I have used Leica for several years now and am always impressed at the quality of their glass. IMHO, there is nothing better; some are just-as-good, ie: Zeiss/Hasselblad.

Well I just had to share my recent experience/purchase. I picked up a used set of binoculars Leica 8x42 and let me tell you these are amazing. The clarity, contrast, and smooth operation is just what I would expected from Leica. Just thought I would share.

-- Don M (maldos@cox.net), April 22, 2002

Answers

I also picked up a pair of Leica binoos (10x42 in my case) and have to agree. The quality is simply stunning. The other pairs we have lying around - its like looking through a veil in comparison.

-- Tim Franklin (tim_franklin@mac.com), April 22, 2002.

Ive never tried their binoculars before (been put off by the price!), but will have to have a go to see what I am missing! :)

-- Karl Yik (karl.yik@dk.com), April 22, 2002.

If my experience is any guide, you'll still be impressed in 25 years. I bought my 10x40 trinovid binocs new in 1977 and I'm still delighted with them. They're part of what convinced me to try Leica cameras & lenses.

-- Douglas Herr (telyt@earthlink.net), April 22, 2002.

I bought a pair of the 10x42's and was so amazed I went out and bought a pair of the mini 8x20's, which are also stunning. FWIW my dad has a pair of "Leitz" 8x32's he bought in about 1945, uncoated and porro prism design, but still a comendable performer surpassed only minimally by my current Leica 10x42's -- So, I think Doug's comment hit it on the head!

Cheers,

-- J Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), April 22, 2002.

I agree about the clarity of Leitz binoculars. I almost bought a pair to replace a Nikon I've had for years...but one look through a pair of Canon Image Stabilizers and that was that. First time ever I could use binoculars without getting queasy.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 22, 2002.

I use Zeiss binoculars, 7X42, especially for sailing, and they are easily in the same class. When I bought them, 15 years ago, the equivalent Leica glass was not as good. Such binoculars (Zeiss or Leica, some also swear by Swarowski) are even more long lasting than a Leica camera. You buy them once in a lifetime. So there is no reason to save a few dollars (or Euros) in your purchase, and to buy second choice. Try them, choose one, enjoy the view, not the name!

-- Sebastien Simon (sebastien.simon@alumni.ethz.ch), April 22, 2002.

Sorry to be a spoiled sport. I looked at and through all the high end binoc's out there. Since my interest is primarily astro viewing, I was interested in 10X50's, although 10X42's also excell when viewing clusters, double star's, andromeda, M42, and the like. 50mm aperature is somewhat a better light gatherer than 42mm.

To my eye, the best glass for this type of viewing was as follows:

Swarovski 10X50's, Nikon Superior E's, Leica Trinovid's, and Zeiss. In that order. I purchased the Swarovski's and have been amazed ever since.

-- David Smith (dssmith3@rmci.net), April 22, 2002.

Leica 8x20's go everywhere my Leitz M6 goes.

-- Glenn Travis (leicaddict@hotmail.com), April 22, 2002.

IMHO, I can't really tell the difference between my Nikon binoculars and Zeiss binoculars. But I've looked at the the Canon IS in the store, and they really are more practical, aside from their bulk.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), April 22, 2002.

I used Zeiss 10x40BGA binoculars for a long while before selling them (at considerable profit I might add) and getting Swarowski 8x20's instead. I wanted something smaller. I compared Zeiss, Leica and Swarowski at the time and found them all excellent and clearly much better than anything else on the market.

Ilkka

-- Ilkka (ikuu65@hotmail.com), April 22, 2002.

As with anything optical w/Leica, "its the glass" that's the important part....and the warranty is lifetime too.

Jerry

-- Jerome R. Pfile, Jr. (JerryPfile@msn.com), April 22, 2002.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to use a pair of leica binoculars and had to get a pair.. They far surpass any other make.. also for what it's worth, I do ear surgery and have tried the new Leica operating microscope which I prefer over the Zeiss which is the current historical standard. GREAT OPTICS AND YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE.

-- gary brown (drdad1111@yahoo.com), April 22, 2002.

I have a pair of Leica 8x20 which proves to be invaluable for viewing the architecture details and art works when I travel to Europe, or simply doing nature study around home state (northen California). The image rendition of my 8x20 is typical of Leica quality which is brilliant, neutral, with outstanding detail. According to Leica quality assurance, the accuracy of the Leica 90-degree "roof" prism is guaranteed to have less than one second of a degree deviation, which translates to 1 millimeter (1/32 of an inch) deviation if the length of the roof prism were to be enlarged to 100 meters (328 ft)! The compact and lightweight 8x20 is my constant travel companion (it can be fitted in the front pocket of a T-shirt). For larger/full size bino, I will take Leica 10x32BN Trinovid anytime of the day over any other binos of any brands.

-- Gerald (hsus@netzero.net), April 22, 2002.

Don't wax too enthusiastic about Leica binos unless you've tried the high-end Nikons. As a line, the Nikons are best and independent reviewers agree. I love my 8x32 Superior E's.

-- Mark Ciccarello (mark@ciccarello.com), April 23, 2002.

"As a line, the Nikons are best and independent reviewers agree. I love my 8x32 Superior E's.

As a line, Nikon has tons of consumer grade, rather poor quality binos. You statement about Nikon has the best line of binos is nothing but pure wishful thinking.

-- Gerald (hsus@netzero.net), April 23, 2002.

No, it's just a fact. They make cheap consumer stuff, but the high- end gear is at least as good as Leica, and in many cases better.

-- Mark Ciccarello (mark@ciccarello.com), August 20, 2002.