Peter Ericsson said:
I wonder if anyone has any experience with the latest model as shown here
http://www.binoculars.com/products/Nikon_8x42_Premier_LXL_-_NEW_MODEL_31249.html
Is it on par with Swarowski and Leica? Does it work well with spectacles?
...
Peter Ericsson
Hi, Peter, I've had this model for almost a year and have compared them to the Euro glass at different points. Their very best feature, easily, is the eye relief. I wear glasses and find them very comfortable, without eye strain, all day. At 367', their spec'd field of view is less than than Zeiss (405') thru Swarovski (390'), but with the much better eye relief on the Nikon, the effective FOV is comparable.
As far as resolution, a good sample of Nikon is excellent, though perhaps a thin shade less than the Ziess or Leica. I can't say for sure about the Swarovski, which would personally be my last choice among the Euro glass. Contrast seems more a matter of taste. The Nikon contrast is very good, with perhaps a slight color emphasis toward yellow/green.
The Nikon build quality that I have seen is excellent. Though, their new, enviro friendly rubber armoring may not be as hard or robust as their previous models, and more more susceptible to scuffing. We'll see how the armor holds up over the years.
As far as pricing, you should contact Eagle Optics for their Nikon quote before you buy. Also Eagle has as 30 day return policy and excellent customer service. Leica and Zeiss are enough more costly that I would not have second thoughts about the Nikons, but Eagle Optic's price on the Zeiss FL 8x42 is just a bit more. The Nikons are more prone to chromatic aberration (color fringing) than the Zeiss, and the Zeiss are comfortably lighter. You might want to check the Zeiss threads out. As with all bins, some love 'em, some love to diss them. YMMV.
Good luck,
Bradley
