Swaro 8x30 CL

[Wasatchbuck]

So I have been looking at getting new bins for a while now and while I was pretty set on a pair of 10x42 SLC HD's or Meopta 10x42 HD(thanks Matt for selling me on those), however my buddy has a brand new pair of 8x30 CL's that he is willing to part with for $500. I have hunted with 10x42's for something like forever and I am a bit nervous to part with that size of bins and step down to an 8x30. Cant beat the price he is asking, just not sure if that's something I could be happy with. For those of you that have glass of that size out west do you feel you are handicapped because of it or are you happy with them. If I was hunting the whitetail woods back east they would be superb, however out west I am just not sure.

Thanks

Joe

 

[dotman]

Buy them and resell if you don't like, they are worth more then $500.

 

[Sam Millard]

I hunted with 8x30 Swaros exclusively for 9 years with no complaints, a very large portion of that long range hunting. Great glass and perfect size for never leaving them at home or in the truck.

 

[Sam Millard]

Ironically, I bought them new on eBay for $500. The guy won them in a golf tourney and didn't want them.

 

[ckleeves]

If you don't like them I'll give you 550.00

 

[Wasatchbuck]

Sam, You never felt like you were lacking for power with these? How about low light conditions...were you happy with how they performed? I am assuming since you used them for so long there was something you like about them.

ckleeves, If I don't buy them I can ask if he will sell them to you.

 

[Sam Millard]

Sam, You never felt like you were lacking for power with these? How about low light conditions...were you happy with how they performed? I am assuming since you used them for so long there was something you like about them.

ckleeves, If I don't buy them I can ask if he will sell them to you.

The long story is I started with a pair of 7x30 Swaros 23 years ago. I sold them to buy some 7x42 Swaros. I found the 42s, while spectacular to look through, were pretty bulky and heavy compared to the compacts I had just sold. When I found the 8x30s for sale, I didn't have to sell the 7x42s to fund the purchase, so I got to compare the two quite a bit. The 8x is plenty of power and can be used with one hand for quick glances. The 30MM glass worked fine, even at last/first light for glassing canyons ( I bear hunt a lot, so being able to distinguish a black bear from a burned stump in a clear cut or burn at 1000 yards is important to me!) I never found the 8x30s lacking.

Last year, Ryan had me do a review on some Leica Ultravid 8x42s. I liked those so much, I figured out how to buy some of my own this summer. I still have the Swaro 8x30s and always will, though. My daughter used the Swaros this year. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again, especially at that price!

 

[dotman]

If you haven't read this, check it out http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/298-swarovski-8x30-cl

 

[Bearhunter]

Wasatchbuck, you cant go wrong with the little 8x30 Powerhouses.... Very versitle binocular!

 

[Wasatchbuck]

Thanks Gents, decided to pick them up after spending some time with them last night. Was pretty impressed at how bright they were for being only a 30mm objective and sharp as a tack. They were as bright if not a shade brighter then my vortex vipers in 42 mm.

 

[Bearhunter]

Vortex are great binoculars but I believe you will definetly be more happy with the CL's! Good choice, and can't wait to see what you kill this next season with them!