Hello,
I regretted selling my 8x30 Nikon EII, when I got my Zeiss 8x32 FL. The Zeiss is a better glass but with a narrower FOV. I read that the new Zeiss SF 8x32 matched the EII's FOV.
I solved that problem by having and using both.|
| (I use them for different things, so don't really see them as competing.) The SF doesn't really fit my needs so I'll pass on those, though I'm sure they're quite excellent for those they do suit.
You can find the Zeiss 7x42 FL and Nikon SE 8x32 for sale from time to time. They aren't as rare as you think. I think the fact that you can't just go buy a pair off the shelf makes you desire them more. It is kind of like the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence or a girl you used to date. Your memories are better than reality. If you did find the Zeiss 7x42 FL or Nikon 8x32 SE you would probably find they are not up to the latest alphas and be disappointed. I have been there done that.
I guess I'm going to find that out - I'm getting hold of a set of pre-Lotutec 7x42FLs Real Soon Now (I hope). These are most certainly in the "want", rather than "need" category but I do have a rather specific use planned for them. I might pass them along if they don't pan out for that. (I'm not very good at selling optics. I've sold none, but have given some away. The FLs are expensive enough to challenge that habit if they don't work for me.)
I also, recently, passed up a chance at a set of 8x32SEs. I'm not sure I made the right decision there, but I'm also "full up" on 8x30ish bins so couldn't really see a case where I'd likely use them in preference to bins I already have. If I ever stumble across a set of 10x42SEs, I
might take a different view. I like my 10x35EIIs well enough, but I might well have a different use for 10x42s (I don't have anything in that format).
But I might not be in the spot you are. I'm not really chasing after "the latest alpha view". I'm not really invested in the whole "alpha" concept. For example, my 8x32FLs might no longer be considered "alpha" models - but I don't really care. None which
are so considered would actually do the job I want those for. (And, honestly, I spent way too much time/money trying to find something - anything - less expensive which would do that job. I should have just bought the blasted FLs to start with and saved myself. I just didn't know that until I'd already been through the process.)
Another example would be my 8x42 Torics. I don't use an 8x42 all that much, but I was interested in those (they were new at the time) and they're more than good enough for me. I do wonder if I should have bought 8x42 Conquests instead, but since I have the Torics already then they'll more than do and I've no hankering for change. And I never even considered buying an "alpha" in the format. I wouldn't use it enough and, as I said, I find the "alpha" thing something I'm just not that interested in chasing.
...Mike
