Martin,
Just a word of warning. The 8x42 Meoptas are physically identical to the 10x42s that you mentioned not liking the ergonomics for. The optics are very similar to the 8x32s overall with just a bit more color bias....(though the last pair I owned seemed more color neutral than the earlier ones).
Since we are on the topic of Meopta though, did anyone try their new low priced model? I had an offer to try one out but at the time...optics weren't close to being one of my priorities.
JG,
On the other hand, there are so many excellent bins out there right now below the price point that the Kowa sells at that I would be hard pressed to choose it.
i am anxious to hear your review of the SLC new 7x42. Im so glad i got a new one before they were gone. I cannot find anything i do not like about this bino. THe apparent FOV is smaller than some like EL 8.5x42 or even the meopta 8x42 but not enough to give the impression of a "narrow" field. it definetely is wider than a nikon premier 8x42, that seemed narrow to me
Like what? I'm looking for a bino to hunt wide open spaces. I've always used 10x42's. I know there are deals to be had on the Swaro SLCneu.
I think you will like the ergonomics of the SLCs. I had two pairs of the 7x42s and enjoyed the thumb and finger indents. They are very well balanced so you don't really notice the weight unless you compare them directly to something lighter....Zeiss FL for example.
You do know of course that if shear objective optical quality is the only criteria there are roof binoculars that are probably better AND considerably cheaper than those four? Its all the other fuzzy subjective touchy feelly criteria, brand prestige and warranty service the separates the wheat from the chaffe.
You do know of course that if shear objective optical quality is the only criteria there are roof binoculars that are probably better AND considerably cheaper than those four? Its all the other fuzzy subjective touchy feelly criteria, brand prestige and warranty service the separates the wheat from the chaffe.
Confucius say:
MAN WITH PROMINAR HAVE STRONG ARMS AND EYES THAT ROLL.
I've seen good and not-so-good samples of the SLC 7X42 (coatings were improved over time). If, after properly setting the diopter and IPD, you are not "wowed" by the image (outdoors, of course!) don't accept the binocular. The only difference I could ever discern between a good SLC 7X42 and the earlier EL 8.5X42 was image size.
Ive owned a pre neu 7x42 with swarobright, a 2007 SLCneu, and now a 2009 SLCneu. Im not sure if the 2009 is better than the 2007 but I know the 2009 EL had updated coating over its predecessors so I am curious if the SLC received those as well although I do not know if it did.
The advertisement for the pair I bought says
"PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MODEL IS THE LATEST MODEL WITH THE NEW MULTI FUNCTION CASE and FASTER FOCUSSING MECHANISM."
So I take it it has the latest coatings.
But how about the faster focusser? Is it now super fast or was the old one quite slow so now the latest version is just 'normal' fast (for want of a better phrase)?