Review: Leica Noctivid 10x42 'Edition Olive Green' Binoculars​

6 October 2022 
By Stuart Hamilton

Leica have been synonymous with manufacturing high-quality precision optics for many years now, and with their flagship Noctivid range receiving a recent colour update - we thought it was time to see if the Noctivid's can still keep up with the Joneses.

What's in the box?
  • Leica 10x42 Binoculars in Olive Green Colour
  • Case
  • Rain Guard
  • Comfort Carrying Strap
  • Rubber Objective Lens Covers
  • Microfibre Cloth
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​The view...

It really was a morning with very poor light, largely due to the heavy rain the night before and the dark clouds still hanging around - not great for birding.

But nevertheless, within about 20 seconds of a wader scan, we found a Caspian Gull with its white-head, dark-eye and holding its bill distinctly downwards, super easy to spot with the power of the 10x42 Noctivid giving us brilliant images through excellent stray light suppression and even better light transmission.

The colours were absolutely delightful and smaller birds were easy to pick up and identify in dense situations.

The light coming through really was immensely clear. In addition to the Schott HT™ glass for the prisms, the anti-reflective coatings have been optimised and this gives us pin sharp, crystal clear viewing and easy to see why the materials used in these binoculars are still making the Noctivid a major contender in the current climate of very good binoculars fighting it out for your money.

​Focus, images and handling...

There is no doubt that the rugged and robust armouring makes the Leica Noctivid feel very well made and put together. This body armour is also incredibly resistant to the elements and provided a secure grip in these adverse weather conditions. The olive green colouring also makes the binoculars attractive and a nice alternative to the more traditional black that is used by lots of manufacturers today. 

The Noctivid are waterproof by up to 5 metres, so if you were to have a momentary drop in the drink - it should not matter too much. Peace of mind some might say.

The focusing wheel is always a hot topic for conversation with some preferring a smoother grip and others preferring a chunkier, deep grooved feel - I must say I fall into the latter category. It's always nice when things work and feel as they should with no fuss and that 'does what it says on the tin' purpose.

The draw back on these binoculars does come from the weight factor. We pick up most very good binoculars these days and especially toward the premium end of the market and they seem to be getting lighter and lighter as technology and materials progress. For someone in their 'golden years' as myself, weight around the neck is an important factor when considering new bins. Especially when birding all day, as I often do - part of the golden years benefits pass ;-)

This is where the key decisions would get made in my buying decision and the fact is there are much lighter alternatives on the market in 2022.
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Verdict
​
The Noctivid are incredibly well-made and put together binoculars, that give brilliant viewing of birds and wildlife. The olive green colour is an attractive option and with the only blemish being there are now much lighter binocular alternatives on the market for your money.
​
★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Testing scores
  • Design: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
  • Performance: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
  • Durability: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
  • Weight: ★★★★★★★ 7/10
  • Value: ★★★★★★★ 7/10

📦 Buy now: uk.leica-camera.com
🏷 Price: £2,070.00
 
The Leica Noctivid 10x42 binoculars are available to buy from all official Leica stockists now.
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