Leica Ultravid 8x42 HD Plus Binoculars

Building on the success of the original Ultravid HD, Leica's 8x42 Ultravid HD Plus Binocular adds improved technologies and materials to create an optic with bright and clear images across the entire field of view.
The HD Plus delivers enhanced contrastCONTRASTThe difference between areas of different brightness levels in a photograph: A high-contrast image has a greater difference between light and dark areas, whereas a low-contrast image has a narrow range of tones. Contrast is used to direct a viewer’s attention to a photographer’s subject either with colour contrast (bold versus duller colours) or tonal contrast (bright versus darker tones). and true color fidelity, with virtually zero distortion, even in low-light conditions.

Leica upgraded the glass to specially formulated SCHOTT HT glass which increases light transmission especially in the blue-violet light band, improves color fidelity, and enhances low-light performance. Scratch and abrasion-resistant High Durable Coating (HDC), and hydrophobic AquaDura coating on outer lens protect surfaces and causes water and oil to bead off for easier cleaning and clearer vision. The roof prisms feature P40 phase-correction and the proprietary High Lux System (HLS) coatings. These coatings virtually eliminate chromatic aberration for enhanced color rendition and increased contrast.

Complementing the optical performance are uncompromising construction details. To reduce user fatigue during long glassing sessions, the chassis is made of a lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy, with a titanium center hinge axle. The optical tubes are nitrogen-filled for fog-proof performance and sealed to make the binocular submersible to 5 meters or 0.5 bar of pressure. Ergonomic thumb indents on the bottom of the binocular coupled with protective rubber armouring provide a comfortable slip-resistant grip. A lubrication-free focus system provides fast and precise focusing, with PETP-Discs to provide smooth movement throughout the broad operating temperature range.

Optical Performance

• 8x magnification
• 42mm objective lens diameter
• Compact roof prism optical path
• High-quality SCHOTT HT glass increases light transmission, especially in blue-violet band, improves color fidelity, and enhances low-light performance
• P40 and the proprietary High Lux System (HLS) prism coatings
• High temperature plasma lens coating depositing system for precise optical coating placement
• Phase corrected prisms reduce chromatic aberration for enhanced color rendition
• Scratch and abrasion-resistant High Durable Coating (HDC) and hydrophobic AquaDura coating on outer lens protects surfaces and causes water and oil to bead off lenses for easier cleaning and clearer vision in bad weather

Use and Handling

• Lubricant free center focus system with PETP-Discs provides smooth movement throughout the operating temperature range
• ±4 right-eye dioptric correction
• Locking center diopter adjustment wheel
• Twist-out 2-stage click-stop eyecups
• Flip-down tethered objective lens caps
• Tripod mountable with optional adapter

Construction Details

• Light and durable magnesium chassis
• Titanium center hinge axle
• Slip-resistant protective rubber-armored body
• Nitrogen-filled, fogproof and watertight to 5m / 0.5 bar pressure
• Broad -25 to 55°C operating temperature
• Ergonomic thumb rests for added comfort and a better grip