Got around this morning to directly comparing my trusty Zeiss 7x42 Classics (BGAT*P*)and my recently acquired Nikon 8x32 SE.
Subjective impressions, my eyes etc. Done outside (tree bark, a few birds, brick walls, numbers on signs) and inside (braided grass decoration on a gourd-bowl).
I should add, i am one of the fortunate eyeglass wearers that do not experience any "black-out" with the SE's.
Sharpness, detail, etc.:
Really too close to call. Mayyyybe a nod to the SE, but darn close, indoors and out.
Brightness:
Indoors, the SE, clearly. Assuming the laws of physics have not been repealed, must be something with the coatings?
Apparent abberation free field:
SE wins again, (on how much of each model's FOV appears abberation free, in use. did not measure then see which is bigger).
Hand balance/ergonomics:
Tie. I find both to have excellent hand balance. I find the Classic to be better for fast moving targets, swallow on the wing, etc.
Eye Relief/eye feel:
The SE wins on eye relief for me. But on the sheer gestalt of eye "feel" the Classic still wins.
So, which do i think is better
Do not know, but feel very lucky to have both.
jay
Jay,
I have also the proud owner of both these binoculars. Your comparative review is very interesting. If Amazon USA is still knocking the SEs out at around $450, they must the outstanding binocular bargain of the year. Presumably Nikon USA is keen to move them on in bulk. I wonder if they are still in production? I'll try and post a comparison myself in a couple of weeks on returning from a holiday.
Dave
Just checked Amazon.com (USA), and they are now $599.95.