The Leica Noctivid 8x42 40386 creates a bright image even in the darkest conditions. This is achieved thanks to the large exit pupil, which allows in lots of light. The combination of extremely sharp images, stray light, suppression, and light transmission, provides an image unlike any other. The Leica Noctivid 8x42 is suitable for any situation. The slim design makes it comfortable to hold in your hands and the fast-focusing eyepiece offers long eye relief.
The Leica Noctivid 8x42 40386 creates a bright image even in the darkest conditions. This is achieved thanks to the large exit pupil, which allows in lots of light. The combination of extremely sharp images, stray light, suppression, and light transmission, provides an image unlike any other. The Leica Noctivid 8x42 is suitable for any situation. The slim design makes it comfortable to hold in your hands and the fast-focusing eyepiece offers long eye relief.
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The lowest price for Leica 8x42 Noctivid Binocular Olive Green, 8X, 42mm, Size Class Full, Roof, Fogproof Waterproof right now is $3,215.16 at eBay.com.au.
The all-time low was $3,215.16 on 15 Aug 2026. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 15 Aug 2026.
Leica 8x42 Noctivid Binocular Olive Green, 8X, 42mm, Size Class Full, Roof, Fogproof Waterproof
The Leica Noctivid 8x42 40386 creates a bright image even in the darkest conditions. This is achieved thanks to the large exit pupil, which allows in lots of light. The combination of extremely sharp images, stray light, suppression, and light transmission, provides an image unlike any other. The Leica Noctivid 8x42 is suitable for any situation. The slim design makes it comfortable to hold in your hands and the fast-focusing eyepiece offers long eye relief.
The Leica Noctivid 8x42 40386 creates a bright image even in the darkest conditions. This is achieved thanks to the large exit pupil, which allows in lots of light. The combination of extremely sharp images, stray light, suppression, and light transmission, provides an image unlike any other. The Leica Noctivid 8x42 is suitable for any situation. The slim design makes it comfortable to hold in your hands and the fast-focusing eyepiece offers long eye relief.
Last updated at 15/08/2026 23:51:33
Leica Noctivid 8x42 Binocular - Olive Green (40386)
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originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
For years, I tolerated a cheap pair of binoculars I bought when I was younger, and money was tight. When I scouted hunting trips in Wyoming, I endured a lack of image quality, and the inevitable headaches if I used the inexpensive glasses for any length of time.Having invested in the Leica camera system, I know the value of Leica glass and decided to treat myself to a pair of Noctivids. Like so many things, looking back, I wish I had done this sooner.Even with older eyes, I do not need corrective lenses; the diopter differential between eyes is 0. I guess that makes me a neutral tester? In any case, focus is spot-on, the binoculars are easy to hold and steady, and edge-to-edge image clarity is remarkable. As the name implies, the image 'pops' in low light.I ... MoreFor years, I tolerated a cheap pair of binoculars I bought when I was younger, and money was tight. When I scouted hunting trips in Wyoming, I endured a lack of image quality, and the inevitable headaches if I used the inexpensive glasses for any length of time.Having invested in the Leica camera system, I know the value of Leica glass and decided to treat myself to a pair of Noctivids. Like so many things, looking back, I wish I had done this sooner.Even with older eyes, I do not need corrective lenses; the diopter differential between eyes is 0. I guess that makes me a neutral tester? In any case, focus is spot-on, the binoculars are easy to hold and steady, and edge-to-edge image clarity is remarkable. As the name implies, the image 'pops' in low light.I have one minor complaint. The focus wheel is extremely smooth, but it is too far back and too narrow. That is a common criticism among reviewers, and the comparable Zeiss binoculars do not have this limitation. Still, I am committed to Leica, and I am willing to put up with a minor inconvenience. I'm sure I will get used to and forget it over time.I debated olive green vs. black, and I like the look of the olive green. They disappear in the surroundings and don't scream binoculars like the black case glasses I used to have.The included case is ... weird. It clearly is designed for transport and storage and not quick deployment. But that's fine. I see the wisdom of it. These glasses either are around my neck or stowed. I have to remember water is not a problem, so they don't need the same protection as do my M- cameras or lenses.One final thought: The 8X Noctivid binoculars are not compact. I already am pondering a smaller pair of Leica binoculars that would fit a jacket pocket and be a logical adjunct similar to the Leica Q I carry when the M- or SL- cameras are too much.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Ive wanted to buy a pair of high quality birding/wildlife binoculars for my wife for years. With advancing age and declining eye-sight (and plenty of spare time in retirement), I decided that there was no better time than the present to pull the trigger. Settled on the 8x42 Noctivid after a short Internet search of birding sites. My wifes reaction when she first saw them? They cost HOW much? Oh, my God! Her reaction when she first looked through them? Oh, my God, these are amazing! Makes me wonder why Ive been using those cheap ones all these years. Mission accomplished. The view is incredibly bright, crisp and pops out at you. Accommodates eye-glasses very well. In short - - do it if you can!
