I have both SF and HT and its true that comparing some aspects of them is like arguing about the difference between two white Burgundy wines.
But there are big differences too and Vespo has already mentioned them: field of view and handling are the two that are important to me, the SF's better edge sharpness is favoured by some too. HT is a good handling bino and beats the FL 8x42s I used to have easily. If you use binos to get quick identifications of birds then the way HTs slip into your hands with the focus wheel in the right place is a great strength. But SF takes this to the next level with an altered centre of balance which means I can hold up SFs for longer and steadier when observing behaviour. And the huge fov of the SF 8x is very useful for the observing I do.
When you pick up an SF, because the weight is concentrated within your hand and not down at the objectives, it feels really lightweight. Zeiss did a great job with this thanks to team leader Gerold Dobler, but some folks misinterpret the lightweight feeling as lacking heft therefore lacking build solidity. There is no pleasing some folks! And the functional but wonky eyecups don't help build quality perception, but for goodness sake check out the weight of SF compared with the Swaro EL and you will see that while it is a bit lighter its not that much lighter. I have no worries about build quality of current SFs at all.
Lee
Lee:
I agree with your entire post. I have had 2 years with the SF, 7 years with
the Swarovision, and more than that with the Nikon EDG.
The Zeiss SF is so nicely balanced for handling, wide, bright and sharp FOV, along with a smooth as silk focuser, put it at the top.
I've only handled the HT once, and briefly in a shop. I found the focuser
placed in an odd position, and I could not get right onto it, as I do in other
binoculars. I could not figure out what finger to use to focus. That impression is one thing I remember and will not forget.
Ergos are very important, and rates very high on my list of importance.
The eyecups do the job, and they could be of better quality, but they do
not move around in practice, I always find the proper position.
Those who have not even tried this binocular should not gripe about that.
Jerry