I picked up a Zeiss 8x56 FL probably because Henry Link said it was optically one of his favorite binoculars and I respect his opinion. I compared it to my favorites right now the Canon 10x42 L IS and I have to say Henry was right as usual. The big Zeiss is one of the best binoculars I have ever looked through. It is the most transparent binocular I have ever had the pleasure of using. Just amazing optics and I have had the Zeiss 8x32, 8x42, and 10x42 FL's. That big aperture just gives amazingly sharp views with incredible contrast and the best glare control I have ever seen. You can look incredibly close to the sun with NO glare. It is signifigantly better than the smaller FL's and if you like good optics well worth carrying the extra weight. Actually it is not much bigger than the 8x42 FL although it is heavier but it is so balanced it doesn't feel that heavy. Incredibly bright and eye placement is so easy with the huge exit pupil of 7mm. You can even stretch the diopter beyond what you normally would because of that large exit pupil. I have to say even with the additional shake versus the Canon IS it won me over. The optics are just so good. I really never thought the 56mm aperture would make that much difference versus the smaller FL's but it does. The Canon 10x42 L IS went back to Amazon and the big Zeiss is the new King of Beasts.
God knows I needed a good laugh today and this cracked me up!
FWIW, I think Henry believes the Swarvision to be the best now.
Could be wrong though.
Dennis' bino shenanigans are indeed entertaining. Some day he's gonna trip up and crown a bino he already dethroned once before!
You gotta marvel at his enthusiasm though.
Mark