The new 8x30 CLl's (1 Viewer)

[brocknroller]

Anyone with common sense should understand that the new Swarovski CL has as challengers binos such Meopta BR, Zeiss Conquest, Kowa Genesis, ecc ecc.

So compare a CL with a swarovski EL does not show nothing more that what we alredy know: you cannot spend 900 euro and think that you get the performance of a 1600 euro bino from the same company, otherwise this means that Swarovski is dumb.

I find interesting the possibility to understand what the CL offers more than his challengers in the same price category and how far the performance are from the alphas.

I see people that expect incredible performance by CL only because we talk of Swarovski....

greets,
Ivan

Ivan,

Thank you for more succinctly stating what stephen and I did earlier. We didn't "luck out," as Mark put it. It doesn't take a "rocket scientist" to figure out that an under $1,000 offering even from Swaro isn't going to be a "mini-me" SV EL. Swaro made it clear in its promo video the market segment for which these were intended.

I've also had some "hands-on" experience with the 8x30 SLC-Neu, and the big and baby ELs, so that also helped me anticipate what the CLs might be like, and for the most part, the reviews trickling in served to reinforce that opinion.

However, the comments about how bright the CL was and Dennis's highfalutin praises built up expectations in some people's minds that perhaps the CL would deliver performance well beyond its price point.

The CLs are clearly aimed at the second tier market, and it's those competitors in that market segment that the CL has to challenge, but also the 8x30 SLC since it's close to the same price and has the same configuration. The SLC is also well established in the hunting community.

So it will be interesting to read Stephen's A/B of those two bins and to see how that battle of the Swaro 8x30s plays out in the future. If two bins from the same company can occupy the same market segment at the same time. Nikon tried this with the 8x32 SE and 8x30 EII.

By raising the price on the 8x30 SLC by $200, Swaro tried to get around an internal turf war, but the SLC's "street price" is still close enough for the SLC to be competitive with the CL.

If the CLs catch fire in the birding community and the SLCs continue to be the darlings of hunters, then Swaro might continue to manufacture both. But if the CL proves rugged enough, their compactness would probably appeal to hunters since they have to carry a lot of equipment and the difference in FOV is not as important as it is to birders.

Since hunters bin buying cycle is measured by the decade while birders are measured by the year, it might takes some time to see how that gets played out.

Brock

 

[stephen b]

well, my review is up- it is a long one.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=208904

 

[james holdsworth]

Seems like the CL's should be compared to Conquests and the like, not the top Alphas.........despite Dennis's gushing. And it seems like Henry's highly subjective and opinionated review was pretty much bang on, just lucky I guess.

Really nice review, BTW.

 

[ceasar]

Cabela's is also charging more for Nikon's Premier 8 x 32 (the old LX L) than they do for Swarovski's 8 x 30 CL. Even with it's still silver coated prisms. In the recent past (and probably longer than recent) most dealers charged more for Swarovski's 8 x 30 SLC than they did for Nikon's 8 x 32 LX L.

Bob

 

[typo]

Tried out the CL 8x30 and the EL SW 8.5x42 side by side. The CL was very appealing, a very nice view but not in the EL SW class. Would I buy one if I had the money? Tempting, it's pretty, but I thought the Meopta Meostar 8x32 was better IMO, and cheaper.

David

 

[Tarsiger]

Having re-tried the 8X30CL yesterday (in comparison with every other SWARO model and most other alphas ) I still find these hard to love and harder to use.From an ergonomic standpoint they have very narrow eyepieces in comparison with 8X32EL and many other similarly spec'd bins.Frankly the eyecups were physically uncomfortable
so for me a complete non-starter even for a backpack/briefcase/glovebox bin.
Obviously many in the thread above will feel different but definitely worth checking out this feature before purchasing.
Russ

 

[[email protected]]

Seems like the CL's should be compared to Conquests and the like, not the top Alphas.........despite Dennis's gushing. And it seems like Henry's highly subjective and opinionated review was pretty much bang on, just lucky I guess.

Really nice review, BTW.

