Leica 12x50 Ultravid HD Plus Binocular

Leica 12x50 Ultravid HD Plus Binocular

Building on the success of the original Ultravid HD, Leica's 12x50 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 full-size HD Plus delivers enhanced contrast and true colour fidelity, with virtually zero distortion, even in low-light conditions. Helping to compensate for the visually distracting hand-shake common with using 10x and greater optics, is a wide angle 68° apparent viewing angle. This allows the use of high magnification binoculars without the need for stabilisation equipment like harnesses or tripods; although high powered binoculars could always benefit from these devices.

Leica uses specially formulated SCHOTT HT extra low-dispersion (ED) glass which increases light transmission especially in the blue-violet light band, improves colour 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 colour rendition, and increased contrast and overall image sharpness.

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 wear-resistant titanium centre hinge axle. The optical tubes are nitrogen-filled for fogproof performance and sealed to make the binocular submersible to 16.4' 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
• 50mm objective lenses
• Roof prism optical path
• SCHOTT HT extra low-dispersion glass increases light transmission, especially in blue-violet band, improves colour fidelity, and enhances low-light performance
• P40 phase-correcting and proprietary High Lux System (HLS) prism coatings reduces internal light scatter for sharper images with improved contrast
• High temperature plasma lens coating depositing system for precise optical coating placement
• 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
• 301.2' field of view at 1000 yards
• Wide 68° apparent angle of view
• Long 13mm eye relief
• Comfortable 4.2mm exit pupil

Use and Handling

• Lubricant free center focus system with PETP-Discs provides smooth movement throughout the operating temperature range
• 58-75mm interpupillary adjustment range
• ±4 right-eye dioptric correction with locking centre diopter adjustment wheel
• Twist-out 2-stage click-stop eyecups
• Tripod mountable with optional adaptor

Construction Details

• Light and durable magnesium chassis
• Titanium centre hinge axle
• Slip-resistant protective rubber-armoured body
• Nitrogen-filled, fogproof and watertight to 16.5' (5m)
• Flip-down tethered objective lens caps
• Broad -13 to 131°F (-25 to 55°C) operating temperature
• Ergonomic thumb rests for added comfort and a better grip