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Posts Tagged 'leica'
NEW – LEICA GEOVID PRO SE: KNOWING THE DISTANCE INSTEAD OF ESTIMATING IT
November 14 2024, Stefan Rieger
Just in time for the start of the driven hunt season, Leica has introduced a new range of binoculars with a rangefinder. The Geovid Pro SE in the 8×42 and 10×42 versions.
Thanks to the special prism shape, the so-called Perger-Porro prism and the integrated HD optics, these binoculars deliver maximum brightness and brilliance. The rangefinder measures up targets to a distance of approx. 2000 meters and offers a breakpoint correction up to a distance of 800 meters. The Leica Pro Track function allows you to find your target quickly and reliably.
Order your new binoculars with rangefinder today and get the certainty of measuring future distances – and no longer having to estimate them!
10% DISCOUNT ON MANY TOP BRANDS
April 22 2024, Stefan Rieger
News from LEICA
October 30 2017, Stefan Rieger
LEICA TRINOVID – an Icon Returns!
On the occasion of the forthcoming 60th anniversary of the initial launch of the Trinovid binoculars, Leica decided to launch a “Facelift” of the classic product.
In 1958, the original Trinovid was a sensation in the market of binoculars. This particular Leica model was characterised by not just one, but three distinctive new features, denoting the name “Trinovid”. Tri for three and nov for novelties. These novelties were the ergonomic construction in roof edge design, the real internal focusing, as well as the highest optical power class Leica was able to offer at the time. Even today, one can see Trinovid models from the 60s and 70s hanging around the neck of many nature observers.
Almost 60 years later, these nostalgic binoculars have been revised; the revision can mainly be noticed “on the inside”. State-of-the-art optical glass materials and coatings make this new edition interesting, not only for collectors. Additionally, it is characterized by a large field of view, whereby the 7×35 offers a viewing angle of 150m over a distance of 1000 metres. The binoculars are very light with compact dimensions and are available in 7×35, 8×40 and 10×40, both in a version with rubber armouring and in a leather coated version with silver or black chrome-coated metal housing. They are filled with nitrogen, making them watertight. However, the leather-coated models in particular should not be exposed to strong rainfall. The light weight reveals its advantages especially on long travels, and friends of retro design should fall in love with these binoculars.
Two Spotting Scope Sets for a Special Price!
Furthermore, Leica linked two popular spotting scopes of the APO Televid series with high quality tripods and tilting heads from GITZO. Probably one of the lightest and most stable carbon tripods in the world.
- Leica APO Televid 65 W “Travel Package”
This set consists of the popular APO Televid 65 oblique viewing feature with the 25-50x wide-angle vario eyepiece and the Gitzo Traveler tripod GT1545T with single hand GH1720QR fluid tilting head. The tripod unites maximum stability, with its high quality carbon material, and minimum carrying length as a result of the upward-foldable legs. The design allows the central column and tripod head to fold between the tripod legs for practical transport.
- Leica APO Televid 82 W “Closer to Nature Package”
The big brother contains the bigger APO Televid 82 oblique viewing feature and also the 25‑50x eyepiece. A 1.8x extender is included to live up to its name, which gives you a magnification range of 45-90x. For stable alignment, Leica supplements this set with the more stable Gitzo Mountaineer GT2542 and the GH2720QR fluid tilting head. This can also be operated one-handed without any problems. Just one screw tightens or loosens both the slewing direction and the tilt, whereas the second hand is free to “travel” smoothly with the object when observing.
Both sets are only available in limited quantity and as long as stock lasts. For the Travel Package you save 685,- € and for the Closer to Nature Package you save 836,‑ €, when compared with the retail price recommended by the manufacturer. Act now!
Experts on Tour – Leica has invited us to deepen our expert knowledge!
August 1 2017, Stefan Rieger
In order to refresh our expert knowledge, we occasionally get up early in the morning: The plane to Hamburg took off at 6 o’clock already, from there we travelled to Schleswig-Holstein. Leica had invited us to comprehensively check and compare their range of binoculars and spotting scopes over a period of two days. For this purpose, we travelled to the Kaltinger Watt. During a walk through the tidal flat and intensive watching out of the sheds of the NABU station, we were able to put the Leica binoculars and spotting scopes extensively to the test.
During a delicious supper in a sociable group of people with dealer colleagues and Leica employees we explained which product developments the market is looking for. Let’s see, whether the one or the other idea will find its way into the product development.
On the second day, a theoretical part first explained, what a Leica product is characterised by. Leica describes this as the “Leica-DNA”: A specification profile that any product in the Leica portfolio must attain in order to make it from development to production.
The Leica DNA includes:
- Compared with other premium products in their class, Leica products should have the best balanced transmission curve in the visible wave range of the light. This ensures excellent contrast and outstanding colour neutrality.
