All depends on the kit you choose to use.
A pair of x32's can be just as good for most stalkers, as the glass quality has improved so much. But, marketing spiel directs most to x42's.
Both Bino and Thermal shoulder harnesses mitigate any strain on the neck these days. It's up to the individual if they choose to use them.
Pulsar Telos XL50. Not everyone has 4k to spend out as a first purchase but I understand your example. I suspect given the rate of product development and as sensor performance improves there will always be room for upgrade(s). The advantage with the Telos, is that you can purchase a budget unit and upgrade performance over time to suit a budget. No other manufacturer has developed this forethought of a standardised model, instead is just intent on selling a redesigned evolution of the same product every year.
I am not a Pulsar advocate/Owner, but having owned various Asian made products, some with Warranty issues, it does make you reconsider where and when hard earned money is spent, and the quality of the product on offer and it's realtime expected lifetime before it expires. We live in a world where many manufacturers no longer in believe in producing products built to last, the focus is very much now on a short lifetime and repeatable purchasing for the next best product.
