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Binoculars of Note

From Bird Watcher's Digest, November, 2007
Midpriced Binocular Round Up

by Michael and Diane Porter

These are among the binoculars of note from the 2007 Midpriced Binoculars Round Up.

Leica Ultravid Compacts

Leica Ultravid Compact 8x20 BCLThese tiny binoculars were great favorites among our testers, who extolled the Leica Ultravid Compacts' bright, supremely sharp images. They actually have outstanding eye relief, despite published eye relief of only 16mm. They let even a glasses wearer see an amazingly full, rich image, rivaling a top-end full-sized binocular. (At left is the 8x20 BCL, leather-covered, 8-power version.)

Leica Ultravid Compact 8x20 BCRThumb and forefinger naturally fall on the silky-smooth focus knob, making the binocular easy to focus with great precision. The locking diopter adjustment is easy to see and precise to set, one of the most elegant designs of any binocular in our study. (At left is the 8x20 BCR, rubber-covered, 8-power version.)

The Ultravid Compact has two hinges, allowing it fold up extremely small. The 8x20 fits neatly in a man's shirt pocket.

Leica Ultravid Compact 10x25 BCLEach size comes in a rubber-armored model and a leather-covered version, for which there is no difference in price. The leather version is slightly narrower, because the leather is thinner than the rubber. (At left is the 10x25 BCL, leather-covered, 10-power version.)

The optics are identical in both cases. It's available in 8x20 and 10x25. (Most of our reviewers preferred the shorter length of the 8x20.)

See price

Other Binoculars of Note

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Bird Watcher's DigestThis article appears as part of the Midpriced Binoculars Round Up in the November, 2007, issue of Bird Watcher's Digest.

Text and photos copyright 2007 by Michael and Diane Porter.

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