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Cl Companion 8x30 vs. SFL 8x30 vs. ? (1 Viewer)

You have explained that the newer CL isn't really an upgrade (for you) and I get that. However, you have not explained why you like the older CL better.
I've faced a similar issue with Leica BN 32 vs UVHD+. I do like the feel of BN in the hand better, but that's a relatively small thing, and in several other ways UV is slightly better -- yet I turned it down because it wasn't enough better to really impress me. Prior experience with what one already has can play a role in these choices. I doubt that most people, coming for the first time to the two side by side (new old stock) on a counter, would choose the original CL or BN. I might not myself.
 
I've faced a similar issue with Leica BN 32 vs UVHD+. I do like the feel of BN in the hand better, but that's a relatively small thing, and in several other ways UV is slightly better -- yet I turned it down because it wasn't enough better to really impress me. Prior experience with what one already has can play a role in these choices. I doubt that most people, coming for the first time to the two side by side (new old stock) on a counter, would choose the original CL or BN. I might not myself.
The Leica BN and Leica UVHD+ are almost identical optically because Leica hasn't done any major optical changes on their binoculars in the last 20 years.

The older Leica BN has better build quality and handling than the newer UVHD+ IMO.
 
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It sounds like you hate the FP system as much as I do. I have actually grown to hate it because when your strap gets twisted you have TWO different things to untwist the FP attachment swivel AND the strap, and you have to figure out which one is twisted which by trial and error.

It is a royal PIA, and It has caused me to avoid Swarovski binoculars, even though they are excellent optically outside of the glare. 😁
I think it's more of a dislike than a hatred. It's an unnecessarily complicated solution to a non-existent problem (for me). Plus the big mounting points just get in the way of my grip.

However the dioptre on the CL 8x30b is a hatred. Normally I love Swaro's engineering and yet they somehow allowed this shockingly bad example out into the real-world. Very strange.
 
I don't really understand this problem with the dioptre. I do not wear glasses, so for me a dioptre isn't interesting at all. However, if I do wear glasses and one eye is different than the other eye, I do have to set the dioptre once and I do not have to touch the dioptre anymore. So not a big deal I would say?

I like fieldpro. It is easy to untwist the strap. Easier than with a normal strap, imo.
I also like that it is easy to detach a strap. I have the EL 12x50 and the NL 10x32 and sometimes switch the straps. I also have a rick young harness, but do not always use them. It's really easy to attach or detach them. So I am a fan! And for me the FP is a plus, when I have to decide old vs new CL.
 
I don't really understand this problem with the dioptre. I do not wear glasses, so for me a dioptre isn't interesting at all. However, if I do wear glasses and one eye is different than the other eye, I do have to set the dioptre once and I do not have to touch the dioptre anymore. So not a big deal I would say?

I like fieldpro. It is easy to untwist the strap. Easier than with a normal strap, imo.
I also like that it is easy to detach a strap. I have the EL 12x50 and the NL 10x32 and sometimes switch the straps. I also have a rick young harness, but do not always use them. It's really easy to attach or detach them. So I am a fan! And for me the FP is a plus, when I have to decide old vs new CL.
Reinier,

For context, @ 8 years ago I bought a used original CL 8x30 (Africa edition - beautiful!) for my wife. It's built like a tank IMO but she uses it gently.

When the CL B came out, I bought one based on the vaunted "eye box". I do slightly prefer the handling of the original but slightly prefer the image of the B. While not an issue for you, the diopter on the new version is a pain to set but once done, it's done. I have the SW FP 10x32 and 12x50 as well and am not a big fan of the FP system on those but the smaller size of the CL and the fact that the CL strap has traditional webbing rather than the pesky thin round cords of the ELs makes it better in use for me.

So that leaves a couple of "try before you buy" factors for you. I'm fine with the focus function on the the new version but others don't like the feel. And again they handle somewhat differently as well based on the shorter, stout shape of the original. Based on a quick search the original version still hovers @ $800 which is at or near the original MSRP unlike most "older" ELs for example which can be had at significant reductions of the original price. This may tell us something about how highly the original is still regarded by owners.

Mike
 
I have nearly a dozen binoculars but my favorite overall is the Swarovski 10x25 Pocket Mountain. My wife prefers the 8x25 version. These weigh only 12 ounces and when folded and in the carry case they are small enough to fit inside a jacket pocket or the water bottle receptacle on a fanny bag.

I tried compact binoculars from Leica and Zeiss but personally did not like them. For me a 25mm objective is as small as I want to use. The surface area of 25mm objective is 56% greater than for a 20mm objective and this will greatly affect light transmission.
 
The Opticron Traveler BGA WA ED 8x32 has the exact same outer diameter as the SFL 8x30.
The SFL, b/c of its giant focuser has a taller height when laid flat on a table.
When stood on end, the Opticron is a hair widths taller.
The IPD and diameter of the eye cups are similar, the SFL being a bit smaller in both.
The weight difference, is not detectable in hand.
The Opticron is a very nice view. Personal fit and the placement of the focuser and price may lead different people to choose differently between the two.

I have had a CLB 8x30 about a year. When wearing glasses, it works nicely for me.
The haptics of picking it up off the table are wonderful.
Wearing gloves, the focuser loses a lot of grip and it sometimes fails to turn.
I had compared it directly against the SFL 8x30 before purchase.
The SFL eye box and I did not get along well at that time, and CL was easy in that regard.
I am now planning to acquire an SFL 8x30.
Have gone back and done direct compare again, and the SFL eyecup’s slightly larger outer diameter fits me better, and with the cups fully extended, I have no issues. I expect that the slightly softer material of the eyecups to lead to a bit better experience in use against glasses or the face. I believe that the much more pronounced texturing and size of the focus wheel will make a difference wearing gloves.
Other than personal fit - the massive difference of close focus will also make a difference.

I also have a Kowa 6.5x32 and the SFL 8x40 and an UV 10x25.
My spouse has the NL 8x32. We share a Sig 18x42 IS.
The perceived magnifications of these is not what some may expect. To my eyes, I would rank them (lowest first):
CL
Kowa
NL
SFL

I have been able to ID birds with the CL that my wife could not with her NL (experience, luck, etc).
I no longer carry the UV. Its very fiddly in use. Also, in AZ we came across a wild group of Love Birds and the view was abysmal, when I borrowed the NL it was like someone turned on the lights in a dark room, and the birds were easily enjoyed.
 
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