SECOND REPORT: OK, so for my first real time in the field using these binoculars, I wanted to put them through their paces. I decided to start hiking at 4PM EST, with 98%+ cloud cover and intermittent, light rain; my initial impressions were so favorable, I really wanted to see what I'd think after using these in probably the worst conditions given their design/intended function. Simply put, I'm still amazed by these dainty little binoculars.
For my 2HR hike, I would at times forget I even had the binoculars around my neck - despite the inconvenient strap, the weight is so minuscule that I didn't even notice them at times. Optically, no, these will probably not replace a full size, 42mm if you want to bird at dusk/dawn in poor light; THAT BEING SAID, I could easily identify birds and see high levels of detail even in these very poor conditions, and would consider these an adequate substitute for an 8x30-32mm binocular under maybe 95% of circumstances
. The overall sharpness of the view is just outstanding, very similar to the Victory T*FL I've owned in the past. Color wise, I'd say these are mostly neutral with a very subtle greenish-yellow cast, very similar in this regard to the Zeiss Victory SF I've briefly tried. CA and glare will be reported on after I use these in more appropriate conditions to see their deleterious effects.
These factors aside, the thing that continues to impress me is the overall ease of view or 'snap to target' quality of these binoculars; I've only found this particular quality in maybe 3 binoculars, the 8.5x42 SV, 8x42 SLC-HD, and Kowa Genesis. There is no fuss to the view, I just put them up to my eyes and have the target locked in. This for me is incredibly useful as I want to make sure to identify as many birds on my forays into the wilderness as I can, as I'm a heavy user of eBird. Witht hat said, my caveat would be that if you do not wear eyeglasses, I'd probably steer clear of these - the small eyecups want to fall into your eyesocket and may cause issues with blackouts, etc. This is probably the first bino I've ever owned that is much easier/preferable to be used with eyeglasses.
I want to take a good, 2+hr hike in bright, sunny conditions to report upon next time. I will also, once I receive them back from some repair work, attempt to compare these to the Leupold Golden Ring HD 8x42s I have, which I'd consider alphas in all but the name and weight.
Also, I ordered a RYO harness - depending upon how I like it, I'll try and get some connectors to use with all sets of my binos. Hope to have it early next week, along with a rainguard.
Justin