[308CAL]

I'm just curious what the opinions are on the weaker points of this bino? Thx

[308CAL]

I can only think that its a little bigger than the other 8x's. Maybe some CA?

[kristoffer]

CA, yes

[jaymoynihan]

Good way to ask a question re a particular model. You get an actual answer relevant to the question. I will have to remember this.

[bcl05]

price tag...

[fugl]

CA (not a lot, but enough to be annoying under some circiumstances), weight (too heavy), length (too long), focus too slow (even after retro-fitting of “fast-focus” module). Also, even now that I’ve schooled myself to hold it just so, continues to produce minor “black-outs” while panning.

But, I still consider it a good glass & enjoy using it. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a specimen of the long-awaited replacement model currently in the works.

[Sancho]

No weaknesses, IMHO. I have to really search for CA (which I thought was California until I discovered Birdforum...). I don´t get any blackout issues, although that may depend on one´s fizzog. Very wide, comfortable view, in fact, very easy eye-placement. Heavier and longer, yes, than the 8x32 EL(obviously), but extra oomph and brightness worth it. (Accessories not that great, rather odd bag which attaches to strap, and hangs at chest, and I don´t like the rainguard, so I changed both).

[falcondude]

Originally Posted by fugl

CA (not a lot, but enough to be annoying under some circiumstances), weight (too heavy), length (too long), focus too slow (even after retro-fitting of “fast-focus” module). Also, even now that I’ve schooled myself to hold it just so, continues to produce minor “black-outs” while panning.

But, I still consider it a good glass & enjoy using it. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a specimen of the long-awaited replacement model currently in the works.

I don't see black-outs with EL. I do see CA, especially when comparing to ZEN ED 8x43. I am afraid that I will start seeing black-outs once someone shows us how to look for black outs. If you can afford it easily without skipping breakfast or coffee for two years, price might not be an issue for you.

[Sancho]

Originally Posted by falcondude

I am afraid that I will start seeing black-outs once someone shows us how to look for black outs.

LOL! That´s the problem, really. I wasn´t aware of all these negatives until I became BF-binocular-thread-obsessed...."A little knowledge is a dangerous thing", as someone-or-other said.

[ronh]

What a terrible thing to do to such a great instrument, but here goes:

Optically, just CA, which is notoriously personal and usage dependent, but it bothers me in bad light.

The magnification increase of 8.5x is noticeable compared to 8x, both in detail seen and in shake. For me it is not a pleasant tradeoff. I think 8.0x is just right already. What is this silly one-half upsmanship?

Blackouts when panning, also personal, a problem if you're a socket-crammer (fixable by installing eyecups for 8x50 SLC), no problem if you're a brow-rester.

The objective caps are too loose, the hard mechanical rainguard is awkward, and the easy-adjust strap slips.

Actually that was a lot of fun.
Ron

[Tanager]

Hi,

My two main problems with this binocular were their physical size and slow focus, so I sold them (yes I know this is personal preference).

I think the biggest mistake you can make though is to go looking for CA, once you've seen it you'll always see it!

my two pennies worth,

Mark

[FrankD]

CA and price are the only two issues that make them a bit less than perfect. The price is obviously a negotiable subject considering the wide variety of budgets out there. There is CA present in the image but I, personally, did not find it at an objectionable level.

[APSmith]

If we're supposed to try to pick the things apart:

- FOV is sub-400'
- exposed bare metal inside open hinge
- overall size - tubes almost too big for some holding styles
- weight - not the lightest in class

Despite all these picky criticisms, if I could win a binocular somehow, this one would be on the short list.

[FrankD]

FOV is sub-400'

All true but the one above....in one sense. That extra .5x has to be considered when referencing the field of view. If I remember correctly the Ultravid/Trinovids were all at 383 feet for an 8x. The Nikon Venturer/LX/LXL/HG/HGL was right at 366 feet. The only bins that have really gone wider are the FLs and EDGs...and those are only 8x. The apparent field of view is actually wider with the EL in comparison to any of the others.

Just thought I would mention that...not trying to debate the point in any way.

I have to agree with John Traynor on one of his recent comments....give me an FL color corrected image with an SE/EL sweetspot and Ultravid contrast/color....

...and I would now add that it should be no more than 6 inches in length and weigh about 25 ounces.

[falcondude]

Originally Posted by ronh

Blackouts when panning, also personal, a problem if you're a socket-crammer (fixable by installing eyecups for 8x50 SLC), no problem if you're a brow-rester.

Interesting, you are the 2nd person here mentioning black out while panning. I got to try mine once I got home. Is this related to 8.5x only? What about 10x? What makes panning worse than other usage for black out?

