Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Leica Ultravid 8x32 HD or Swaro EL 8x32 WB?

May add some new mid-range binos to the stable. I have some Nikon Premier LXL 8x32s, which are fantastic. But always think what I may be giving up (if anything) to the big boys.

I've had multiples of Leicas and Swaros, but not these particular two.

Anybody been able to compare the ELs to the Ultravid HDs?

In a Demo we have:

A Swarovski EL 8x32, a Leica Ultravid 8x32 HD and a Swarovski CL Companion 8x30. Please give a call, 516-217-1000, if we can assist

Doug has spoken - went with the Swaro ELs. As always, Doug, appreciate the service and look forward to gettin' the binos in hand.

You made a good choice...

I’d always take the Leica. Have compared the Swarovski EL 8x32 multiple times agains my Leica 8x32 HD’s and previous BR’s. The Swarovision’s flat field and my eyes don’t work well together, and I like the Leica’s warmer color rendition and relaxed, more natural view.

I noticed Swarovski has finally seen the light and ditched their obsession with the flat field of the EL’s in favor of a more relaxed view in their new binoculars.

I bought the Leica Ultravid pre-HD 8x32 in 2005. I spent about two hrs in Sidney, NE at Cabelas comparing them to the pre-Swaro-Vision EL 8x32, in the store and outside. The Leica was optically better to my eyes. 15 years later I still love them...paired with a set of Swarovision EL 10x42s for hunting areas that have antler or horn restrictions. I use each about equally of the course of the year. Often wondered if he HD versions of the Ultravids are much better, but still am loving mine for shorter range hunting, general hiking, etc.

I have the Leica 8x32 HD Ultra. I just went to the boot store/optics store for boots, this week and l compared the Swarovski to the ultra side by side. I was pretty happy the Ultras were better optically. I did like the grip on the Swarovski though. I think it a personal choice for your eyes, but the Leica is easily better for my eyes.
I got my Leicas from Doug on some super sale a few years ago, and while expensive, a good bang for the buck. Easy size to carry.

I wish someone put an LRF aboard an 8x32..........

I'm with ya.'

I have looked through and compared them often, including the Victory's. They are so close to one another it depends on your individual eyes. Take 10 people looking through 8x32 EL's, Ultravids, and Victory's, and you'll get different verdicts as to which one of the binos is the best.

I give a slight edge to the Utravids for optics, a runaway vote for the Swaros for customer service and warranty.

Having said that if you're seriously in the market, as of a couple days ago Doug had 8x32 Ultravid HD's ( not the Plus) for around $1350 IIRC. If a guy does buy Leica, buy them from Doug because he's got the Chutzpah to make Leica's otherwise shaky warranty stick........

If I were to start over again for bino's and spotters, I would be looking at the Kowa's and use the savings for a extra hunting trip.

I have yet to see a Swaro that I liked better than a comparable Leica.

MM

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I have the 8x30CL newer version. Fantastic binos. Use them way more than my 10x42 SLC's.

You know I had the 8x30CLs - the older version, which didn't impress me, at all. I did read on a birding forum that the newer version is much improved. Good to hear.

Yeah, I have or have had Trinovids, Trinovid HDs, Ultravids, Geovids and Duovids and probably a "vid" or two I'm forgetting.

I've only had Swaro CLs and SLCs and I wasn't that impressed either. Maybe I expected too much? Every time I put 'em up to my eyes I expected the heavens to open up and angels to sing.

So, I guess the idea to go with the ELs is to try something new. If I don't like 'em, for whatever reason, I'll just throw them up on the Classifieds.

Heck, even if I do like 'em, I'll use 'em for a year, maybe two, and throw 'em up on the Classifieds.

The 1st gen CL's have got to be the worst offering Swaro has come up with in this millennium. A definite step down from the 30mm SLC's they replaced. I have heard good things about the 2nd gen CL's, although I've never looked through any.

Agreed, first and second gen are not at all the same bino. Swaro should have changed the name, they are that much different. At any rate, worth putting on your list to check out.

I bought the Swarovski EL 8x32 from Doug yesterday. However, should a good deal pop up on the 2nd gen CL's, I maybe would jump on those too.

Me Too!!

Just a heads up, we just put all the full size Leica Ultravids on sale through December 3rd for Black Friday