Both models were 8x. The Leica was the Trinovid HD (I think the non-HD was better).
I only had around 20 minutes to compare. I didn't notice much CA on the Monarch HG. I'm not sensitive to it. I did look for rolling ball but couldn't find it. I didn't think the Monarch HG was sharp to the very edge, I would say 90%. I am very sensitive to eye placement with glasses and the HG seemed very comfortable.
I hope to do an in depth test soon.
Thanks for posting your comments Petrus and looking forward to your review. Down here in Yorkshire I never see Nikons being carried, nor on CalMac ferries which usually bring a fair cross-section of brands. Do you see any?
Lee