I'm considering buying a used 7x42 for low-light use, pelagic trips, etc. At the minute its a toss-up between the Zeiss 7x42 BGAT*P* or the Leica Trinovid 7x42 BN, both of which I can get for a similar used price and neither of which I can get to see before purchase. Anyone care to offer pros and cons of both? Thanks.
[QUOTE=MEJ]I'm considering buying a used 7x42 for low-light use, pelagic trips, etc. At the minute its a toss-up between the Zeiss 7x42 BGAT*P* or the Leica Trinovid 7x42 BN, both of which I can get for a similar used price and neither of which I can get to see before purchase. Anyone care to offer pros and cons of both? Thanks.[/QUOTE]
Both these were on my hit list when I was looking for new binoculars several years ago. I had heard so many people rave about the Zeiss 7x42 that I almost ordered them. I finally arranged for a friend to bring a pair to a convention I was attending and quickly found they were not for me. The fit and feel was terrible in my hands, the focus was very stiff, and the stiff rubber eyecups were just plain old, outdated "technology."
My friend also brought a pair of Swarovski 7x42 SLCs, which I liked so well I bought them. They were a good fit for me, and three of us felt the optics were superior to the Zeiss.
I only got to see the Leica 7x42s later. There were also very nice, and I think I could have been happy with a pair. I thought the focus was not quite as smooth as the SLCs, however.
The SLCs are a bit heavy, and the close focus could be better.
Clear skies, Alan
I still use, rather often, a 20 year old Leica 7 x 42 BA Trinovid. Technology has passed it by (No phase or multi coatings), but they still have a bright and wide Field of View and are excellent for low light conditions.
Bob