Leica Binoculars

Available Leica Binocular Models

Overview: What Makes a Leica Binocular Special

Choosing Your Leica Binocular

Brief Description of Each Leica Binocular

Additional Reading and Publications

Trinovid and ULTRAVID Compact Series Models:

• 8 x 20 BC Compact Binocular
  
• 8 x 20 BCA Compact Binocular
  
• 8 x 20 BL ULTRAVID Compact Binocular
  
• 8 x 20 BR ULTRAVID Compact Binocular
  
• 8 x 20 BC Limited "Edition" Brass Compact Binocular Discontinued, for interesting reading only.

• 10 x 25 BC Compact Binocular
  
• 10 x 25 BCA Compact Binocular
  
• 10 x 25 BL ULTRAVID Compact Binocular
  
• 10 x 25 BR ULTRAVID Compact Binocular
  

Trinovid and ULTRAVID Mid and Full Size Models:

• 8 x 32 BN Trinovid Binocular
  
• 10 x 32 BN Trinovid Binocular
  

• 7 x 42 BN Marine Trinovid Binocular Discontinued, for interesting reading only.
  
• 7 x 42 BN, 8 x 42 BN, and 10 x 42 BN Trinovid Binoculars
  
• 7 x 42 BR, 8 x 42 BR, and 10 x 42 BR ULTRAVID Binoculars
  
• 8 x 42 BL ULTRAVID Binoculars
  

• Duovid 8 + 12 x 42 Binocular
  
• Duovid 10 + 15 x 50 Binocular
  
• 8 x 50 BN and 10 x 50 BN Trinovid Binoculars
  
• 8 x 50 BR and 10 x 50 BR ULTRAVID Binoculars
  
• 12 x 50 BN Trinovid Binoculars
  
• 12 x 50 BR ULTRAVID Binoculars
  

Overview: What Makes a Leica Binocular Special

The decision to buy a Leica binocular is a decision in favor of uncompromising quality. Leica's binoculars provide unsurpassed sharpness, clarity, color rendition and image definition. You literally have to see to believe: how a distant image can be drawn in until it appears close enough to touch, sharp and crystal clear. How easy it is to distinguish the most delicate textures and hues, the smallest details...even in low light, thanks to a brilliance produced by high resolving power and increased definition.

Most binoculars are compromises of durability and resistance to the elements, and of balance, weight, size and performance. There are those who prefer to buy one rather compact high performance binocular, even at greater cost than to buy a less costly bulkier and heavier binocular that might approach the optical performance of the better smaller binocular. The Leica binocular and spotting telescopes are as close to perfection in all the critical areas as modern technology permits. In fact each may be the last binocular or spotting telescope that you ever buy - though in time you may come back to Company Seven to buy several different models for varying applications. Leica is is so certain of the merits and durability of their product that their confidence is tangibly backed by a most incredible "no fault" lifetime warranty!

Leica owners can enjoy the advantages of optical superiority and structural reliability even under the most demanding conditions. The Leica line has evolved since 1907 to now offer the perfect binocular for virtually every use!

Choosing Your Leica Binocular

The common obvious differences between the Leica binocular models are magnification and field of view, physical size and weight, and brightness. There are less obvious design considerations including: Eye Relief (the distance between the observers eye and an eyepiece), Interpupilary Distance (the separation distance between the observers two eyes, binocular feel and balance.

Designations Leica roof prism binoculars offer one or more of three basic design descriptions, each of these with very distinct benefits. These are the indicated by the following suffixes B, C, or BCA after binocular magnification and aperture (i.e. 10 x 25 BCA). The suffix "B" indicates the binocular eyepiece is designed with enough eye relief so that eyeglass wearers (sun glass, or prescription) will see most if not the entire apparent field of view.

