I recently had a trip to In Focus at Slimbridge to try out and buy some new bins. After trying everything on my research list, it came down to the Nikon Monarch HG 8x42 and a used pair of Swarovski EL 8.5x42. I ended up choosing the Nikon's as I found the weight of the ELs too much. However, after a few weeks of use I find the central bridge feels too much 'in the way' and a bit sharp against my fingers. The optics are great, but the ergonomics not so much. The open-bridge feel of the ELs felt perfect, but were too heavy for me.
There wasn't a pair of EL 8x32's to try at the time, but now that I see the advertised weight of them, I'm wondering whether they would've been the sweet spot. Obviously I need to find somewhere to try them out, but I've always used 8x42s and I'm wondering whether the 8x32's would have enough light-gathering? Or any other plusses/negatives compared to the Nikons. Thoughts appreciated…
There wasn't a pair of EL 8x32's to try at the time, but now that I see the advertised weight of them, I'm wondering whether they would've been the sweet spot. Obviously I need to find somewhere to try them out, but I've always used 8x42s and I'm wondering whether the 8x32's would have enough light-gathering? Or any other plusses/negatives compared to the Nikons. Thoughts appreciated…