Swaro SLC 7x30 vs Leica Trinovid 8x32 BA (3 Viewers)

Hi there, I’ve been searching for a good low power travel binocular for my . My current travel binoculars are a pair of Leica 8 x 32 BA. I love them, but my wife has been adopting them as of .

I found out that Swarovski used to make a 7 x 30 SLC in the 90’s but we’re discontinued at some point. I recently owned a pair of mid 2000’s
SLC 8x 42’s, but got a lucky deal and was able to trade them in on a pair of newer generation SLC HD 8x42. Optically the newer SLC‘s are definitely better, but I liked almost everything else better with the prior generation SLC . Better armor much better focuser. I also kind of like the nice short chunky size in some ways. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the 1990s-???? Vintage SLC 7x30. Would love any comparisons to the Leica 8x32 BA as I have those binocular of a similar vintage. I have also l been curious about the Zeiss conquest HD 8 x 32 as those prices are getting very good at the moment. However, that’s apples and oranges. Much newer generation and having previously owned the 8 x 42‘s. I’m sure it will be optically excellent, but probably not the tank like build quality of the older Swaro and Leica, which is nice for a travel bino.

Many thanks in advance.!

Winchester44, post 1,
On the WEB site of House of Outdoor I have published a power point presentation of the history of binocular production by Swarovski. In that presentation is included a short description of the SLC 7x30 and we have also measured transmission spectra. Compared to present day binoculars the transmission is lower: around 80%. We still have one and it is generally judged as a fine instrument both wit regard top optical performance as well as with respect to user comfort.
Gijs van Ginkel

Gijs van Ginkel said:

Winchester44, post 1,
On the WEB site of House of Outdoor I have published a power point presentation of the history of binocular production by Swarovski. In that presentation is included a short description of the SLC 7x30 and we have also measured transmission spectra. Compared to present day binoculars the transmission is lower: around 80%. We still have one and it is generally judged as a fine instrument both wit regard top optical performance as well as with respect to user comfort.
Gijs van Ginkel

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Thank you very much!

Is this the correct link?

Oh wow, here is a great discussion on that series

Does anyone know where I can find field of view specification for the 7 x 30?

Hi W44,

The spec’s for the 7x30B SLC Mk II, from the back page of an early flyer for the Mk II upgrade:


It's from a 2021 ebay listing by dan6aol.


The only reference that I've been able to find to the 7x30B's ER is in this slightly unusual table:


It's from Alan Hale's 1991 book 'How To Choose Binoculars'. The table can be found on page 10 of Gijs' 100 page presentation on Swarovski Optik
at: Verrekijker testen | House Of Outdoor & Optics


In other sources the 8x30WB Mk II's ER is listed as 15 mm (the 7x30 and 8x30 shared objectives and prisms but used different eyepieces).


John

Wow, this is excellent! Thanks so much.

Interesting that the field of view is narrower than the 8X.

I have encountered this before in smaller format binoculars that I’m not sure what causes it. I suspect as you said that only one lens is different on the 7X rather than the whole optics train

Winchester44 said:

I have also l been curious about the Zeiss conquest HD 8 x 32

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Superb optic .... especially for the price, and VERY well built.
And a 10yr warranty from new.
I'd probably go this route.

Rg548 said:

Superb optic .... especially for the price, and VERY well built.
And a 10yr warranty from new.
I'd probably go this route.

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Thank you Roger! I value your opinion tremendously. would it be fair to say you would prefer the conquest to the 8x30 Swaro SLC and Leica BA Trinovid?

Winchester44 said:

Thank you Roger! I value your opinion tremendously. would it be fair to say you would prefer the conquest to the 8x30 Swaro SLC and Leica BA Trinovid?

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They are all great..
I have much affection for a trinovid BA/BN.... still a great optic.
But I suspect the Conquest will out perform them if you are fussy.