Dura-Ace pedals are lightweight, offer adjustable release tension, are easy to get into and out of and offer a range of float (depending on the chosen cleats).
There are other pedals lighter in weight, there are other pedals with different entry and release systems, there are other pedals with more float. None that I've tired so far, though, whether for road or mountain, put it all together as well as Shimano does. For me, an extra benefit I appreciated was being able to buy these pedals with the longer spindle, which better suits my relatively wide feet.
Dura-Ace pedals are top of the line and so are justifiably expensive. They are occasionally on sale, though, and prior years' versions can of course be had at a steep discount.
