What compares to the Swaro 8x30 SLC?

[Newtosavage]

I recently bought, and then sold, a minty pair of Swaro SLC 8x30's. I loved the image quality and brightness, but the ergonomics and forward focus wheel just didn't work for me at all.

Has anyone seen a pair of mid-size 8x30/32's that is as sharp and bright as those 8x30 SLC's?

The Maven 8x30's are on sale now for a decent price. Any thoughts?

 

[Trial153]

You cant go wrong with the 8x32 els or even the 8x30 cls.

 

[bpurtz]

Leica 8x32 Ultravid HD+

 

[Newtosavage]

So you're saying I need to spend another $1k to get the same image quality in a decent handling binocuar?

 

[tdhanses]

For as much as you like the Zeiss Conquest HD I’m not sure why you aren’t going this route, I thought they were they best out of the conquest hd line, super crisp and clear. Kind of wish I never sold mine. Now others have said the Maven B3 is a big time sleeper.

 

[Browninglover1]

The Swaro CL’s will make you happy but I think the Maven B3 will make you REALLY happy for the price. I had a set of 8x30 SLC, I now own a set of 8x32 EL and my dad bought some Maven B3s; they are very very good for the money. I can easily recommend the B3s and think they’ll make you very happy if you liked the 8x30 SLC

 

[Newtosavage]

Thanks Browninglover1. I've heard nothing but good things about the B3's, and for $500 with a good return policy, I'm willing to give them a shot. The IQ of those little Swaros was fantastic. Only pair I can say that were equal in sharpness to my 10x42 Conquests so far. Just wish they had put the focus wheel where it belongs! LOL

tdhanses, you're probably right. Zeiss glass suits my eyes really well. I just haven't been able to get my hands on a pair of 8x32's yet. I owned a pair of 10x32 Conquests briefly, but they weren't bright enough for my needs.

 

[elkeaterco]

I just got a pair of the Maven B3 8x32. I wasn't a believer but they're damn impressive. They are super crisp and I could glass well after shooting light behind my house in real world conditions. I ran them side by side with my el 12x50 and they're the best money can buy. These are super impressive for the money and a valuable ultra light, ultra compact bino.

 

[Newtosavage]

Thanks elkeaterco. Looks like I'll be trying some B3's out.

After getting used to the resolving power of my Zeiss, there haven't been many binoculars that can keep up. My wife's Legend M 8x42's and those little Swaro 8x30's are basically the only thing I've tried that are as sharp. Hopefully the Mavens will be as well.

 

[tdhanses]

Thanks Browninglover1. I've heard nothing but good things about the B3's, and for $500 with a good return policy, I'm willing to give them a shot. The IQ of those little Swaros was fantastic. Only pair I can say that were equal in sharpness to my 10x42 Conquests so far. Just wish they had put the focus wheel where it belongs! LOL

tdhanses, you're probably right. Zeiss glass suits my eyes really well. I just haven't been able to get my hands on a pair of 8x32's yet. I owned a pair of 10x32 Conquests briefly, but they weren't bright enough for my needs.

Here you go if you really want to try them https://www.rokslide.com/forums/optics-classifieds/113211-zeiss-conquest-8x32.html#post1076154

 

[Trial153]

Here you go if you really want to try them https://www.rokslide.com/forums/optics-classifieds/113211-zeiss-conquest-8x32.html#post1076154

That's a steal on good glass.

 

[Shraggs]

below is copy/paste of a reply i made a few weeks ago to a member regarding 8x30s. the Meopta/cabelas Euro hd to me are the closest thing the swar 8x30.

I recently bought the new cl. I compared them in all the sceneries I could replicate, low light, rain; bright short and long.

My current small on the the go bino is the swar 8x30 slc neu. Side note, I have compared them to most other 8x30/32 binos and few, at the time, beat them. Zeiss victory fl and swar el of course. These beat conquest and my beloved meopta. These blew away the orginal cl for certain. This older unit always had great clarity and resolution near to the edges.

The new cl is something special for sure! Resolution looked similar until I looked past 400 yards and the cl beat them. They are slightly but noticeably brighter under all light conditions. The coloring is el like not tinted, natural - they way my old slc neu are. Basically equal to better optically depending on who's looking. The fov is so improved to 396 from 372, and my slc are 405.

Cl is over 3 oz lighter. It has a bigger eye relief and more forgiving eye box for eye glass wearer it is much better like I am.

The one thing I was surprised, the barrels are almost too small for holding while glassing. I'd get used to it for sure but weird feeling. Like the larger feel. On the other hand carting at your side, I like the single hinge.

I took them back within the 30 days cabelas policy. When I sell my beloved slc 8x30 I will be buying these. Not cause they are superior, I think slightly better optically but so much easier for an eye glass wearer.

Joh

 

[tdhanses]

That's a steal on good glass.

Yeah kind of shocked they haven’t sold, If I was in the market I would of snagged them.

 

[6mm Remington]

Leica 8x32 Ultravid HD+

What he said! &

Zeiss Conquest 8x30

 

[AGPank]

I currently have 8x32 El SV. Excellent glass but in another level of price (I was lucky and found a demo set below SLC pricing).

I had a refurbished 7x30 SLC and agree about the bad focus knob placement.

I would like to see the Zeiss conquest, but I wasn’t crazy about the zeiss FL.

Other 8x32 I like.
Meostar: cabelas instinct

I’m currently testing a Ultravid (non-hd). One of the best sizes / feel of an 8x32 I’ve used. The eye relief isn’t quite what I like. Optically probably similar/slightly better than an SLC 8x30. They really make we want to find a used HD+.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Blockcaver]

Leica 8x32 Ultravid (non-HD) from 2005 when the line first came out are still my choice for tight cover elk hunting, tight cover tree standing, hiking (not hunting), etc. They have been a great investment and will likely be my lightweight bino for another 14 years, unless an equivalent pair of HD lens Ultravids pops up at a great price.

 

[MTElkChaser]

Where in TX are you located?

I have a pair of 8x30 Swarovski CL’s you can look through out in the wild if you’d like.

Depending on where in TX you are - let me know. I also have the 15x56 SLC’s and 10x42 EL’s.

 

[Newtosavage]

Thanks for the offer. I’ve looked through the original cl’s and thought the slc’s were better but I hear the new cl’s are supposed to be much better than the original ones.