All these reviews are opinions. Try the CL's yourself you might like them. Binoculars are a real personal thing. Sometimes a binocular that is rated bad works better for you than the highly touted more expensive alpha. It just depends on how it fits your eye sockets, how it fits your hands and how it works for you. The CL is not in the SV class but it is a nice compact binocular. Way more compact than the 8x32 EL. It does have a smaller FOV than the EL or FL and I think that is the main difference. I think that fact may be tainting peoples other opinion of it's optics like resolution and contrast which to me is very close to the EL's and SV's. The coatings are probably very similar on the CL, SLC, EL, and SV. They are all Swarobright, Swarodur, and Swarotop. They all look the similar through the eyepiece. The main difference between them is the more expensive WA eyepiece in the SLC, EL and SV and the SV has better ED glass for CA control and of course the field flattener giving you the sharp edges. I think once Albino does some testing on the CL you will see there is not that much difference between the binoculars outside of FOV. People compare them and like the bigger FOV on the EL so they think it has better resolution, better contrast and everything else because their eyes are seeing a bigger field.

 

[[email protected]]

Having re-tried the 8X30CL yesterday (in comparison with every other SWARO model and most other alphas ) I still find these hard to love and harder to use.From an ergonomic standpoint they have very narrow eyepieces in comparison with 8X32EL and many other similarly spec'd bins.Frankly the eyecups were physically uncomfortable
so for me a complete non-starter even for a backpack/briefcase/glovebox bin.
Obviously many in the thread above will feel different but definitely worth checking out this feature before purchasing.
Russ

The eyepieces are bigger than most of the compacts though. These are a much smaller binocular than the EL! There is no way the eyepieces can be as big as an EL or SV. The nice thing about the CL is it's narrow body. It would look weird with a big fat EL eyepiece on the end.

 

[stephen b]

All these reviews are opinions. ........ Binoculars are a real personal thing. Sometimes a binocular that is rated bad works better for you than the highly touted more expensive alpha. It just depends on how it fits your eye sockets, how it fits your hands and how it works for you.

Very true. Only one persons eyes and hands can decide what is best for them.

It does have a smaller FOV than the EL or FL and I think that is the main difference. I think that fact may be tainting peoples other opinion of it's optics like resolution and contrast which to me is very close to the EL's and SV's. The coatings are probably very similar on the CL, SLC, EL, and SV. They are all Swarobright, Swarodur, and Swarotop. They all look the similar through the eyepiece......
People compare them and like the bigger FOV on the EL so they think it has better resolution, better contrast and everything else because their eyes are seeing a bigger field.

Yes the FOV is smaller, but to my own eyes (for what that is worth- maybe only to me?) the rest of the above info -based on my side by side test- I found may not be the case. When you have all 3 of the 30 and 32 mm Swaro's in front to you- you can see differences in more than just FOV.

For one- when you just look at the external coatings on the 8x32 EL and the 8x30 SLC NEU, next to the 8x30 CL, it is apparent that there is a definite color hue difference to the coatings. The EL and the SLC looked absolutely identical, and both of them were darker than the CL. When you look down the obj. barrels- there is also a different baffle thing going on in the lining with the CL. Now Swarovski says they all have the same coatings- but to what degree? and how are the optic designs different.

For an example of the above- supposedly Swarovski has said for a long time that the coatings and lenses on the EL and the SLC were the same; and from the outside that looks to be the case. But... even though the SLC is nice, in almost all side by side tests done by independent testers and reviews- the EL comes out on top in the resolution department.

And for me- As far as the FOV influencing or affecting my other findings in relation to my review of colors; contrast, or resolution detail/ clarity- that was not the case. My findings in those things was based just on what I saw in center axis and just looking straight down the middle.

Between the CL and the EL- there was no comparison (or lets just say the CL fell a noticeable step behind) in the resolution, colors, and contrast etc.
Now when comparing the SLC NEU to the CL- ; irregardless of the FOV- there was a noted difference in the colors and contrast. Resolution is sometimes more difficult to define/describe.

I will try and describe the color/ contrast difference between them briefly. The SLC NEU's colors and contrast were more vivid and defined . The CL's looked to be more muted, or faded in comparison- just did not "pop" the same. A good illustration that came to mind for me was a Optometric/ Ophthalmology exam. When I get my eyes tested and they are doing that comparison test of going back forth and asking which ones looks clearer, or sharper etc- I thought of these 2 in that manner. If you put one after the other and back and forth and was asked which one has a nicer center view ( regardless of which ones FOV was better) based on colors, vividness, or just which one as a more pleasant view? It was way obvious each time I looked at them in that manner- the SLC NEU was better in that category. If you just put the binoculars up to my eyes like an eye Doctor with out me seeing the binos and even blocked out the outer field- so I only could see the center axis- it would be clear which one was better. Like I said the SLC just "popped" more in color, contrast- more vivid.

