BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="paddy7" data-source="post: 3311282" data-attributes="member: 88594">The 'fit and feel' of a binocular is of immense importance; after all, you will use them for hundreds of hours in the field. I know David (Typo) has a great regard for the EDII's optical design, but has trouble with the ergonomics. I am dimensionally-fortunate in that i don't have the same problems with it.Its edge-to-edge 'sharpness' is hard to match at this price point, and the resolution is very good indeed.Regarding edges, it is always a balancing act as to whether a little blur outweighs CA. I can stand the former over the latter, as - once i notice CA - I always seem to be distracted by it, even if it's well outside the centre.There's also a kind of psychology going on as well (at least with me). If i pick up a pair, i might instantly like them for the feel, weight distribution, focus accuracy and speed, and then may forgive one or two mild 'issues'.If i pick them up and don't like them, these mild issues will become major ones! The higher the price, the less forgiving i am, however......The Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 was one i liked instantly from the moment i held it. Eye positioning is critical with it, and it blends a certain number of elements to create the wide field that others may find 'a fault.' However, despite its foibles, i never regretted buying it for a second!Hopefully you'll pick one up soon that just screams 'IT's ME!!!'</blockquote>