When people say a focuser is "fast" or "slow," they are usually referring to how many turns it takes to go from cf to infinity.
The 8x30 SLC Neu's focuser is "fast" by that definition, however, it turns smoothly in one direction but somewhat stiffly in the other, at least on the sample I've tried.
This is only an issue when I need to focus a lot at close distance such as in my backyard. For nature trails, it's not a big deal, but I do wish the focuser was smooth in both directions so I wouldn't have to use my middle finger to focus but rather my ring finger, which would allow me to keep both hands centered on the bin.
The 8x30 SLC's front muzzle load focuser forces me to slide one hand down toward the objectives, which is a less stable position to hold the bin, given its stubby barrels.
With only 23 oz. to dampen vibrations on this small bin, my hands need to be perfectly positioned to stop...
pickin' up bad vibrations
which is giving me aggravation
I'm pickin' up bad vibrations
(Oom bop bop bad vibrations)
It's giving me indigestion
(Plop plop fizz fizz indigestion)
The EL I tried works the same way, that is, somewhat stiffer in one direction than the other, but the focuser is "slow" by comparison in terms of the turns from cf to infinity (this is an older EL).
The ZR's focuser "speed" is in-between the two Swaros, but it also shares the characteristic of being somewhat stiff in one direction and smoother than the other.
Although the 7x36 ED2 weighs the same as the 8x30 SLC, its longer body and open bridge design helps dampen bad vibrations better, and I'm sure the lower power also helps.
The odd thing about the ZR's focuser is that there is little focus past infinity compared to the Swaros. Just a nudge past infinity and you hit The Great Barrier.
As far as TP's question, the 7x36 ED2 has good DOF for a roof its size, so I don't find focusing fiddly like I do with the 8x30 SLC or 8x32 LX.
However, because of the stiff focus in focusing in toward me, when I'm looking at fine feather detail I focus at an object in front of the bird and then rack out the focuser toward the bird with the smoother side of the focuser.
This way, I have more fine motor control over minute adjustments by using the smooth side of focus on the ED2. I only find it necessary to do this under poor lightening conditions (it's my eyes rather than the bins).
Try that technique and see if it helps.
Fast Eddie Half Nelson
