hi Mike60, and greetings from the Emerald Isle, it is freezing hailstones here so hope it's a bit warmer down there
I have just been through a similar process. I went for Swaro 8,5x42 EL (bought this morning first thing after a day in the field testing various bins yesterday...)
I looked at 8's as I don't like 10s for all sorts of reasons (others like 10's for all sorts of other reasons, but they are just not for me, it's horses for courses...)
Ultravid 8x42BR:
The reviews are all correct, and it is a wonderful binocular. Having looked into it I am convinced there is no "issue" on the focus mechanism and they are built to last. There are several overjoyed Ultravid purchasers on this forum who confirm this.
The view was technically and objectively "superb". It is a little contrastier than the Swaro. Optically all wonderful. BUT - to my eyes, they just did not fit. Cannot put my finger on it. Oh I tried so so hard to like this binocular. Beware the marketing lure. While trying the Ultravids (several times) I could hear my inner birder whispering "this is what you
should have" instead of "this is what I feel comfortable with". Over analysis of the physical objective properties of a binocular de-emphasises something else which is just as important, namely the personal and the subjective. Do they feel right ? To me, the answer was no. But if they feel right to you, and you got the dough, then go for it, and you will not go wrong with the Ultravid.
Swaro 8x32 EL vs. Swaro 8,5x42 EL:
On reconsideration I take the view that there is NO contest between the 8,5x42 and the 8x32 EL. The 8,5 wins hands down.... (Leif, I came around to your view
...)
Firstly, the 8x32 EL (while one heck of a super duper 32mm binocular) is too expensive for what it is, a 32mm binocular, albeit a supremely bright and ergonomic 32mm binocular... Secondly, I see that you already have an 8x32HG .... so IMHO buying the 8x32 El as a second pair of bins would represent bad value. There is little between them.
IF you do want to take the plunge (and the Ultravid is not for you) take another look at the 8,5x42 EL. Sure it is a bit bigger in dimensions. But it is quite light and balanced in the hand. Yes, there is some CA, but you will find this with most if not all roof prisms, and I actually found that it depends a bit on how you place your eye to the binocular. Because of the overall excellent view of the bird I was getting the small CA intrusion was miniscule and not an issue for me, and I forgot about it after a short while. Nor is it an issue for the many discerning obsessive binocular/birder freaks on this forum who own one
I had tried the 8,5 EL several times in the high street, and was not convinced, but fortunately met a birder yesterday afternoon at a reserve, and he let me carry his around for a while and test it out thoroughly in field conditions. The depth of field, resolution, colour clarity, brightness - all superb. The larger exit pupil view provided a comfortable view, even when it got windier yesterday. It was so light I forgot it was hanging around my neck. (seriously!). Also the extra half mag really provides a kick and the bird is bigger in the view.
You will hear about the long focus on the 8,5x42 EL. For some people it is a problem and I accept that. Surprisingly I found that it was not a problem at all for me. Yes, it is a long focus, but in the field you intuitively set the focus in mid range and it becomes faster to get on to the bird and to change focus with practice. Also I like the fine tuning the longer focus gives. Try it out, and if the focus is not for you, forget about this binocular as it will be all you think about every time you use it :h?:
As regards the 8x32 EL vs 8,5x42mm I am convinced after using both in the field that the 42mm does give you "more", particularly as the afternoon wears on and the evening beckons. Not necessarily "see more birds" but just a better view, more quality in the view, and more brightness. However, I only became aware of this after using the 42 in the field for some time, and if I had not done that I would still be lusting after the 8x32 EL.... and might have even bought one.
Anyway, to sum up:
The 8x32 EL is wonderful, but pricey. Some people have it as their only bins and except for some light conditions I have no doubt that they will see as many birds as well as anyone else and will have no need for another binocular ever again. From your standpoint you have the 8x32HG so IMHO you are doubling up if you buy the 8x32 EL, which should rule it out for you.
I think it is a contest between the Ultravid 8x42BR and the 8,5x42 EL. Both are superlative in my opinion. There are differences between the two, and one or the other might be "better" on paper depending on which criteria. But it is splitting hairs at such a level of quality. I made my choice and am delighted. Whatever works for you is best for you.
Don't forget the Zeiss Victory. They were also on my shortlist. While the view was fantastic, I thought that, if going Zeiss, to wait for the new FL range coming out soon and try those out as well. But I wanted to buy sooner rather than later, so crossed them off the list. But as I say, to my eyes, the Victories were excellent and the choice was made on non-optical grounds.
I did not have access to the Nikon 8x42HG. By all accounts these are fantastic (but a little heavy?). You should try them yourself.
The usual disclaimers apply - these are just my own (non specialist) views. The First Law of Binocular Purchasing is that "Everyone Says Their Own Bins Are Best" - so of course I think mine are the best. But really you cannot go wrong with Nikon, Swaro, Zeiss or Leica.... the last two percent of the decision comes down to you, the birder who will use them in the field.
Cheers
