Leica Trinovid is synonymous with superior optical performance. The Trinovoid line was solidified by its diverse offerings of compact and full sized binoculars. The units are famous for being made rugged with an innovative prism technology. They are a mainstay for professionals and nature enthusiasts who want top of the line viewing at a midrange price.

The Trinovid 42 is Leica’s premium binocular offering. The company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Sport Optics division affirms that the development process for all Leica’s products is done with the objective to be the best in their class. The Trinivoid 42 is no exception. According to Leica, the newest line of Trinovids stays true to the hallmark of their product line. It has superior engineering and value to performance ratio.

Faultless Construction

Leica Trinovid’s premium entry-level binoculars are made with the highest quality materials. The binocular shell is void of any plastic parts. The entire outer body is composed of durable magnesium. For dual strength, meant to withstand even the harshest terrains, the magnesium shell is encased within rubber armor.

The units are completely waterproof to five meters. The waterproof feature of the Trinovid 42 collection contrasts with the water spray resistant construction of the Leica Trinovid 25 collection. Additionally, the Trinovid 42 collection has a nitrogenized interior. The nitrogen renders the binoculars fog proof, a necessity in humid or cold weather.

Their stainless steel hinge construction and generously sized eyecups make for comfortable viewing. The 10×42 packs 16-millimeter eye relief, while the 8×42 model is a close second with a 15.5-millimeter eye relief. This is excellent news for those wearing prescription eyeglasses. The eye relief of both models is not so compact that the outer edge of the field will severely be lost or constricted.

The Trinovid comes in the following configurations:

• 8×32
• 8×42
• 10×32
• 10×42

Details Details

Leica Trinovid has always been known for its hallmark and revolutionary prism design that lends to its superior optical performance. However, with all the power packed into the newest Trinovids, it can be said that the improvements are far beyond a minor upgrade. The Trinovid 42 collection is developed to be intuitive in its adjustment capabilities, powerful on the performance end, compact for easy handling, and ergonomic.

The roof prism design offers a superior phase correction coating of P40. An additional mirrored layer, previously not offered, increases the overall transmission of light by 99.5 percent. This HighLux system, referred to as HLS, makes images brighter to increase the users viewing pleasure and accuracy. The HLS system, coupled with their enhanced optical and mechanical construction improvements, minimizes the occurrence of stray light dramatically.

The Leica Trinovid 10×42 has a field of view of 326 feet at 100 yards. That said, the field of view of the 8×42 is the real mind-blower with 378ft at 1000 yards. The 8×42 undoubtedly qualifies for use as a wide-angled binocular. That will please many avid bird watchers and hunters. However, for those looking for short range viewing such as general nature watch, butterflies, small animals, or anything that will be within close range, the Trinovid would not be a prime choice.

As expected, Leica Trinovid sticks to the high grade of style, durability, and internal construction they are known for. Although the price tag is extremely reasonable, for their function and power, nothing was compromised. So the only real choices left to make, once you buy one, are do you fancy a wide field view or greater magnification? Almost every other adjustment is factored into the technology. Overall, the Leica Trinovid is pretty impressive if you want the most viewing power for your money.

With up to 95 percent more light transmission, Zeiss’ new Victory HT Binocular offers its users the chance to view nature in a whole new way. The company calls the new line groundbreaking and state that it’s the brightest super-premium binocular globally. This is definitely a huge claim to make after the success of the already-great Victory FL binoculars that were made.

Bright When it Counts

When light travels along a binocular, sometimes the light is lost by way of reflection and absorption in the prism system or in an air-to-glass surface. By the time the light exits the piece, the amount of light that remains will differ depending on the binocular. The best ones have greater transmittance percentages, allowing brighter and better images.

Like others in the premium optics industry, Zeiss uses several coatings to ensure that the majority of the light used can reach your eyes, but it is accepted as inevitable that a tiny amount of light can be lost.

The great and most interesting thing about the Victory HT is that the new lenses are able to transmit more than 95 percent of the light captured in a set of binoculars.

