I've been thinking about the swarovski 8x30 slc (currently available for £499)and how it would compare against some cheaper 8x42 models from minox,nikon,swift etc,would the improved depth of focus etc from a cheap'ish 42mm be sufficient to compete against the little swaro's?
Matt
[QUOTE=matt green]I've been thinking about the swarovski 8x30 slc (currently available for £499)and how it would compare against some cheaper 8x42 models from minox,nikon,swift etc,would the improved depth of focus etc from a cheap'ish 42mm be sufficient to compete against the little swaro's?
Matt[/QUOTE]
I owned an earlier version of this bino. I would think the Swaro would be a good buy. It is a bino that has never quite received the praise it deserves. Well built, good optics, compact with excellent warranty support etc. The focus system is a little unconventional but is easy to get used to. I certainly do not think the 8 x 32 EL is over 300 UK pounds better! It does, however, offer somewhat limited eye-relief. But ..... the Nikon SE 8 x 32s are definitely superior optically and are cheaper to buy. Also, the Nikon 8 x 32 HGL can be had for not much more than the Swaro. I have no direct experience of the other models you mentioned.
Dave
The Nikon LXL (actually the same as the HGL, I'm told) 8 x32 has to be considered here. In the USA it can generally be purchased for less than the Swar 8 x30 SLC. It has great optics and very, very fast focusing. Very rugged and an Oz or 2 heavier than your average 8 x 32. The Leica 7 x 42 BN Trinovid has been recently discontinued and some still can be found at about US $900.00, a great buy! The Leica 8 x 32 BN Trinovid was also recently discounted down to US $1200.00 in Cabelas.
Cordially,
Bob