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
After using 8x32 Trinovids for 18 years, I decided it was time for a change. I tried the Svarowski 8.5 x 42 but found them too clunky and didn't like the green color. I also tried the Leica Ultravid 8x42 HD plus and liked them. Then enter the 8x42 Noctivid! Coming from 8x32's, any 8x42 would look brighter, but these Noctivids blew me away. Crisp, sharp, bright and beautiful! I was very worried about the weight, the 8x32 are so light and I have some neck and shoulder issues. But the Noctivids are so well balanced that it took me minutes to get used to them. Btw the case it comes in is beautiful. I would highly recommend these.
Leica Noctivid 8x42 Binocular - Olive Green (40386)
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
For years, I tolerated a cheap pair of binoculars I bought when I was younger, and money was tight. When I scouted hunting trips in Wyoming, I endured a lack of image quality, and the inevitable headaches if I used the inexpensive glasses for any length of time.Having invested in the Leica camera system, I know the value of Leica glass and decided to treat myself to a pair of Noctivids. Like so many things, looking back, I wish I had done this sooner.Even with older eyes, I do not need corrective lenses; the diopter differential between eyes is 0. I guess that makes me a neutral tester? In any case, focus is spot-on, the binoculars are easy to hold and steady, and edge-to-edge image clarity is remarkable. As the name implies, the image 'pops' in low light.I ... MoreFor years, I tolerated a cheap pair of binoculars I bought when I was younger, and money was tight. When I scouted hunting trips in Wyoming, I endured a lack of image quality, and the inevitable headaches if I used the inexpensive glasses for any length of time.Having invested in the Leica camera system, I know the value of Leica glass and decided to treat myself to a pair of Noctivids. Like so many things, looking back, I wish I had done this sooner.Even with older eyes, I do not need corrective lenses; the diopter differential between eyes is 0. I guess that makes me a neutral tester? In any case, focus is spot-on, the binoculars are easy to hold and steady, and edge-to-edge image clarity is remarkable. As the name implies, the image 'pops' in low light.I have one minor complaint. The focus wheel is extremely smooth, but it is too far back and too narrow. That is a common criticism among reviewers, and the comparable Zeiss binoculars do not have this limitation. Still, I am committed to Leica, and I am willing to put up with a minor inconvenience. I'm sure I will get used to and forget it over time.I debated olive green vs. black, and I like the look of the olive green. They disappear in the surroundings and don't scream binoculars like the black case glasses I used to have.The included case is ... weird. It clearly is designed for transport and storage and not quick deployment. But that's fine. I see the wisdom of it. These glasses either are around my neck or stowed. I have to remember water is not a problem, so they don't need the same protection as do my M- cameras or lenses.One final thought: The 8X Noctivid binoculars are not compact. I already am pondering a smaller pair of Leica binoculars that would fit a jacket pocket and be a logical adjunct similar to the Leica Q I carry when the M- or SL- cameras are too much.
