My local FNAC Leica salesman confirmed they were hazy.
Leica Paris said "they weren't the latest model"
Leica Paris pretended to send them in.
( the employee had some "issues" and then they couldnt find the binoculars)
I am really unhappy with their behavior.
They provided an invoice which said they're ok.
I'm inclined to say they're fairly decent after
I, me, myself later cleaned the oculars.
Leica is not an optics company, they're a luxury company.
My Zeiss 8x25 are extremely sharp compared to the 7x42. I have tested other 8x binoculars, among which a pre HD Trinovid 8x, and I think the sample of Zeiss I have is VERY sharp.
The 7x42HD have a relaxed view and are very pleasant to use. I just had them in Cannes and used them for port views and marine birds.
Both basically cost me the same, and I like using the 7x42HD enough to keep them. I take them on trips and and I look at the birds on the feeder with them.
I think I can wait a few years before I get something else, the computer I am typing this on is 7 years old and will need replacing.
The 7x42HD were my first pair of binoculars. When I bought the Zeiss I did a bunch of comparisons and had my eyes trained and knew what to look for.
I'm an unpleasant nitpicker so your mileage may vary.
If I'm really desperate for a superb pair of 7x42HD Plus, I'm sure some forum member will sell me one in a few years time.
My eyes seem mostly ok. Which in the end is the most important thing
Edmund