Update - in the end I went with the NL 8x42s over the ELs. Short version, this is a once in a lifetime bino purchase for me so spending a bit more now on the NLs and then never having any regrets (mostly in regards to FOV) seemed the smarter way to go. My other concern was the usable eye relief for my glasses (the EL having 20mm true eye relief, the NL having 18mm) but the NL proved to have more than I needed (I have to set the eye cups up one step to prevent blackouts).
No word of a lie, it has rained every day the month of November where I live so I haven't really been able to do much with them until early December and I don't regret my purchase at all. I have no issues with the rolling ball effect, the image clarity is excellent, and the eye box is perfect - glasses or no glasses (contacts) my eyes just seem to be in the perfect spot to view every time. The larger FOV makes tracking and spotting much easier so I'm glad I went big.
In comparison to my GPOs there is a noticeable difference in transparency and CA as well as FOV, but I still wouldn't hesitate to recommend the GPOs and I still use mine for birdwatching in backyard where I want a pair of binos just out all the time and I'm not as paranoid about something happening to them just laying about. My only real complaint with the GPOs to the NLs is the eye box - I do have to hunt a little when wearing glasses to get the GPOs in the right spot, I never have that issue with the NLs.
I'm very happy with my choice (even if my bank account is still a little unhappy with me) and I genuinely appreciate all the responses and the time you've all given me - thank you very much.
No word of a lie, it has rained every day the month of November where I live so I haven't really been able to do much with them until early December and I don't regret my purchase at all. I have no issues with the rolling ball effect, the image clarity is excellent, and the eye box is perfect - glasses or no glasses (contacts) my eyes just seem to be in the perfect spot to view every time. The larger FOV makes tracking and spotting much easier so I'm glad I went big.
In comparison to my GPOs there is a noticeable difference in transparency and CA as well as FOV, but I still wouldn't hesitate to recommend the GPOs and I still use mine for birdwatching in backyard where I want a pair of binos just out all the time and I'm not as paranoid about something happening to them just laying about. My only real complaint with the GPOs to the NLs is the eye box - I do have to hunt a little when wearing glasses to get the GPOs in the right spot, I never have that issue with the NLs.
I'm very happy with my choice (even if my bank account is still a little unhappy with me) and I genuinely appreciate all the responses and the time you've all given me - thank you very much.