What is the best value in used high end binos right now ($1000+)?

[gooberfish]

What is the difference between Zeiss SF and SFL.

SF is slightly sharper, wider FOV, better edge to edge clarity. The SFL has the advantage with size and weight (the 40mm SFL is about the same size as the 32mm SF and they're within ~1 ounce of each other). Some people say the SF has a cool tint and that the SFL is ever so slightly better for color neutrality, but I can't say it's anything that has ever bothered me (or that I've ever noticed) on my SF 8x42s.

The SFs are way more ergonomic than two barely shaped tubes have any right to be, and even with the weight and size penalties I can use them handheld for hours at a time without my arms getting tired. They're also one of the only binoculars I've used that don't give me the rolling ball effect if that's something you're sensitive to. I probably sound like an ad at this point, and as others have said everyone's eyes will be different so test before buying, but they really are that good.

 

[Captains1911]

Sorry for the dumb question, but what exactly qualifies as “alpha?” I understand in general that it refers to high end, but is it subjective or is there some sort of criteria?

 

[4th_point]

Sorry for the dumb question, but what exactly qualifies as “alpha?” I understand in general that it refers to high end, but is it subjective or is there some sort of criteria?

Most people I know would just say Swaro, Leica, Zeiss - their top models. Overall image quality, but not necessarily the best for all criteria, all in one.