Ron and Alexis, Thank you very much for your comments. Given this information, I am leaning towards buying these binoculars. If I do so, then I'll have two supper cool

A higher number simply means that the images are brighter. Higher numbers indicate better visibility in low light situations. It will also be easier for you to keep a complete image even if your hands are moving or shaking. Celestron luminos is only 82 deg and not a nagler clone attempt I heard. Meade also does not have 68 deg.Please complete the form below for a quote - Please be as accurate as possible to help us give an accurate quote. Also, has anyone seen Zeiss 8x56 FL test or review in english. I have searched the net but could not find anything interesting except marketing materials. Seems that 8x56 FL are not realy popular. Below is a link which gives a good, short history of Leica since 2000. Start at the bottom with the Trinovid BN and then work your way up. As you can see from the light transmission measurements the FL has 5-7% higher light transmission than either of the others. I find that much difference in brightness, while not exactly overwelming, is easily seen in a direct comparison. The difference in image brightness in any light was quite obviuos to me between the 8x56FL and the 8x50 Ultravid. I use a plastic drafting template with a couple dozen circles on it. There are enough to cover pretty much all scales on different atlases and charts.

I’ll be quite interested to see if the new 8x50 Ultravid HD has less lateral color. I wouldn’t expect much improvement from a change in objective glass. Right now I consider the prime suspect to be the simple 4 element eyepiece used in the 8x50. This is the Zeiss 8x56 BT* Design Selection from the 90s. It was replaced by the Victory Series which was itself replced by the FL series. It's a true masterpiece of design art! I would never replace this beauty with any of its successors! :t: Are there any good places that might have a spare Zeiss leather case I could buy for these? If not, I'll just buy caps from Agena Astro and put them in a nice case for protection. Current Leica binos: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Current_Leica_BinocularsThats what I use. Absolutely no complaints. Took off a Docter 3-12 * 56 to put Swarovski on, and can honestly say I prefer the fixed mag. The Docter obviously had better light gathering ability but I dont miss the variable mag as much as I thought I would. The 42mm and 50mm Trinovid BAs were replaced by their BN equivalents in 2000 (the 32mm versions were not replaced until 2001). The universal operating principle (knotting or expanding) allows for use in all solid, hollow and board building materials. Thus the UX is the correct choice for unknown base materials. You would not have gone wrong with any of the binoculars you mentioned. They are all great "classiscs"! Now, you have the Swaro 8x56 and you will have a lot of fun with it B Although it doesn't offer full crash protection, the rubber coating can protect against small bumps or bruises.

I have only used a BA, my 8x42, but have also wondered about this, and will share my second-hand "knowledge". But if you just love Leica, follow your heart and go for it! A big fat Leica HD, woah, how bad can it be!? Wish I had one.To update my last post, I have since had the time to do the owling I was hoping to do, and I would like to amend my previous answer. In low light, the 8x50 Trinovid outperforms my 8x42 Trinovid (classic) in a more than noticeable way. Using the 42mm's in extreme low light was simply unsatisfactory; I found myself squinting trying to see detail that was plainly visible in the 50mm's. The larger exit pupil really does make a difference, to the extent that I don't think I really need the 42's, my 32's being my optics of choice for most other daylight viewing (although the 42's are an excellent compromise if you only want to have one binocular). The light transmission through a BN is around 84%, vs 90-93% for the best modern models. This difference is not large, but is noticeable in direct comparison. It is the only significant optical shortcoming between it and the latest stuff. Taken alone for what it is, however, the BN view is satisfying. There are quite a few fans of these here, but most are birdwatchers who favor the 8x32. RELIABLE BINOCULARS – Take these rugged binoculars with you on all of your adventures for accurate focus perfect for all-around use. FMC Broadband Coating Technology ] The lightweight cruise binoculars is cover with BAK4 prism texture. The objective lens use optical FMC multilayer broadband green film, and the eyepiece-optical is made of blue FMC coating. All design can can mostly reflect the light to keep a good image and make you have a amazing experience.