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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Alexis Powell" data-source="post: 3395390" data-attributes="member: 5327">Judgments about ergonomics are a matter of taste. As a matter of fact, the ergonomics and utility of the EL are _far superior_ to the Leica for me. I like being able to wrap my fingers around the barrels [Whereas, with the Leica I'm always trying to wrap my fingers around the end of the barrel and instead bumping into that annoying protruding cap on the far side of the hinge]. I like the smoother focus (at least on my unit). I like the much longer eye-relief. I like the really easy eye placement and ability to see through the bin even when not lined up perfectly (reminds me of the Zeiss 7x42 Classic). I also like the much better close focus (I just wish it had a variable-ratio drive. Come on Swarovski, make the EL perfect!). As for the optics, yes, I prefer a sharp view to the edge. My first good birding bin (Nikon 8x40 Classic Eagle) had a sharp edge and I've missed it ever since in otherwise superior successors. I'm not bothered by rolling ball in the EL (though I have been bothered by it in some other bins, such as the Nikon 10x42 LX). I also like the small boost in both magnification and FOV.The main point of my reply to Dialyt was to point out that the new strap lug on the EL is no reason to eliminate it from consideration. Rather, because of the deep discount on the older model, now is the time to get the EL!--AP</blockquote>