David
Before I chose the RSPB 8x42 HDs I compared them alongside the Viking 8x42EDs. I found them to be identical in performance. I also preferred the feel and appearance of the RSPBs and the dioptre adjustment on the right eye piece is easier, for me anyway, on the RSPBs compared with the Viking EDs, but there isn't much in it and some may prefer the style of the Vikings. Both are nicely finished and feel very good in the hand. Interestingly, at dusk, when I compare our RSPB HD 8x32s and 8x42s, there is almost no difference in resolution and l said to my wife that I almost wish I had bought the 8x32s as well, as they are much lighter and £50 cheaper, but the 8x42s are a bit easier to look through, having the larger 5.2 exit pupil and they are more "transparent". I was speaking to a Viking person at Viking, Halesworth, who stated, categorically, that the Viking ED and the RSPB HD are not the same optics and are produced in entirely different factories. Nowhere on the documentation or the product/packaging states where they are manufactured, but the general opinion (not from a Viking source), on Bird Forum anyway, seems to point towards China, which is not a problem for me and is advantageous pricewise. It would be interesting to know how much the identical product would cost if manufatured in Japan or EEC, does anyone have a conversion factor for that? Also, very recently, I bought a pair of Opticron 8x42 Aurora, which I returned for a refund, from the retailer, not Opticron. This was because, although the resolution and build/handling was excellent, I could not tolerate the amount of CA across the entire field, but worse at the edges. Whilst I was at the retailer's returning them (I got a full refund), they rang Opticron and I had a discussion with a chap who, quite rightly, explained that all optics have some degree of CA. However, I found the CA to be unacceptable for the RRP of £759.00 (I paid £680.00) and I find the 8x42 RSPB HDs to be similar or sharper on resolution and better on CA. The Aurora were, however, stamped MADE IN JAPAN. I have no connection with Viking or RSPB other than me and my wife both being lifetime RSPB members. I am finding the RSPB HDs quite addictive and can't let go of them and she says the same. I don't feel that I would one day aspire to an upgrade (would it be?) and it is, I find, quite nice looking at the RSPB badge logo on the front rather than an "alpha" type, although many may disagree.
All the best, Alan (ganty).