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Leica Binoculars Overview

Leica Binoculars

Overview: What Makes a Leica Binocular Special

The Leica line has since 1907 expanded and developed new technologies to now offer the perfect binocular for virtually every use. Most binoculars are compromises of durability and resistance to the elements, and of balance, weight, size and performance. The decision to buy a Leica binocular is a decision in favor of uncompromising quality. Leica's binoculars provide unsurpassed sharpness, clarity, color fidelity and image definition. You literally have to see to believe: how a distant object can be drawn in to you 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 of our customers prefer to buy one comparatively compact high performance binocular, even at greater cost than to buy a less costly bulkier and heavier binocular that might only in some ways 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 Leica 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 warranty!

Leica owners can enjoy the advantages of optical superiority and structural reliability even under the most demanding conditions:

Leitz 7x 35 with rot and interior mildew Leica 7x 35 BA impact damage

Above: One hard-living Leica 10x 42 ULTRAVID as it arrived at Company Seven for its so many year checkup.
This is owned by an outfitter who carries it all over the world through harsh climates, through rain and mud, impact, and rough cleaning (hard to tell that).

"I am a professional outfitter and the optics I use are Leica's cause they are toughest and best on the market.
Sorry if there was blood on them they come straight from the field to you!"

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 in your hands. We urge customers to visit our showroom to try these out to see which one(s) will feel the best in your hands, see if one of them 'talks to you'. Alternatively we can send them to you almost anywhere in the world. Before you try we have some homework below for you, this will help you to better understand the choices as you move forward in selecting a binocular that can provide a lifetime of great service.

Background: How The Eye Works a binocular can be thought of as a light funnel gathering light through its objective (front) lens, with prisms to erect the image, and with an eyepiece funneling light into the eye.

Human Eye (39,108 bytes). Light exiting the eyepiece passes through the Cornea of the eye, a curved transparent spherical lens tissue in the front part of the eye. The light passes through the Cornea, then beyond the Iris. The Iris is the diaphragm of the eye much like that of a camera lens in purpose. The Iris is the muscular membrane that regulates the intensity of light illuminating the retina with its nerve sensors (cones and rods) at the back of the eye. When in low light or dark environments it dilates (opens) to as much as about 8 mm on a healthy adult eye to permit a wider diameter beam of light into the eye. Conversely in response to white light the Iris constricts (closes) to as small as about 1.5 mm. The entrance pupil is the black spot in the center of the Iris, this is the opening in the Iris through which light passes. To demonstrate the effect enter a lit room and look across it to some detailed objects, maybe a rack of books for example. You can probably read titles, recognize some of your favorites with the lights on. Now draw the curtains and turn the lights off, you will immediately sense the loss of capacity to see the books in as much detail but over the course of several minutes you eye will dark adapt, the Iris dilating and so more details will appear. Now turn the light on and feel the discomfort in yours eyes for the first several seconds while the Iris constricts in response to the light.

The anterior chamber of the eye is filled with vitreous fluid, a clear jelly-like solution; light passes through the vitreous on it's way through the Lens and to the Retina. After light passes beyond the Pupil it then encounters the Lens, a transparent crystalline biconvex lens also known as the aquula. We can not see the lens of another person without specialized exam equipment, hence it is not illustrated at right. The Lens is supported in place behind the Pupil by small tissues that pull or relax thereby changing the shape of the lens to focus the light onto the Retina at the rear of the eye. The Cornea and the Lens refract the light and focus distant or near objects onto the Retina that lines the inside rear wall of the eyeball. The retina is lined with light-sensitive sensors (cones and rods) that accumulate the visual signal and then transmit the information through the optic nerve to the brain where the signals are processed. And so by dilating and exposing more sensors to the stimulis, then the Iris causes the eye to compensate with increased area what is lacked in intensity can provide reasonably good views of fainter areas at night.

Bigger May Or May Not Be Better. The first number of the binocular designation represents its magnification. A magnification of 1x represents the typical wide angular field of view visible with the unaided human eye. As magnification is increased (1x to 7x, etc.) then the objects in the distance will appear larger, but the area that can be viewed (Actual Field of View) is diminished accordingly. As the field of view is diminished then it will require more and more practice to be able to point a binocular and acquire the object of interest, particularly if the object of study is moving. Furthermore particularly when moving about or hiking where the breathing and pulse accelerate, then as the magnification is increased the lack of steadiness by the holder will become more and more apparent as the image apparent sharpness declines. Most customers can comfortably hand hold 7x or 8x binoculars, but fewer can hand hold 10x or higher well enough to truly see the fine details that these optics reveal. So Company Seven urges our customers to try before buying, and when in doubt seek a suitable compromise.

