I like alpha glass but I've come to understand that my real preference is for a really good view. Can I know before buying whether any given set of bins has a great view, perhaps from just knowing eye relief or some other factor?
Six years ago I bought a pair of Zeiss 8x42 Victory SF with, IIRC, 18mm eye relief, and could not get a view without blackouts (or possibly other issues). I phoned either Zeiss or the retailer about the issue and they sent me a replacement set of eyepieces, longer by 3mm, that had three clicks. These are perfect; middle position with eyeglasses, fully out without eyeglasses. They are perfect for me, weight aside.
I don't insist on the next bins being Zeiss, but for simplicity's sake, shall I assume that in my next lighter-weight Zeiss bins that 18mm eye relief won't work for me and will have to be compensated for in some way? Can I know in advance if the next set of bins will have a "great view?" Can I also assume that 18mm eye relief in some other brand equally won't work for me?
The Zeiss SF and the Nikon 8x32 Superior E both work fine for me. A 15-year-old set of Minox roofs works okay, while a Leupold Yosemite 6x30 (similar to Kowa YF) works a little less well.
Also, I don't really understand the "view" terminology I see discussed, e.g. "great view," "fully immersive," possibly "disappearing" binoculars, etc. Perhaps as a start someone can explain them, please? I think I understand the issue but it's best to be sure.