looking 8x30 model. (1 Viewer)

[pluton]

Hi,
I am looking for a good Swarovski binocular, 8x30 / 8x32 model, but the 8X32 EL model is out of my reach (my pocket), I think these sizes are perfect for me, I have some bigger but they weigh me too much, and I also love the brand Swarovski, a bit of everything, would be among the Habicht 8x30 porro prism model, I have heard wonderful things about it, or also the CL 8x30 (I doubt that the 10x30 model can stabilize it with my hands), or the CL B 8x30 (the new model) ... maybe there is some other model ...
I'd be delighted to hear your opinions ...
regards
Pluto.

 

[ceasar]

Hi,
I am looking for a good Swarovski binocular, 8x30 / 8x32 model, but the 8X32 EL model is out of my reach (my pocket), I think these sizes are perfect for me, I have some bigger but they weigh me too much, and I also love the brand Swarovski, a bit of everything, would be among the Habicht 8x30 porro prism model, I have heard wonderful things about it, or also the CL 8x30 (I doubt that the 10x30 model can stabilize it with my hands), or the CL B 8x30 (the new model) ... maybe there is some other model ...
I'd be delighted to hear your opinions ...
regards
Pluto.

Hi Pluton,

Within your interests and financial limits your only choice IMO is the CL Companion 8x30B. It will cost you $1229.00 US Dollars at Camera Land in New York, USA.

I have one and it is my favorite binocular. It plays well above its size with the unique and versatile "Optical Box" construction its eye pieces have. This allows the user to either place the eyepieces back in ones eye sockets or brace them up against one's eyebrows.

Here are its specs:

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...4b1b-0136-1ddd-00163ecd2826?variation=1792294

There is also the Swarovski CL Pocket 8x25 B binocular which costs $810.00 US Dollars and at "shirt pocket size" it is very handy. But it is too small for most people who are looking for a small binocular for every day use. I have one of these too and I find it easy to use for a compact binocular.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...4b1b-0136-1ddd-00163ecd2826?variation=1792294

Bob

 

[pluton]

Thank you Bob for your reply, in yoiur experience there is much difference between the pocket 8x25 and the "big pocket" 8x30B ?

Thanks again,
Pluto.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I know you said you like Swarovski's but here is a much better binocular than the CL 8x25 or CL 8x30 and really equal to if not better than the EL 8x32 IMO because it handles glare better and has a smoother focuser for the same $1200.00 price as the CL 8x30. I know I have had them all. The weak spot of the CL 8x30 is edge CA. A new Nikon EDG 8x32 from Japan.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-NIKON-...922534&hash=item1a3f228a2e:g:ZVUAAOSwKQ9aEWg1
https://www.allbinos.com/allbinos_ranking-binoculars_ranking-8x32.html

 

[chill6x6]

Hi,
I am looking for a good Swarovski binocular, 8x30 / 8x32 model, but the 8X32 EL model is out of my reach (my pocket), I think these sizes are perfect for me, I have some bigger but they weigh me too much, and I also love the brand Swarovski, a bit of everything, would be among the Habicht 8x30 porro prism model, I have heard wonderful things about it, or also the CL 8x30 (I doubt that the 10x30 model can stabilize it with my hands), or the CL B 8x30 (the new model) ... maybe there is some other model ...
I'd be delighted to hear your opinions ...
regards
Pluto.

Hi Pluto,

I don't see a thing wrong with that binocular(CL B 8X30). I've had mine for a short time(since January I believe) and I like it. It's for sure the best 8X30 that I have. Really nice optics for it's size and weight. I think it would be a really nice choice..

 

[elkcub]

Hi Pluton,

Within your interests and financial limits your only choice IMO is the CL Companion 8x30B. It will cost you $1229.00 US Dollars at Camera Land in New York, USA.

I have one and it is my favorite binocular. It plays well above its size with the unique and versatile "Optical Box" construction its eye pieces have. This allows the user to either place the eyepieces back in ones eye sockets or brace them up against one's eyebrows.

Here are its specs:

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...4b1b-0136-1ddd-00163ecd2826?variation=1792294

There is also the Swarovski CL Pocket 8x25 B binocular which costs $810.00 US Dollars and at "shirt pocket size" it is very handy. But it is too small for most people who are looking for a small binocular for every day use. I have one of these too and I find it easy to use for a compact binocular.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...4b1b-0136-1ddd-00163ecd2826?variation=1792294

Bob

Bob,

It appears that you posted the same link twice.

Ed

 

[pluton]

Denco, this Nikon EDG is similar to old Nikon HG model ??
thanks

 

[ceasar]

Thank you Bob for your reply, in yoiur experience there is much difference between the pocket 8x25 and the "big pocket" 8x30B ?

Thanks again,
Pluto.

Yes, there is quite a bit of difference between them.