In the illustration to the right one can see how Leica's long eye relief (eyecup retracted) will accommodate a spectacle wearer. The rubber trim of the eyecup acts as a bumper cushion to protect the eyeglass lens. With the eyecup extended it provides shade preventing light that might otherwise come in from the sides from forming a distraction. With or without the eyecup extended, any user can brace the binocular against their brow or their spectacles for steadiness. While not common, there are some people who have deep set eyes, and wear very thick prescription glasses; this combination of factors may result in a need for so much eye relief that few if any binoculars will permit them to see the entire field of view.

The "C" in the suffix indicates the binocular is a compact model, suitable to be stored in a coat or shirt pocket.

The "A" suffix indicates the binocular has been treated with a non slip armoring of a durable synthetic material; this has now been replaced by an 'N' indicating armored with the improved near-focus range. Full size binoculars with the "L" suffix indicate a leather covering. The compact binoculars that are not armored are finished in black leather, while the BN series armored models are available in Green, Black, or for the Marine 7x 42 BN in Blue.

The "DUOVID" term describes the unprecedented Leica Duovid 8 + 12 x 42 and Leica Duovid 8 + 12 x 42 binoculars. The Duovid is the first high performance binocular available worldwide capable of providing the user a choice of two magnifications (and with practice, a third too). Aside from the obvious benefits of being able to vary the magnifications, the Duovid may solve the problem for couples or groups who must share one binocular, where one person may not be able to comfortably hand hold a binocular at magnifications higher than 10 x.

On the outside, the new BN binoculars can be differentiated from BA models only by the BN on their name plate, and by Leica product model numbers. While the ULTRAVID are clearly distinguished by their form as well as their respective BR and BL suffixes.

BN, BR, BL SERIES At the famous "Photokina 2000" photographic industry trade show Leica announced the TRINOVID BN binocular series. And then in August 2003 continuing their tradition of innovation, Leica introduced their ULTRAVID series.

Increasingly, many nature lovers requested a pair of LEICA TRINOVID binoculars that would focus at shorter distances than the original BA series. And so Leica is catered to that demand with the TRINOVID BN and the most recently introduced ULTRAVID models. With the new TRINOVID BN and ULTRAVID models Leica provides ideal possibilities of getting really close to nature, as the new TRINOVID BN binoculars feature two major innovations: a significantly improved close-focus range and Leica's HDC™ optical coating. While the lighter weight ULTRAVID series offer even better light throughput, further improvements in imaging properties, and improved ergonomics.

The Leica BN, BR, and BL binoculars improved close-focus over the prior BA series of as close as 2.10 m (10x 32 BN), and not more than 3.60 m (8x 50 BN and 8x 50 BR) as close focus limits. The close-focus distance is of particular interest for field ornithology, insect watching, general nature observation and forestry. Leica's HTC™ optical coating employed on the exposed eyepiece and objective lenses is a multiple layer coating that is extremely resistant to abrasion and other environmental influences. This high resistance is achieved by a special process in which the coating materials are applied to the lens elements in a high-vacuum plasma technique.

The TRINOVID BN binoculars inherit the well-proven features of the previous TRINOVID BA models, such as the trend setting Leica Design, the high-quality optics with the successful Leica multiple coating, the Schmidt-Pechan pentaprisms and the true internal focusing, water tightness to a depth of 5 m, the patented multifunctional central drive, the high-point eyepieces with sliding eyecups and the polyurethane armoring. The ULTRAVID improves further in many of these areas.

n.b.: The coating has already been used for other binoculars, but is being advertised for the first time with the launch of the BN binoculars. The BC binoculars also feature HDC™ optical coating (but not the spotting scopes).

And in an interesting courtesy for our customers worldwide Leica binoculars are supplied with a new instruction manual translated into six languages: German, English, French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish.

