I get a twilight factor of 18.33 for 8x42, which is not much of a difference for the extra weight and bulk.
Only you can decide if the EL's shortcomings are made good in a Leica or a Zeiss.
Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood
At one time I had Swarovski 8x20 compacts and 10x40 SLC and sold both to get a pair of Swarovski 8x32 ELs. The ELs are awesome but I've never really fell in love with and I don't know why - FoV, not the best low light, eye relief right at the edge of seeing full view, or whatever. I am an eyeglass wearer.
I'm considering selling them in favor of a pair of Leica 8x42 Ultravids (or maybe Ultravid HD - not sure which is really better) or, if I hit the lotto, I might go for the Ziess 8x42 Victory FL. The twilight factor from 8x32 to 8x42 is 16 versus 27.6 which I think would be significant. The bad thing is even if I'm able to get a reasonable price for my ELs, I'll still have to add a considerable chunk of change which would be more money than alot of hunters do initially. And I don't want to get anything "as good as the top optics" irreguardless of what I would save - I like great optics.
I'm just wondering if it would be a mistake to let my ELs go? Thanks.
Hello TpCollins,
I get a twilight factor of 18.33 for 8x42, which is not much of a difference for the extra weight and bulk.
Only you can decide if the EL's shortcomings are made good in a Leica or a Zeiss.
Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood
Comparative field testing is the only way you’ll get a meaningful answer to that question. See if you can’t borrow a friend’s Leica or Zeiss & put it through its paces.