pbjosh
missing the neotropics
I'm using only the MHG 8x30 now. It's my only binocular. When I compared it to Ultravid HD+ 8x32, the Leica was just better and had something extra; the darks looked real dark and the colors and resolution impressed me more. But, now that I'm using the Nikon exclusively and not comparing it to anything else, the view looks just wonderful each time I use it. I'm glad I have nothing else on hand to compare it to. I'm enjoying the things it excels at. The key is to not compare it to the top premium models. It will always look and feel like 'The Best' when it's the only one you have
There's a lot to be said for this, and others have mentioned the same with respect to color balance in other threads. I have an EL, and SF, an HG, and a Canon IS bin, and they all have lovely colors and contrast. If I take the time to compare them I can find differences, but when I just pick one up to use, any one of them presents a lovely view. I notice weight, ergonomics, FOV, and CA a little. Occasionally the inferior CA handling of the MHG or the Canon really makes itself known (mostly on flyovers against harsh white/gray clouds). However in day to day use I don't really notice color and contrast differences in this lineup. They're all plenty good.