Leica Ultravid binoculars

Quality compact binoculars

Product

Leica Ultravid 25 binoculars

Promise

Leica are wizards of optics, that much is known – but can their latest compact range of binoculars measure up to their legendary reputation?

Performance

Don’t be distracted the by padded leather case: it’s luxury all right, and Leica can back up the looks with superior technology. The definition of the image is amazing: utterly crisp and with a surprising depth of field. Colours come back contrasted and sharp, and the small size of the model is balanced perfectly with the solid, weighty feel.

As for the science, well, there’s a special AquaDura coating that repels water from the exterior. The entire casing is guaranteed waterproof to 5m and nitrogen filled to prevent fogging. The focusing wheel is small but nicely geared, no stiffness and no jumping: a dial also shows you quickly what depth of field they’re set at too.

Verdict

This range replaces the earlier Leica Trinovid models, and easily surpasses them. With instruments as fine as this, it’s never worth skimping. If you imagine the lifetime of a product like this – which will most likely exceed your own – it's a small price to pay for perfection.