Ive wanted to buy a pair of high quality birding/wildlife binoculars for my wife for years. With advancing age and declining eye-sight (and plenty of spare time in retirement), I decided that there was no better time than the present to pull the trigger. Settled on the 8x42 Noctivid after a short Internet search of birding sites. My wifes reaction when she first saw them? They cost HOW much? Oh, my God! Her reaction when she first looked through them? Oh, my God, these are amazing! Makes me wonder why Ive been using those cheap ones all these years. Mission accomplished. The view is incredibly bright, crisp and pops out at you. Accommodates eye-glasses very well. In short - - do it if you can!
After using 8x32 Trinovids for 18 years, I decided it was time for a change. I tried the Svarowski 8.5 x 42 but found them too clunky and didn't like the green color. I also tried the Leica Ultravid 8x42 HD plus and liked them. Then enter the 8x42 Noctivid! Coming from 8x32's, any 8x42 would look brighter, but these Noctivids blew me away. Crisp, sharp, bright and beautiful! I was very worried about the weight, the 8x32 are so light and I have some neck and shoulder issues. But the Noctivids are so well balanced that it took me minutes to get used to them. Btw the case it comes in is beautiful. I would highly recommend these.
Traveling to Africa at least twice a year since 2001 the Noctivid (NTV) 8X42 is my latest effort to carry the best glass available. Before the NTV, one would consider the Zeiss (HT and SF), Swaro (EL), or Leica (UVHD+), and each could make credible claims to being the best image available.Enter Noctivid released around 9-2016, and for the first time in years, one product is out in front of anything else available. I held a pair, and immediately ordered my own. I'll just mention this is the clearest most breath-taking image money can buy at the moment. Much has been made of Leica's claims to a 3D image with the new Noctivid. To my surprise, it is there, it is more than greater depth-of-field. The image is blisteringly sparkling, resolving power huge, the image ... MoreTraveling to Africa at least twice a year since 2001 the Noctivid (NTV) 8X42 is my latest effort to carry the best glass available. Before the NTV, one would consider the Zeiss (HT and SF), Swaro (EL), or Leica (UVHD+), and each could make credible claims to being the best image available.Enter Noctivid released around 9-2016, and for the first time in years, one product is out in front of anything else available. I held a pair, and immediately ordered my own. I'll just mention this is the clearest most breath-taking image money can buy at the moment. Much has been made of Leica's claims to a 3D image with the new Noctivid. To my surprise, it is there, it is more than greater depth-of-field. The image is blisteringly sparkling, resolving power huge, the image natural.As far as industrial design and finish, the NTV simultaneously exudes beauty, premium quality, and ruggedness and has the best most even focus available. So for the moment anyway, here is the best binocular money can buy, and by a margin we haven't seen for years. I would commend the Leica NTV to you in 2017 with the same enthusiasm I would have commended the Zeiss Victory FL back in 2004. They're the best in and for their time.
When You purchase from Leitz(Leica) you expect the best. This pair of bins doesn't disappoint. The brightness and colors jump out at you. The 3-D rendering is amazing. The focusing knob is silky smooth and ever so precise, and the diopter adjustment is the best I have ever used. I read reviews for a month and tried to make sense of the various likes and gripes, but in the end, having owned many Leitz cameras, bins and used their spotting scope, it was not difficult to choose these 8x42's. My family still has their Leica bins from 35 years ago. You get what you pay for.
