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One might consider the Ultravid 8x20 from Leica to be the ultimate, or consummate, compact binocular. They are in fact - without a doubt - one of the finest pocket-sized optics available.
These 8x20s weigh in at a mere 8 oz/230 g or so. This, combined with their nearly-negligible length of 3.6"/92mm, establishes them as leaders in the world of discreet optics. Being able to focus down to a sweet 7.2'/2.2 m opens up new viewing horizons for the lucky owner - this is a huge advantage over garden-variety binos with their so-called 'minimum' focus of 15' or more. It's true - good things definitely do come in small packages.
These Ultravids offer an outstanding magnification level of 8x, and being graced with a trim 20mm objective gives them an advantage where size is a concern - yet it's important to remember that this configuration relegates them for use in well lit conditions.
The spectacular optical performance of this fine binocular starts with extremely high-quality roof prisms that are fine-tuned with phase-correcting P40 coatings and the High-Lux System. Each of the 6 lens elements are treated with HDC coatings, and the durable aluminum housing is filled with dry nitrogen and sealed for total water and fogproof performance. In a more user-friendly manner of speaking - your view will be crisp, clear, and full of rich details.
| Prism Type | Roof |
| Magnification | 8x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 20 mm |
| Angle of View | 6.3° |
| Field-of-View | 331' @ 1000 yd / 109.89 m @ 1000 m |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 7.22' / 2.2 m |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 2.5 mm |
| Eye Relief | 15 mm |
| Interpupillary Adjustment | 34 - 74 mm / 1.34 - 2.91" |
| Dioptric Correction | ±3.5 |
| Focus Type | Center |
| Tripod Mount | None |
| Dimensions |
3.70 x 2.36 x 1.38" / 9.40 x 5.99 x 3.51 cm
1
Please Note:Folded up, eyecups retracted close |
| Weight | 8.64 oz / 245 g |
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Reviewed by 9 customers
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Comments about Leica Ultravid 8x20 BCR Compact Binocular (Black Rubber):
I use this excellent binocular for woodlands management and enjoyment. The clarity of its images saves my having to ascend steep hills to examine forest conditions and land features. Light, compact, and easy to use with glasses makes this an excellent choice. Finding a way to pack the neck strap into the case is something I have had trouble doing.
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Comments about Leica Ultravid 8x20 BCR Compact Binocular (Black Rubber):
would like a more secure adjustment of the eyepieces for eye relief.
better case. difficult to remove quickly.
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Comments about Leica Ultravid 8x20 BCR Compact Binocular (Black Rubber):
I have had the Trinovids and Nikon Premiers to compare with,and the Ultravids win hands down.The optics are similar to the Nikons,but build quality is MUCH superior.My older Trinovids lacked a little behind in the optics,but like the Ultravids,it is built like a precision tank.It is really amazing how such a small unit can deliver to goods out in the field,although as the sun sets and things get a little darker it starts to show its limitations,but hey,its a compact,no getting around that.
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Comments about Leica Ultravid 8x20 BCR Compact Binocular (Black Rubber):
Very lightweight with excellent clarity and light. Used for whale watching in Maui and birding up country.
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Comments about Leica Ultravid 8x20 BCR Compact Binocular (Black Rubber):
I use this one when biking or in the city, just because I can't live without going anywhere without binoculars, and my other pairs are too big. This would be a nice bino for e.g. a photographer who has to carry heavy lenses and does not have the energy to carry heavy bins, too.
Let's start with saying that this is probably the very best 8x20 you can get. I only gave it four stars, because I think the construction with two hinges is not the most practical. A one hinge - bin like the Zeiss 8*20 victory is preferred for having quicker eye alignment if you need to take them out of the pocket once in a while. For most people however, this won't be an issue.
If you can get over the 2 hinge construction (all other manufacturers use this for their 8*20 or 10*25 with the exception of Zeiss and some cheaper brands), you have the money and you want to 'feel' quality, look no further.
The central focus is very fluid and easy to use. Close focus is OK, but I would like to see less turns of the wheel to focus from nearby to infinity.
I wear glasses, and consider this bino as excellent for me. I even have the impression that I am better off using them with glasses than without, because like every 8*20, the eye alignment is not so easy, and the eyecups are very small and are touching the eyelids. If you don't want this kind of view you have to 'work' on, and you don't really need a very compact bino, go for a more easy to use 8*30 or 8*32.
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Comments about Leica Ultravid 8x20 BCR Compact Binocular (Black Rubber):
I've had these for about a year, and have used them on trips, birdwatching, and at concerts and shows. I use glasses, and these are great for glasses wearers. You can use them with glasses or sunglasses and still get a full field of view. The optics are very, very sharp across the whole field. I've handed these to friends who say, "Oh, I can never see anything through binoculars." Then they say "Wow, I can see fine with these." You'll really like using these.
It's no surprise, but these are daytime-only binoculars, and are of absolutely no use at night.
These came with a case, strap and eye cups. The case is pretty good, the strap is just okay, and the eye cups seem pretty cheap for such expensive binoculars. I expect them to be the first thing to fail, but they haven't yet.
These are very compact to carry in your luggage, pack, purse, etc. They take up about the same space as one or two pairs of socks.
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Comments about Leica Ultravid 8x20 BCR Compact Binocular (Black Rubber):
I am bored of cheap gadgets that fall apart after short time or bin. with dust and fog inside.
I am more and more focused on "travelig light"
It gives you freedom bu those small gadgets you bring must be quality. Finally I have compact high quality binoculars that I never leave at home when traveling.
crisp view and solid quality - but it costs.
There maybee 8x20 with same quality to lower price, but why take the risk ? Yes, I am one of the stupids that pay extra for a brand.
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Comments about Leica Ultravid 8x20 BCR Compact Binocular (Black Rubber):
These binoculars are all you could ask for in a travel pair; my husband and I were looking for pair that we wouldn't think twice about carrying everywhere - non-birding hikes, travel abroad, etc. They are very light and compact, and easily packed. They have great light gathering and clarity. They come with lens caps for the barrels, but not for the oculars. They fit snugly in a nice case that comes with the binoculars. In terms of use, they require a steadier hand than the larger binos, but experienced birders will not have problems using them. They are supposed to work well with glasses, but neither my husband or I wear them.
Not sure how the barrel collapsing mechanism will hold up with time.
They are expensive
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Comments about Leica Ultravid 8x20 BCR Compact Binocular (Black Rubber):
These binoculars are very much better than others I have used for viewing the stage from the back of the concert hall. Very clear, sharp image. Newer eyepiece design took a little getting used to.
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