Leica has been teasing something new for a while, and has just announced a new flagship binocular. The press release is calling it “simply the brightest, sharpest, highest contrast and purest color images available in a binocular today”. Based on the specs (see below) and Leica’s reputation, I would wager that this is not just PR bluster, and that these new binoculars really perform. Can’t wait to try them out! The binoculars are launching shortly at BirdFair and I’m sure we’ll soon get more reviews.
The Noctivid’s come in the open-bridge style, something that has been increasingly common for binoculars, but a style never selected by Leica in its standard binocular lines. I am not a huge fan of this style, but that may be because I’ve always appreciated the smaller size of Ultravids compared to the (comparatively) much larger Zeiss and Swarovski flagship models. I’ll hold judgment on Leica’s attempt until I get to give them a try.
– Jeff Bouton
Some stats
- 12 precise glass lenses of SCHOTT HT™ (High Transmission) for amazingly natural color rendition and increased brightness.
- Improved geometry of lens surfaces for never-before achieved resolution and edge- to-edge image sharpness.
- High-temperature plasma deposition lens coatings for perfectly balanced light transmission throughout the entire wavelength range of visible light.
- An innovative new baffle system provides new levels of stray light reduction for improved image contrast.
- New eyepiece design for longer eye-relief, nearer close focus, and wider field-of-view.
- Lightweight, high-strength magnesium body with patented hardness Class 8 surface coating for superior corrosion protection.
- All external lens surfaces benefit from Leica’s HDC® coating for superior abrasion resistance and Leica’s AuqaDura® lens coating provides for ease of cleaning and crystal-clear views in any weather.
- Superior sealing and nitrogen purged for the highest-rated water-/fog-proof performance in any environment – submersible to 16 feet.
- Rubber armoring for sure grip, added impact protection, and comfortable ergonomics.
- High mechanical precision focusing system for properly metered focusing speed and tack-sharp images.
Check out Leica’s page on the new bins for more info. [note: website is not yet up when I last checked but should be coming soon]
I put together a quick comparison of some of the other flagship bins. Despite the more compact size, the Noctivid is right up in there in all the easy to compare stats, and I have no doubt it will stand out in color and clarity which I have always appreciated so much from Leica.
| Leica Noctivid 8 x 42 | Leica Ultravid HD+ 8 x 42 | Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42 W B | Zeiss Victory SF 8 x 42 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field of View @ 1000 yards | 404 ft | 389 ft | 399 ft | 444 ft |
| FOV Angle | 7.69° | 7.4° | 7.6° | 8° |
| Weight | 30.34 oz | 27.9 oz | 29.5 oz | 27.5 oz |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5.9" x 4.9" x 2.3" | 5.6" x 4.75" x 2.6" in | 6.3" x 5.2" x 2.4" | 6.8" x 4.9" x |
| Price | $2,599.00 | $2,149.00 | $2,549 | $2,343 |
| Close focus | 6.2 ft | 9.8 ft | 4.9 ft | 5 ft |
| Light Transmission | 92% | 90% | 92% | |
| Eye Relief | 19 mm | 15.5 mm | 20 mm | 18mm |
| Style | Open Bridge | Closed Bridge | Open Bridge | Open Bridge |