There are obvious advantages in these binoculars; there is greater transmittance, especially with the blue violet spectrum, meaning better mesopic vision. It comes with a reduced lensing effect thanks to the higher brightness, giving a better image quality overall.

Feature-Loaded

There are also a number of other exciting features on the Victory HT, including the following:

• T* coatings: With multi-layer Carl Zeiss T* coatings, there is plenty of anti-reflecting coating available for the lenses.
• Fluoride lenses: These also have fluoride ions means to correct colors and improve sharpness.
• LotuTec coating: In addition to the T*, there are Zeiss LotuTec coatings available with hydrophobic qualities. These are applied on the outside of the Victory HT binoculars by Zeiss, ensuring that if you get water on the glass, it will roll down immediately without leaving watery residue. You also won’t get oily fingerprints stuck on your lens.
• Abbe-König-prism System: This set of binoculars has a big Abbe-König prism, which means it can work without an additional mirror. It is actually the best and brightest system currently available.
• Ergonomics: The striking appearance of the Victory HT binoculars are said to help with ergonomics, making them more accessible and easier to use. The lens barrels has a great grip on them, which make them easy to use and feel natural in your hands. It also has a focus wheel that is further forward on the bridge than you might be used to.
• Double-Link-Bridge: This is made of ultra-light magnesium to ensure the Victory HT remains durable but lightweight.

According to Zeiss, the focus mechanism also includes a rather long ratio of gear to help make focusing the lenses precise and fast. In other words, it will take you a few turns of the wheel to start from near focus and end up on longer, farther focus. You’ll get the option for a precise view, but it’ll take you a little longer to swap between the two extreme views.

The 10×42 in particular is a bit heavier than the 8×42 counterpart, though this one is great for view objects at longer distances without losing much on the field of view; it still manages to look great at the bigger zoom without sacrificing anything on quality. If you are in need of premium binoculars and want to have the extra distance advantage, we highly recommend the 10×42.

If you want to see a video overview of this incredible line of high end binoculars, here is an excellent one done by Sportsman’s News:

We here at Optics Den are big fans of Upland Optics products, so we were excited to try out the new high-end binos offered by the brand.

The recently released Venator 10×42 binoculars are significantly more expensive than their bestselling Perception HD, but the increase is well worth it overall.

First, here are the specs:

• 10x optical zoom, 42mm objective lens
• 114m field of view at 1000m
• 15mm eye relief
• Waterproof & fogproof
• Includes carrying case, lens cloth, neck strap, and lens caps
• Dimensions: 5.5″ x 5″ x 2″
• Weight: 1.5 lbs

The Venator offers the highest quality optical clarity through top-of-the-line Extra Low Dispersion Glass. That means exceptional clarity no matter the situation, and it means you can expect an amazing visual experience in every hunt, birding excursion, or other event.

In addition to the ED glass upgrade, the Venator is notable for its high-quality build. Holding them in your hands you can feel the attention to detail and the solid durability of the body. We like the thumb grips and the texture of the rubber on the body — this doesn’t feel like a pair of binos that will go sliding out of your hands when the weather is inclement. Additionally, they feel sturdy, so if they do take a tumble out of your hands or pack, they feel like they’ll hold up. The design is open bridge, which helps reduce overall weight and enables a sleeker design than less-expensive single-hinge binoculars.

Technically speaking, the Venator offers higher light transmission percentage, which means more light is allowed into the binos. This feature means that you’ll find these are excellent in low light conditions. The upgraded glass is a higher technology than most, with advanced proprietary lens coatings for supreme anti-reflection, anti-fog, and other technologies making them an extremely high quality of glass with actual purposes beyond clarity and precision.

Between the high quality glass and the functional, solid design, the Venators are built for extreme weather conditions. These are the kind of binoculars you want on a long hunt in inconsistent and extreme weather.

