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Leica Trinovids: Old vs Recent |
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South Pender ![]() Optics Apprentice ![]() ![]() Joined: February/13/2015 Location: Vancouver Status: Offline Points: 94 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posted: June/26/2022 at 17:04 |
I'm looking for a pair of compact binoculars for hunting and have more-or-less
settled on the Leica Trinovids. They would seem to have the compactness
and performance that I'm looking for. Here in Canada, new ones are
going for around $1000 ($775 USD) or so. However, there are lots of used Trinovids for sale here for about half that price. I'm wondering whether I'd lose out by picking up a pair of used ones (assuming, of course, that there were no structural or optical defects present). Many I've seen have the label "Leitz" as opposed to "Leica," and I gather that the older ones used the Leitz labelling before the point when everything Leica made had the Leica label. So a couple of questions: 1. Are the recent ones that much better optically? Better lenses, lens coatings? 2. Would a pair of older ones provide sufficient optical quality for general hunting applications? As always, all help will be much appreciated!
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The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.
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anweis ![]() Optics Master ![]() Joined: January/29/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1135 |
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You don't mention size. What do you mean by compact? The only compact size I would consider would be maybe 8x25 . Maybe.
1. Yes, the newer Leica are much much better than the old Leitz due to superior glass and coatings. You could get better binoculars than the old Leitz for $300 fron many brands. Leitz really are decent, but waaay outdated and overpriced. 2. Yes, an old Leitz would work for hunting, but make sure that it is waterproof and fogproof and not too compact. A good 7x42 or 8x32 would be fine. My advice is to pay once, cry once, and have something excellent for a very long time. The Leitz cannot be repaired anymore, I think. That is also something to consider. One of the best binoculars in reasonable size and your price range would be the older Swarovski 8x32 EL or the Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32. Swarovski also made a 8x32 CL, very light and good. These are better than the Leica Trinovid in my opinion, much superior to any Leitz from 40 years ago, and can be found for reasonable prices pre-owned. If you considered 10x25, no I don't think they are very good for hunting. 8x25 would barely do the job. Edited by anweis - June/26/2022 at 21:40 |
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South Pender ![]() Optics Apprentice ![]() ![]() Joined: February/13/2015 Location: Vancouver Status: Offline Points: 94 |
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By "compact" I meant small and light. The Trinovids I've seen are small and weigh around 8-9 oz. I'd like binoculars that I could carry in my pocket. As for magnification, I was thinking either 7 or 8. So a 7x25, 7x32, or 8x32 would seem about right. The used Trinovids I've been looking at have been in the $300-$500 price range, and, if possible, I'd like to keep the price in that range. Are there other options that would represent better binoculars and fall in that price range?
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The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.
-Bertrand Russell |
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anweis ![]() Optics Master ![]() Joined: January/29/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1135 |
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I would look at Nikon Monarch M7 8x30.
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Peddler ![]() Optics God ![]() ![]() Joined: July/04/2012 Location: Oswego,NY Status: Offline Points: 12679 |
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check out Kowa Genesis 8x32, I picked up a used ( new) pair last Fall. The gentleman never used them.
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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.
It is the same when you are stupid. |
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anweis ![]() Optics Master ![]() Joined: January/29/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1135 |
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I am nobody "and I approve this message". I have never looked though anything Kowa that was not excellent.
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tahqua ![]() MODERATOR ![]() ![]() Have You Driven A Ford Lately? Joined: March/27/2006 Location: Michigan, USA Status: Offline Points: 8998 |
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I wouldn't use any binocular with a 4mm exit pupil for hunting. Sacrifices must be made between compactness and low light performance. But, I think a 6-7mm exit pupil along with quality glass and coatings works very well for hunting in all light conditions.
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Doug
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