This would be a good way for people to do independent testing- just hook up bino's to a eye exam type station and start going through and having the DR./tester say "Now which one looks more clear, has a nicer view, now how about this one, and now this one, which one is better- # 1 or # 2"; # 1, now # 2 again? etc. etc.

 

[[email protected]]

Very true. Only one persons eyes and hands can decide what is best for them.



Yes the FOV is smaller, but to my own eyes (for what that is worth- maybe only to me?) the rest of the above info -based on my side by side test- I found may not be the case. When you have all 3 of the 30 and 32 mm Swaro's in front to you- you can see differences in more than just FOV.

For one- when you just look at the external coatings on the 8x32 EL and the 8x30 SLC NEU, next to the 8x30 CL, it is apparent that there is a definite color hue difference to the coatings. The EL and the SLC looked absolutely identical, and both of them were darker than the CL. When you look down the obj. barrels- there is also a different baffle thing going on in the lining with the CL. Now Swarovski says they all have the same coatings- but to what degree? and how are the optic designs different.

For an example of the above- supposedly Swarovski has said for a long time that the coatings and lenses on the EL and the SLC were the same; and from the outside that looks to be the case. But... even though the SLC is nice, in almost all side by side tests done by independent testers and reviews- the EL comes out on top in the resolution department.

And for me- As far as the FOV influencing or affecting my other findings in relation to my review of colors; contrast, or resolution detail/ clarity- that was not the case. My findings in those things was based just on what I saw in center axis and just looking straight down the middle.

Between the CL and the EL- there was no comparison (or lets just say the CL fell a noticeable step behind) in the resolution, colors, and contrast etc.
Now when comparing the SLC NEU to the CL- ; irregardless of the FOV- there was a noted difference in the colors and contrast. Resolution is sometimes more difficult to define/describe.

I will try and describe the color/ contrast difference between them briefly. The SLC NEU's colors and contrast were more vivid and defined . The CL's looked to be more muted, or faded in comparison- just did not "pop" the same. A good illustration that came to mind for me was a Optometric/ Ophthalmology exam. When I get my eyes tested and they are doing that comparison test of going back forth and asking which ones looks clearer, or sharper etc- I thought of these 2 in that manner. If you put one after the other and back and forth and was asked which one has a nicer center view ( regardless of which ones FOV was better) based on colors, vividness, or just which one as a more pleasant view? It was way obvious each time I looked at them in that manner- the SLC NEU was better in that category. If you just put the binoculars up to my eyes like an eye Doctor with out me seeing the binos and even blocked out the outer field- so I only could see the center axis- it would be clear which one was better. Like I said the SLC just "popped" more in color, contrast- more vivid.

This would be a good way for people to do independent testing- just hook up bino's to a eye exam type station and start going through and having the DR./tester say "Now which one looks more clear, has a nicer view, now how about this one, and now this one, which one is better- # 1 or # 2"; # 1, now # 2 again? etc. etc.

"This would be a good way for people to do independent testing- just hook up bino's to a eye exam type station and start going through and having the DR./tester say "Now which one looks more clear, has a nicer view, now how about this one, and now this one, which one is better- # 1 or # 2"; # 1, now # 2 again? etc. etc."
Good idea! That would be a great way to compare them. The Cl's are so bright for their aperture it makes me wonder if Swarovski didn't improve the coatings on the CL over the EL and SLC knowing they were aperture handicapped.
I would think the optics design would be similar but probably the big difference would be the eyepiece design. You seem to have good eyes. Could you compare an EL to and SV and see what you differences you notice.

 

[ivan86]

My CL 10x30 with a FOV of 57° is not that bad, it is noticeable bigger then my old Vortex Fury 6.5x32 that have 55°.
I know that 2° are not that much but looks like the difference is greater...

Also the performance at the edge are nice for the class of the instrument, it have not a flat field and you can notice a bit of astigmatism but i am satisfied.

Reading your comments i think that you should try the 10x version, it has 2 more optical elements, for me are a kind of "barlow" lens and this could explain the better edge performance.

A barlow in fact reduce the divergence of the light cone and eyepieces works better, the field curvature become "hidden" by a true field of view reduced.