There’s a lot to love about the Venator, but here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Lifetime warranty: This is huge. Few companies stand behind their binos for a lifetime, but Upland offers this on all their products.
• Incredible optics: The Venators blow plenty of the competition out of the water with their top of the line optical technology
• Superior build: You can take these on any excursion without worrying about whether they can handle the heat, wind, fog, cold, rain…whatever.

It’s worth mentioning price here, as the price is both a plus and a minus. It’s difficult to even talk about the Venator in terms of competition, as there really aren’t many binoculars at this price point, period. It’s tough to know what the price might be if Upland was sold in stores (they keep their prices low by offering their products online only), but it isn’t too far out of line to say this pair could save you several hundred dollars versus competitors with over $1k price tags. Bottom line? The Venators offer you an option for a high end feel at a lower price.

Of course, there are a few drawbacks to discuss as well.

• Price: Though I mentioned this as a plus above, these binoculars are still going to be out of budget for plenty of shoppers.
• Weight: While fairly lightweight, these do still feel a tad heavy.
• Focus wheel tightness: If I’m being nitpicky, I’ll say the focus wheel feels a little tight when adjusting it.

The Upland Optics Venator 10×42 should definitely be on your radar if you are looking for a pair of high-end binoculars. For a high-end pair, the price is pretty stellar, and the construction and optics technology make these a pair to beat. Check them out here to see the current price.

Binoculars are a useful tool for viewing distant objects or landscapes with detail and clarity. Although they are generally a simplistic tool, there is a specific process for adjusting binoculars to ensure a clear focus and a satisfying image. The binoculars must be adjusted for both viewing distance and for differences in eyesight between the individual user’s eyes.

Vortex Optics Diamondback Roof Prism Binoculars

When binoculars aren’t properly focused, trying to see can be a lesson in futility. Oftentimes, an issue with binoculars is simply due to an improperly adjusted diopter. This article will cover some of the ways you can use diopter adjustment for optimal viewing experience.

Typical Adjustment Options

A typical pair of binoculars has several options for focusing the view, including a central control that adjusts the primary focus and an individual adjustment control known as the diopter adjuster. These two separate functions allow you to ensure that each eye will see a focused picture through the binoculars despite potential vision differences that may exist in each eye. The view can be fine-tuned by use of the primary focus adjustment.

Diopter Adjustment Knob

If the diopter adjustment isn’t set correctly, the user may see a blurry image or even believe that the binoculars are not working properly. The diopter adjustment control may be as simple as a numbered ring around the eyepiece, so it is often an adjustment the user doesn’t notice and fails to adjust. When using a new pair of binoculars, it is important to first identify the diopter adjustment so the setting can be set for your customized visual needs.

As the video below demonstrates, it’s also important not to start moving the diopter until you’ve had a chance to look through the glass.

Simple Steps to Successful Adjustment

To adjust your binoculars for your personal use, you will want to take the following steps:

1. Turn the central control to make the view as focused as possible.
2. The diopter adjustment control knob is typically located on the right eyepiece of the binoculars. It should be numbered, and you can start by setting it at zero or the marking that seems to indicate the center position.
3. Cover the barrel on the same side of the binoculars where the diopter control is located using the lens cap.
4. Look through the binoculars at a fixed, detailed object that is approximately 100 to 200 feet away. With both eyes open, use the primary focus control to identify the clearest view.
5. Switch the lens cap to the other barrel, and use the diopter adjustment to adjust the same view for your other eye.
6. Remove the lens cap and look through the binoculars with both eyes. The image should be clear and sharp.

Adjusting for Different Models

Nikon’s Monarch HG have a locking diopter adjustment ring

Your binoculars may have the diopter adjustment in the center, and in that case, the process to focus the view is similar. Always use an object that is approximately 100 to 200 feet away to focus your view, and adjust one eye at a time.

Once the diopter adjustment is set, you can use the central focus adjustment to provide the clearest view for the appropriate distance. You should not continue to adjust the diopter control, and some high-end binoculars include a lock to prevent accidental changes to the diopter settings.

