I gave them a nice run through 2 days ago and wrote my most extensive review w/ comparison to my (also new) ultra HD 8x36's. Gosh darn if I didnt screw it up somehow and deleted before I posted. ARGH!....
I put this together in a recent PM and figured I'd add it here where its relevant.
FWIW, my experiences and opinions re 8x36 ultra HD vs Sightron 8x32 SII
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re the ultra HD's: the sightron has a smaller FOV, and its noticeable, but its sweet spot is really large. Massive actually, to the point that I'd argue its to the edges. Obviously it isnt, but it sure feels that way to this novice. Not so with my HD's, which have blurring at the 6oclock position at the least. The sweet spot of the HD's isnt huge. I cant venture a guess, but 50% may be a ballpark figure I wouldnt argue with.
Most noticeable, and probably the biggest let down is that the HD's have, to my eyes, a tremendous amount of curving around the edges. I'll be honest I am not sure if this is what people refer to as pincushion or field curvature or what, but its extremely noticeable. Between the smaller sweet spot and curving, I didnt fall in love with them, which I expected to do.
The HD's are brighter, and I can notice this. Its obvious. Super bright, as you are likely aware. They also, to my eyes, are more color neutral. The HD is sort of "clinical" vs the Sightrons "natural". Yeah, I know, that sort of description helps tons, right? Others have said the Sightrons are more brown/red, and perhaps that is what I am seeing and how I am interpreting it. The HD's are more like my Pro OPtics in terms of color (or imo lack thereof).
Phylsically the HD has way better texture, a weak spot of the sightron, which feels chinzy (hard plastic). The sightron emblem on the side sticks out, which is absurd imo.
Strap, case, and features of the sightron are far cheaper. No comparison there.
Focus knob on the HD is very nice, the sightron a bit stiffer, but no problem. Both are precise with none of that "Pro Optic" play.
The diopter on the sightron has no lock but its VERY stiff, which is fine by me. The HD diopter shifts a tad when I lock it into place, so I found myself having to over-compensate prior to locking it. The diopter setting for the HD is way off to the "+" side which seems to be a bushnell glitch- 3 of my bushnells are all far from center when set. I dont have goofy eyes, either. No biggie as long as its not a problem with the Binos.
I notice a ring of glare around the perimeter of the HD's that I do not notice with the SII (nor the excursion 7x36) under identical conditions.
The accoutrements of the HD are better (case, covers, etc). The lens covers of the SII are bizarre. I think whoever came up with the occular covers isnt someone who uses binos often.
By nature I am proably not a fan of longer bino's, instead preferring the ergonomics of a shorter (even if thicker) bino. The sightrons are very lightweight but are a bit long. Though not big, they are longer than I expected. This, coupled with the fact that I was really expecting to finally get and love the HD's, (due to part to my love affair with my optically inferior 7x36 excursion Ex's) had me expecting not to like the sightron so much. I figured I'd play with them and then sell them off into the "FrankD eupohoria". Then I had a chance so sit down and use them. No chance now. Keepers without a doubt. The HD's are going up for sale (eventually
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So, the take-away is that I do think the Sightrons are the real deal. Just a really awesome crisp clean clear image... very easy to use. Every preconceived impulse was against them and FOR the HD's but I am, in the end, definitely keeping the SII's.
Fun stuuf, these Binos and this website! You guys are costing me a small fortune :-O:-O
