Does anyone know anything about the Leica 8x42 BA? Are they an old discontinued model, if so how long ago? I have found a website that is selling these new for $627.95. I know Leica are top of the line, and was needing to know if there was something wrong with these. I am unable to find anything on their site about them. All I can find are the 8x42 BN. Any info is greatly appreciated. Here is the link: http://www.cambridgeworld.com/detail.php?item_id=2391

Thanks in Advance,

Hyde

Hyde,

The difference between the BA and the BN is in the close focusing distance of the binocular..and nothing else to my knowledge. The BA was the original version of this model and had a close focusing distance around 12-13 feet IIRC. The BN version was created around '98, '99 again IIRC and allows for a close focus around 7-8 feet. I have the 7x42 BN model and find it is, arguably, the best binocular I have owned in many aspects. At this price, and considering your are using them for hunting, I would jump at the opportunity.

Heck, maybe I will too. You might want to check on where Cambridgeworld is though. For some reason I am thinking the United Kingdom but I may be way off base with that one.

Thanks for the link.

Correct that. This is somewhat of a gimmick. I just called the number and spoke with a gentleman. They do not have the 8x42 BA in stock. They have the 8x50 BN for significantly more money. I ran into this little trick last year with a similar company...hotbuyselectronics. They advertise one popular model for an excellent price on their website but they do not really have it in stock. It is only to get you to call and get talked into a more expensive model.

Buyer Beware.

Thanks PABowhntr,
I also called and they guy told me they were "grey market" meaning they don't come with a factory warranty. He also stated that they didn't have any in stock. Thanks for the info.

Hyde

Pabowhunter is correct about the difference between the BN and the BA models. I personally would stay away from they grey market binos..but if you decide to invest in a high end set of binos, I'd go with the Leicas. I have a pair of the 8x32 ba's and they are probably the best investment I ever made!

FYI. My hunting partner (and my Drummer) has a pair of the BN's but I believe in a 10x. He paid 1000 bucks 1.5 years ago. But I was under the impression that the BN's were a little heavier? Is that not so?
okcmco

No, Same weight. They changed something internally to allow for a shorter close focus...at the expense of little to no adjustment past infinity. However, how much adjustment one would need past "infinity" is beyond me.

I agree...but at the same time..why would you need binos for anything closer than 12 feet? (I'm guessing it may be a bird watching thing)

Yes, and also for folks who might look at insects as well.

Yeah some people like to Butterfly watch, and close focus helps there. I just think my 300 win mag might be a bit too much for butterflies.
However, if birding people give the seal of approval to a bino, it is probably good enough for hunters.