I have the SLC new in 7x42 and A couple years ago I compared it wit hthe ultravid in 7x42 and ultravid in 8x42. I preferred the eyecups, sweet spot, and focus wheel of the SLC. THe rest was a toss up. I tested for flare, brightness etc and the SLC was as good or better. The only category it lost was weight.
I have always said if there was a 7x42 EL it would be a hit.
i also had and sold the 8x42FL w/o lotutec and didnt like the small sweet spot but brightness and sharpness in the center was great.
Overall i like the swaro because of the wise sweet spot.
I have looked at the 8x32 meopta but going from the roomy 6mm exit pupil of the slc to the 4mm of the meostar was not for me. Also the lens covers and eyecups were not as good on the meopta but the image was nice
If you could get any 7x42 which would it be and why? which have you actually seen?
I havent seen the ultravid HD in any configuration nor have i seen the 7x42 FL.
I heard the meopta 7x42 is great but i havent seen it and if it has the same lens covers and eyecups as the 8x32, i would not get it.
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When you have one alpha class glass and really like it, I advise you to just stick with it and enjoy it. When you get up to that class of glass, personal preferences dealing with how well your eyes match the optical system of the binocular are a lot more important than whether it is Z, L, S, Nikon or Meopta. That, and how it feels and handles for you. That is kind of a how many angels can dance on the head of a pin argument. The 7x EL would be nice to see, but I think they they would shoot a hole their market for the 7x42 SLC. Look at whatever you can find and listen to what your eyes tell you.
All of the alpha 7x42 are pretty heavy, except the Ultravid is lighter. So is the Nikon EDG.
[QUOTE=308CAL;1560628]I have the SLC new in 7x42 The only category it lost was weight. [/QUOTE]
If memory serves we both got our 7x42B SLCs from the same source within weeks of each other. It is an excellent bin. But I concur, the 33.5 ounces can be a literal pain. And I agree with Steve.... no profit in swapping among Alphas.
What I've done instead is to seek an excellent non-Alpha 7x that is much lighter. While I've just received it today and am still wringing it out, I'm pretty comfortable saying I scored yet again with the Zen-Ray 7x36 with it's ED glass, wide 477' FOV and 22 ounce weight.