I know its not a very good way to try out binoculars but I went to Cabelas last night and spent quite a bit of time looking through the SLCs, Zeiss Conquest, Leica trinovids, Cabelas Euro (Meostars), Nikon Monarch HGs, and I think Leupold Santiams.
Once again I ruled out the Zeiss pretty quickly. They just didn't fit my eyes. The Nikons and Leupolds were good but not quite up to snuff with the others. So ruled them out.
So it came down to the SLCs, Leicas, and Meoptas. The Leicas fit my eyes the best. Very comfortable. The other 2 were both a very close second. Ergonomics was almost a tossup. The Leicas maybe once again a hair better but ever so slightly. Switching between the SLCs and the Meostars I would often forget which ones I had in my hands as far as fit and feel. I felt the Meostars were brightest every time I picked them up compared to the other 2. Lens coloring may have played a part in that.
The twist up eyecups went to the SLCs then Leicas, then Meostars. But full out is all I use so not a big deal. I will say the SLCs felt gritty. Diopter adjustments were 6 of 1 half dozen of the other. as far as ease of use. Once again the SLCs had issues. Turn them 1 way and they were stiff turn them back and very loose. Was pretty weird.
I will probably spend some more time looking at these 3. But so far my initial impression was best overall was the Meostars with the Leicas a very close 2nd. Tough choice between the 2. The SLCs dropped to 3rd and I almost completely ruled them out several times. I think I will give them another chance later though.
