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Reviews by Cap'n Ahab

C
For Ultravid 10x42 in Large Binoculars
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Quality, Quality, Quality
Cons
  • Price (Ouch!)
My Mother always said, "You get what you pay for". Everything about these bins (mine are the 8X42) is first class and just oozes quality.
The overall package is superb and I now realise how 'average' all my other bins have been.
The focus wheel has a strange (at first) feel, sort of 'micro-notchey', "they all do that, Sir", but it stays the same, whatever the temperature. It also stays where you stop, if you see what I mean?
I always thought Leicas to be overpriced, but the sheer quality and attention to detail is just so impressive. In my opinion, and experience, anything else is less!
C
For SLC 8x30 WB in Medium & Compact Binoculars
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • As above
Cons
  • As above
The world moves on, and I'm now an ex-Swaro owner. Traded in for Leica 8X42 Ultravids and I'm very happy. For me, the eye-pieces produce a much more user friendly image, but binoculars are a very personal thing, what suites one may not suit another.
Swaro should take a leaf from Leica's book re the case, strap, rainguard and objective covers. Leica designers clearly use their products. Having said all that, optically the Swaro New SLC 8X30 represents superb value for money!
C
For Ultravid 10x32 HD in Medium & Compact Binoculars
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Sheer optical excellence, and built like a brick shithouse.
Cons
  • Focus wheel feels rough(ish), but you get used to it.
Like the reviewer above, mine are non HD Ultravids and more than good enough for enough money!
They are just great and the more you use them, the better they get. The focuser is often criticised, but it does stop EXACTLY where you want it and STAYS there. I've gotten used to the feel now and prefer it to some of my other, silky smooth, bins.
In my opinion, anything else is less. By the way, the case, strap, rainguard and objective covers are designed by folks who seem to USE binoculars, unlike their Austrian competition!
Like dogs, Leicas are for life, not just Christmas.
One member found this helpful.
C
For SLC 8x30 WB in Medium & Compact Binoculars
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Quality build, compact size, low weight, great optical performance.
Cons
  • The carry case is a joke! Rainguard too complex & bulky for this model.
I've had mine for two years, here's what I think. For an 8X30 the brightness and colour rendition are superb, as is the pin-sharp resolution. Focusing and dioptre adjustments are positive, smooth. and easy to use. The 4meter close focus is barely adequate for an instrument of this spec and price, others do much better.
The 'Swaro' patent rainguard may be ok on bigger models, but on this compact design it's too bulky and gets in the way, on or off the bins.
The case is a useless abortion, clearly a cost saving exercise! It offers no protection whatsoever, and why, for pity's sake, does the strap pass through the cover. This plus the 'huge' rainguard, gets you into a fine mess!
Last criticism, 'Swaro's' patent adjustable strap. This comes complete with 'sticky-out' levers. Yes you can instantly adjust the length, but why would you want to? These levers just get in the way.
All in all, a superb binocular, compact, lightweight and with amazing performance, but don't get too close to your object, and replace the strap, rainguard and case!I
One member found this helpful.
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