Additional Settings

Depending on the individual feature set for your binoculars, you will also benefit from adjusting the eyepiece spacing and eyecup height, as incorrect adjustment can cause distortion in the image. It’s simple to find the clearest, most comfortable view by pushing the barrels of the binoculars together or pulling them apart. The eyecups can be adjusted for those who wear prescription eyeglasses, and simply positioning the eyecups to your needs will contribute to a clear view through the binoculars. Outdoor Life explains here how and when to adjust the eyecups.

With these few simple steps, you will learn to adjust the focus controls, enjoy clearer views and thoroughly appreciate the proper use of your binoculars for sightseeing, hunting and hiking.

Want to see our picks for the best binoculars on the market? Click here for our full reviews and top sellers.

Last month I purchased the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 Binoculars. As a professional huntsman with a wife who’s into bird-watching, I decided that it was finally time for me to invest in a truly heavy-duty pair of binoculars. The pair I had been using was well over 10 years old, and though it was still working, it wasn’t what it once was. A friend of mine had recommended that I look into Bushnell’s products, as they’re known for being some of the best on the market. After doing some research, I decided that the Ultra HD 10x42mm binoculars would be best suited to my needs.

Optics Quality

When I first held these up to my eyes, I was truly blown away. Bushnell isn’t lying when they call these binoculars “high-definition!” My older pair of binoculars had a pretty decent 8x magnification, but the 10x of these binoculars really made a world of difference. What pleased me most about the binoculars was their sheer optic power. The image clarity these binoculars produce is unlike anything I’ve seen before. These binoculars are light but durable, and adjusting the magnification was especially easy. I feel that these binoculars have really improved my ability to track deer and fowl, particularly during the dusk and early dawn hours. I simply cannot speak highly enough about the quality craftsmanship of this instrument. These binoculars have held up through thunderstorms, thick fog, and hot days at the lake. Though Bushnell’s binoculars aren’t the cheapest option on the market, I can declare wholeheartedly that they were worth the price. My wife loves them, too; my only trouble was getting them back from her after she found out how great they are!

Everything about these binoculars is truly excellent. The eye cups fit snugly to my eyes when I’m using them, and, unlike lower-end binoculars, color and clarity never get distorted. I’ve also been extremely impressed with the way they’ve held up. Despite taking these out in some rough weather, I’ve never had any trouble with moisture or dirt getting trapped under the lenses. The water-repellent lens coating has been a life-saver during rainy days and it’s made hunting in wet weather a much more enjoyable experience. The quality of Bushnell’s Ultra HD binoculars is definitely on-par with some of the most expensive binoculars on the market. I’ve had friends tell me that these Bushnells evoke better visuals than their ultra-high-end $900 binoculars.

Comfortable & Portable

Beyond the visuals, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 Binoculars have proven to be a comfortable, portable tool. My previous pair of binoculars came with a rough, thin strap which would leave my skin red and sore if I left them hanging around my neck for too long. The strap on these binoculars makes a world of difference regarding my comfort while hunting. This strap is thicker and more durable and has a slight padding that makes it feel like I’m wearing a camera around my neck instead of a pair of heavy binoculars.

The soft case included with the binoculars has had up well, too. Though I generally take a more heavy-duty case with me when I’m spending long periods of time outdoors, I’ve found that this case is more than sufficient for storing the binoculars in my bag or at my house. Knowing the durability of these binoculars, I’m sure the soft case would suffice as adequate protection for a number of other customers.

Finally, I’m especially pleased with how these feel to the touch. The exterior material on these binoculars is water-repellent and very easy to grip. Whether I’m suffering from sweaty palms in July or wet gloves in February, these binoculars are easy to hold onto. This is a vast improvement from my other pair of binoculars, which were made of a much more slippery material.

Overall, I’ve found these binoculars to be a great purchase. They’ve definitely enhanced my skills as an outdoorsman, and have satisfied my wife as well. I can see these binoculars lasting for two decades or more. Given Bushnell’s reputation for great customer service, I’m sure I’ll be able to keep these binoculars going for years to come.