Today i tried the CL 10x30, there was a lot of umidity and air trasparency was bad.
The little Swarovski hold a good sharpness and contrast even in this condition, where i saw many other binoculars fall down.

So for me it worth every single euro, even if maybe (because i dont know yet) a Meopta, a Pentax, ecc ecc is a bit better, because is compact and the warranty is best in the world.

I will compare the CL with a lot of binoculars in the next months, for now these are first impression.

PS: even without a locking system, the diopters do not move after 3 weeks of utilization.

greets,
Ivan

 

[stephen b]

You seem to have good eyes. Could you compare an EL to and SV and see what you differences you notice.

Dennis,

I do not have a SV at my disposal right now to test with the EL; and I can not see my self going and buying one just to test. But maybe when I am in Cabelas, I can take the 8x32 EL (since that is the only one still made) and a 8.5x 42 SV outside and do a impression test on them on them.

It will be interesting to know, when or if Swarovski ever jumps the 8x32 EL into the Sv upgrade- what kind of difference there would be between the 2. Obviously the field would be flatter, and possible/ probably the lateral CA would be better.

What I think that personally I would like better for my use would be a 8x32 SLC HD. (Or what I would really get all excited about would be a 7x32 SLC HD) :t: - I can dream, can't I.

-Stephen

 

[[email protected]]

My CL 10x30 with a FOV of 57° is not that bad, it is noticeable bigger then my old Vortex Fury 6.5x32 that have 55°.
I know that 2° are not that much but looks like the difference is greater...

Also the performance at the edge are nice for the class of the instrument, it have not a flat field and you can notice a bit of astigmatism but i am satisfied.

Reading your comments i think that you should try the 10x version, it has 2 more optical elements, for me are a kind of "barlow" lens and this could explain the better edge performance.

A barlow in fact reduce the divergence of the light cone and eyepieces works better, the field curvature become "hidden" by a true field of view reduced.

Today i tried the CL 10x30, there was a lot of umidity and air trasparency was bad.
The little Swarovski hold a good sharpness and contrast even in this condition, where i saw many other binoculars fall down.

So for me it worth every single euro, even if maybe (because i dont know yet) a Meopta, a Pentax, ecc ecc is a bit better, because is compact and the warranty is best in the world.

I will compare the CL with a lot of binoculars in the next months, for now these are first impression.

PS: even without a locking system, the diopters do not move after 3 weeks of utilization.

greets,
Ivan

Yes. I feel the same about the 8x30 CL. I think the edges are quite good for a sub $1K binocular and overall the performance is very good. When you start getting to this level performances differences are very small so the manufacturers reputation and warranty grow more important. I agree with you about the barlow effect on the eyepiece. It probably plays a part in the better edge performance of the 10x. EL's and SLC's are history so it will be interesting to see what their replacement is. We have some opinions on the CL here and it would be helpful to have more. Quite a few are positive and some think they are better than the binoculars they are replacing and some think not. At this point try them yourself to decide.

 

[[email protected]]

Dennis,

I do not have a SV at my disposal right now to test with the EL; and I can not see my self going and buying one just to test. But maybe when I am in Cabelas, I can take the 8x32 EL (since that is the only one still made) and a 8.5x 42 SV outside and do a impression test on them on them.

It will be interesting to know, when or if Swarovski ever jumps the 8x32 EL into the Sv upgrade- what kind of difference there would be between the 2. Obviously the field would be flatter, and possible/ probably the lateral CA would be better.

What I think that personally I would like better for my use would be a 8x32 SLC HD. (Or what I would really get all excited about would be a 7x32 SLC HD) :t: - I can dream, can't I.

-Stephen

I just don't see Swarovski making a 7x. Just not enough demand.

 

[NDhunter]

Yes. I feel the same about the 8x30 CL. I think the edges are quite good for a sub $1K binocular and overall the performance is very good. When you start getting to this level performances differences are very small so the manufacturers reputation and warranty grow more important. I agree with you about the barlow effect on the eyepiece. It probably plays a part in the better edge performance of the 10x. EL's and SLC's are history so it will be interesting to see what their replacement is. We have some opinions on the CL here and it would be helpful to have more. Quite a few are positive and some think they are better than the binoculars they are replacing and some think not. At this point try them yourself to decide.

Dennis:

Just wanting to reply, and this is a followup to the other post here, on the
comparison between the Swaros. You seemed to be quite pleased with the
new CL, and how they fit the nice area not filled by others. Things I like are the compact size, light weight, under 18 oz. and a great view with the Swaro. fine fit and finish.

