If we move beyond the respective positioning of the two binoculars, all reviewers of the CL-B have praised the ”optical box” design of their oculars and the ease of view, when HenRun returned his SFL 30 in part due to lack of ease of view.
I myself had briefly compared the CL-B against the VP 8x25 and found the optical gains if any were not impressive enough to justify the 2x weight and price. I’m interested in the SFL 30 because it looks almost as compact as the VP, but HenRun’s observations gave me pause.
They do look deceptively similar - but the in-hand feel is, to me, noticeably different. The CL feels thinner and gives an easier grip with the longer length behind the hinge. The CL also feels slightly lighter. Sure, the specs are what they are, putting hands on gives a slightly different impression.
That’s human nature and seems to apply to many, whether we recognize it or not.All subjective opinions with long buried brand allegiances.
Been like that forever....on all brands, all products. A Ford or a Chevy.... Apple or Android, Qantas or Delta.... Canon or Nikon, etc etc etc...All subjective opinions with long buried brand allegiances.
Yes, they look like toys...but that's how 8x25 or 8x30 binoculars should be! An 8x32 binocular (even more an 8x30 or 8x25 binocular) must be designed as small as possible, otherwise we enter in the field of larger binoculars such as 8x42. The only reason to use an 8x32 instead of an 8x42 is to be smaller and lighter. But I have seen 8x32 binoculars so big that we easily confuse them with a 8x42 one (SF 8×32 and NL 8x32). In my opinion the main advantage of the 8x32, 8x30, 8x25 class binoculars must be smaller/ lighter volume, otherwise an 8x42 is better, brighter and more comfortable!To me...the MHG and the Zeiss VP 8x25 feel more 'toylike'...although optically they are excellent. But I always felt I had some Fisher Price toy around my neck. I do like them optically and do like the compactness but not as every days.... jim
NO doubt...I agree. But I do like my Meostar 8x32...as for some reason they just have more of a bulk to them. I am assuming (haven't tried one in years) that the Conquest is the same. Small but not 'too itsy bitsy small....Yes, they look like toys...but that's how 8x25 or 8x30 binoculars should be! An 8x32 binocular (even more an 8x30 or 8x25 binocular) must be designed as small as possible, otherwise we enter in the field of larger binoculars such as 8x42. The only reason to use an 8x32 instead of an 8x42 is to be smaller and lighter. But I have seen 8x32 binoculars so big that we easily confuse them with a 8x42 one (SF 8×32 and NL 8x32). In my opinion the main advantage of the 8x32, 8x30, 8x25 class binoculars must be smaller/ lighter volume, otherwise an 8x42 is better, brighter and more comfortable!
Your own eyes....your own hands and how you feel that binocular. I realize not everyone has a chance to either rent out binoculars or order a pair of used ones from B & H (as in America) and then return etc..... (I don't do that with new bins), but if you can, that is ideal to really get a feel and compare and contrast several of your top ones.Right, and where should we go for those impartial, informed and comprehensive tests then? Rokslide?