The 8/10x25 binoculars were designed to be compact, pocket binoculars and they are very good in that role.

IMO the current CL Companion 8x30B was designed to be a new, improved version of the old, legendary Swarovski SLC New 8x30 WB.

I owned one of them and it compared favorably with my Nikon HGL 8x32 DCF. I gave the Swarovski SLC New 8x30 to my son after I got the CLCompanion 8x30B.

https://www.allbinos.com/243-Swarovski_SLC_New_8x30_WB-binoculars_specifications.html

https://www.allbinos.com/94-Nikon_HG_L_8x32_DCF-binoculars_specifications.html

I think that the Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 B can compete with most of the larger 8x32 binoculars as a 1st rate birding binocular and it can save you money in addition. My only complaint about it is the method it uses to hold the straps on the binocular but I have become used to it by now.

Bob.

 

[ceasar]

Bob,

It appears that you posted the same link twice.

Ed

Yes I did. I thought I corrected it but I guess I fouled that up too!:C

Bob

 

[Dennis Mau]

Denco, this Nikon EDG is similar to old Nikon HG model ??
thanks

No, the Nikon EDG is the best alpha level binocular Nikon ever made in 8x32, 8x42 and 10x42. They also made the WX 10x50 and 7x50 which are probably THE best binoculars ever made. The EDG's retailed for about $2.5K but they have been discontinued but you can still buy them new on Ebay from Japanese sellers for 1/2 that so they are an excellent bargain. If you check Allbinos the 8x32 EDG is ranked number one, the 8x42 EDG is ranked number two and the 10x42 EDG is ranked number one in their respective categories. The 10x42 EDG is the HIGHEST scoring binocular they have ever tested and they have tested the Nikon WX 10x50. If I were you I would jump on that new 8x32 EDG before they sell it for $1200.00 shipped. The Nikon EDG 8x32 will send the Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 B crying home to mommy!:-O

https://www.allbinos.com/rankings.html
https://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products/binoculars/wx-10x50-if.html

 

[Gijs van Ginkel]

Pluton, post 1,
If you can find a used 8x30 SLC new for a good price it is certainly worthwile to try it. On the used items market it may be a very attractive binocular as far as price is concerned and moreover it is a fine instrument to use.
Gijs van Ginkel

 

[John A Roberts]

I’d second Gijs’ comments - a second-hand SLC 8x30 is a very good alternative

For a reliable assessment of performance, see Roger Vine’s review at: http://www.scopeviews.co.uk/Swaro8x30WB.htm
(n.b. in the review Roger compares the SLC to the original CL - not the current version dating from mid-2017)

As Roger indicates, since the 8x30’s were made for so long - from 1985 to 2011 - there were significant improvements to performance over time
While this may seem to be a problem, it's easy to know what your getting/ maximise the value for what you pay:

- see my comments regarding handling and performance in posts #6 and #7 at: https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=3890123#post3890123 , and

- units can be precisely dated, as the date is in the serial number e.g. my #D7621 98703 dates from May (the 21st week) of 2006 (add 1930 to the first 2 digits)

And you also get the advantage of Swarovski’s superior after sales service


John

 

[Dennis Mau]

Pluton, post 1,
If you can find a used 8x30 SLC new for a good price it is certainly worthwile to try it. On the used items market it may be a very attractive binocular as far as price is concerned and moreover it is a fine instrument to use.
Gijs van Ginkel

I tried a pair of SLC 8x30's once and once was enough! They have the focuser at the WRONG end. Very inconvenient IMO. I don't care how short it is. The optics were very good I will agree with that.

 

[mooreorless]

I agree with Gijs van Ginkel and John Roberts about the Swarovski SLC 8x30 I have no problem with the focuser being at "denco wrong end" Ha!Ha! Different strokes I guess. Feels good to me.

 

[dries1]

If you can get over the focus wheel location, they are a very good glass for the money, I have the neu model and it is an excellent performer. There are some available out there and I feel a great value for the $$. John has provided as usual, very pertinent info.

Andy W.

 

[pbjosh]

The 8x30 CL B (new version) is a tremendous little binocular. For the size it is, in my opinion, the highest quality view available, full stop. I do not know the SLC 30mm models and they have good reputations of course but I’ve not seen anyone claim they are superior.

I would throw one other bin in for consideration - the Nikon Monarch HG 8x30. Opinions are divided but I love it. It is physically more or less identical in size/weight to the CL-B. It is a tiny bit less sharp and has a touch less eye relief (still ok for me with glasses) but has a superior field of view and a touch more of a saturated/contrasty view. I really like both but personally chose the Nikon.

The 8x32 EDG is a lovely binocular but is so much larger and heavier it is an entirely different class. It is the size and weight of some 42mm bins!

