Leica 10x42 BN Binoculars

Rating:
Summary: These binoculars were a revelation
Review: Although I have owned several pairs of binoculars, I have never come across a better pair than the Leica. The first time I used them the image was so bright and clear it was a real revelation. I have tried comparable Swarovsky and Zeiss binoculars, and not only was the Leica brighter, but it was much more comfortable to hold. I have not tried the Nikon Venturers, which I have heard are wonderful, but you absolutely cannot go wrong with the Leica. They are expensive, but will last a lifetime. For those who wear glasses, the eye cup system is really quite comfortable, and the cups themselves are quite sturdy. The Leica is also waterproof and built like a tank.

Rating:
Summary: The Best of The Best
Review: As a neophyte to the world of safari and in preparation for what will be my first adventure on the so-called dark continent, I thoroughly evaluated all of the top-end (mostly european) brands before selecting Leica's 10x42 bn-series binoculars.

The Leica bn-series binoculars are without doubt one of the - if not 'the' - finest binoculars you can purchase at the given price point (in terms of clarity, resolution, focusing precision, brightness/light-gathering ability, portability, build-quality, etc.), and, apparently, are amongst the favorite of many of the leading professionals, sportsmen and naturalists.

Rating:
Summary: You can always trust Leica in optics
Review: Bought a pair of this Trivonid 10X42BN, which I have dreamed of for a long long time. I took it out for birding.. WOW!! It has the brightest optical performance I have ever seen. I can easily watch the birds in the shaded woods, with very sharp, great contract, precise image. Not to mention the even greater performance in places with more sunshine.
I personaly love the design of the push-pull eyecups, it is exactly the right thing for anyone who wear glasses like me!! Just push down the eyecups, I can enjoy the SAME view (same wide field, same brightness..etc) immediately without takeing off my glasses.
I have tried Zeiss Victory and Swarvoski SLC before I bought Leica, they can't beat Leica in optics, although some birding experts prefer Swarvoski. But Swarvoski's is not as bright as Leica's, and 50+% more expensive.
and YES, Leica Trivonid 10X42BN is BIGGER, and HEAVIER compare to both Zeiss and Swarvoski. And some degradation at the edge of view, which exists in EVERY pair of roof prim binoculars.

Rating:
Summary: Warranty problems
Review: I want to tell you about my experience with Leica Binoculars. I purchased the Trinovid 10 X 42s back in the mid 90s for about $1,000.00. I thought they were the best binoculars I had ever owned. Last year, in November of 2003 the binoculars broke. I did not drop them or handle them any differently than I had the last 8 years of owning them. I always carried them in a specially padded backpack that I modified specifically for optics like my binoculars and cameras and such. I thought, no problem, they have a lifetime guarantee... So I thought.

I went to the store where I had purchased them. They gave me the phone number to Leica-Camera Co. I called and got a recording telling me to write down the problem and where to send them, I did. A couple of weeks later I received a repair estimate in the mail for a bit over $400.00.

I called them up and talked to a service rep. She told me that because I did not send in my warranty card when I purchased the binoculars they were not covered under the warranty. I told her I never send those things in because I understand they are a source for mailing lists which are sold and I get too much junk mail and spam as it is. Of course this did not sway her in the least. So I asked if I paid for the repair would I then be in their data base and therefore the binoculars would be covered should they break again. She told me, No; they would still not be covered. The repair would be warranted for 90 days and after that I would again be on my own.

I declined their estimate and was told they would send them back the following week. After that I wrote a letter to Leica GM telling of the situation and asking that they step up to the plate and do the right thing... repair my expensive binoculars that I got based on a lifetime guarantee. This is the first time I have ever written a letter to a company official and not got a response. I heard nothing and 3 months went by. I thought, maybe they are not good communicators and maybe they have had them this long because they decided to fix them after all. I called them. I got a voicemail and asked about them. They never returned my call but about a week later they showed up in the mail. Still broken and useless.

I will not buy any more Leica products and I thought I would pass on my experience for anyone thinking of buying their products to consider.

Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: Superior optics, design, waterproofing (which makes them easy to keep clean), and durability. A bit heavy, no objective covers (except the case), and no fancy high-tech gadgetry. What these binoculars were designed to do, they do incomparably well. We have owned ours for five years and have taken them all over the US and the Arctic. You may check with some optics shops to see if you can order several binoculars at once and then test them out to see which ones you like the best -- we did this and found the Leica's were our preference.

Rating:
Summary: Worth every penny
Review: These binoculars were a revelation to me. I was surprised that this level of quality was still available at any price in today's world of plastic disposable low quality consumer merchandise. These Leica binoculars feel like a heavy glass and metal brick in comparison to other cheaper binoculars. The image is bright and contrasty. The image snaps decisively into focus. You'll want to smash your cheap binoculars against the nearest wall after you've tried these.

A couple of minor quibbles: the thin leather case that comes with it is very flimsy, you may want to buy a more sturdy aftermarket case. No front lens covers were provided. There is a sturdy one piece rubber eyepiece cover and a very nice neoprene neckstrap.