- Besides the optics Leica also places high demands on the mechanics and the robustness of the housing. All models must pass some tests, both during the development phase and, at random, during ongoing production. As an example, Leica binoculars must withstand temperatures from 40 to 85 degrees over hours, i.e. they must work correctly immediately after. They must also withstand sudden shocks.
- Leica products should always be the most compact binoculars of their class, but still highly ergonomic. For this purpose, Leica tries to balance the weight perfectly in comparison to their competitors, so that tipping the binoculars does not always need to be prevented by hand.
- All Leica binoculars and spotting scopes are made for everyday use!
The following series of binoculars are currently in the Leica product range:
Leica Noctivid: This is currently the non-plus-ultra in binoculars for nature and bird watchers. Due to the extremely short close range of approx. 1.5 metres, it is most suitable for watching insects and crayfish as well as plants. Among the premium binoculars from European production, it currently offers the biggest field of view of its class and has – as preferred by many nature observers – an open bridge. Moreover, this instrument is characterised by a very plastic representation, which gives the impression of a very high focal depth.
Leica Ultravid HD-Plus: The Ultravid HD-Plus is the successor of the legendary Ultravid HD and the Ultravid models. At present, it is still one of the most compact binoculars for discerning customers. This model has not been changed from outside, but the newly developed coatings have been adapted to the SCHOTT-HT-Glass that is now used. This allowed for a further improvement of colour purity, contrast and transmission.
Leica Trinovid HD: Leica binoculars have been available under the name Trinovid already since 1963. This model designation is therefore very popular and known by many nature observers. Even today one can see models from the 60s and 70s hanging around the neck of some nature observers. In the meantime, so-called HD glass is also used for the most current version of the Trinovid HD series. This increases the contrast range and reduces colour fringes, leaving you with a much clearer and sharper image. As a measure to slightly reduce the production costs, this binoculars model is produced in their own factory in Portugal. The quality and manufacturing standards are obviously the same as in their factory in Wetzlar. The Trinovid HD series addresses users, who would rather keep an eye on their money, when it comes to judging between costs and the last percent of what is optically possible.
Leica pocket binoculars: Even with the pocket binoculars there is a differentiation between Ultravid and Trinovid. The Ultravid has a shorter close range, a slightly better image performance and, apart from that, is nitrogen filled and thus watertight and protected against steaming up from inside. The Trinovid is a classic, which, in its present form, has been available since the 90s. But still excellent and, above all, compact binoculars.
More interesting for hunters is the Geovid series with integrated rangefinder. Moreover, for customers looking for something special, there are various models or edition models.
In case of spotting scopes the selection is more limited. Here there is only one series “APO Televid” which is available with various aperture diameters and always with straight or inclined view. The Vario Eyepiece is a so-called wide-angle eyepiece and provides a magnification range of 25-50x for all models.
In the field of digiscoping, Leica supplies adapters for their own cameras, but also for system cameras and it is currently the only adapter with diopter compensation in the market. This is simply made to fit via an optional T2-ring for the DSLR or system camera.
All in all, a very successful journey. With less sleep, but excellent impressions concerning Leica products, the Leica market consciousness and the bird life at the North Sea. Over the next few days my colleague will write a bit more about our observations.
IWA Nürnberg, the start into the new sports optics season!
April 15 2017, Stefan Rieger
Every year the first weekend in March sees the international weapons exhibition and the Outdoor Classics. This trade show, which experts simply refer to as IWA, is the right time for users of binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, night vision devices, wildlife cameras and range finders to become acquainted with the latest and most important product developments. We obviously attended the trade show as well to have a look at the innovations. Here is a small excerpt of the most interesting products we will see in the near future.
The most important innovation for any nature watcher is most likely the market launch of Swarovski Optik with their binocular BTX system for lens modules. This enables relaxing nature watching with both eyes. The eye relief can be adjusted, and even a difference in the acuity of vision between both eyes can be corrected. The adjustable forehead support stabilises the image even more. The BTX is available individually or in combination with one of the three lens modules as 30×65, 30×85 or 35×95.
If this magnification is not enough, you can even use the new ME 1.7 teleconverter between the lens and eyepiece modules. This also works with eyepiece modules ATX and STX. This increases the magnification by the factor 1.7, i.e. a 30x magnification then becomes a 51x magnification. Apart from that there is also a new PTH tripod head. To nature photographers such a construction is known as a “gimbal head”. Especially with moving targets this tripod head enables a soft resonant movement, e.g. for water birds slowly swimming past or birds of prey circling high in the sky. And a new balance rail, BR referred to in short, will soon be available. It serves the purpose of compensating the weight on a tripod head and enables the displacement of the centre of gravity in the longitudinal axis. This product will be available for delivery from the beginning of May.
