Model reviewed: Leica Trinovid HD 8×42

Price as reviewed – £749.00

Pros

• Sharp, Crisp image right to the edge of view
• Exceptional build quality
• Fantastic ergonomics
• Bargain price for a Leica

Cons

• Despite excellent built quality perhaps a bit plastic feeling in crucial areas – Diopter adjustment, focus wheel 

Background

Leica are a brand that require no introduction. Famous for producing some of the greatest nature watching optics of all time they are in the middle of a renaissance with a range of new models now available. 

This Trinovid is Leica’s cheapest full size binocular. We took it out onto the Norfolk coast to find out if it is worth of the Leica name. 

Design

While other manufacturers are using the “open hinge” design, Leica have stuck with the more traditional design for the Trinovid. This keeps the binocular more compact and the Trinovid has a really solid feel to it, this binocular is of the highest build quality. Despite the excellent build quality this is a light binocular considering its dimensions. This in part may be down to the use of lighter plastics, rather than metal, on the focusing wheel and diopter adjustment. The compact body is great to look at and these binoculars never feel over sized.

Leica have clearly put thought into the design of the Trinovid The rubber armouring feels strong, the eyecups are comfortable and little detailing like the model written into the side of the binocular and the sculptured bridge give a quality appearance with strength to match.

Finally, the mechanics of the binocular again add to the overall quality. Focusing is smooth and precise, without being overly sensitive, and dioptric adjustment wheel also rotates smoothly without being overly stiff.

An excellent start for this cut price Leica. 

Optics

The Trinovid features sharp optics right across the field of view. This is a must for a binocular costing over £700 but its pleasing to see that the qualities of the Trinovid aren’t just skin deep. 

The HD glass adds to the quality by producing a crisp and sharp image right to the edge of the view and colour, contrast and definition are all excellent. There is a real lack of colour fringing and even in dark conditions these binoculars produce a fantastic image. The optics aren’t perhaps in the same ballpark as the top offerings from in the Leica range but they are more than good enough and what you would expect for a £750 binocular.

Conclusion

The Leica Trinovid HD 8×42 has left a good impression. Worth £750? Absolutely. Worthy of the Leica badge? Definitely

The Trinovid has minor flaws when compared to the top binoculars that Leica offer. But at around £600 less than the next Leica full size binocular the Trinovid is certainly a tempting proposition. 

Overall Leica has produced a well built and pleasant binocular to use for £750. It matches key rivals on all the essential areas of optics design and in the hand this does feel like a really premium product. Buy with confidence.