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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JohnJos" data-source="post: 1331068" data-attributes="member: 58536">Sancho,My impression is based upon a totally unscientific approach.  I tested all three last year at the Cape May Bird Observatory Northwood Center store.  I didn't like the EL mainly from a ergonomics standpoint, the open bridge design just isn't for me.  I spend an hour or so outside with the Leica HD and the Zeiss FL.  The center attracts a lot of small birds, titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, warblers, etc., so it was a very good test ground.  I liked both of these instruments very much.  But I came away with the FLs.  I just liked how they felt in my hands, the smooth quick focus knob, and the weight and balance of the unit.  But above all, the view was fantastic.  Bright, sharp, good depth of field, wide.  Not a lot better that the Leica but suffciently enough for me to favor the FLs.  After about 6 months, I had the opportunity to try the Leicas again at the Eagle Festival.  I still favored the FLs.  So now I've had the FLs for over a year and they are still unequaled in my opinion.I'm looking for a pair of 8x32 bins and don't want to spend as much as I spent on the FLs.  But everything is coming up short.  Spoiled I guess.Anyway, that's my assessment, for what it's worth.</blockquote>