This is the new higher end binocular from Opticron. It seems Opticron has sold quite a few of these. Comments here on BF have generally been positive. The short story is they did not miss much if anything with this introduction. In fact if I were to become the chief mover and shaker at Opticron...
www.birdforum.net
I did a review of the Opticron Aurora which might add a different perspective.
These days there is very little to no real, practical optical differences in binoculars of the $1,000 range. I would venture the opinion that there is not a bad optical apple in the entire selection. I think that in general people tend to think there is more difference available between binoculars 1, 2,and 3 than will ever exist. Ask the question and everybody tends to respond with the recommendation of their particular unit. I think that is generally because all the units are good choices. The real differences that exist are ergonomics. Nothing will spoil good optics faster than poor ergonomic fit. You will get a very good glass in the price range. Try some out as see how the eye cups feet against your eyes, I think removable eye cups can be a bad deal as those with tinkeritis can easily screw up the fine threads. Do you like the feel of the focus knob or the direction of rotation? Can you grasp them naturally and lift them to your eyes in such a way that the target is pretty well centered? Do you like the way they feel? Can you easily manipulate the focus wheel when the binocular is up to your eyes?
The Aurora is a fine choice. However after you try what you can and find one to buy, my advice to to quit worrying about if the Zeiss would have been a better choice than the Nikon.
