If the wide FOV is a priority then that could eliminate the ED bargain as a choice for you. The EL does have a huge FOV of 75 feet more than the Pentax and one foot more FOV than the Ultravid (comparing the 8x42s). The additional price for that extra 20% of FOV (over the Pentax) is about 100% more or double the price of the Pentax ED cost, assuming that was the only factor being considered. I doubt that was the only consideration but I wanted to make my point that not everyone has an unlimited budget and excellent glass (not meaning its better than the EL, but not much worse) can be had for a lower price in some cases.
The EL is a top view binocular. I was undecided between the EL and the Ultravid for a long time before I finally chose the Ultravid. I can fully understand picking the EL. I have no regrets with the Ultravids and I am sure I would have none with the EL.
In my case birding in the back yard daily for 30 min for the last 2 months has made FOV irrelevant (for me) as far as finding the bird. I am getting to be a crack aim with my binoculars. I can find a flitting song birds in the bushes at close range on first glance now (with 10x) and I am getting better all the time. I was willing to put up with some frustration with 10x while I learned to find the birds effectively. This does not work as well for me when following an active bird flying around in the bushes. Its my style to drop the bin from my eyes and locate the bird again then use the bin. I prefer this style and getting a closer look with a 10X to using a 7X where I might be able to follow the bird with the binocular but at a less magnified image. I do a mix of close and distant viewing and do not enjoy lower power. Hopefully everyone finds what works best for them. I am always looking for suggestions on the technique of using binoculars.
The ED popped into the stores at the exact time we were shopping for an upgrade for my girlfriend (GF) and it came in at the exact price range we wanted to spend. It exceeded all our expectations for quality, size and weight. I am under no illusion its the perfect for anyone else but us.
I do plan on purchasing a pair for 10X50s. This spring we were viewing Woodcocks well after sunset into full darkness while they put on a spectacular mating display and "peenting" calls. While we could see them with a 10x42 a 10X52 would be welcome. Sadly when doing searches on woodcocks there are lots of pages referring to how tasty this bird is and how hunted it is. Unfortunately there are lots of other pages citing alarmingly dwindling numbers of these birds due to vanishing wetlands and some pages cite hunting.
For the 10x50 I am factoring in the ED due to the price performance return. I don’t use 10x50s as much as the other smaller objective due to size and weight, and I’m having a hard time justifying the cost of the really expensive glass. I’m still deciding and I limit myself to changing my mind 50 times a day.
I would agree the 10X25 Ultravid is a special high quality extremely portable binocular that makes my life more enjoyable. In June my GF and I did a bicycle tour in the Utah desert. It would not have been possible for me to carry a larger binocular on my bicycle. One day we rode up a 39 mile hill in a remote wilderness. I could barley get myself up that mountain. But I did have the 10X25 with me and was rewarded for carrying them. I saw many many birds and especially a lot of woodpeckers, deep forest birds and humming birds. One humming bird buzzed my red helmet cover. My GF had the Nikon 10X25 LXL which is another excellent optic but having used both of these binoculars for months now, I have a preference for the Ultravid. I underestimated the strength of the construction of the Ultravid at first. They are so compact and elegant I did not think they would hold up very well. I was wrong they are solid and up for the task of daily use. The hinge is as tight as the first day on the Ultravid. It is rugged construction like this that gives Leica its reputation. The Nikons have become a little looser with use (nothing to be concerned about but it registered in my brain). Having only the 10x25 to use for 2 weeks on vacation I appreciate them more than ever. We also saw the rare Kaibab squirrel at the Grand Canyon on this using the 10x25. The views are so good with the 10x25 (compared to other 25 offerings) its a pleasure to use. The squirrel's habitat is confined entirely to the ponderosa pine forests of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and the northern section of Kaibab National Forest. They are a dark squirrel with a white tail and long ear hair that sticks straight up an inch or two and makes them look quite odd.
http://images.enature.com/mammals/ma.../MA0191_1m.jpg
The only grouping I could make about the Ultravids is - I like the models equally. They just pain agree with me. I would recommend them if they meet the buyers budget and needs. If not - there are other choice available and the binocular forum helps highlight the differences.
Binoculars and birding are one of those rare hobbies where the real funs starts after the purchase rather than ending with the purchase as with so many other things I have pursued. Particularly vapid for me are the entertainment devices that seem to be powered by electricity, excessive sitting and staring. I find standing in the rain more rewarding.
