XD, ED, HD and all those other abbreviations for special optical glass seem to be proliferating in the
binocular world. Using these special glass options is nothing new for
spotting scopes or
telescopes, but it is a relatively recent development in the world of binoculars. Does adding special glass to a binocular objective really make a difference? In my opinion, not as much difference as it does in higher magnification instruments, like spotting scopes and telescopes, but the difference is still there, even at the low magnifications of a
binocular, though it may take a discriminating and experienced eye to see it. Still, in a highly competitive market like binoculars, you gotta keep up with the other guys products.