I would make the choice based on some of the following factors : (this
includes Zeiss)
Weight - The old Leica are too heavy but the new model is much better
Neckstrap - The old Leica strap was attrocious. I bought the wider strap
but this is another $80 or so. I can't believe that binoculars of such
quality could come with such a narrow uncomfortable strap. Maybe try the
new types of harnesses.
Minimum focal distance - 6 metres is far too long. The closer the
better. I don't know about you, but there are quite a few times when I am
too close to what I am looking at. This applies to more than just
birds. Often I want to look at reptiles only two or three metres away.
Bad light - Try using them in a dark room (not pitch black!), or after
sunset but before total darkness. I am amazed at the dark conditions that
I can use my binoculars.
Eye pieces - How easy are the eye pieces to pull out and retract. I find
that mine stick quite badly. Not a problem if you wear spectacles as you
would never need to pull them out.
X Factor - Not sure what others meant by this. I was recently on a trip to
the sub Antarctic islands. I have never seen so many Swarovski or Leica
binoculars in one place. Not many Zeiss. These are mostly very keen
birders on these trips. Most people were from Europe.
Price - You buy binoculars for a long time. So the price would have to be
quite different for this to be the most important factor.
Having said that, I have 10x42BN Leica binoculars that I bought about 5
years ago. But I got a good deal at the Johannesburg airport on my way to
Kenya. About 5500 Rand or about AU$1250 at the time. I paid about $80
import duty when I declared them on returning to Australia. This compared
to about $2400 in Australia at the time. I have been through Johannesburg
airport again and they were about 11000 Rand.
If I was to choose again today, I would probably be leaning towards
Swarovski, but I haven't done the tests above.
_________________________________________________________________
Frank O'Connor Birding WA http://birdingwa.iinet.net.au
Phone : (08) 9386 5694 Email :
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