Excellent quality at great price (almost as sharp as the more expensive leica) - Zeiss B Design Selection 6x18mm Monocular

I have owned this Zeiss 6X18B monoculars for 5 years now and recently purchased the Leica version as well. Both the Zeiss and Leica monoculars are excellent, but excel in different ways.

This Zeiss 6X18B is lightweight, sharp, compact. The high quality real-leather case is very compact and includes a neck lanyard. At first, I was concerned with the plastic construction of the housing; however, it remains in the same excellent condition as it was 5 years ago. Zeiss's leather case is made of heavy/medium weight leather and has a pebble pattern so it is not as easily scratched as the smooth leather of the bulky Leica case. The plastic Zeiss is much lighter than the all metal Leica. In addition, Zeiss warranties it for lifetime; however, I have yet to see how easy the claim process is. Please note that the focus is based on a pull/push system which is good and bad: once you master the technique, focusing is faster than Leica's turn knob system, but it is easier to bump the tube and lose focus again if you are not careful. The other thing that makes the Zeiss is defensive to the Leica version is that there it is not nitrogen filled, it is not weatherproof. I would not recommend using the Zeiss in the rain. The Zeiss is also much cheaper than the Leica as well. With all this said, why did I purchase the Leica after 5 years with the Zeiss?. . .the Leica is nitrogen filled and is sharper than the Zeiss. I plan to keep both and use them in different situations.