Click on the respective magnification factors below to view how the different zoom factors affect enlargement and field of view:


Leica Aperture the second number of the binocular designation represents its aperture, the diameter of the front (objective) lens. The objective lenses gather light and form an image that is then magnified by the eyepieces. Before the light reaches the eyepieces it passes through image erecting prisms so that the image will appear right side up and correct left to right. The diameter of this lens determines how much fine detail may be observed, particularly when the magnification is higher and therefore attempting to enlarge the basic image created by the objective lenses.

Right: Leica binoculars stacked showing an 8x 20mm Ultravid binocular atop a 32mm Ultravid, atop a 42mm Ultravid, atop a 56mm GEOVID (32,861 bytes).
Click on image to see enlarged view (76,736 bytes).

As the diameter of the lens is increased so does the light gathering power. And as light gathering power is increased, then the images appear brighter and will show more and more detail in shadowed areas such as under the canopy of a forest, or more of the celestial objects in the night sky.

Consider for example how the light gathering area of a circle increases with its diameter:

  • 20mm diameter area = 314.2 square mm - 0.23x or not quite one quarter the area of a 42mm objective
  • 25mm diameter area = 490.9 square mm - this is 1.56x the area of the smaller 20mm objective
  • 32mm diameter area = 804.3 square mm - 1.63x the area of the smaller 25mm objective
  • 42mm diameter area = 1385.4 square mm - 1.72x the area of the smaller 32mm objective
  • 56mm diameter area = 2463.0 square mm - 1.78x the area of the smaller 42mm objective (and 7.8x that of the 20mm)

Exit Pupil is the diameter of the cone of light exiting the eyepiece of a binocular, this is the light that stimulates the cones and rods inside the observer's eye. This is strictly determined by the relationship of aperture divided by magnification. So the Exit Pupil of an 8x 20mm binocular is 2.5mm diameter. In order to make a 10x compact binocular present a similarly comfortable Exit Pupil the aperture is designed to be larger, so that 25mm divided by 10x results in a similar 2.5mm Exit Pupil. In bright light the diameter of the Exit Pupil matters less since the Iris of the human eye will constrict so that any cone of light exiting the binocular that is larger in diameter than that allowed into the eye by the Iris will be obstructed. So if your Iris constricts on a sunny day to only 2.5mm diameter and if your are using a binocular that produces a 5mm diameter Exit Pupil (a 10x 50mm for example) then you are essentially using only 1/4 the light gathering power of that binocular.

Exit Pupil is also a comfort factor, this is an important consideration when the observer may have a difficult time holding a binocular steady, or when observing from a moving platform such as a small boat. For these instances Company Seven recommends binoculars with a larger diameter Exit Pupil, preferably between 5mm to 7mm diameter, as with these it is easier to keep the image from the binocular aligned to the human eye.

At the beginning of the 20th century studies of adults concluded the Iris of most healthy people when dark adapted will dilate to about 7mm, hence it is rare to find any binocular made to produce exit pupils much larger than about 7mm.

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.

"DUOVID" 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.

"GEOVID" is the term designating the laser range finding binoculars pioneered by Leica. These presently include the GEOVID 8x 42 BRF and 10x 42 BRF and GEOVID 8x 56 BRF and 15x 56 BRF. Leica The original Leica GEOVID series of range finding binoculars were developed by a team led by Manfred Meinzer. The 7x 42 BD and 7x 42 BDA were introduced at Photokina in 1992; these was the first high performance binocular available capable of providing the user a display of distance (PN 40023 in meters, PN 40024 in yards) from the user to the target with a high degree of accuracy. The 7x 42 BDA (PN 40022) incorporated an added feature, the integral compass to provide readout of the bearings.

Left: original Leica Geovid 7x 42 BD range finding binocular displayed at Company Seven shown alongside an image of them cutaway (84,938 bytes).

When the first GEOVID 7x 42 BD binoculars arrived at Company Seven we were impressed by this unprecedented instrument. In part because of their Porro Prism arrangement these first 7x 42 BD series models were comparatively bulky (206mm wide x 178mm tall and 81mm deep) and heavy (about 1400 grams) so that we were not sure these would be carried about too casually by anyone. But in the early 1990's when a local scientist from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center tested a GEOVID provided from Company Seven for applications measuring lava flows from volcanoes, he found it to be amazingly accurate at reading distances. That was when we were truly impressed at the utility and durability of the device as well as its precision.

