With hunting seasons fast approaching, here are two offerings to check out from a pair of topnotch optics companies: Leica and Bushnell.
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| Leica Ultravid HD Binoculars | Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Rifle Scope |
Leica Ultravid HD Binoculars. The most sophisticated line of binoculars from the German binocular maker Leica, the Ultravid, has seen a complete update. The company has unveiled an improved HD model of these highly-esteemed hunting binoculars.
They are being offered in 12x50, 10x42 and 8x32 mm versions to meet any needs from a compact pair for quick viewing of game to a super high power model for examining precise trophy details in the low light of dawn and dusk.
The new fluoride (FL) glass increases color fidelity and enhances image contrast for sharper, more vivid details. Made largely of calcium fluoride, this lens material creates a very low level of dispersion (light scattering) and corrects aberration much better than standard optical glass.
Light transmission has also been increased 3 percent over previous versions of the Ultravid through improvements in the anti-reflex coating and reflective layer of the prisms while stray light has been virtually eliminated. A new AquaDura coating on the lenses causes them to repel both water and dirt and increases their scratch resistance.
An improved central focusing knob allows easy, relaxed focusing and a formed thumb support on the rear of the 50 and 42 mm models ensures that the optics stay firmly in the hand for a sure grip even in wet weather. Leica, 800/222-0118; leicacamerausa.com.
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Rifle Scopes. Following up on their popular Legend Ultra HD binoculars, Bushnell has introduced a lineup of nine Legend Ultra HD rifle scopes. Magnifications include 1.75-5X, 3-5X, 3-9X and 4.5-14X, with a variety of objective lenses from 32 to 50 mm.
The one-piece aluminum tubes feature a sleek new design with low-profile turret caps, a slim-line power change ring and side focus adjustment. Eye relief is 3.5 inches, and a side parallax adjustment allows you to focus precisely at ranges other than 100 yards. Light transmission is 91 percent, providing a sharp, bright image even in the low light of dawn and dusk and on cloudy days.
Optics use ED Prime glass and are fully multi-coated and treated with the company's proprietary RainGuard HD coating. This water-resistant finish makes moisture particles bead up so they scatter less light and allow clear viewing even on drizzly or rainy days.
The scopes are guaranteed waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
If your optics are in need of an upgrade, either of these products should perform beautifully in the woods this fall. You'll pay top dollar for the Leica binoculars but they're worth every penny. The Bushnell rifle scope is more moderately priced but features excellent clarity and mechanics.
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