I have just picked up my Zeiss 8x42 FL and they really were worth the long wait for new stock to arrive.
As a lifelong Leica fan I did compare with the Ultravid but found the FL's a fraction brighter and had less colour fringing in difficult conditions. I thought that if I am making such a big investment, I may as well get the best to my eyes and forget about brand loyalty.
I did eventually read the Alula review in full and it seems as if Kimmo didn't think the 'hotspot' was going to be a problem for many as it didn't really get a mention. I can't see any problem but maybe I am not using them correctly, or wrongly? I have definitely seen far worse binos in my lifetime as far as edge distortion.
Anyway, back to my new FL binos. Took them out today in the overcast conditions that are hanging around down here in darkest Croydon. Not a great deal around but a male g-s woodpecker making a lot of noise from the top of a tree maybe 40 yards away. Wow, the breast of this bird was brilliant white that made a mockery of the conditions, the detail in the red nape was obvious. Not a trace of colour fringing and as crisp as can be imagined. I took my BNs with me and the view was rather lifeless and dark and lacked the ooomph, for lack of a better description, of the FL.
The focus wheel on the FL was just right for my use, keeping a fast moving woodpigeon in focus as it flew towards my position was effortless.
I found the eyepiece position to suit my eyes on the 2nd click stop, not fully extended.
Funny how a new pair of binos makes you want to see every bird again, even something as common as a Starling.
So another happy user and I don't care what they say
Ben