Difference between Leupold Bino's

[Sitkaspruce]

I have a great oppurtunity to purchase some Leupold Gold Ring Binos.
My questions are as follows:

What is the difference between the old Leupold Gold Ring 8x42 and the new HD Gold Rings.
Is the HD that much better? Is there other upgrades on the HD?
Do the old ones have index matched lens?
How do the HD compare to the big three?
What do you guys think of the Leupold Gold Rings in general?

I can get the old ones for around $450 and the new HD for around $850. Is there a $400 difference?

I know lots of questions....sorry

Thanks

Oh yea not worried about weight as I have a hand shake and the more weight helps steady the hand, hence the reason for 8 power as well

 

[COLOelkman]

My only comment is that I tried the gold rings out at a show and they didn't fit my eyes well. Matter of fact I liked the lower Wind River Cascades better. Thus, be sure you look thru whatever your interested in no matter how they are rated by others bot be sure they work for you.