Bottom Line

While I am super happy with these, I still want to give you an overview of both the pros and cons (because there are always both).

Pros

• ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass — High quality glass that provides high resolution and stunning colors. It’s multi-coated, too
• Wide field of view — 340 ft at 1000 yd
• Sturdy build — easy grips and durable body
• Good low light & strong light performance

Cons

• A bit on the heavy side at 24.7 oz
• Eye relief is 15.2 mm, which could be better

If you’re looking for a great pair of outdoor binoculars, I definitely recommend the Bushnell’s Legend Ultra HD 10×42 pair. It’s a worthwhile investment, and I’m glad I made this purchase. Bushnell also has an excellent warranty, so this is a trusted brand we always highly recommend.

When it comes to binoculars, 8x42mm and 10x42mm are pretty much the standard measurements for the best overall views. There are smaller and larger pairs of binoculars that would be ideal for certain situations, but 8×42’s and 10×42’s are certainly the most popular and widespread among manufacturers.

So what makes these two sets of binos similar and dissimilar? At first glance, you might not notice the difference between the two. Design-wise, they’re very similar to each other unless we factor in wide-angle binos as well. More on those later.

In case measurements are unclear to beginners, let’s clear some things up. In an 8x42mm model, for example, the 8 refers to the level of zoom the binoculars can reach. The 10mm refers to the diameter of the objective lens within the binos. The wider the diameter of the objective lenses are, the more light the binos gather and the brighter the overall image. The larger the zoom, the closer you can focus in on a specific object.

Large vs Small Binos

Given what we know, this doesn’t mean that the binos with the largest measurements out there are going to be the best on the market. The reason we have different measurements is that different measurements are better in different situations.

The difference between the two may seem small at first, but once you get a feel for the detail provided by both, you’ll see what we mean.

Let’s look at both models individually.

8x42mm

The 8x42mm model is a pretty average size for binoculars, making them some of the best all-around binos in the industry. Despite similar measurements, not all 8x42mm models are exactly the same. Some companies use specific manufacturing techniques to allow just the tiniest bit more of light to pass through the lenses.

8×42 models provide ample zoom and field of view (FOV) for their user without trying to add too much flare.

Here are a couple of examples of situations where 8x42mm models would be ideal:

• Opera-for a smaller field of view
• Stadium Events-you may not need to track high-speed objects, but see many things at once
• Hunting-for ideal target acquisition in ideal conditions, normally shorter range
  • 8×42’s also have slightly larger exit pupils, eye reliefs, and field of views, making them more ideal overall for low light conditions

10x42mm

The 10x42mm offers the same or similar level of light transmission as 8x42mm models but offers a small boost in the zoom factor. For a more powerful zoom, you’ll get clearer images so you can identify objects and animals at long range.

Here are a couple of examples of situations where 10x42mm models would be ideal:

• Birding-for fast moving animals
• Hunting-for target acquisition of animals in the distance, usually at maximum range
• Twilight Factor-while the 8×42’s model can acquire targets in low light, its the clarity and resolution of the object/animal that matters. This is where the 10×42’s excel

Wide Angled Binos

Wide angled binos offer an even larger field of view with the same measurements. For activities such as birding which require fast movement and a wide field of view as much as detail acquisition, wide angled binos are the preference. For birding in particular, you may prefer one model over the other depending on what environment you are glassing.

As we mentioned, these optics come in the same 8×42 and 10×42 models, but their design is noticeably different, (see image on the right).

Overall

8×42’s are generally more stable than 10×42’s, meaning you’re not shaking as much at maximum range. Seeing an object in the distance doesn’t mean necessarily mean you’re going to get unreal image quality. On the other hand, 10×42’s are going to pick up more detail each time you glass a certain area.

Both models of binos have their advantages and disadvantages. This means you’ll want to conduct your research carefully and plan out what you want to use a particular pair of binos for before you buy them.

Click here to browse our picks for the best binoculars of 2018. You can also find many individual reviews of specific binos in our binoculars category.