eitanaltman
Well-known member
The “felt at home” comment is spot on. That’s exactly how I felt about the Meostar 8x32, I can nitpick a few flaws but it felt like an old friend the moment I held it.
It's funny isn't it. I've been following these threads on 8x30/32s very closely. I had assumed that the 8x32 FP world be the best all round binocular for me (although I am also aiming to get a pair of 7x42 UV+s). However I bought as a "stop gap" a pair of CL 8x30s. I now know that I do not need the FPs, the CLs meet my needs perfectly; a lightweight, razor sharp, pair of binoculars that fit my, small, hands perfectly. Most of my birding is carried out as part of my walking in my local area. The FPs would give me no extra benefits. I considered the HGs, but for me the Swarovski's ergonomics far outweighed anything the Nikons had to offer. So for me the CLs are the perfect 8x 30/32 binoculars. For someone else they wouldn't be.It goes to show that there is no such thing as a perfect binocular, only a perfect binocular for you as an individual.I agree and although the FL8x32 is undeniably superior I sold mine and kept the Conquest HD 8x32, with which I felt at home the moment I picked it up. I had a lot of respect for the FL but I love the Conquest.
Lee
I agree with you on the CL's. I think they are the best 8x30's you can buy and funny thing is they don't show glare like the 8x32 EL's. Like you say a lot nicer to carry and use with their smaller size and weight. There is a lot of difference between 17oz. for the CL and 22 oz. for the EL. The FP strap isn't as bad on the CL's as the EL's. At least the CL has a STRAP instead of a cord. The part I hate about the FP strap is the cord on the EL and the excess length just hang's down and dangle's around.It's funny isn't it. I've been following these threads on 8x30/32s very closely. I had assumed that the 8x32 FP world be the best all round binocular for me (although I am also aiming to get a pair of 7x42 UV+s). However I bought as a "stop gap" a pair of CL 8x30s. I now know that I do not need the FPs, the CLs meet my needs perfectly; a lightweight, razor sharp, pair of binoculars that fit my, small, hands perfectly. Most of my birding is carried out as part of my walking in my local area. The FPs would give me no extra benefits. I considered the HGs, but for me the Swarovski's ergonomics far outweighed anything the Nikons had to offer. So for me the CLs are the perfect 8x 30/32 binoculars. For someone else they wouldn't be.It goes to show that there is no such thing as a perfect binocular, only a perfect binocular for you as an individual.
They don't even have any Zeiss binocular's in Colorado at Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's, Scheel's or Bass Pro outside of a few Terra at Sportsman's Warehouse and Cabela's and a few SF's at Scheel's. Huge case of Swarovski for the high end and huge case of Nikon's for the medium and low end. And they are almost all 10x. Hardly any 8x. That's it.The new 8x32SF may be the "bees knees", but the Swaro 8x32SV will still outsell it 10:1.
They don't even have any Zeiss binocular's in Colorado at Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's, Scheel's or Bass Pro outside of a few Terra' at Sportsman's Warehouse and Cabela's and a few SF's at Scheel's. Huge case of Swarovski for the high end and huge case of Nikon's for the medium and low end. And they are almost all 10x. Hardly any 8x. That's it.
I know it. Every time I start to look at Swarovski's at Cabela's the salesman steer's me to Vortex's. Last time he said "Now here is the binocular you should be buying. Half the price of those Swarovski's and REALLY they perform just as well."Cabela's sales folks out my way all push Vortex hard. I'm not sure if the staff just really like the brand or if there is some sort of incentive.
The “felt at home” comment is spot on. That’s exactly how I felt about the Meostar 8x32, I can nitpick a few flaws but it felt like an old friend the moment I held it.
The FP strap isn't as bad on the CL's as the EL's. At least the CL has a STRAP instead of a cord. The part I hate about the FP strap is the cord on the EL and the excess length just hang's down and dangle's around.
I know it. Every time I start to look at Swarovski's at Cabela's the salesman steer's me to Vortex's. Last time he said "Now here is the binocular you should be buying. Half the price of those Swarovski's and REALLY they perform just as well."
Your absolutely correct. I have bought and sold a lot of binocular's and the resale on Swarovski's is always the best and they sell the quickest. Nikon EDG's are great binocular's but they have poor resale value.I bought the Urban Jungle pack with mine, ASI live the case, however I hated the strap. So I contacted Swarovski and Feathers, my local optics seller in there UK. Between them they obtained for me one of the straps off of the the Wild Nature pack. I had to pay for it, but it was less than I would have had to pay for the EL FP Comfort strap. So I now have the best of both worlds.
I did have another thought about the Swarovski's v some of their competition that doesn't often get mention, but which can be important to less well off buyers, such as me; and that is residuals. When it comes to the time when I want to change or upgrade my binoculars, I know that they will keep their value better than the non "big three" brands. The fact is that no matter how good the opposition, people look at brand names and pay more for certain ones, because they know what they are getting. It's the same across the board; cars, clothes, you name it. Look at binoculars on a certain well known website.
Cabela's probably push the Vortex's because they are made by Kamakura and they have a lot more profit margin than Swarovski's. Kamakura probably makes a binocular for $200.00 for Vortex that they sell for $1000.00 at Cabela's so Cabela's makes more money on every Vortex they sell. There isn't as much profit margin on Swarovski's.I have had the same issue with Cabela's...any state I have been in. A pitch they make to sell the most products I suppose.
As Paskman stated:
When it comes to the time when I want to change or upgrade my binoculars, I know that they (Swarovski)will keep their value better than the non "big three" brands.
Total agreement....and to be honest, I do resell my bins from time to time, so this is a reason to look at Swarovski.
Here is a nice comparison of the Swarovski Habicht 8x30 and the Swarovski CL 8x30 and also a thread on Bird Forum discussing the two.Although only 8x30, could the Swarovski Habicht 8X30 be a good candidate? better than the CL Companion?
Cabela's probably push the Vortex's because they are made by Kamakura and they have a lot more profit margin than Swarovski's. Kamakura probably makes a binocular for $200.00 for Vortex that they sell for $1000.00 at Cabela's so Cabela's makes more money on every Vortex they sell. There isn't as much profit margin on Swarovski's.
Although only 8x30, could the Swarovski Habicht 8X30 be a good candidate? better than the CL Companion?