Since the BDA were introduced these have been reduced in size while increasing their range and durability with the BRF and BRF HD series. The following GEOVID models are much more practical, employing roof prisms that make them comparable in size to conventional similar aperture binoculars. As each successive generation of GEOVID have been released they continue to be the most highly recommended range finding binocular by most experienced guides - the laser ranging standard since 1992.

In 2013 Leica announced yet another revolutionary advancement, the GEOVID HD-B series. These incorporate not only an even more accurate and longer distance capable laser ranging system, but also incorporate and inclinometer, barometer and thermometer. Accepting ballistics data for up to 12 pre-loaded ballistics curves corresponding to load caliber, type and weight, Leica's Advanced Ballistic Compensation (ABC) technology factors ambient conditions into the results shown to produce very accurate targeting. Their more streamlined Perger Porro prism optical train, owing to recently developed patented prisms designed at Leica, provide a lighter weight (945 grams) and more compact form yet with absolutely striking visual images.

For those who prefer higher magnifications but can not hand hold a binocular we offer Tripod Adapter to support the binocular on a camera tripod, car window mount, etc.

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, HD 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. For 2004 through 2007 Leica gradually upgraded their ULTRAVID binocular series to the ULTRAVID HD (retaining BL for leather covered models).

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 TRINOVID BN binoculars featured 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 ULTRAVID 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 inherited 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.

Fluoride lenses: with the help of recently developed fluoride (FL) glass the Leica HD and APO spotting telescope models offer supreme color fidelity and contrast. Optical FL lenses are to a large part made up of calcium fluoride, a mineral with a crystalline structure. Unlike conventional optical lenses, this creates a very low level of dispersion (light scattering) and corrects aberration (imaging errors) significantly better than previous glasses. So as a result the viewing experience is more natural and three-dimensional, more impressive than it has ever been before

Leica Ultravid HD Focus (32,870 bytes) Leica Binocular Center Focus Mechanisms these are engineered to provide ease of use (central focus), quick and smooth performance, and a lifetime of reliable service. The focus mechanism is an "internal" arrangement where optics within the binocular body are moved to accomplish changes of focus. So the exterior does not change, the length of the binocular does not change with focus. This internal central focus mechanism makes it a quick and simple matter to change focus from very close objects out to infinity. And by means of this advanced mechanical arrangement the binocular is sealed well from moisture, dirt and other contaminants.

Left: Ultravid HD internal focusing mechanism. Rotating the focus collar drives a focusing lens element in each optical barrel (34,591 bytes).
Click on image to see enlarged view (65,030 bytes).

And focusing the Ultravid HD is even smoother than ever before. The mechanism remains free of play across the entire range. Optimized material pairings and gliding discs made from extremely tough, high-performance plastic are used. In cold conditions, the conventional greased focusing mechanisms sometimes only work with difficulty, and at higher temperatures they move too freely. Furthermore, these focusing mechanisms can feel "sticky", and at higher temperatures there is even the danger that grease can off gas or escape and run on the lens. With the optimized Leica focus, these risks have been eliminated. The new mechanics of the Ultravid HD models work practically without any lubricants. So even in extreme temperatures it is always fully functional and with a constantly optimal degree of smoothness.

Being mechanical systems, they may require only minor cleaning and/or lubrication service after years or decades of service - depending on the amount of use and the operating environment!

Diopter Adjustment As people age it is likely their vision will change in focus near or distant or both for example, and one may develop astigmatism too. Changes of the eye tend to result in various degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). In a single tube such as a telescope we simply focus to accommodate differences between observers. But with binoculars it is necessary not only to focus to accommodate differences between people, but to also have some mechanism to compensate for differences between the left and right eyes.

Leica binoculars incorporate mechanisms to compensate for differences between the left and right eyes known as a "diopter adjustment". The exact mechanical arrangement varies but the principle of operation remains the same to allow the observer to incorporate a consistent variable into the focusing. In the mid to larger Leica binoculars one simply:

    1. dial the focus knob to achieve approximate focus

    2. gently pull the focus knob up (away from the binocular bridge)

    3. now turn the protruding dial clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve best focus for the right eye

    4. without turning the extended dial, turn the inner dial (adjacent the binocular bridge) clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve best focus for the right eye

    5. without turning either dial, gently push the extended knob back into place to reseal the focus mechanism.