 

[MandoBear]

The 8x32 EDG is a lovely binocular but is so much larger and heavier it is an entirely different class. It is the size and weight of some 42mm bins!

I tried the 8x32 EDG a while back, but I didn't "bond" with it - my overall impression was that it was way too big and heavy for an 8x32, and whilst the view was lovely, for my money the Nikon Eii gave me more of what I wanted.

Coming back to the Swarovski CL Companion 8x30: it's a lovely, very handy binocular with a very clear, crisp view - and a very relaxed view. Not the widest field of view out there, but it doesn't feel cramped, and there is a little CA at the edges though I don't find it worrisome or intrusive. The focusing action is quite slow, and I prefer that - I find it easier to reach critical focus and then stay there without repeatedly overshooting. The dioptre compensation takes a little getting used to (it's been criticised, but it's not really that difficult), and once set, it's set. In all other aspects handling-wise, it is a very compact, solid-feeling binocular that exudes quality each time you use it. I was using mine yesterday evening - I was following a bird flying low in the western sky as the sun was setting. Stray light suppression is very good - the bird flew past the sun and I had practically no advance warning of the sun's proximity due to the almost total lack of stray light and flares in these binoculars.

 

[NDhunter]

Hi Pluton,

Within your interests and financial limits your only choice IMO is the CL Companion 8x30B. It will cost you $1229.00 US Dollars at Camera Land in New York, USA.

I have one and it is my favorite binocular. It plays well above its size with the unique and versatile "Optical Box" construction its eye pieces have. This allows the user to either place the eyepieces back in ones eye sockets or brace them up against one's eyebrows.

Here are its specs:

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...4b1b-0136-1ddd-00163ecd2826?variation=1792294

There is also the Swarovski CL Pocket 8x25 B binocular which costs $810.00 US Dollars and at "shirt pocket size" it is very handy. But it is too small for most people who are looking for a small binocular for every day use. I have one of these too and I find it easy to use for a compact binocular.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...4b1b-0136-1ddd-00163ecd2826?variation=1792294

Bob

Bob:

This is about an 8x30 model, and you have mentioned the 8x25 CL, this in no way compares to the overall usefulness compared to an 8x30-32 model.
Not sure why you mentioned it.

So, if looking at a Swarovski model, there are many choices, if looking at preowned it opens up a large selection. The 8x30 SLC Neu, the 8x30 CL original version, the 8x32 EL, can all be found in the price range of under
$1,200.
The original EL 8x32 offers a pleasing 8* FOV, an has one of the most ergo
friendly designs available. The EL SV offers an even better view.

Jerry

 

[kellmark]

Bob:

This is about an 8x30 model, and you have mentioned the 8x25 CL, this in no way compares to the overall usefulness compared to an 8x30-32 model.
Not sure why you mentioned it.

So, if looking at a Swarovski model, there are many choices, if looking at preowned it opens up a large selection. The 8x30 SLC Neu, the 8x30 CL original version, the 8x32 EL, can all be found in the price range of under
$1,200.
The original EL 8x32 offers a pleasing 8* FOV, an has one of the most ergo
friendly designs available. The EL SV offers an even better view.

Jerry

I have a different thought. I have tried the Swaro 8x30 CL and liked it. But I acquired the Swaro 8x25 CL. It suits me. It is bright enough. And I am in my 70s, although my cataracts are fixed in both eyes so hey, they are good in that respect. The glass is very nice. It fits me well. The eye cups and focuser are excellent. And I can literally take it anywhere, anytime. I have also owned 8x42s but I just don’t find them to be nearly as good for my purpose. For my larger bins I have gone with the Canon IS series. I love their stabilization.

I know you and others have looked more for the 8x30-8x32 range and they certainly have their place, but some of the compacts are excellent and can compare closely with the larger ones. I would take a look at the Zeiss Victory 8x25 pocket as well as the Swarovski 8x25 CL. Reviewers have given the Zeiss excellent reviews, especially their field of view and clarity, to the point of replacing their 8x32s in many cases. They will probably be my next pair. And you will save money as well as they run a little more than $800 in the US, much less than the 8x30s or 8x32s. And you can take them anywhere, literally in your pocket. A binocular that provides an excellent view that you can take anywhere at anytime is the definition of usefulness.

Good luck in your search.
Allan

 

[jring]

Hi,

good advice has been given:

- if you can find and try a used SLC locally and for a good price (should be quite a bit below 1000 USD!), that is a good idea!

- an EDG is also a very good buy, yes it is not a small and super light 8x32, but it also does not suffer of the the faults of many of it's competitors in that class - namely not so great eye relief and stray light / glare protection. Probably optically the best 8x32 you can buy.

- if you were thinking about the Habicht, a view through an E2 might get you hooked to porros - if you don't need ER and can live with no waterproofing.

Joachim