I have to say that I agree with all "yarrellii" says in post "12".
I too have gone though this conundrum of optic choice in respect of what is needed and useable for me in my retiring years.
The last year or so I have tried many combinations in getting it right FOR THE LAST TIME ! so to speak.
My starting point was my EL 8x32 SW, these I knew and for ME cannot be bettered. I tried to complement them with a EL 10x32, a great optic, BUT they were too close to my EL 8x32 with no noticeable advantage in REAL USE to my old eyes. (these in fact had a scratched lens and I returned them)
I have had 8x42s in Zeiss HT which we all know as stellar optics, but I found no real advantage in light/brightness with my old eyes (we all know older eyes lack the youthful advantage of brighter optics).
I later tried Aurora 8x42, another great optic at a stellar price, again these I found were like the HT bright but to no real advantage.(I tried two pairs with build quality not as it should be) and the "devils focus travel" was not liked.
So, continuing my quest I tried a second hand pair of Kite 10x32 APC IS optics, more out of curiosity and surprisingly impressed with their build, ergonomics and view. Taking the restrictions into the equation ie power, field of view, weight (no problem), battery usage etc and it's "devils focus travel", I was very excited about them. A new mind-set was needed to overcome the focus, less light gathering, tilting to overcome slight CA and NOT bring up to the eyes too quickly (prevents too much motion).
It was getting near the return time when I thought this is what I need, so different from EL8x32, bigger reach, different enough for "muscle memory" usage. BUT, there is always a BUT I found a manufacturing fault, a foreign body in one side. My initial only worry about these was the lack of total weather sealing and this fault tipped the balance and so I regrettably returned them.
This however did not detract from my willing to still try IS optics as I was smitten and found that for me it was what was needed.
I ordered and travelled to try out a new pair of Kite 12x42 APC. What the hell, if I want a difference in magnification from 8x32 and IS optics help me steady the magnification why not go full tilt.
They are different from the APC 32, brighter, feel wider, little to no CA, steadier and fully weather resistant. yes they are not as wide a field as 8x, but it is not what I want them for. Open spaces, large lakes, sea watching, Goose counting, Wader viewing etc all at distance with prolonged panning.
I am sold and have worked out this conundrum . It may not suit other folk but it suits me and my needs.
As a birder for nigh on 50 years I judge optics in field use and field use only, I leave the complexities of science in optical equipment to my betters out here.
BTW, I also have a pair of Zeiss Victory 8x25 for stealth /compact use.
My scopes are Kowas 823m w/ Baader zoom + 32 W and TSN 553. But that's another story for another time.
cheers.
ps
I am still using the same batteries in the same compartments since I put them in early August this year, near every day field use.
pps
Pauhana , I hope this helps in your decision , it could take you some time !