Left: Ultravid HD internal focusing mechanism. Rotating the focus collar drives a focusing lens element in each optical barrel (34,591 bytes).
Drag your Mouse Cursor back and forth over the image to see Focus Diopter Dial extend and retract. Note the red waterproofing seal O-ring.
Note however that the focus mechanisms of binoculars or telescopes cannot correct astigmatism. Astigmatism is a vision problem that occurs when the cornea does is not formed in a symmetrical spherical shape. Astigmatism may develop as the eye forms in the womb due to factors including inherited genetics and environment. Most people have a slight astigmatism since it is uncommon for the cornea to have developed in a perfectly symmetrical way. People with astigmatism see stars as points of light with a streak of light across it; as the observer rotates their eye about the eyepiece then the streak will rotate with the observer. Mild astigmatism may be imperceptible in routine observations, particularly during bright daylight. But those who have noteworthy astigmatism will see things blurred regardless of focus changes and these people need to wear corrective spectacles or contact lenses to correct it.

It is also possible that over time, some of the detrimental aspects may change in a way that improves vision too.

ULTRAVID HD series introduced in 2007 incorporates internal and coatings improvements. The exteriors were unchanged and the basic specifications (magnification, field of view, etc.) similarly remained the same so these appear at first glance identical to the original ULTRAVID models. The improvements provided with the HD address the focusing mechanism. And the optical design of the HD were refined with newly available Fluoride glass technology, and then were treated with advanced contrast and resistance coatings to repel water and dirt with the new AquaDuraTM process.

Leica AquaDuraTM ensures greater visibility in wind and rain

Leica AquaDura (32,870 bytes) It is a cold morning and the lens fogs up - that is not much fun. Fingerprints, dust and rain are also annoying when viewing. The innovative Leica AquaDuraTM coating considerably reduces these disturbing factors. Imitating nature as with the lotus plant, this new water and dirt-resistant protective layer on the outer glass surfaces ensures that dirt and moisture are barely able to take hold on the specially adapted surface structure of the optic. This is the same coating applied by Leica for their latest APO-TELEVID spotting telescopes introduced in 2007 and coming available in 2009.

Right: Microscopic image of water droplet demonstrating the operating principle of AquaDura (32,870 bytes).
Click on image to see enlarged view (47,295 bytes).

Leica AquaDura on binocular (32,870 bytes) On the previous generations of anti-reflection coating the water tended to bead on the optical surface, this is particularly distracting on the eyepiece lenses being closer to focus. But with Leica AquaDuraTM the water droplets do not adhere, and the surface is also resistant to the formation of fog that would otherwise reduce contrast if not completely obscure the object of the observation.

Left: Leica AquaDura applied on the right objective lens of a Leica binocular. Compare this with previous generation high transmission coatings applied on the left objective (82,183 bytes).
Click on image to see enlarged view (142,864 bytes).


reduced cleaning efforts required leaves you more time for viewing!

These are all so good that one may have some difficulty telling the differences.
A keen observer will give the "nudge" to buy the ULTRAVID over the BN series, while most people
will be amazed at the performance of all of these fine instruments.

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.

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/HD models against the prior TRINOVID BA models:

                  Binocular Model                                                      Near Focus in Meters/Feet
                                                                              Before (BA series)                         Now (BR/BL/HD & BN series)
8x32 3.25 m / 10.6 ft. 2.30 m / 7.5 ft.
10x32 2.70 m / 8.8 ft. 2.10 m / 6.8 ft.
7x42 6.30 m / 20.5 ft. 3.30 m / 11 ft.
8x42 5.30 m / 17.2 ft. 3.10 m / 10.1 ft.
10x42 4.60 m / 15 ft. 2.95 m / 9.6 ft.
8x50 5.40 m / 17.5 ft. 3.60 m / 11.7 ft.
10x50 4.80 m / 15.6 ft. 3.30 m / 11 ft.
12x50 4.60 m / 15 ft. 3.20 m / 10.4 ft.

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, BR and ULTRAVID HD 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. limited edition sold out - for interesting reading only

  • 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 ULTRAVID BR 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. In 2007 the BN models were phased out to concentrate production on the ULTRAVID. Discontinued - for information only

  • 10x 32 BN Binocular: Covenient Clarity and Closer Still! 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. In 2007 the BN models were phased out to concentrate production on the ULTRAVID. Discontinued - for information only

  • 10x 32 ULTRAVID HD Binocular: Introduced at Company Seven in the Fall of 2007. Brings with it improved contrast and definition owing to the revised design and use of fluorocrown optics. Adds the extended operating temperature range and improved smoothness, and the Leica AquaDuraTM coating.