They must be selling quite well, I found one merchant says they are now
backordered until November.

I am giving you a word of encouragement. Hang in there, these are keepers,
and you said it earlier, it is hard to get a comparable view in anything else
this size.

Jerry

 

[Blackest Crow]

Hello this is my first post I was trying to find some information on the new swarovski cl series compact bins. Finally after reading through several pages of responses on the new companion cl 8x 30 and the 10 x 30's on this forum and only getting three or four first hand actual opinions It was obvious there was more speculation and debate on these binoculars than actual accounts of use of these relatively new offerings . I decided to try and locate some and try them out first hand as the information obtained here left me even more unsure of whether or not to purchase a set . I contacted bass pro and had a set of each transferred to the store nearest me to try out . I had a heck of a time getting a set there to try but finally was told the 8x 30s had arrived. So I jumped in the truck and made the 109 mile drive to the store only to be told they couldn't find the binoculars ugh ! I waited at the counter while attempts were made to locate the cl's . Now the bad part, as I was waiting the clerk asked me if he could help me with anything . I said sure can I look at the 10x 42 slc I looked through them they were nice but a little heavy . He then handed me a pair of the 8x 32 el's wow!! now these were something crystal clear and everything I could want except the price tag .These were way beyond my binocular budget at this point in time . Then the salesman returned and told me he had located the cl's ,to bad they were the 10x 30's I was more interested in the 8x30's but I tried them out anyway .They were well made and looked "cute" was the word that came to mind .The first thing I noticed was they were no comparison to the binoculars I was just looking through the aforementioned 10x42 hd slc and the 8x 32 el's . I wished I had not looked through the more expensive sets before looking at the companions I may have had a different opinion,, but that's the way it went. I found the 10 x 30 cl's uncomfortable to use .The fov was very small almost tunnel like I do realize that I am comparing binoculars with larger objectives to the 30's I am just stating that the cls had a much narrower fov . I found them to be unfriendly to large hands and the eyepieces are hard to adjust to my liking, I found them uncomfortable . I talked to the clerk and asked to try them outside he finally agreed after I explained my 109 mile trek and the fact I was trying to make a 1k decision he agreed to 15 min I got 20 . I found even outside focusing them for me was not comfortable the center image was clear the outside edge was fuzzy . I did not like the eyepieces at all . For me the 10x30 wont cut it then again I never planned to purchase 10x I only tried them out due to some miss communication about which ones had arrived . I did not care for the position of focusing wheel on these very small bins ,I have heard several comments made about the 8x30 slc neus and plan to pursue looking through a set of them before I purchase the 8x32 el,s that I really liked . The focus wheel on the forward end for me on a small frame binocular may be just the ticket . I have gathered from the many pages that I have read here that many people don't care for it there then again I guess you have to get what is good for you as an individual . One thing is for certain I will be adding to my budget !!!!!!!!!!!! alpha's maybe

 

[[email protected]]

Hello this is my first post I was trying to find some information on the new swarovski cl series compact bins. Finally after reading through several pages of responses on the new companion cl 8x 30 and the 10 x 30's on this forum and only getting three or four first hand actual opinions It was obvious there was more speculation and debate on these binoculars than actual accounts of use of these relatively new offerings . I decided to try and locate some and try them out first hand as the information obtained here left me even more unsure of whether or not to purchase a set . I contacted bass pro and had a set of each transferred to the store nearest me to try out . I had a heck of a time getting a set there to try but finally was told the 8x 30s had arrived. So I jumped in the truck and made the 109 mile drive to the store only to be told they couldn't find the binoculars ugh ! I waited at the counter while attempts were made to locate the cl's . Now the bad part, as I was waiting the clerk asked me if he could help me with anything . I said sure can I look at the 10x 42 slc I looked through them they were nice but a little heavy . He then handed me a pair of the 8x 32 el's wow!! now these were something crystal clear and everything I could want except the price tag .These were way beyond my binocular budget at this point in time . Then the salesman returned and told me he had located the cl's ,to bad they were the 10x 30's I was more interested in the 8x30's but I tried them out anyway .They were well made and looked "cute" was the word that came to mind .The first thing I noticed was they were no comparison to the binoculars I was just looking through the aforementioned 10x42 hd slc and the 8x 32 el's . I wished I had not looked through the more expensive sets before looking at the companions I may have had a different opinion,, but that's the way it went. I found the 10 x 30 cl's uncomfortable to use .The fov was very small almost tunnel like I do realize that I am comparing binoculars with larger objectives to the 30's I am just stating that the cls had a much narrower fov . I found them to be unfriendly to large hands and the eyepieces are hard to adjust to my liking, I found them uncomfortable . I talked to the clerk and asked to try them outside he finally agreed after I explained my 109 mile trek and the fact I was trying to make a 1k decision he agreed to 15 min I got 20 . I found even outside focusing them for me was not comfortable the center image was clear the outside edge was fuzzy . I did not like the eyepieces at all . For me the 10x30 wont cut it then again I never planned to purchase 10x I only tried them out due to some miss communication about which ones had arrived . I did not care for the position of focusing wheel on these very small bins ,I have heard several comments made about the 8x30 slc neus and plan to pursue looking through a set of them before I purchase the 8x32 el,s that I really liked . The focus wheel on the forward end for me on a small frame binocular may be just the ticket . I have gathered from the many pages that I have read here that many people don't care for it there then again I guess you have to get what is good for you as an individual . One thing is for certain I will be adding to my budget !!!!!!!!!!!! alpha's maybe