[John M Robinson]

When I bought my one pair of alpha-costing bins it came down to the 8.5 EL and the 8x42 Ultravid. I took both pair home to try out over a weekend and it really came down to a tie. There were trade offs, that for me favored the Leica, I really liked the greater contrast that gave me that wow factor, also the more compact size, slightly lighter and a more robust feel, but all that said, believe it or not, the deciding factors for me were the case and rain guards on the Leica seemed better to me.

John

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by 308CAL

I'm just curious what the opinions are on the weaker points of this bino? Thx

Size and CA. Do they still come with that lousy case? To me the Zeiss FL's are the most perfect package I have seen. The Zeiss FL's come with a perfect strap. It is shaped perfectly and I didn't even have to cut it off to shorten it. The case is perfect with a shoulder strap that unhooks from it and is padded and is big enough to hold the binoculars strap off to the side and perfectly padded. The raincover is perfect being not too tight and not too loose. The tethered objective covers are great quality and fit perfectly. I like the weight of the 8x32 Zeiss FL's and the size is perfect for my hands. The focusing tension is perfect and the optics are as about as perfect as it gets. The adjustable eyecups are perfect and tight and you can adjust them perfectly to get the full FOV without blackouts. There is no doubt the optics on the Swarovski 8.5 x 42 are awesome though I will say that. Nice big sweetspot.

Dennis

[ceasar]

They are a bit on the heavy side, but after you buy them your wallet will be lighter, so everything balances out in the long run. Suggest you wait for the new model to come out before you get one though. They are the only binocular in history to be a legend before their time!
Bob

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by ceasar

They are a bit on the heavy side, but after you buy them your wallet will be lighter, so everything balances out in the long run. Suggest you wait for the new model to come out before you get one though. They are the only binocular in history to be a legend before their time!
Bob

Yes. The new ones are supposed to have ED lenses. I am sure they will have a dynamite view at an astronomical price! When are the new models supposed to be out.

Dennis

[fugl]

Originally Posted by falcondude

Interesting, you are the 2nd person here mentioning black out while panning. I got to try mine once I got home. Is this related to 8.5x only? What about 10x? What makes panning worse than other usage for black out?

I've had minor blackouts with my EL from the beginning, & I still get them if I'm not careful about eye positioning. Most people don't seem to have this problem, so it's doubtless just a matter of how I hold the binoculars &/or my particular facial features. The blackouts tend to be worse with panning, probably (I would guess) because panning leads to slight jiggling movements disrupting precise eye positioning.

Bottom line: if you don't have the blackouts, don't worry about them.

[ThoLa]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

Yes. The new ones are supposed to have ED lenses. I am sure they will have a dynamite view at an astronomical price!

When are the new models supposed to be out.
Dennis

scheduled for Jan. 2010:
http://www.orniwelt.de/Fernglaeser/S...EL-Swarovision

And, yes, it's official now:

http://www.swarovski-optik.info/inde...7d912.06890581

[CLRobles]

Originally Posted by Sancho

although that may depend on one´s fizzog.

"fizzog"... What! Sancho you are priceless! What the heck is "fizzog"

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by fugl

I've had minor blackouts with my EL from the beginning, & I still get them if I'm not careful about eye positioning. Most people don't seem to have this problem, so it's doubtless just a matter of how I hold the binoculars &/or my particular facial features. The blackouts tend to be worse with panning, probably (I would guess) because panning leads to slight jiggling movements disrupting precise eye positioning.

Bottom line: if you don't have the blackouts, don't worry about them.

Is that with the eyecups all the way out?

Dennis

[henry link]

Originally Posted by fugl

I've had minor blackouts with my EL from the beginning, & I still get them if I'm not careful about eye positioning. Most people don't seem to have this problem, so it's doubtless just a matter of how I hold the binoculars &/or my particular facial features. The blackouts tend to be worse with panning, probably (I would guess) because panning leads to slight jiggling movements disrupting precise eye positioning.

Bottom line: if you don't have the blackouts, don't worry about them.

Fugl,

I found the fully extended eyecups on the 8.5x42 EL to be slightly too short for my face, which caused the same effect you describe. The eyecups can be unscrewed a little beyond the normal fully extended position without falling off and I recall someone here with the same problem replacing the eyecups with 7x42 SLC cups which are longer.

I used this binocular for about six years. IMO its greatest virtue is that no optical characteristic is significantly weak, but at the same time no optical characteristic is fully state of the art either. I'm waiting for the new EL, which does have the potential for best optical performance in every category, except perhaps light transmission since that will still be slightly compromised by the Schmidt-Pechan prism.

Henry

[bruleke]

Originally Posted by Sancho

LOL! That´s the problem, really. I wasn´t aware of all these negatives until I became BF-binocular-thread-obsessed....

ME TOO!
Everyday, everyhour, everyminute I press Refresh on the Binoculars page of BF!

Honestly, I prefer this forum instead of that other famous forum supported by a famous store... you know what I am talking about.