  • 7x 42 BN Binocular: Optically and mechanically the same as the 7x 42 BN Marine Binocular described below, but was 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 BA 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/BN series for spectacle wearers. An excellent gift to provide a lifetime of pleasure. In 2007 the BN models were phased out to concentrate production on the ULTRAVID. Discontinued - for information only

  • 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. In 2007 the BN models were phased out to concentrate production on the ULTRAVID. Discontinued - for information only

  • 7x 42 ULTRAVID HD 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 smooth focus gearing and the Leica AquaDuraTM coating make this series a pleasure to use. Available in Slate Black, 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. In 2007 the BN models were phased out to concentrate production on the ULTRAVID. Discontinued - for information only

  • 8x 42 ULTRAVID Binocular: As mentioned above, the ULTRAVID is a series for the most discriminating observer. And the 8x 42 ULTRAVID HD 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 HD is available in armored Slate Black cladding while the 8x 42 ULTRAVID BL is provided with black leather covering for lighter weight, providing incidentally - a most luxurious appearance. And this version includes a beautiful and well engineered form fitting leather case. The 8x 42 ULTRAVID BL 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 BA/BN 42mm or 50mm models. In 2007 the BN models were phased out to concentrate production on the ULTRAVID. Discontinued - for information only

  • 10x 42 ULTRAVID BR 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. In 2007 the BN models were phased out to concentrate production on the ULTRAVID. Discontinued - for information only

  • 8x 50 ULTRAVID HD 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! In 2007 the 50mm BN models were be phased out as most clients preferred the 50mm ULTRAVID. Discontinued - for information only

  • 10x 50 ULTRAVID HD 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. 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. In 2007 the 50mm BN models were be phased out as most clients preferred the 50mm ULTRAVID. Discontinued - for information only

  • 12x 50 ULTRAVID HD 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 although several customers also buy the Tripod Adapter to keep their Leica binocular set up and ready for use. The BR is available in Slate Black. 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.

  • GEOVID 8x 42 BRF and 10x 42 BRF Range Finding Binoculars: In 1991 Leica introduced the GEOVID 7x 42, the world's first highly accurate precision laser distance and bearing measuring binocular. Earning numerous "Best of What's New" awards such as in Popular Science magazine, the current generation of the GEOVID BRF are far more compact and lighter weight multifunctional instruments that open a totally new dimension of seeing and a new quality of orientation in space. The laser rangefinder built into each of the latest HD GEOVID BRF models is capable of accurately measuring distances of up to 1,400 yards (1,280 metres) and in doing so, takes the guess work out of range assessment. At night or day, for air sea rescue, navigation, forensics and surveillance, forestry, a hunting aid, expeditions, remote inspection, surveying, and more.

  • GEOVID 8x 56 BRF and 15x 56 BRF Range Finding Binoculars: The same high precision range finding performance as the GEOVID 42 BRF models but with higher resolution and almost 1.8 times greater light gathering power. The 56mm models are the better choice for applications at dawn or dusk, or under forest canopy, or when looking into other covered areas.

  • GEOVID LUX 8x 56 BRF Range Finding /Data-Voice Transmitting Binoculars: a hand-held or tripod mounted system that combines precision optics with a 6.8 degree actual field of view with an integral electronic communications module. This sends and receives via a sophisticated system of prisms to enable a totally new form of audiovisual communication. Besides viewing distant objects the user of these binoculars can also talk to other binocular users via a headset.

    Using infrared light waves in a custom band from 300nm to 2000nm, the LightSpeed technology transmits voices (at 16, 32, or 64 Kbps) to another GEOVID LUX up to a distance of 1-½ miles (2-½ km) away - crystal-clear, without any interference, day and night. For voice it employs any tactical/COTS headset. Even data such as video, text or images can be fed in via the USB port and transmitted at a rate of up to 1 Mbps. This development has evolved from a cooperation arrangement with the well-known secure electronics development company in the USA. This form of bug-proof communication offers special police and military units a wealth of tactical advantages. The extremely compact yet powerful LEICA GEOVID LUX 8x 56 also has further application potential in stalking, industry and rescue services. US federal government agencies should contact Company Seven to obtain our DLA or ORCA information.

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