Leica

Leica 40096 10x50 Ultravid HD-Plus Waterproof Binoculars

5.0 (5 reviews)

Premium 10x50 binoculars with Schott HT glass and waterproof construction rated to 5 meters depth.

$2,757.93*$2,999.00Save 8%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Leica 10x50 Ultravid HD-Plus binoculars are built for demanding optical performance in all conditions. The 10x magnification paired with 50mm objective lenses produces a 5mm exit pupil and a twilight factor of 22.4, delivering bright, detailed images even as daylight fades. The optical path features Schott HT (High Transmission) glass in the roof prisms, which allows more light to pass through compared to conventional glass, and Leica's fluoride-containing lens elements minimize chromatic aberration for edge-to-edge sharpness. A sophisticated system of internal baffles suppresses stray light, maintaining contrast and clarity in challenging lighting such as shooting into reflections or with a low sun angle.

The exterior is built to match the optical quality. The magnesium housing is wrapped in rubber armoring for impact protection and secure grip, while the entire unit is sealed and nitrogen-filled to be waterproof down to 5 meters. The HDC (High Durable Coating) protects optical surfaces from scratches and abrasion, and the AquaDura outer lens coating causes water and debris to bead off, keeping the view clear without constant cleaning. The center focus wheel completes its full range in just 1.25 turns, enabling quick transitions between near and distant subjects. Twist-up eyecups with click-stop detents provide stable, repeatable positioning for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses. At a field of view of 117 meters at 1,000 meters and 15mm of eye relief, the Ultravid HD-Plus 10x50 is designed for extended observation sessions where optical fatigue and image quality are paramount concerns.

Key Features

SUPERIOR MAGNIFICATION - Experience unparalleled clarity with 10x magnification, bringing distant subjects into sharp, detailed focus for an immersive viewing experience.

EXCEPTIONAL CLARITY - The 50mm front lens diameter and roof prism system with P40 phase-correcting coating deliver brilliant, high-contrast images with true-to-life color.

ROBUST DURABILITY - Constructed with a magnesium housing and nitrogen-filled, these binoculars are watertight to 5m, ensuring reliable performance in challenging environments.

WIDE FIELD OF VIEW - Observe expansive landscapes with a generous 352' field of view, allowing you to track moving subjects effortlessly and capture the full scene.

COMFORTABLE VIEWING - Designed with 15mm eye-relief and adjustable eyepieces for eyeglass wearers, providing comfortable and extended observation sessions.

Specifications

Brand
Leica
Model
40096 (Ultravid 10x50 HD-Plus)
Magnification
10x
Objective Lens Diameter
50mm
Exit Pupil
5.0 mm
Twilight Factor
22.4
Angle of View
6.7 degrees
Field of View at 1,000m
117 m
Eye Relief
15 mm
Water Resistance
Watertight to 5 m / 16.5 ft
Prism Glass
Schott HT (High Transmission)
Lens Coatings
HDC, AquaDura
Color
Black

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Schott HT glass prisms and high-transmission coatings deliver exceptional brightness and color accuracy, especially in low-light conditions
  • Waterproof to 5 meters depth with nitrogen filling to prevent internal fogging in any weather
  • AquaDura and HDC coatings protect exterior optics against water, dirt, scratches, and abrasion
  • 1.25-turn center focus mechanism enables fast, precise adjustments when tracking moving subjects
  • Large 50mm objective lenses produce a 5mm exit pupil for comfortable extended viewing in dim conditions

👎 Cons

  • Premium Leica pricing places these binoculars significantly above most competitors in the 10x50 category
  • At 50mm objective diameter, these are larger and heavier than compact binoculars, making them less ideal for weight-conscious travel
  • The 6.7-degree angle of view is narrower than some competing 10x50 models, which may affect scanning large areas
  • Rubber armoring adds durability but also contributes to the overall size and weight of the unit

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ultravid HD-Plus uses Schott HT (High Transmission) glass in the prisms combined with Leica's proprietary lens coatings to maximize light transmission, delivering brighter images with higher contrast and more accurate color fidelity than standard optical glass.
The Ultravid HD-Plus 10x50 is watertight to a depth of 5 meters (16.5 feet), making it fully sealed against rain, splashes, submersion, and humidity-related internal fogging.
The AquaDura coating is applied to the exterior lens surfaces to repel water, dirt, and fingerprints, making the lenses easier to clean in the field and more resistant to scratches and abrasion.
The center focusing mechanism requires only 1.25 turns from close focus to infinity, allowing fast and precise focus adjustments when tracking moving subjects.
Yes, the twist-up click-stop eyecups offer multiple locked positions, allowing eyeglass wearers to fold them down for proper eye relief while non-eyeglass users can extend them fully for a comfortable viewing position.