I am getting close to retiring. Going through my bucket list. I started with $100 binoculars moving through $500 then $1000 and finally the alpha's. You get what you pay for as most things in life.This is an excellent binocular, but my old farmer eyes the $500 and up were very good. So if you want the very best the Leica's are in the small crowd.Lanny
Quite impressed, especially with the $350 discount B&H offered recently. These replaced my Trinovid BA 8x32s which served well for 18 years. Not a fair comparison, but the most striking improvement is the radical edge to edge sharpness. The center image is a slight but clear improvement over the classic trinovids, but this sharpness holds all the way to the edge of the view! Amazing. Focus is extremely fast and snappy, with excellent depth of field- less focus hunting than any other bino I’ve used. Great ergonomics, excellent lens caps, and a top shelf case and strap that you’d be happy to pay extra for if they weren’t included.Using side by side with the trinovids, looking towards the sun, the glare control really stands out - not even a hint of glare in ... MoreQuite impressed, especially with the $350 discount B&H offered recently. These replaced my Trinovid BA 8x32s which served well for 18 years. Not a fair comparison, but the most striking improvement is the radical edge to edge sharpness. The center image is a slight but clear improvement over the classic trinovids, but this sharpness holds all the way to the edge of the view! Amazing. Focus is extremely fast and snappy, with excellent depth of field- less focus hunting than any other bino I’ve used. Great ergonomics, excellent lens caps, and a top shelf case and strap that you’d be happy to pay extra for if they weren’t included.Using side by side with the trinovids, looking towards the sun, the glare control really stands out - not even a hint of glare in situations where the trinovids were unusable. Not sure how they do this, but the results are incredible - opening up a variety of angles you previously could not dream of viewing.Since I haven’t used any of the other current generation alpha binoculars, I can’t speak to a comparison, but at this price, and with Leica’s warranty and service, it’s hard to imagine a better tool.
Short version: Recommended. The image is wonderfully detailed. Excellent contrast and resolution of fine detail, “presence” of the image. Only drawback is off-axis chromatic abberation.Longer version: If researching this, I’d suggest a side by side comarrision with this binocular, the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL, and the Zeiss 8x42 SF (something I could not do). When I comparied the image between the Noctivid and my Swarovski 8x32 EL Field Pros and Zeiss 10x42 Victory HD’s (this is not a comparrison of equals), I’d see details and textures with the Noctivid immediately that I would then notice in the EL’s and HD’s upon second glance. Also the glare suppression/stray light in the Noctivid’s is better. It is also brighter (as expected by the larger exit pupil). The ... MoreShort version: Recommended. The image is wonderfully detailed. Excellent contrast and resolution of fine detail, “presence” of the image. Only drawback is off-axis chromatic abberation.Longer version: If researching this, I’d suggest a side by side comarrision with this binocular, the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL, and the Zeiss 8x42 SF (something I could not do). When I comparied the image between the Noctivid and my Swarovski 8x32 EL Field Pros and Zeiss 10x42 Victory HD’s (this is not a comparrison of equals), I’d see details and textures with the Noctivid immediately that I would then notice in the EL’s and HD’s upon second glance. Also the glare suppression/stray light in the Noctivid’s is better. It is also brighter (as expected by the larger exit pupil). The only drawback that I can see is higher off axis CA levels in back lit situations than the others (they all have some CA visible - best controlled by Swarovski). Ergonomics are fquite pleasing, and I find the look attractive. Otherwise, these three compaines seem to have different design strategies in how they address the numerous characteristics. For me, the Leica image (which I think they call plasticity) is the most pleasing to my eyes. More depth and less “flat”. It is my first choice for detailed observations.Note: The Leica website shows the Field of View as 443 feet at 1000 yards. B&H states 406.63 feet at 1000 yards, and other retailers also state 406 or so feet at 1000 yards, so there is some confusion about that.