Compare the TRINOVID BN and ULTRAVID BR/BL models against the prior TRINOVID BA models:

Brief Description of Each Leica Binocular

Each factor outlined above about choosing a binocular may be as important a consideration as the other in assuring the long term satisfaction of our customer. However, in an effort to aid you with your search for the binocular of your dreams we have prepared the following brief:

• Compact Series 8x 20 BC and BCA Binoculars: For daylight use, or at well lit evening events. Great for a better view at the theater, a concert, or sporting event. When weight and bulk are critical this is a great choice very well suited for the infirm, or for backpackers, or on a casual walk or travel. A good gift of a premium product (yet at a modest cost) able to last a lifetime.

• Compact Series 8x 20 BL and BR ULTRAVID Binoculars: Improved over the 8x 20 BC and BCA series in terms of reduced distortion, higher light throughput, and eye relief. Also engineered to be more robust and water proof than the BC/BCA series. The cost difference between the ULTRAVID and the BC/BCA series will pale to insignificance over the lifetime of service these may provide.
  
  These compact Leica models are incredibly useful and most handy. They are among those few personal items that are made to last a lifetime. They therefore make an excellent gift which will be appreciated and remembered for years to come - a real no brainer for the gift giver looking for something uncommon, memorable and practical.

• Compact Series 8x 20 BC "Edition" Brass Binocular: For daylight or at well lit evening events. When bulk and convenience are critical but where one wishes a beautiful and exclusive product for dress events, for collectors, or as a special gift. This is a good choice for use at the theater, a concert, or sporting event. It is useful for backpackers, hikers, on a walk or travel but its 16 ounce heft may make one think twice about carrying it too far. A stunningly superb gift of a premium product made to last a lifetime.

• Compact Series 10x 25 BC and BCA Binoculars: For daylight use or at well lit evening or indoor events. When weight and bulk are critical for backpackers, hikers, on a walk, or for travel and where one needs more magnification to bring out details in objects further away or for smaller objects or animals in closer. Better than the 8x 20 for closer, more detailed views of wildlife or landmarks from a distance, or at a concert, or sporting event. At 10 x most people in reasonable health can hand hold these, but they are so light weight that one must give it some concentration. For those who seek a more versatile lower magnification, we suggest the 8 x 20 ULTRAVID also in the choice of BR and BL arrangements.

• Compact Series 10x 25 BL and BR ULTRAVID Binoculars: Improved over the 10x 25 BC and BCA series (above) in terms of reduced distortion, higher light throughput, and longer eye relief. Also engineered to be more robust and water proof than the BC series. The cost difference between the ULTRAVID and the BC series will pale to insignificance over the lifetime of service thee may provide.
  
  
• 8x 32 BN Binocular: Covenient Clarity! Useable from daybreak to dusk - especially for early morning or evening walks in Fall and Winter where daylight is not at its best. Wonderful, multipurpose, handy and very easy to use. Observe a distant mountain or study a nearby butterfly! Compact to carry on a walk or for travel. View nature (close in or panoramic), or use at the theater, a concert, or sporting events. An excellent gift to provide a lifetime of pleasure.

• 10x 32 BN Binocular: Covenient Clarity - Closer Still! The newest member of the 32mm family, introduced at Company Seven in September 1998. Bringing higher magnification to the mid size performance category, and an incredible close focus distance of only 8.5 feet. Wonderful multipurpose, handy and very easy to use. Also useable from daybreak to dusk. For distant events, sports or concerts in large venues, wild life including birding, botany, and study of natural features and where one needs more magnification and light gathering power (than the compact series) to bring out details in objects further away or for smaller objects or animals in closer. Compact to carry on a walk, or fit in a purse or coat pocket for travel.

• 7x 42 BN Binocular: Optically and mechanically the same as the 7x 42 BN Marine Binocular described below, but made in Slate Black or Green and packaged with accessories better suited for terrestrial uses. From day to night, a multipurpose easy to use binocular, more so for those who prefer lower magnification than the 8X, the widest field of view of the entire BN and BR series, and additional light gathering power over the 8x 32mm. In addition to what the 8x 32 offers this is also a very suitable choice for boating, usable for causal astronomy. The best eye relief in the large BA series for spectacle wearers. An excellent gift to provide a lifetime of pleasure.

