I am gravitating back toward the Nikon at about half the price of the Leica's. Thanks for all the very helpful replies! -especially Tvc15_2000, a picture is worth a thousand words. So, you have several thousand words there.
I need to look at some of the other reviews, but as I recall most people prefer the 10x over the 8x's? Brocknroller pointed this out. Would others of you agree? ....
Those were surgeons, remember.
From several threads on Cloudy Nights and Birdforum, the 10x25 LX L seems to more popular than the 8x21 LX L, which surprised me, and several birders who either had both or tried both, felt the 10x25 was noticeably sharper.
Someone gave an explanation for this, which others agreed, but I can't remember what it was (that is, why even with the greater shakes, the 10x25 still rules). Perhaps the twilight factor?? The larger objectives?
Something to do with 21mm being inadequate, I think. If anyone remembers those threads, please chime in.
Some birders have also argued that as they get older, their eyesight isn't as good so they like having the extra power to compensate. I supposed that depends on what your eyesight problem is. If it's floaters, 10x isn't going to help!
Another reason they prefer the 10x25 is that the longer barrels make it more comfortable to hold (though you would think that advantage would be offset by the higher power).
In any case, my comments were specifically addressed to the LX L compacts, not other models. If I find those threads, I'll post links so you can read what the comments were.
I didn't know that the Leica compacts were your only binoculars you owned, which makes it a horse of a different color. Most people who have compacts also own mid-size or full sized bins.
If you only plan to own bin, it should be a good one. Wear it around your neck like jewelry and you won't leave it behind.
Does you wife or significant other accompany you on your Asian travels? If so, she might be interested in a pair of Swarovski 8x20 Crystal Pocket Binoculars. A fashion statement and usable bins in one package!
http://www.operaglasses.com/compact-binoculars/swarovski-compact-binoculars/idomeneo8x20crystalpocketbinocular.cfm
What Ed said about compacts small exit pupils reducing the effects of eye aberrations is true of any small exit pupil bin. A 20x60 will cut down on glare and minimize the effects of your astigmatism.
But the trade-offs for compacts are worse performance in low light situations and finicky eye placement, that is, compacts are more prone to image blackouts.
However, all these issues might be worth the trade-offs for their greater portability and convenience (the hinged roofs can be folded and put in your pocket).
If not for my Big Lebowksi hands, I would probably own a pair myself to use in the summer while out and about.
But as it stands, the compacts that best suit my hands are reverse porro compacts.
I have a Nikon 8x23 Venturer II, the bin that kicked off Stephen Ingraham's birding career. Now, of course, he uses a Zeiss!
