My dealer has finally received the Habicht 8x30 and the new CL companion 8x30, so I was able to make some comparisons...
*** Ease of view ***
CL 8x30 has maybe a slightly easier and immersive view than the Pocket, however I have added Field Optics winged eyecups to my pocket and in term of immersive view they are now equal, Habicht 8x30 has the less ease of view
*** Handling ***
CL 8x30 has a nice handling, definitely larger than the pocket, for my way of use I prefer the Pocket because of its compact form factor, Habicht is quite big in the hands by comparison
*** Focus ***
well the CL was disapointing, the focus was not smooth at all compared to the Pocket, you focus more quickly and easily with the Pocket (also way nicer focusing feeling), the Habicht in direct comparison has really a stiff focus
*** CA ***
Pocket is better than CL, I feel Habicht and Pocket has the same amount of CA, really impressive
*** Flare / glare ***
Pocket again is better than CL, with direct sun light Pocket keeps it contrast easily, Habicht is the worse
*** Contrast / sharpness ***
Habicht is the brighter, also more contrast, maybe a bit sharper
*** Lifelike experience ***
At this step, I have lost the idea to buy the CL 8x30, definitely not a keeper compared to the Pocket (and 400 EUR more expensive!).
It was a strange experience, image in the Pocket was bigger than the Habicht and so switching directly from the Habicht to the Pocket the view was more easy with the Pocket, certainly a difference due to porro vs roof, Habicht was more 3D compared to the Pocket but I expected bigger differences (I was testing close up view), in the end because of the ease of view, larger image, I prefered the view thru the Pocket... even if the Habicht had a more lifelike experience
*** Summary ***
Pocket is a keeper, definitely, and the least expensive... Really a true Victory in miniature, add some winged eyecups and it becomes almost perfect, well done Zeiss !