• 7x 42 BN Marine Binocular: With features particularly attractive to boaters including a distinct high visibility color, floatation strap, and salt water resistant Cordura pouch. A watertight, central focus binocular actually brighter than many lesser 7x 50mm binoculars. Usable from day to night year round, in all environmental extremes. For those who prefer a more manageable magnification on a heaving deck. The widest field of view of the entire BN series, and additional light gathering power over the 8 x 32mm. An excellent gift to provide a lifetime of pleasure.

• 7x 42 BR ULTRAVID Binocular: The ULTRAVID is a series for the most discriminating observer. For those who seek a most light weight premium binocular, with the best possible view in terms of clarity and contrast. The ergonomics and materials used, along with the focus gearing make this series a pleasure to use. Available in Slate Black or Green, the ULTRAVID is an excellent gift - a statement of utmost consideration in optics, built to provide a lifetime of pleasure.

• 8x 42 BN Binocular: From day to night, a multipurpose model for those who prefer a closer view than the 7x, yet can not comfortably hand hold 10 x. Its wide angle eyepiece design shows as wide a field of view as most premium 7x 50 Porro Prism models. And it affords very good 16mm eye relief for spectacle wearers.

• 8x 42 BR ULTRAVID Binocular: As mentioned above, the ULTRAVID is a series for the most discriminating observer. And the 8x 42 ULTRAVID is the best version of this great general purpose mid size binocular. This is the model for those who seek a most light weight premium full size binocular, with the best possible view in terms of clarity and contrast, and a bit greater magnification view than the 7x provides. In fact this 8X model shows as wide a field of view as that of most premium 7x 50 Porro Prism models. The ergonomics and materials used, along with the focus gearing make this series a pleasure to use.

  The 8x 42 BR is available in your choice of either Slate Black or Green, while the 8x 42 BL ULTRAVID Binocular is provided with black leather covering for lighter weight, providing incidentally - a most luxurious appearance. The 8x 42 BL ULTRAVID is the best of the most excellent of gifts. And it too is built to provide a lifetime of pleasure.

• Duovid 8 + 12 x 42 Binocular: Two binoculars in one! From day to night, a multipurpose model for those who:
  
  1. want to carry one binocular for several purposes: concert, hiking, birding, etc.,

  2. can hand hold a binocular up to 12x, but will also share the binocular with others who may not steadily hand hold such higher magnifications,

  3. prefer a closer view, and seek more detail on steadier days than the 7, 8 or even 10x may show,

  4. may wish to "tune" the magnification for best performance during days when turbulence prohibits clear views at higher magnifications,

  5. wish to retain a high degree of image quality, and fields of view that are not provided by conventional "zoom" binoculars.

  Its' wide angle eyepiece design (55 degrees at 8x and 61 degrees at 12x) also affords good eye relief for spectacle or sunglass wearers!

• 10x 42 BN Binocular: From dawn to dusk. For those who prefer a closer view of distant events, wild life including birding, botany, and study of natural features. The closest focusing of the 42mm or 50mm models.

• 10x 42 BR ULTRAVID Binocular: As mentioned above, the ULTRAVID is a series for the most discriminating observer. This is the model for those who seek a most light weight premium full size binocular, with the best possible view in terms of clarity and contrast, and about the highest magnification that most people can manage. The ergonomics and materials used, along with the focus gearing make this series a pleasure to use. The BR is available in Slate Black or Green. It is built to provide a lifetime of pleasure.

• 10x 42 BL ULTRAVID Binocular: This is the model for those who seek a more light alternative to the 10x 42 BN. The improvement in ergonomics and materials used, along with the focus gearing make this more comfortable to use. This model is provided with black leather covering for lighter weight, also providing a luxurious appearance preferred by some.

• 8x 50 BN Binocular: All of the features of the 8 x 42 but with an increase of 1.42X the additional light gathering power, all in a surprisingly compact easy to hand hold package.

