hopster
Well-known member
I use to think the HT was the best but after using the SF 8x42 for awhile now with its light weight and perfect balance I could not go back. I sold my NL pure because I love the SF so much and I loved the view in the NL. Not enough difference in optical quality to matter so it came down to ergonomics.
Yes I love the handling of the SF, maybe the best x42 out there, I'm just not knocked out by the image quality at that price and size compared to the HT, NL or Noctivid which I think are the best x42s from the big 3 (the last being my favourite). I have only looked through the 8x42 but have seen several examples now and perceive a slightly dulled contrast and mild green emphasis (missing reds in particular) giving a kind of 'mushiness' to foliage that loses something compared to the best. We only talking subtlety here because in absolute terms of course it's very nice. When I was shopping for 8x42s I had the opportunity to buy a brand new one in a clearout from a UK store for £1400 but declined it.