LEICA has been using range-finding technologies in binoculars and monoculars for 25 years. This is the reason for the launch of a special edition of the Geovid HD-B 8×42 and 10×42 and of the Rangemaster CRF 2000-B in 2017. All models are dark green, and the two binoculars come in a loden cloth bag. The special editions are expected to be available from second half of the year. In only a few days the new accessories for binoculars and range finders will be available: For the APO-Televid 82 spotting scope there is now once again a stay-on-case available, which can be ordered in new colour combinations.
ZEISS introduces the successors of the popular Victory Compact-models: the Victory Pockets will be available in the future in 8×25 and 10×25. A bigger front lens diameter on the 8X magnifying model and high-quality FL-glass, which was previously only used in the 32 models, characterise these optical instruments. Apart from that ZEISS has also enlarged the field of view; it now stretches to 130 metres for the 8×25, and the close range was reduced to 1.9 metres. Unfortunately, the carrying case has become considerably bigger and will no longer fit into trouser pockets. However, these products will be available in our shop in a couple of weeks.
Steiner presents a new, light-weight pair of binoculars with range finder: The LRF 1700 in the variants 8×30 or 10×30 is ideal for mountain hunting or on hunting trips. Hunting in this case primarily takes place under sufficient daylight, so that the benefit of the weight overcomes the large aperture. The measuring range reaches up to max. 1700 metres. This is definitely unrealistic under hunting-related aspects, but shows what is technically possible. Apart from that there is also a new pair of roof binoculars from the Safari UltraSharp-series. As a 10×42 it is ideal for stalk hunting or when taking a walk through the woods.
Starting today, we can also offer you the complete range of FUJINON binoculars. While these are aimed more at astronomers or water sports enthusiasts, one or two products in the FMT-series may also be of interest to hunters. These high-quality Porro-system binoculars with single eyepiece focusing are particularly interesting for a hunting session during the night. Once they have been adjusted for your personal needs, nothing else needs to be adjusted for distances from approx. 25 metres all the way to infinite. Thanks to the field flattener eyepieces they provide you with an image which is sharp right to the edge. The legendary robustness and leak tightness of these binoculars even meets the stringent requirements of US authorities and, as a result, should withstand any hunting session in the snow or rain without any problems. For ornithologists, who have to consider the weight, the two KF-models might be of interest. And the Techno-Stabi feature compensates the restlessness of the hand electronically.
In the field of night vision devices we can introduce some new products, too: The current trend is thermal imaging cameras! In contrast to classical night vision devices, not only is the infrared light amplified, which is invisible to the naked eye, but also the heat radiated by an animal or a human being. The image therefore is not as detailed as when taken with generation 2 cameras or higher, but you can also use the device in case of a light fog. A sweat trail can be followed for a few seconds.
In our shop you will now find some products of this category: The best-known devices will surely be of the FLIR brand. In addition to the beginners model, Scout TK Compact, we also offer the Scout II model. This model is available with a resolution of 240, 320 or 640 pixels. In the near future you will also find device of the Scout III series in our shop.
Leupold is now also offering a thermal imaging camera. The design is quite similar to the eyepiece of a rifle scope and, in addition, it is very handy and light. The LTO tracker, however, is not suitable for mounting on weapons, as the very sensitive electronics would not withstand the recoil of a rifle.
New to our product range are also the devices offered by Seek Thermal. These are available as an extension module for your Android or Apple smartphone or as a Reveal-series in form of a hand-held device with display screen.
During the second half of the year we expect further wildlife cameras and rifle scopes from Bushnell and Leupold Tasco also has plans to thoroughly revise their range of binoculars. However, these products will probably only be available in autumn.
Be clever and get your hands on these IWA innovations today!
Pimp your binoculars!
March 15 2017, Stefan Rieger
Standard is boring! In times when many people have the craziest hair colours, wear more and more colourful sports shoes and new cars come in two or even three colour combinations, it is also time to have your own binoculars in an exclusive colour design.
However, it would be just impossible for us to change the colour of the rubber armouring or the leather from the colour offered by the manufacturer. But special accessories can help show that these are your own personal binoculars.
The easiest way to make your gear more individualized is by using a new carrying strap. At this point we would like to introduce some new products:
- When it comes to the elk leather strap from Eddycam, each piece is a unique specimen! These highly comfortable carrier straps are available from us in four different widths and various colour combinations. There are single colour models as well as straps in two different colours. Additionally, we also offer wrist straps. The Fashion 1 series features fantastic designs. Seams come in the colour of the dressing leather and the connecting straps and metal clamps in black. In contrast, the Fashion 2 series tries to be more conspicuous, the contrast seams have the same colour as the chosen sole leather. We have deliberately chosen in favour of the classical colour combination, but are also able to offer with more striking colour variants.
