Bob, I have never had an issue with you before, and I do not really have one now.
But first of all- I never said that the Swaro SV was "far superior to all others". I just did a review of my findings and stated in that thread and here that in my opinion the Swaro 8x32 SV was the best of the ones I tested it against and was the best that I had ever used.
Was not planning or trying to "set myself up as a target" either; but I can take the bullets. And I am not into class warfare or have any need to compare myself to others or feel that I need to do any chest bumping. The fact is that prior to buying these recent 8x32 binoculars to test and upgrade from what I currently had; the only alpha that I had was a 1999 7x30 Swaro SLC. And I had a very good ( excellent really ) 8x32 Pentax DCF ED. Ever since I did my review of the top Swaro 30 and 32 mm bino's last summer, I had thought about upgrading to a better quality than what I had. Last year I did not keep the Swaro EL that I tested, even though it was better than what I had, because I felt that what I had was good enough. But, then this spring and early summer, I thought long and hard about upgrading. But I am somewhat frugal and do not like to just throw my money around.
So- I made the decision to buy some to decide which ones I wanted to upgrade to. And even after testing and deciding which ones was best for me, I still had a tough time justifying spending the money. I still kept thinking that what I already had was good enough. But then the tipping point as far as following through with the upgrade was my Mothers passing this summer. I decided to buy the one I really like and keep them in honor of her. I do not really see myself needing, nor wanting to further upgrade and buy in the future- but time will tell. Even then, I will not sell these SV's since I really decided to get them in honor of my Mother.
As far as what you feel the "leisure class" pays for these newer binoculars- don't assume that everybody pays full retail for all of these. Just like I tell my kids- even if you want an expensive car ( not my thing) you can get one if you want to, just let someone else take the depreciation. I never like to pay full price for almost anything if I do not have to.
Like you, I like and appreciate a good bargain. And, let's just say that my net price that I paid for these Swaro 8x32 SV's after the discounted price I paid and the sale of some recent binocular purchases rivals your good deal that you were happy with for your EDG's. Another thing that is cool to me about the good deal that I got on these SV's is that my Mother always liked a good deal herself and she also liked quality, but was frugal with money. Which makes me further think of her when I use them.
So flame away and make me your target if you want to- I am a big boy, I can take it. But don't lumb me with these others you speak of and assume I am some "leisure class" snob who thinks what I have is better than anyone else's. Because you don't know me.
Cheers B
