Bob (ceasar) hits the high points on the Columbia 8x25 and having a pair in hand I agree. Comparing to my Leica 8x20, here's my two cents:
ER is stated as 18mm, but in use the Leica at 16mm has a bit more usable ER. The Columbia has enough, though, and is good for glasses.
The Columbia is not as sharp as the Leica, the sweet spot is smaller, the edges are a little soft. The added FOV (370' v. 341') is not especially noticable maybe because of the ER and soft edges. It's a definite improvement over many compacts though. In the field the Columbia is sharp enough to please, and the focus is smooth and sweet. The closest view I can compare it to (from memory only) might be something like the Nikon 8x25 Prostaff. Pretty good in other words. It's also about the same size/weight as the Prostaff. It's got a solid feel and appears to be very well made.
Hands down, the Leica handles glare better and has better contrast. The Leica really shines here. How big a problem is the Columbia's glare? I'll have to use them more to know. Probable no worse than most compacts. Brightness and color are about the same--in other words nice. In low light, the Columbia might be a tad brighter, but it's pretty close.
Accessories are top-notch. You do have to flatten the bins to max IPD in order to get them in the hard clamshell case. Could be annoying to some, including me. Give me a soft case any day.
Overall, the Columbia is a very nice bin. For the price, probably unbeatable. Considering all it does, I'll keep them (until I sell them :-O). Still, I come away with newfound respect for the Leica which just betters it in so many ways. Of course there's a little difference in price.
Mark
Just a quick update. Glare is not much of a problem in the Columbia. In compacts I've seen better, I've seen worse. It does have more CA than the Leica, however, and it can become noticable in backlit situations. Had them out this morning in about 15 degree weather and the big focus knob was really nice with gloves. Much easier than the tiny Leica knob. I came away thinking even more highly of the Columbia, although I didn't have the Leicas to compare. Turns out it's only about 1/4" shorter than an 8x32 FL--big for a compact. 6 oz less though.