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SV 8X32 (1 Viewer)

dries1

Member
I have been spending some time with these over the fall and have been impressed with both the optics and especially the handling of this glass, while it is not as small in stature as the FL as a traveling glass, it more than makes up for it in other ways as a versatile glass and the ease to get on a target. The eye-relief makes it (for an 8X32 - similar to the EDG 8X32) easy to throw it up to the eyes with no issues for viewing, the 8.5X42 has this same characteristic. Personally I much prefer the handling of the SV to the NL 8X32 IMO (subjective). These will be around for a long while, a long while.

SV8X32 edit 1.jpg
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The EL32 is fantastic. I’m working on a (long and slow) comparison with the EL 8.5x42 and Zeiss 8x42 ht and I’ve found it difficult to see advantages to the larger bins compared to my EL 8x32 aside from ergonomics, and if I had narrower fingers I don’t know that I’d even consider the 42s.
 
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For the last 18 months or so, I have been using an 8x32 EL for hiking and cycling in the mountains around my home. I find it’s an excellent binocular for that purpose, but it’s 4mm exit pupil is a bit too small and uncomfortable for all around use, and I would prefer a more conventional mounting point for attaching its carrying strap. It’s over-size field case is a good fit for my 8x42.

It fits my hands well and has adequate eye relief for use with my eyeglasses. I particularly like its diopter adjustment, it’s wide, sharp and flat field, and the ruggedness of its armor and lens covers for harsh field use without a case. For hiking and cycling, I like it much better than the 8x20 and 8x42 that I have used in that role.
 
For the last 18 months or so, I have been using an 8x32 EL for hiking and cycling in the mountains around my home. I find it’s an excellent binocular for that purpose, but it’s 4mm exit pupil is a bit too small and uncomfortable for all around use, and I would prefer a more conventional mounting point for attaching its carrying strap. It’s over-size field case is a good fit for my 8x42.

It fits my hands well and has adequate eye relief for use with my eyeglasses. I particularly like its diopter adjustment, it’s wide, sharp and flat field, and the ruggedness of its armor and lens covers for harsh field use without a case. For hiking and cycling, I like it much better than the 8x20 and 8x42 that I have used in that role.

GW,

I have the pre FP 8x32 and FP 10x32 EL. Both great binoculars. Like you I am not a big fan of of the FP strap attachment. But if you get the adapters, the FP system works very well with a harness, which is the way I prefer to carry binoculars and especially when hiking/biking.
 
The EL 8x32 is a great binocular, but in certain situations I have found it to show more glare than say the Zeiss SF 8x32. That is the ONLY weakness I have found personally, but you may not even see it because it seems to depend on the individual. I don't like the FP strap attachment either. I prefer the standard strap attachment for its simplicity and versatility. Swarovski's straps are overdone in my opinion. I don't need all those adjustments and strap locks. Give me a simple strap like the lightweight Vero Vellini, and I am happy. Overall, it is still one of my favorite binoculars and wows me every time I look through one.

 

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GW,

I have the pre FP 8x32 and FP 10x32 EL. Both great binoculars. Like you I am not a big fan of of the FP strap attachment. But if you get the adapters, the FP system works very well with a harness, which is the way I prefer to carry binoculars and especially when hiking/biking.
I used to dislike the FP system as well but then i realised that the CL neck strap attachment fits perfectly on the SV. This means no oversized / bulky neckstrap and no loose cords…. Because the CL system has full articulation, i find this neck strap works a lot better on the SV.

during the same time i also realised the SV fits perfectly in the CL 8x30 storage case - so in the last 6 months I’ve had 2 wins in the 2 areas i previously disliked about the SV….
 
I never had an issue with the FP system, in fact I like it. But I did find the ‘deluxe’ adjustable neck strap to be too much fuss, and I was also pleased to find that the CL(b) neck strap fits with my El32. I leave the open loop fp adapters and extra pins connected to a young harness and easily swap the strap for harness in seconds. Of course some kind of bolt snaps or tiny carbiners would work just as well if not for the FP system - my point being that nothing is lost, even if nothing is gained.
 
My 8x32 EL is the last version made with the Field Pro strap. I didn’t care for the bulky strap, so I installed the lugs that allow using a lighter, simple, and less bulky conventional strap that I like better, but I don’t care for the rotating lugs because they seem more prone to twist the strap and take longer to untwist than conventional lugs without providing any benefit to me.

I suspect the reason SW sold the 8x32 EL with the 8x42 SLC case was to accommodate the bulky FP strap. I haven’t noticed the glare problem that some describe.
 
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After having tried many, this is my favourite 8x32 (haven't used the most modern offerings, NL, SF).
For me, as @dries1 says, what makes it exceptional is not only the outstanding view (really bright and sharp), but especially the ease of use, the 8x42-ness, if such a word could ever exist: the eightbyfortytwoness of an 8x32 binocular. The eyecups are really super comfortable (I'm amazed of how well Swarovski got these, pity it could not put the same ones on the 8x30 CL) and the overall balance is just nimble and natural to use.
At home we have 2 units, both the pre-FP (2014) and a 2020 FP. Oddly enough, the 2014 went to Absam for some maintenance (focus wheel, eyecups, armour) and the focus wheel on these is noticeably superior to the new 2020 model: way softer, no grainy feeling, a little faster. As for the FP package, to my eyes it really is a solution for a non-existing problem, an overcomplicated and over-engineered gimmick. Having used both the pre-FP and the FP I simply couldn't care less about what the FP has to offer. However, I do feel the texture of the rubber armour in the FP is nicer than the pre-FP, I prefer it, and whenever I use it I can feel the difference.
All in all, and knowing that there is no perfect binocular, the EL SV 8x32 is my binocular of choice for everyday birding, and probably the only one I would keep if I had to get rid of the other ones I got.
 
Yarrelli,

Agree with you regarding the eyecup comfort on the SV 8X32, why the Meostar 8X32 did not agree with me, as it provided such a nice view, if only Meopta could have the eyecups a bit wider in diameter.
 
Yarrelli,

Agree with you regarding the eyecup comfort on the SV 8X32, why the Meostar 8X32 did not agree with me, as it provided such a nice view, if only Meopta could have the eyecups a bit wider in diameter.
So true, we have exactly the same experience. The narrow eyecups ruined it for me. Oddly enough, Meopta did get the eyecups of the Meostar right: left,
EL 8x32, right Meostar...

EL32MEO856.jpeg

Only it is the 8x56 Meostar :D Did a little visual riddle a while ago: here.

If I could be King for a day, I would order up a 6x32EL with conventional strap lugs. I am probably the only person who would want one, so will probably never see one.
No kidding, I think I've written it here in the past. My dream binocular would be very close to a 7x32 EL. Even better, a 7x35 EL :) You are not alone.
 
Yarrellii you almost had me thinking they increased the diameter on the Meopta 8X32 Meostar.
My mistake then, the picture above is from a 8x32 EL SV but a 8x56 Meostar B1, that was the odd/funny bit. I'm afraid the eyecups on the 8x32 Meostar are as narrow as always.
 
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