  The ULTRAVID introduced in 2003 and 2004 became in many cases an alternative to the remaining Trinovid line, since several of the most popular Trinovid BN models remained in production. For 2006 it was decided the 50mm BN models will be phased out as most clients seem to prefer the ULTRAVID described below.
  

• 8x 50 BR ULTRAVID Binocular: As mentioned above, the ULTRAVID is a series for the most discriminating observer. This is the model for those who seek a most manageable premium, full size binocular. And yet the ULTRAVID 50mm models have been so scaled down in overall bulk that these rival some other mid size 42mm binoculars in portability. This model provides the best possible view in terms of clarity and contrast in day, dusk, or night conditions. The ULTRAVID ergonomics combine with this models' large exit pupil and outstanding eye relief make this model a pleasure to use. The BR is available in Slate Black or Green. It is built to provide a lifetime of pleasure.
  

• 10x 50 BN Binocular: Breathtaking! Incredible detail recognition from dawn to dusk. Same actual field of view as the 8x 50 BN, and with closer focus! For those who prefer a closer view of distant events, for wild life including birding, botany, and study of astronomy and other natural wonders. Even more astounding is how relatively compact (compared to conventional Porro designs) this binocular is!

• 10x 50 BR ULTRAVID Binocular: As if 10x could get no better, Leica introduces the 10x 50 ULTRAVID. This is the model for those who seek a most light weight premium full size binocular - yet notably more compact than the 10x 50 BN, with the best possible view in terms of clarity and contrast, and about the highest balance of magnification and light grasp that most people can manage hand held. The ergonomics and materials used, along with the focus gearing make this series a pleasure to use. The BR is available in Slate Black or Green. It is built to provide a lifetime of pleasure. If you look through this binocular, can comfortably hand hold 10x and can afford it, then you will probably buy the Leica 10X 50 BR ULTRAVID!

• 12x 50 BN Binocular: Incredible detail recognition and clarity for views of distant objects in dawn or dusk. For those who prefer a closer view of distant events, surveillance, wild life including birding, botany, and study of natural features. Also a relatively compact binocular with a well balanced design. We encourage you to try this at our showroom before you buy as few persons can really hand hold this magnification steady for very long.
  

• 12x 50 BR ULTRAVID Binocular: For those who want yet more brilliance than that already provided by the 12x 50 BN. The ergonomics and materials used, along with the focus gearing make this model more practical for many to use hand held. The BR is available in Slate Black or Green. It is built to provide a lifetime of pleasure.

• Duovid 10 + 15 x 50 Binocular: For those who seek a 1.42X increase in the light gathering power and even greater magnification, this is the logical evolution of the popular and innovative Duovid 42mm binocular mentioned above.
  

• 7x 42 BD and BDA GEOVID Range Finding Binoculars: In 1991 Leica introduced the first, highly accurate precision distance and bearing measuring binocular. Earning numerous "Best of What's New" awards such as in Popular Science magazine, this multifunctional instrument opens a totally new dimension of seeing and a new quality of orientation in space. At night or day, for air sea rescue, navigation, forensics and surveillance, forestry, a hunting aid, expeditions, remote inspection, surveying, and more.

To read additional information about the Leica binoculars sold by Company Seven feel free to download the illustrated "Leica BN Binocular" brochure from Company Seven's Leica Library section. Note: this download size is 900,813 bytes (in Acrobat Reader ".pdf" format).

To read more about the Leica Sport Optics product line download "Leica Sport Optics Catalog for 2003: Binoculars, Rangefinders and Spotting Scopes". This is the complete 35 page, stunningly illustrated brochure describing our Leica sport optics products. Publication content by Leica, all rights reserved. From Company Seven's Archives. 2,354,695 bytes (in Acrobat Reader ".pdf" format).

To read more about the ULTRAVID series download our illustrated color brochure LEICA ULTRAVID (992,513 Bytes).

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