Hi Chuck! Thanks for the quick response (post #28) and the note on the close focus. It certainly helps! I am looking to move on from an 8x MHG - and I think you have a good bit of experience with it too. When comparing the two despite the ~2x cost differences, it is clear from reading around and talking to a few people the SLC is (a) better at resolution/sharpness, (b) comparable if not slighty slower focus speed, (c) comparable if not slightly better glare and ghosting controls (d) doesn't give up too much on FoV, (e) comparable CA (f) cooler color balance and (g) gains a good amount of weight. Would you agree? And would you add anything else as pros/cons?
I am primarily looking for an 8x42, and it is clear there are always trade offs. If the EuroHD had existed in those dimensions, or the B2/Genesis 8.5x had been lighter and wider, or the MHG a little sharper with quick focus, my search would have ended a little while ago.
I haven't handled the SLC before, so I am also wondering about its weight and how it interferes with the balance/comfort when viewing over extended periods of time especially when hiking and tracking quickly moving birds in flight.
If you think there are other qualities about the SLC that are worth mentioning relative to these models I have mentioned, that would be very helpful to me (and I am sure others) as well. Thank you Chuck!