In defense of the Nikon [ED] offerings: as measured via the U.S.A.F. RESOLUTION Chart (reduces subjective speculation to quantifiable "Line Pairs per Milimeter" of resolution),they ARE every bit the EQUAL of a Swarovski. MIke and I have conducted the comparison on several occasions, with several Nikon (ED glass) FieldScopes. However, we have had but a single Swarovski (mine)to compare them to - I suppose that I could have a "dog" Swarovoski! ;)Actually, via the U.S.A.F. resolution Chart, the Nikon Fieldscopes(ED versions)display BETTER color resolution across the spectrum! The Swarovoski and ED Nikons are almost dead equal - except the Nikons resolve yellow markedly BETTER!Especially during heavy mirage conditions at two and three hundred yards, people often call on Mike to call the close ones - and He's seldom wrong!
About 1994, Mike and I were looking for REALLY good glass - Mike purchased a Nikon, which has proven to be excellent. I discussed RESOLUTION with many dealers ( who sold BOTH) and NONE could or would state, in quantifiable terms, the difference (in RESOLUTION) that one could expect between a Nikon and a Swarovoski . . so, being the way I am, I purchased a Swarovoski (ST-80) and the measuring began . . . and it has held up again and again. When we could round them up, we used non-shooters/hunters as guinea pigs - this, hopefully, to limit prejudice.
The Nikons, with ED glass, offer REAL value for the investment; at that time, Mike shelled out about $700, while the Swarovoski cost me roughly $1250! I believe the spread remains in the $550 area.
The only time I believe the Swarovoski may have a slight edge is the during the first/last minutes of usable light; times when a spotter is rarely used. My old ST-80 is a PAIN to pack during a hunt. 
In defense of Swarovoski, they now offer some more reasonably sized models; my mule deer huntin' pal, Joe has carried a 65mm Swarovoski on our last two outings - it's a pretty decent scope. I do like my Swarovoski binos and spotter; however, had a dealer been able/willing to offer a quantifiable comparison when I purchased the ST-80, I would have opted for the ED Nikon . . . and would have no regrets! R.G.
