No I don't own the Zeiss SFs.
Hey you've got some nice binoculars there. The difference between the Tract 10x and the Zeiss SF is not that much but it's definitely there because I've compared them. I've been happy with almost every binocular I've ever owned. Now I'm happy with these. It's all the same in the end. How much can you or are you willing to pay to get something that just gets a nudge closer to that all around perfect binocular. For me back when I was playing very conservative with my cash what I considered an "alpha" was whatever was the best in it's class. In other words if you had $200 to spend then the very best binocular in that price range was the alpha. I think that's a good way to go. So for what I paid I think I have gotten near the top bang for buck within the competition. Not to mention that I didn't pay the asking price for either binocular. So I'm pretty happy with how this has all gone down. The EII going by the alpha criteria I just made up would be a for sure fat and sassy alpha and might be on top the very top of the pile. I'm pretty sure it's close.
Yeah, I'm sorry, I lost track. The SF's you were talking about earlier are your friend's, and now you have the Swaro EL 8x30 and Leica UV 10x32 now, that you are comparing the EII's to? Maybe they can be called bright, though I don't see the EII's being dark at all, though not the brightest available, for sure. Even my FL's of old are brighter, but that was their forte', I understand, due to the prisms they used, and maybe other factors, I don't know. Like the newest and best available as you have been witness to recently. That's great you've found them to improve your view, for sure. That's what it's all about after all, isn't it? They might not have the 3D view of the Porros, but maybe they make up for it in other ways.
I just consider alphas as the best and most costly available now, but maybe that is a shortsighted view, not considering how others measure up from past years that are still close in performance. I favor the latter, of course, for my pocket, but others have higher expectations and budgets, and that's fine with me! I only have myself to please, and I'm just happy to see something that looks amazing! With binoculars, that happens so much more than just taking photographs, which always seems to leave something lacking-probably the shorter focal length and resolution, often. So maybe I need a better camera?! I see a lot of beautiful bird shots on here and the web, and they can't all be with major slr or high digital telephotos that cost the world and more. Clearly, there is something I am missing! Or I can stop wondering about the best photos, and just look through my best bins and be happy with that. I take photos whenever I go out, but rarely of birds, that I have trouble locating even with bins!
Or, if I get closer, that might help with all! I don't see myself getting up in the wee hours, just to go birding, like I used to do when I was a milkman, or when I used to go fishing with my father and brother so long ago. Now I need what sleep I can get, and am often going to bed again when others are stirring for nature endeavors, it seems. I stirr a lot for nature, but not for birds or fishing, just nature calling me to get up during the night, over and over again! ; )
So be it-at least I have some great bins, and don't feel the need for better, myself. I just need to be able to get out more, if my health and motivation is willing.
But BC, I am happy to hear you are getting more joy from your nature walks recently with the new bins-that's great to hear, and I hope you continue to be motivated to discover more of your amazing country and wild inhabitants, and enjoy it all with your dogs too-it sounds like a good dog's life to me!
You deserve it, and to enjoy it, for all that it can bring you for peace and relaxation. Have at it mister! It's your time to shine!