I spent an hour today at Cabelas comparing 4 different binoculars. I thought I would give my impressions of the optics and invite feedback. I fully realize that looking around the big, well lit, store is hardly a great playing field for comparison, but I made the most of what I had. I should mention that I had all but talked myself into the Nikons before even going in there, based on numerous reports.

1) Nikon Monarch ATB 10X42, $300
2) Leupold WR Cascade 10X42, $310
3) Cabelas Alaskan Guide 10X42, $570
4) Swarovski EL 10X42, $1850

I thought the Nikon and Leupold were indistinguishable in the optical quality. The optics were very good on both.

Next I tried the Cabelas Alaskan Guide and immediately noticed a step up in optical quality. As I said earlier, I was predisposed to the Nikon, so spent a good deal of time trying to convince myself that the Alaskan Guide was not better, but the difference was unmistakable. Advantage Alaskan Guide.

I then wondered how much better the Swarovski would be since it had a much heftier price tag. The Swarovski was indeed fantastic. I then spent a good deal of time comparing the Alaskan Guide to the Swarovski and felt the Swarovski had only a slight edge.

I felt that the Alaskan Guide was much closer in quality to the Swarovski than to the Nikon or Leupold. If I were to buy today (I won't actually buy til summer), I would go with the Alaskan Guide as a "best value".

Again, I will say that the comparison should ideally be done outdoors both in sunlight and low light conditions, but the indoor test convinced me to give a serious look to the Alaskan Guide when it comes time to buy.

Anyone out there have similar experiences with these binoculars??