I've owned my 10x42's that I bought used for a bargain ($350 in exc condition 7 yrs ago or so). My pair have been used and abused, and the eye cups have taken a beating and don't work as well or as smoothly as they once did--I tightened the screws on the inner cups--they work ok again. Only real problem is that the focus knob has become quite stiff over time. This is especially noticeable in cold weather--but they still work. I don't fault the binos, as I have not babied them. These are well constructed and solidly made German Binoculars. They have spent most of their years on the passenger seat, kid booster seat, or on the floor of my truck--depending on where my kids tossed them (I used eagle optics rain and lens covers to protect glass). Diopter setting does not lock, but is very quick to adjust and placed so you can use both focus knob and diopter together easily and quickly. I use glasses occasionally, but mostly wear contacts and have felt the eyecups work very comfortably with or without glasses. I have not used the top shelf Victory or Ultravids, or EDG's, so can't compare, and don't want to--I'm scared I'll fall in love with the image improvement produced by the additional $1000.
But, focus knob has become stiff enough that I've missed a few birds this spring, so I've just replaced them with 8x42 Zeiss Conquest HD's. I chose an 8X for the wider field of view. In side by side comparison it seems to me that the Docter's are just a tad less bright and sharp--pretty good considering that the Docters are a 10x and older non-ED glass. And they're great in low light. That's some quality German glass, and it will remain the pair I keep in the truck. If you're on a budget and can find a used one then I'd highly recommend them.
But, focus knob has become stiff enough that I've missed a few birds this spring, so I've just replaced them with 8x42 Zeiss Conquest HD's. I chose an 8X for the wider field of view. In side by side comparison it seems to me that the Docter's are just a tad less bright and sharp--pretty good considering that the Docters are a 10x and older non-ED glass. And they're great in low light. That's some quality German glass, and it will remain the pair I keep in the truck. If you're on a budget and can find a used one then I'd highly recommend them.