Mark,
I don't know if they could be called complaints, I think it was a case of perhaps expecting the CLs to deliver more than they did for some people since it was a Swarovski. Other users, like yourself, rate them highly, although you are only the second BF member to rate them right behind the SV EL (Dennis was the first, but he changed his mind about that not long after).
Part of the issue, I think, is that the Companion was often compared to the 8x30 SLCneu and 8x32 EL, and it usually came in last, as in this review by our very own Stephen B.
http://www.opticstalk.com/my-review-of-a-8x32-el-8x30-slc-neu-and-a-8x30-cl_topic30011.html
Here's another Optics Talk thread where you will find similar comments:
http://www.opticstalk.com/swarovski-cl-8x30-vs-el-8x32_topic33597.html
The 8x30 SLCneu vs. 8x30 CL is an apples and apples comparison, because the SLCs used to cost around the same amount, and the CLs replaced the 8x30 SLCs in Swaro's line-up. But when you bring the EL into the mix, which is top tier, of course, the CL will be behind it.
I'd like to see some reviews that pit the 8x30 CL against the other current second tier roofs such as the 8x32 Conquest HD and Meopta 8x32 Meostar. How does it compete in its own segment is the relevant question to ask.
If there is a complaint, it would probably be the moderate 7* FOV. I've read more negative comments about that than anything else. But a smaller FOV is the price you pay for a smallish traveling "companion."
Brock
Brock,
I have located the link with Gijs's comments on the Swarovski 8 x 30 CL. He has compared it with the Meopta Meostar 8 x 32. He has compared their FOV, size of the sharpness of the field with in it. The light transmission of both of them. The level of service to be expected from their manufacturers and their prices. Read it in the link below: His measurements show that the CL has about 5% better light transmission than the Meostar and it's FOV has a 24% larger area of centerfield sharpness than the Meostar. 89% to 65%.
http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=2711041&postcount=4
In post #2 of the same thread he mentions that he takes it with him when he goes on hikes.
It is because of this review, and the fact that he uses it himself, that I decided to get one for my wife. She likes it very much and she uses it while wearing glasses. I like it a lot too and to be truthful I am using it more than she is. I've compared it to my 8 x 30 SLC and it is just as bright and I think it controls veiling glare better. It compares favorably with my older Nikon 8x32 LX L too and is nearly 7 ounces lighter.
Bob
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