I tried them both at Sail, and they both seemed the same, so must be something wrong. But the larger front lens will give a brighter image. I’m thinking of getting the 10x36 with reticle. It’s cool that you can range things with it, but I don’t really want a reticle. It’s just the housing is much heavier duty, and has a way nicer eyecup
I have the 8 x 36. Good quality. Some chromatic aberration, not the greatest FOV, close focus is so-so, no lens caps. But I like it. Replace nearly all the time my B&L 8x42 binoculars. Coupled with my small Pentax Papilio (extraordinary close focus!), perfect for what I do.
Have you tried the 10x36 ret version? I’m not wild about the fact there is a reticle, though it is cool to be able to range objects, but the housing is way better and they eye cup too, but I don’t know if it’s worth the extra cost
