I'm not sure which one to go for, any advice would be appreciated.
They are equals in my opinion. Zeiss 8x56 has better field view. SLC 8x56 has better construction and build quality. Note that the smaller field of view of the SLC does not give you a "tunel vision" feel. Its high-eyepoint and wide exit pupil makes the viewing very enjoyable. This is true with the Leica 8x50 as well. They are all very fine instruments.
SLC 8x56 has better construction and build quality. In what way are they better than the FLS. ?
Please enlighten us.
Scat
It seems like you are basing all your opinions on the "looks" of the binocular. Surely a binocular is built to be looked through !!!!!!
There are a lot of posts discussing build quality or looks of the FL's, but to me, the gray of the Nikon SE's looks terribly cheap [looks like plastic], as does the green on any Swarovski.
I think the Ultravids are the prettiest binos currently.
The outer body of Zeiss 8x56 has a curvature near the eyepiece lens but the eyecups come stright out making it look very ugly. Zeiss 8x56 with eyecups pushed all the way down look nice.
I have never seen binoculars looking as good, let alone looking better, with their eyecups up vs. down. However, what's more important is the functional design of the eyecups, and in my opinion those 8x56 FL eyecups can't be beat in this respect. The have the right diameter, they are nicely rounded on top, and most of all they can be twisted up far enough to accommodate any (I repeat ANY) user. Too short travel is an imperfection of all binoculars I've had through my hands (please don't ask me to disclose all procedures, adjustments and prostheses I tried out to conquer the problem) with one notable exception.
But OK maybe you're not as sensitive or critical on eye piece depth as I am, then let me tell you there's yet another great feature in the FL's eyecup design, something very useful to everybody and yet sadly missing on the greater part of today's binoculars. Ever heard of eye cup friction? The most simple and effective solution to height adjustment? Yes you can choose any in-between position you want, make a mark there and the eyecup will stay put. Cheers!
Renze
The most comfortable eye-cup position for me is between click-stops
I'm not sure which one to go for, any advice would be appreciated.
. Too short travel is an imperfection of all binoculars I've had through my hands (please don't ask me to disclose all procedures, adjustments and prostheses I tried out to conquer the problem) with one notable exception.
Renze