wadesam's Full Review: Leica Trinovid BN/Ultra (10x32) Binocular
If you're going to buy a 10x32 binocular, this should be the one. Leica takes an awkward combination of lenses and turns out a fine binocular in the 10x32 BA.
WARNING: If you read my epinion on the Leica 8x32, you'll find that some of it is duplicative. Write me up, but I don't know what else to do. Evaluating two virtually identical models from the same manufacturer is especially challenging because there isn't much of a difference between them! Anyway, I'll do my best.
CORRECTION TO EPINIONS DATA: The product page here at epinions states that the Field of View (FOV) is 120 feet. That is incorrect. 120 yards is correct or 360 feet. Additionally, the picture is wrong!! The binocular shown is either the Leica 10x50 or the 12x50--both models are housed in the same case. The actual 10x32 is only about 2/3 the height of the unit shown here at epinions. We all make mistakes, but I just don't want anyone to be discouraged when they look at that picture and think it is Leica's version of a mid-size binocular.
GENERAL: As I have stated elsewhere, EVERY single binocular is a compromise. If you could wave your magic wand and create your dream binocular it would probably be an adjustable power of 2x-50x and gather as much light as your eye could use. Unfortunately, given the limits on our current technology it would also weigh six pounds, cost $5,000 and wouldn't fit in the glove box of your car. So. . .we compromise. We shrink the objective lenses which causes us to lose light and it narrows our field of view. On the plus side, it also lightens the weight. We make the binocular a fixed magnification, because no adjustable binocular works as well as a fixed power. Then we choose a magnification that best fits our use even though we'd like to own three different magnifications but could never afford it. Finally, we compromise lens quality which saves us money. We keep compromising until we get a pair we can afford.
PROS: The good news about the Leica 10x32 is that it is not that much of a compromise. The 10x32 is classified as a big mid-size binocular. Kind of like jumbo shrimp. I personally am not a fan of combining a magnification of 10x with 32mm objective lenses. It's like putting a big block motor into a VW bug. Too much engine for the car. Or in this case, too much magnification for the objective lens. I personally feel that the minimum acceptable objective lens size for 10x is 40mm. Your exit pupil on the 10x32 is only 3.2 and the light transmission is reduced as well. But of course you do get that big 10x magnification with only 23 oz of weight. (Trade offs and compromises!)
Optically speaking though, Leica never fails its public. Most manufacturers refuse to produce a 10x32 because such a model would reveal the poor quality of the maker's lenses. The opposite is true with Leica. The 10x32 showcases just how good both the lenses and the lens coating really are. I got to use these binoculars and was amazed at how bright and clear the image was. I tried viewing objects at about 10 feet and moved out to just under 700 yards. The binocular was easy to focus and the image didn't darken significantly at greater distances. Although this binocular was not as bright as the 8x32. The image stayed sharp out to the edges, and I felt no eye strain after 20 minutes of continuous use (my personal standard test).
Leica gives excellent service and a lifetime USA warranty--3 years of which is unconditional.
CONS: Regarding the performance, I would suggest you buy the 8x32 if you don't need the 10x magnification, or the 10x42 if you don't mind the extra 8 oz around your neck. The light transmission is better in both models. But, if you don't want the weight and do want the extra magnification, the the 10x32 is a good compromise (see what I am getting at?).
The other negative I have regarding the 10x32 is the price. It will run you about $1,100.00 on the street (about $700 on the gray market). You really have to ask yourself if you want to spend that kind of money. If you look through binoculars for a living, then you should. If you watch the occasional ball game from the outfield, then check out a binocular in the $250 range.
CONCLUSION: If binos were free, the world would line up for Leicas. If you feel the need to spend the money I suggest you get a different Leica model, but as far as 10x32 binoculars go, this one has to be one of the very best. Rating it against the world, it gets 4 stars. Rating it against other 10x32 competitors, it easily rates 5 stars. I recommend it.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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