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Leica Noctivid vs Zeiss Victory SF

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CrazyEddie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CrazyEddie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Leica Noctivid vs Zeiss Victory SF
    Posted: December/18/2019 at 11:17
Another request for advice. Of the "big three", I eliminated the Swaro ELs because of the deals I've found on these two. My *primary* use (deer  hunting in the SE) would mean low light is most important (8x42), although I'm wavering onthe10x42s, as I have intentions to be out west for elka again. I don't like the idea of having a hard time using a tripod, but expect that would be of less importance if I go with the 8x. 

Fwiw, I currently use Tract UHD 10x42s

Any input would be greatly appreciated 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2019 at 11:39
I believe our resident optics expert Ilya Koshkin would say Noctivid. Probably 8x42.
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CrazyEddie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CrazyEddie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2019 at 11:51
Thanks. I guess I should also consider the Victory 8x54 HTs? 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2019 at 12:41
Both are great binos, as would be expected. Between those two lines, I would personally go with an 8x42 Noctivid. I just prefer the color rendition and contrast Leica provides vs Zeiss. I also think Leica does a better job at controlling veiling flare when looking toward sunrises and sunsets, which is very important to me as a hunter. This is a very personal preference, subjective distinction between these two, though. Either way you’ll probably be very happy with your purchase. 
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2019 at 14:18
Both are excellent.

To my eyes, Noctivid is the best binocular made today.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2019 at 16:25
I would go with the Zeiss Victory SF. I have owned the 10x42 for several years. Its advantages are its light weight and great ergos. widest FOV of these mentioned and has a rear weight bias that makes its handling very good. Next I would recommend the Swarovski EL SV, I own the 8.5x42 and it also very good.
The Leica Noctovid falls behind in ergos. as it is hard to handle as its open bridge is not as friendly as the others. They tried to copy the open design but are not there, if you use them you will quickly see that. The Leica is also heavier.

Optically these are all very good, and preferences may vary. I don't play favorites, my experience runs deep, and I own most of the binoculars I like
to review. The Noctovid I have only handled in a store setting.

So check these all out before buying.

Edited by NDhunter - December/18/2019 at 17:12
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2019 at 19:16
umm.... just buy the MOST EXPENSIVE ONE..........
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2019 at 18:06
Originally posted by NDhunter NDhunter wrote:

I would go with the Zeiss Victory SF...widest FOV of these mentioned

In 8X42 config, the Zeiss Victory SF has a 1' (at 1000 yds) advantage over Leica Noctivid (444' vs 443'), so pretty much the same. Comparing 10X42 versions, it's the opposite: the Leica Noctivid has a 16' wider FOV than Zeiss SF (376' vs 360' @ 1K). The weight difference between the two is 2.8 oz in favor of the Zeiss.
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/21/2019 at 09:05
Originally posted by NDhunter NDhunter wrote:

I would go with the Zeiss Victory SF. I have owned the 10x42 for several years. Its advantages are its light weight and great ergos. widest FOV of these mentioned and has a rear weight bias that makes its handling very good. Next I would recommend the Swarovski EL SV, I own the 8.5x42 and it also very good.
The Leica Noctovid falls behind in ergos. as it is hard to handle as its open bridge is not as friendly as the others. They tried to copy the open design but are not there, if you use them you will quickly see that. The Leica is also heavier.

Optically these are all very good, and preferences may vary. I don't play favorites, my experience runs deep, and I own most of the binoculars I like
to review. The Noctovid I have only handled in a store setting.

So check these all out before buying.

Ergos are sorta personal.  I do like the SF, but Noctivid is very comfortable for me.  Swaro EL gives me a headache for some reason.  I suspect that the edges that are too flat which looks a little unnatural.

ILya
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CrazyEddie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CrazyEddie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/21/2019 at 10:02
Thanks everyone
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