Leupold Cascade or Nikon ATB?

I played with both, and the Leupold seemed better. But now I'm wondering if this was because of slightly better eye relief (I wear glasses). Also, I did know to push rubber eye hoods down (can you do that on the ATBs?). So my budget is around $300, and I'm thinking about:
- Nikon 10x36 (is this much darker - heard it has been edge sharpness)
- Nikon 10x42
- Cascades 10x42

Planning to use it in the near term for an Alaskan cruise. We'll also have a pair of 7x50 Vivitar Series 1 along, so I figured the 10x would complement that, though I find it easier to view through an 8x. Yes, I'm confused. TIA.

Hmmmm. I guess the Olympic 8x42 is the same price range. Too many choices!

Hi

In my tests, the Cascades was noticeably darker and scored lower on resolution than the Monrach. Good bino for the money, but not quite up to the Monrach. The Olympic is really very similar to the Monarch and well worth spending the extra cash to get over the Cascades.

You can also push down the eyecups on the Monarch and, no, the 8x36 will not be siginificantly darker than the 8x42.

I got the Olympics and really like 'em. Maybe I'm being too picky.... The black baffled ring just in front of the element is nicked. It looks like it was jammed in too hard on assembly. There's nicks on opposite sides. Really makes me wonder about their quality control. I need to return it, but half thinking now to get something else. Guess it's all made in China.

Hi

If it bothers you, by all means replace it - that is well within your right as a consumer - but that certainly won't affect a thing.

Quality control at this price is reasonably good, but not on a par with premium binos, of course. It's more a matter of price than where it is made. Really strict quality control is expensive and even with the most expensive binos, one slips by now and then that shouldn't. Have seen a lemon in every brand over my many years of selling.