I am happy to hear that not only were you confident in suggesting these bins to her but also that she, and you, were enthused about their performance and handling. I really do have to do a double-take every time I use these binoculars. The price is just icing on the cake.
As a side note, I did have the opportunity to compare the Sightrons to one of my other favorite 8x32 models, the Meopta Meostar 8x32. Many of you know that I have always enjoyed the little Meoptas. Their ergonomics (thumb indent positioning, texture of the rubber armor and placement of focusing knob, etc...) are all excellent. The little Meopta has always been one to offer high end optical performance at a price roughly half of what you would expect to pay from many of the comparable quality but more expensive products. Based on that I was really looking forward to comparing the Sightron to it.
Optically:
The two are very comparable in a variety of areas. The both offer a larger than average sweet spot of image in focus and free of distortion. Very comparable. The Meopta may be just a hair larger but, in practical use, I can detect literally no difference. Centerfield apparent sharpness is identical. Both appear to display all the level of detail that you would want or need from the image. Apparent brightness appears to be relatively equal with maybe a slight nod going to the Meopta. Contrast levels are entirely comparable between both units.
They differ in a few noticeable ways as well. The Meopta utilizes field flattener elements in the eyepiece so the view is a bit flatter. As I mentioned in my original comments about the Sightron there is some field curvature in the outer edge of the image. There is a bit in the Meopta as well but it is slightly more well controlled.
CA is relatively well controlled in both instruments though I will have to give the nod to the Sightron in this area. It displays less not only in the center of the field but also along the edge as well. I can detect CA fairly easily in the area outside the sweetspot in the Meopta but not so readily in the Sightron.
Also, as I had mentioned previously the Sightron has a slightly warm bias. It is in the red area of the spectrum. It is only noticeable in direct comparison with a binocular of a different, or neutral, color representation. The Meopta tends to favor the yellow end of the spectrum and possibly a bit of the green
Ergonomics:
This is another toss-up. I enjoy the ergonomics of both but for different reasons. The texture of the Meopta's armoring and the placement of the thumb indents makes this model fit almost as comfortably, and in a similar way, as the the Swarovski EL 8x32. That is high praise in my opinion. The Sightron excels in that the open bridge design allows for perfect hand placement for my hands plus the length of the binocular further contributes to this level of comfort.
I have not checked the physical weight comparison of these two models yet but the Meopta feels heavier despite the fact that it is shorter. Neither feels excessively heavy though the Sightron certainly feels lighter than it is becaue of the open-hinge design.
Mechanics/fit and finish:
The Meostar is entirely comparable in this area with many of the German/Austrian models. It feels extremely solid and has many metal components. The eyecups, central hinge and focusing mechanism are extremely well made and function flawlessly.
The Sightron appears to be made of a plastic/composite material which probably helps in the weight reduction. Its components function equally well in particular the feel of the focusing mechanism.
No complaints with either model.
So, to summarize, I think anyone would be happy with either model when you take into account their individual traits. The question in my mind then is whether or not the Sightron is on the same optical and ergonomic level of the Meopta. In my opinion it is. Different feel but the same level of optical performance in a different package.
A few days ago a friend contacted me for advice on what binoculars to take on an upcoming trip to Patagonia. She knows nothing about optics, except that the Nikon zoom binoculars she had bought at REI were ridiculous. I put her on to this thread.
After reading the raves, she ordered the 8x32 Sightrons from Amazon. I was probably more eager than she was to take them out for a field trip. So this afternoon we walked in the Phoenix Botanical Gardens, she with her new Sightrons, me with my Nikon 8x32 SE. We gazed at flowers, thrashers, and a hummingbird.
I didn't touch the Sightron diopter correction – we both wear glasses and it was right for me too. I was totally impressed with the view through them. The ergonomics are perfection.
She thought the SE was really good too. "It ought to be, it costs three times as much," I told her. I almost felt like asking if she wanted to trade, permanently.
I think I must now buy a pair.