Hello all,
I am in the market for another binocular(currently use Swaro EL 8.5X42) in the 8X30/32 size, and need something that will also be waterproof/fogproof. Only a month ago, the Leica prices were acceptable to me, but I was not ready to buy then and was not aware of their pending price increase.
Looking at the Eagle Optics website, I gathered the following prices:
Swarovski SLCnew 8X30 $969
Leica Trinovid 8X32BN $1195 (23% increase from last month)
Zeiss 8X32FL T $1269
Leica Ultravid 8X32 $1475
Swarovski EL 8X32 $1499
Hong Kong Supplies Leica 8X32 Trinovid BN $868
I had hoped to stay under the $1000 price mark, but...
Any and all recommendations are welcome. I am very happy with my Swaro 8.5x42, and I enjoyed the view through the Zeiss 7X42 FL that I tried in the past, but am concerned about durability after the recent post about someone's FL focusing coming apart. Also, Is Leica QC reliable enough to chance buying a bino from Hong Kong?
TIA,
JR
I have the Nikon 8x32 HG (the older, heavier version that's still available on WarehouseExpress in the UK for an amazingly low price). This is waterproof and for me has superb ergonomics. I used to have a Leica 8x32 BA and I find the Nikon better (and cheaper !). I don't know about the latest Leica.
Good luck.
[QUOTE=jrhudgins]Hello all,
I am in the market for another binocular(currently use Swaro EL 8.5X42) in the 8X30/32 size, and need something that will also be waterproof/fogproof. Only a month ago, the Leica prices were acceptable to me, but I was not ready to buy then and was not aware of their pending price increase.
Looking at the Eagle Optics website, I gathered the following prices:
Swarovski SLCnew 8X30 $969
Leica Trinovid 8X32BN $1195 (23% increase from last month)
Zeiss 8X32FL T $1269
Leica Ultravid 8X32 $1475
Swarovski EL 8X32 $1499
Hong Kong Supplies Leica 8X32 Trinovid BN $868
I had hoped to stay under the $1000 price mark, but...
Any and all recommendations are welcome. I am very happy with my Swaro 8.5x42, and I enjoyed the view through the Zeiss 7X42 FL that I tried in the past, but am concerned about durability after the recent post about someone's FL focusing coming apart. Also, Is Leica QC reliable enough to chance buying a bino from Hong Kong?
TIA,
JR[/QUOTE]
JR,
I've heard the FL 8X32 is optically closest to the SE 8X32, which I think is optical nirvana.
The Ultravid 8X32 is optically superb and very well built, but short on eye relief...for my eyeglasses.
Swarovski's 8X30 SLC is, IMO, better than the EL 8X32, but I don't care for the forward focus too much.
All of the above are > $1000
The Nikon 8X32 LX is sharp across the field with lovely, high contrast, true-color optics. Some think it's the best 8X32 roof they've evaluated. The warranty covers all damage and it's < $1000. Ask those who own it for more info.
John