I use binoculars mostly to search for wildlife (birds, bobcats, deer, etc) that I photograph. The range is often 50-500 yards and I use them until well after sundown. A sharp image, excellent contrast, wide field of view and very good low light performance are top priorities. I've used Canon 12x36 image stabilized binoculars for years, excellent for astronomy/star hopping but the fov was too narrow for searching wide swaths of terrain. The 8x42's are my preference and this is a list of the pairs I have been able to compare over a several months. Athlon Midas HD, Vortex Viper HD, Vortex Razor HD, Vortex Razor UHD, Swarovski EL and the Leica Noctivids. I liked them all and would recommend each one in their price range, but I was looking for the best performance up to ... MoreI use binoculars mostly to search for wildlife (birds, bobcats, deer, etc) that I photograph. The range is often 50-500 yards and I use them until well after sundown. A sharp image, excellent contrast, wide field of view and very good low light performance are top priorities. I've used Canon 12x36 image stabilized binoculars for years, excellent for astronomy/star hopping but the fov was too narrow for searching wide swaths of terrain. The 8x42's are my preference and this is a list of the pairs I have been able to compare over a several months. Athlon Midas HD, Vortex Viper HD, Vortex Razor HD, Vortex Razor UHD, Swarovski EL and the Leica Noctivids. I liked them all and would recommend each one in their price range, but I was looking for the best performance up to about $2,500. I was able to compare the Vortex Razor UHD, Swarovski EL's and Leica Noctivids side by side for about 2 weeks. For the price ($1,200+) the Vortex Razor UHD was excellent, equally as sharp as the Swarovski and Leica, and the fit/finish matched any binocular I've had my hands on. The Vortex also had the nicest case (all of them), including straps for chest carry. But it fell behind in low light situations. The Leica and Swarovski were clear leaders in low light performance. The Swarovski and Leica were very close and after each day of use my preference could go either way. The EL's had the best overall feel in the hands, a softer texture and nice balance. The Noctivids were more grippy, probably felt slightly heavier, and I liked the way the less-than-round barrels felt in my hands. Although the fov of both bins appeared to be the same at the ranges I viewed, the EL clearly had the flattest overall field, a seemingly brighter view in daylight, was sharpest closer to the edges, and had very accurate colors. All good, but I also noticed the 'rolling' effect when panning. I didn't bother me, but the Leica's slightly less flat field did not have it. I never had 'blackouts' while using the EL's, and this is minimized with any binocular after proper adjustments and positioning at the eyes. Both bins had great depth of field that eliminated constant refocusing. Both have a good 3-D effect. What I liked more about the Leica: it has a flatter fov than most binoculars, has excellent contrast and a little more saturation to the color which -my- eyes preferred. Everything looks 'nicer'. The Leica's focus knob was smoother/easier and had an equal feel in both directions. The Leica was quicker to focus, apparently due to the contrast and color. Although both bins were equally sharp, I had to 'hunt' more back/forth with the EL's to find the best focus. The strap system on the EL's was nice, easy to adjust for length, but I can see how some people might be uneasy about its strength/security vs regular nylon straps. The Leica has a nicely shaped, comfortable neck strap. As many people note, the EL's did not come with a traditional storage/travel pouch, but I bought a suitable soft case for $15...which I now use with the Leica's to preserve its original case, and not advertise what is inside. I like the front and rear glass covers on the Leica, they fit well and are easy/quick to remove for use. The Leica's front lens covers are nice, too. They are plastic sleeves that slip firmly over the rubber skin, and the rubber objective covers grip the inside of the barrel and swing down for use. The plastic sleeves provide protection against knocks/scratches to the front edges of the barrels. They can be quickly removed if not needed. In all the bins that I compared there was at least some CA under certain circumstances, such as the bright Sun directly below a mountain ridge allowing a thin purple line to appear at the edges of the ridge. The EL's probably had slightly less CA than the Leica, but in each case I had to create the conditions to look for it. Otherwise, it did not bother me at all, and I rarely see it. Both bins handled flares/reflections well when viewing towards a low Sun. After daily comparisons between the Leica Noctivid and Swarovski EL I was torn to have to make a choice. They were so close, but I figured after sending one back I would soon forget about it and enjoy the one I kept. I decided on the Noctivids mainly due to the easier to focus contrast/color, my preference for the more saturated color, and quicker/smoother focus. I like its olive-green color, too. Also, I wear eyeglasses and have had no issues with any of the listed binoculars. With the Leica's I raise the eyecups 3 clicks and still have a full fov. As always, B&H was great to deal with, and the first place I look for camera gear, optics, electronics and more.
Solid quality feel, vibrant clear optic, wide field of view, and intuitive focus knob have made these a wonderful hiking companion as well as great for window gazing on days you can't get outside.These were a gift from someone who wanted me to get out and enjoy Nature more. I was shocked at generosity, both in price, but after what I know now, I'd have a hard time finding a better choice for birding.LOVE THEM & that Special Someone.
