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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BruceH" data-source="post: 3382477" data-attributes="member: 106398">Like Jerry, I also have the Nikon EDG-II and the Zeiss SF, both in a 10X42.  The EDG was my all time favorite until getting the Zeiss SF.  I now prefer the SF over the EDG without hesitation.  Two of the more obvious advantages of the SF are the wider field of view and the better balance.  Both of these improvements are quite noticeable.  I also think the SF has a more neutral color balance. (The Nikon shows a little red/pink color balance.)  The SF view has more life (better contrast?) and detail stands out better.  The view of the Nikon is excellent but the SF is just that much more excellent!The mechanics are a little nicer on the SF.  For some reason, the eye cups on the Nikon tend to turn in although they do not seem that loose.  (Must be gremlins!)  Also the hinge is on the loose side and it may be getting more so over time (as reported by others).  These are only minor issues.  The Nikon EDG is excellent, but I do not see any improvement over the SF you already have.  The Nikon does have a slightly nicer focus mechanism but there is nothing wrong with the focus mechanism on my SF.  The Nikon EDG-II feels just fine in the hand.  It does not feel like a lump at all.  Take a look at a photo and notice the curves of the barrels.  They fit the palm of the hand real well.  The Nikon has a nice hold but it is more front heavy than the SF.  I prefer the SF balance over the EDG and the EDG over the Swaro EL 10X50 that I have.  My big concern about the EDG is if Nikon plans to continue in the high end market.  They have disappeared from the birding scene.  One of the high end reps told me last fall that he does not even consider Nikon a competitor any more.  I have doubts as to what kind of service support will be available for the EDG over the long term.  There are two generations of the EDG.  The first gen has a dual hinge design and the second has a single hinge.  The general consensus is that they are the same optically, but the EDG-II is superior mechanically.  If you do get an EDG, go for the EDG-II.   The primary reasons for buying an EDG over a Zeiss SF would be if it is available for a much lower price or if a shorter binocular is required.  Just looking at the optical quality and the over all package, for me, the Zeiss SF is the much better choice.It will be interesting to see what Jerry has to say.</blockquote>

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