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Message: <blockquote data-quote="stephen b" data-source="post: 3330504" data-attributes="member: 80110">Before I answer the OP's ?- I want to give a heart felt congrats :t: to all the gents here that recently retired. Hope the rest of your days are filled with good health, wonderful family and many pleasant days making memories!EnjoyAs to my own optic search and chasing- I have been on a bit of a search mission looking, buying, and trading/ selling etc. for about 6 years now. I wanted to upgrade my optics after a fall 2009 trip to Montana when I looked through a few friends new Swaro's. Before that I thought I was content with what I thought were going to be my "lifers". I had a 7x30 SLC and a 7x26 B&L Custom that I had since 1996. Well after looking through my friends new optics I realized that mine ( although adequate) were not fully what I thought they were. Made me realize that there were some improved optics out there.In the computer internet search ( which was not around for me when I last purchased optics in mid '90's) that I did in fall 2009 I learned a whole bunch about all sorts of optics. And low and behold one of the sites I found when searching for new optics was Bird Forum Binocular section. And thanks to all the optic junkies/ loonies that linger and post here I learned a ton; spent a ton and have enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks- I think??Since then I have looked at, tried, bought, sold and finally think I have figured out what works for me. What works for me is a variety of sizes and powers. So- not one do all optic. Although I could be happy with 1 or 2 of the ones in my current stable- I realize that I like variety for different conditions etc. And weather here in western Oregon plays some of a factor.So what I have a use now is:Spotter: Nikon 20-60x60 EDIII tactical Fieldscope. With a 24x MC fixed also. This spotter presently fulfills for me all of my spotting scope needs. I think I am done for now for spotters. Binoculars: Compacts: * 6x25 Bushnell custom- older late '60's one. Really still a fine optic. * 7x26 B&L Custom- mid '90's polycarb. body- still a pretty fine compact.Mid size ( all 8x32 at present)* 8x32 Nikon SE. Newer version, and simply a great view. Classic first rate optics that just work for me. Not as good overall as the 8x32 SV Swaro- but it certainly gives it a run. * 8x32 Leupold Mojave. Purchased 1 year ago on a clearance. This little gem punches way, way above it's weight class. I am still amazed at how bright and sharp this bin is. It is my H2O proof small mid size ( almost compact) take anywhere do anything bin. Serves as a back-up for me; and my wife loves using it; and I use it for a loaner for Son's in laws and even for my grandson to check out.* one more 8x32 that I have presently is the fabulous Swaro SV. Purchased ( again for me- I have had a few) just this last month when I was tempted again to get one on clearance. Simply superb. But...I think that this one is going to a new home. Why- well I also bought another SV recently and I have (2) other 8x32's that surprisingly really do pretty well in side by side testing. And this 8x32 SV costs ( even on clearance) what 3-4 of my other main ones cost. Too much duplication for me- at a high price.Full size bins:* 7x42 Habicht - 2015 version. These Habichts work for me- tack sharp, light, waterproof, well built. Just a classic old world style binocular- but with best new coatings. I have used this a ton this year. It is my go to low light bin.* 10x42 Leupold Cascade Porro. This is a fantastic bin for my uses. It has some negatives ( one really- narrow FOV); and some CA- which does not bother me at all. I don't really see it. I have tried, but I do not. But this bin is very, very sharp. And it is light, and important for me waterproof. It serves as a light weight ( 25oz) 10x42 to carry, and a good bin when mounted on my tripod for long term glassing. And it is one that I freely loan out to family members to use.Specialty bin: ( for my uses); as opposed to an everyday carry.And last- but not certainly least. And the reason that the 8x32 SV is probaly going to be sold. * 10x50 Swaro SV. Just purchased this bin on closeout. I just got it 2 days ago. All I can say is wow!! Wow! I probably would have never bought this bin for anywhere close to full price. I just would not have justified it in my mind. I had seen them locally and played around with them. But I thought- "I do not really need it; it is too heavy: I have more than enough bins" etc. etc. But I did before think that it would make an awesome multi-purpose bin. For a distance viewer; sharp bright not walking too far bin; great house bin; and a wonderful astro bin. And then Cabelas was closing them out, and I had some points; and on top of that they had another one day coupon that took even more off. They were practically begging me to buy them. So... I said I have to buy these and really check them out. They made me. I also thought- what the heck- if I really do not get on with them, they can either go back, or find another home.Well these have been in my hands for a good part of my free time for the last (2) days. I do not see them going back. Now I see what all the hoopla is about for these 10x50 SV's. They are a gem.So... who wants a great deal on an awesome brand new less than one month old 8x32 SV. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> And it has a smooooth focus. They will most likely be going to a new home soon. Just can't justify keeping them.</blockquote>

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