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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Steve C" data-source="post: 1361161" data-attributes="member: 56622">I tried out the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 a while ago and found the gap wasn't big enough for me hold the barrels comfortably. Someone posted on here somewhere that the gap in the Promaster (or Hawke) was smaller than the Swarovski, so I really dismissed it as a possibility. Maybe I'll have another look.MichaelSince that post, I've had some more time to put my Promaster side by side to just about all of the alpha class.  I also mis-posted my IPD, it's 65mm.  At any rate, there is more room between the barrels of the Swarovski EL by a noticeable amount. However, if you are really looking for room between the barrels on a heck of a good alpha binocular, see if you can get your hands on a Steiner Peregrine XP.  They seem to be called the Discovery on your side of the big pond.  The Discovery has diopters on both barrels and a central focus as well.</blockquote>