Leica Ultravid HD 8x32 Binocular

I just inherited a used pair of the prior model of these, the 8x32 BR. They are a great alternative to traveling with my bulkier 8.5x44 porros. Everything is just perfect. These are balanced in the hand so well, they feel like you're holding a much lighter binocular. At only a 32 mm objective, these are much smaller than the 44 mm I've been using for years. I must say though that the clarity and light transmission of the glass more than make up for it. From 200 feet away, every detail of a mockingbird is in perfect focus. Less weight and a clearer image make me wonder if there is a need for the 40+ mm binocs anymore.

The only con I can think of is that the eyecups do not extend far out enough for me. I might just have deep eye sockets, but I cannot fully rest them against my face without losing some of the image. Not a problem for me though because I rarely bird like that anyway, preferring to wear sunglasses or just having the eyecups down to get a fuller image.

I'm still itching for my first extended vacation using these, but I can already tell that even when I go birding locally my bulkier pair of Swifts are going to have serious competition.