Of course. They wowed me when I tried them. That is why I bought them. The 8x32 SV never wowed me as much as the 8.5 x42 SV.How did I know that you started this thread just for a chance to spar and pump up what you now have as the best. I must just be telepathic
That or the fact that at least 4 out of 5 that you listed in OP are ones that you currently own.
Snap is a good word to describe it. It is almost like when you put the binoculars up to your eyes you flipped a switch and this electrifying image is presented to your eyes. I think contrast, brightness and sharpness are a big part of it.It seems there's pretty much a uniformty among different people in the "wow" experience as regards its "character".
What causes "wow" in a bin? If this has been dealt with before in Bf. then sorry, and ignore.
Is "snap" or "bite" in the image enough? We can, yes, take a step back and explain what that is, and it can only help, to further clarify the whole matter, and another step back in that direction to see what causes that. That may be caused by a combination of the still more basic "wow" factors.
(A minor semantic problem here is that if we call the whole experience the "wow factor" then this is looking for factors which cause the wow factor. This is why in the second paragraph I said "wow" and not wow factor.)
Seems essential factors are resolution, contrast, brightness, field of view, sweet spot, ease of eye placement. Contrast seems to have a major role. All the factors in that list, it seems, need to be at the highest discernible level except FOV and size of sweet spot, which too though must be unusually good. Are there indefinables (or factors not easily deifned)?
Some (like me) think the criterion for an "alpha" subset of bins is optical quality (only). With that definition of "alpha" will a "wow" bin always be an "alpha"?
But, conversely, not all "alpha" bins have "wow" - by whatever definition of alpha (which has to include optical quality) and in anyone's experience, I'd think. What is lacking in those alphas?
The SE's are the best optics in the world. Admit it. You know they are better than those SV's. They beat any roof out there.
"Nikon 8x30 EII (stunning, simply stunning)For optical 'wow' - not ergonomics or build quality - my favourites are:
Nikon 8x30 EII (stunning, simply stunning)
Nikon 8x32 SE
Zeiss Dialyt 7x42 B/GA T*P* (easiest to look though)
Swarovski SLC 7x42 B
Opticron Stormbird 7x50 Marine
Opticron MCF 7x24 (amazing performance for a compact)
I haven't tried the latest and greatest models from Leica, Swaro or Zeiss, so I can't comment on those.
"10x35 EII (Easier to hold than the 8x30 and possibly crisper)10x35 EII (Easier to hold than the 8x30 and possibly crisper)
8x30 EII ( Love at first view)
7x42 FL ( Most relaxing to use)
Papilio 6.5x21 (Incredible close up views - I think I actually said wow)
Interestingly none of the above, other than the FL are daily use for good practical reasons, but the daily 'hacks' don't have the same wow factor no matter how 'good' they are.
Why does the Swarovski Habicht 6x30 have the wow factor?
Oh, god! Henry's favorite binoculars! How is your back carrying that behemoth 56mm Zeiss. The Nikon EII's wow me more than the Zeiss 8x32 FL's. Largely due to the expansive FOV and the good DOF. The Zeiss are nice but at twice the price?
Came in today. Totally refurbished by Swarovski. Who the F... put's the light on.
Wow it's the Swarovski SLC 7x30. This one is for keep!!!!!
Jan.
10x35 EII (Easier to hold than the 8x30 and possibly crisper)
8x30 EII ( Love at first view)
7x42 FL ( Most relaxing to use)
Papilio 6.5x21 (Incredible close up views - I think I actually said wow)
Interestingly none of the above, other than the FL are daily use for good practical reasons, but the daily 'hacks' don't have the same wow factor no matter how 'good' they are.
Great bin! In 1996 the Swarovski 7x30 SLC was my first alpha bin purchase and one I spent a lot of time thinking about prior to purchase; as it was the first time I ever spent that kind of $$ on optics.
And it is a keeper for sure- don't let it go. I sold my first one a few years ago and regretted it soon after. Spent the next year looking for one to replace it; found one and glad I did- this one I am hanging on to.