- Leica offers comfortable cross-type carrier straps and neck straps in various colour combinations. The models with signal effect in “Juicy Orange” are particularly popular with hunters. Apart from that, there are also the classical colours “Pitch Black”, “Racing Green” and “Chocolate Brown”.
- ARTISAN&ARTIST is a Japanese manufacturer of high-quality carrier straps. These are handmade in Japan. A particularly showy product is the circular loom woven ACAM-305N made of silk. The straps of the Easy-Slider series are highly convenient: you just need one finger to quickly change the length! The bright red wrist strap ACAM-295 is very eye-catching. It is obviously also suitable for photo cameras.
The thriftier Red Label series from ARTISAN&ARTIST is made in China. Special attention should be paid here to the two-coloured variant RDS-AC2310. The AC320 features a small accessories bag for a cleaning cloth or similar accessories.
- Ebony and Ivory 25 from the photo accessories specialist KAISER. Their product line also includes a wrist strap made of nubuk-leather.
We also offer many other comfort carrier straps and swimming straps in our section of binocular accessories. Lots of fun when browsing through!
Novelties from the Birdfair 2016
December 1 2016, Stefan Rieger
Every year the most important tradeshow for ambitious bird watchers (twitchers) and nature photographers takes place in Egleton, Rutland in England: the Birdfair. This tradeshow may just be the biggest end-customer fair for followers of this hobby in Europe. More and more manufacturers use this platform to present their new products.
Here some of the highlights of this year’s fair:
ZEISS featured the new Conquest Gavia spotting scope. A completely new development with an oblique viewing position and a new wide angle eyepiece. The premium manufacturer from Wetzlar now also uses the large focus ring, as some competitors also do. At the same time ZEISS presented a range of useful accessories, for example, a new Carbon tripod set or a photo adapter for cameras with filter threads in various diameters, which are clamped by the eyepiece. And due to their cooperation with the company ExoLens, ZEISS now, for the first time, has a Smartphone digiscoping solution. It consists of a adapter ring and the so-called ExoLens Bracket (holder for the smartphone). These brackets are available for the Apple iPhone 6/6s and the Samsung Galaxy S6/S6 edge. ZEISS presented even more adapter rings, so that the ExoLens Bracket can also be used on the currently available binocular models from ZEISS.
Apart from that, ZEISS had a revised version of the Victory SF on display for examination. Here the colour of the rubber armouring was changed to black, following public requests. And also the eyepiece caps now have an additional locked position. This allows an even more individual adjustment for eye relief. The focus mechanics have also been slightly improved.
The other major manufacturer from Wetzlar, LEICA, already announced a few weeks ago, that they would present some new products during the fair. The new Leica top model of the type 42 binoculars is available under the name Noctivid. This name is derived from the Latin “Noctis”, meaning Night, and surely reminds friends of Leica photography of the fast Noctilux lenses. However, with a transmission of approx. 92% (acc. to the manufacturer), it is still no night vision equipment, but for the needs of ornithologists it is surely more than adequate.
For most nature observers it may be more important that Leica can now also compete against major competitors in the close-range area. With a close range distance of only 1.9 meters you can watch butterflies, dragonflies, spiders and other insects. Furthermore, the new Noctivid now comes with an open bridge structure, which considerably improves handling, especially when holding the binocular with one hand. Apart from that, Leica currently offers a complete combination consisting of spotting scope, camera and all necessary adapters. Optionally with angled or straight view, 82 or 65 mm lens diameter.
For twitchers no longer an insider tip: The company KOWA has expanded its Genesis model range. Besides the previous type 44 and 33, they now also offer pocket binoculars with a 22-millimetre lens diameter. This “hand full of binoculars” is available with 8-fold and 10-fold magnification. Due to the Prominar XD lenses, it can easily compete with the top-level binoculars from ZEISS, Leica or Swarovski. Unfortunately “high performance optics” cost a lot of money, the prices recommended by the manufacturers are therefore comparable with the prices of top models from Europe.
Nikon also presented new products: the new Monarch ED spotting scopes and the new Monarch HG binoculars. Both the scopes as well as the binoculars were equipped with a “Field Flattener Lens”, which reduces the field curvature and thus increases the marginal sharpness. Unfortunately Nikon only offers digiscoping solutions for their in-house system camera Nikon 1 and the compact cameras with small zoom range, which are becoming increasingly rare.
Last but not least, the new Legend E-, L- and M-Series from Bushnell are now available. These binoculars rather appeal to the ambitious novice of this hobby, who is looking for a very good pair of mid-range binoculars and for whom a ZEISS Conquest HD, Swarovski SLC or Leica Trinovid HD is simply too expensive. At this point we can offer you the predecessor Bushnell Legend Ultra HD in 10×42.