing. Not too much of a problem when observing in overcast situations but sadly present when looking at swans against a blue sky.Close focus is also not so good at 6m.
Overall though I would recommend them and having checked out even the latest Ultravid models, cannot be persuaded to part with them.
For twilight viewing and astronomy,they are still superb and I could heartily recommend them.
Sadly discontinued but if you get offerd pair-buy them! 

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