Look at E-bay for your binoculars. You can get like new Zeiss 8x32 FL's or a Swarovski 8x32 EL for $1300.00. Either one is a better buy than the CL at $900.00 retail. The CL is not going to have the bigger FOV of either and if you don't like the focus wheel position on the CL it is a no brainer. Get an EL or FL. Try before you buy if you can. The FL has less CA but either are two of the best binoculars around.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swarovski-O...140633458215?pt=Binocular&hash=item20be684627

 

[ceasar]

Blackest Crow,
Try the Nikon 8 x 32 Premier. It's in your price range and is excellent. I have one. Many people think it is better than the CL (which I have never used) and the 8 x 30 SLC which I also own. The Premier controls stray light better than the SLC and I like the eye relief better, but they are close and the Nikon is not discontinued like the SLC. It also has the smoothest focusing in the industry but it also focuses very fast.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/nikon/nikon-premier-8x32-binocular

Eagle Optics has a 30 day no-fault return policy if you don't like them. Ask for details.
Check the reviews on it.

 

[Blackest Crow]

First and foremost It was my dream to own a pair of swarovski's and I did not examine any competitors bins before making my purchase soley because I had my heart set on the Swarovski's .The hype on the new affordable cl's led me here and one step closer to fulfilling that dream . Now I would like to say thank you to all of the individuals whose input and opinions I have read here on this topic . I carefully sifted through all of it and I finally purchased my new binos The swarovski slc neu 8x30 . Reading this thread made me aware of this now discontinued model because of the many comparisons made of the cl's to these slc's . I was at this time unfortunately unable to handle a pair of these as they were discontinued , but as I previously posted I had the chance to look at some alphas made by swarovski which I loved and to boot many members here really liked the slc's so I found it best to listen to people with more knowledge and bigger budgets than my own, It is now my opinion owning a pair of the slc 8x30 neu's that I find them to be very comparable to the 8x32 el's which I looked at and liked at less than half the price . The companions were to me a disappointment ,while small and light they did not fit me well and I didn't care for the narrow fov 'nor did I like the focus knob location. I read many comments about the forward focus adjustment knob on the 8x30 slcs and discovered this feature was unique to this model , had I never read these reviews I would have never known this . After looking through and focusing several binoculars the location of the knob on the slc for me was perfect and for mr in the right place ! to top it off the adjuster is silky smooth.The diopter adjustment also works excelllent I didn't care for the push pull deal on the el's .The lens of the slc neu is super clear from the center to the outside edge and is much more comparable to the view of the el's than the view through the cl's which to me though a novice were more notably less clear . It is my conclusion with actual hands on testing that the cl's are big step behind the slc neu's as far as lens quality goes regardless of claims made to the contrary . I wear a hat and have large hands .Thanks to this review I now have the slc's with the forward adjuster I can't say enough good about them . For a 1k purchase the slc is a much better bang for the buck thanks again for the help .

 

[mooreorless]

I have the 8x30 SLCneu and I like where the focuser is, esp. when wearing a hat, almost 100% of the time outside. A hat with a bill helps you see more.I am glad you like your choice and that is the only thing that matters.