I’m decided as a pair for putting in my pocket for every time I step out, like the leatherman squirt I always have in my bag. Does the job but only as a convenience.
For serious birding (and pretty much anything animal related), I am dithering on buying some very good used EL 8.5, or waiting for a deal on the 10 NL. I know the former will be good enough, but the latter are better!
I’ve tried the NL 10x and they seem to have as good light gathering as the EL 8.5x
I realise that sounds counterintuitive, but that’s my experience.
At some stage I’ll probably replace my 25 year old Leica Trinovid 8x42s. If I do, i’m pretty sure it will be a contest between the NL Pure 10x42 or the Leica 10x42 Noctivid.
I was set on the 8.5 I tested as the really helpful rspb staff suggested it would be a better fit for my type of use: busy backgrounds, trees, and a fair bit of evening use.
That said, the Zeiss Victory SF 10 seemed on a par. I’ve read the NL are so good you can up a size and not notice on brightness. No stock of those to play with.
I figure that if I get the EL I’ll always hanker for the NL.
But then I have to ask if they are worth the extra for me, as I suspect my annual mileage is a lot less than yours!
So I’m not rushing. Any used NL and I think I’ll buckle!
I’ll take advantage bore you of your experience at Settle.
I appreciate the portability argument but top end bins are in another league whether that be the Zeiss, Swarovski or Leica.
Why are you telling me 
I don’t need convincing
Have you considered getting some decent bins Paul?
No, I’ll stick with my 25 yo Leicas for now.
Holy thread resurrection Batman.
Donna wifey is looking for some ‘reasonable’ binoculars for general walking use.
Something like this perhaps?
Opticron 30530 Oregon 4 LE WP 8x25 Compact Binocular - Black
Opticron 30530 Oregon 4 LE WP 8x25 Compact Binocular - Black: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo
Are there any better options?
Do they have to have to be new (? Xmas pressie?)?
Otherwise a pair of lightweight 8x32 would give a better brightness and field of view. I use VikingVistron Pro 8x32 for carrying around. Outdated now, but similar things around 400g weight could be found. About £200 new but s/h say £60-100.
Cheers Dave, they are not a Christmas present (not shiny enough apparently 
), so 2nd hand definitely an option 
.
I’ll take a look at the ones you recommended, thank you.
Assuming you want to be south of £100 these might be a goer. Had a few pairs of Pentax DCF down the years and been very pleased with them.
Bit dearer but I really like Hawke, I have the endurance model and they have been bullet proof so far. British firm and come with a lifetime warranty.
HAWKE UK | Nature-Trek
Cheers chaps
Got me some new 10x42 bins. The shortlist was Swarovski NL Pure, Leica Noctivid, Zeiss Victory SF. All 3 are similarly priced (+ or- £100-ish) and every review I read suggested minuscule (mainly subjective) differences between them. A combination of trying other people’s bins, getting that in-the-hand feel and comparing guarantees etc. helped (no chance of an in-shop demo here)
I’ve used Leica bins for the last 27 yrs so it was quite a surprise to me that I ended up buying the Zeiss Victory SF.
They’re my xmas present to myself (cos no fucker else will be buying me one!)
No wonder you are flogging HiFi gear! 
Another money pit of a hobby!
Wait until you start comparing scopes, tripods, cameras/lenses, thermal imagers etc.
Lack of use is the reason for downsizing that particular collection.
