At the clearance pricing of 1200-1300 for a new one, i am fighting hard ot hold out for the swarovision EL 8x32 but seriously question spending 1000 more for ???
a flat field>?
besides CA, which doesnt boither me since I hunt, what else wil lthe swarovsion have on the old EL?
I saw longer eye relief but i dont wear glasses.
1 oz lighter
what were the criticisms of the el 8x32
308CAL,
You're fortunate that CA doesn't bother you, I think the lower CA will be the other big selling point besides the edge-to-edge sharpness.
Some users/reviewers have criticized the baby EL for CA. For example, the allbinos' review lists "significant chromatic aberration at the edge of the field" in their "Cons" list ( though the "Pros" list is much longer):
http://www.allbinos.com/189-binoculars_review-Swarovski_EL_8x32_WB.html
I used the 8x32 EL only briefly on a sunny day. On axis, I didn't see any CA under those conditions, but I can imagine that under high contrast situations, a non-ED bin with 8* FOV will show CA at the edges.
I used the 8x30 SLCneu more extensively, and the CA is well controlled for a bin its size. It has a slightly smaller FOV, so less edges, less noticeable CA, all other things being equal.
What I did have a problem with both Swaros is image blackouts. Both bins have only 15mm ER, so it's not because the ER is too long, but I found that I had to back off from the eyecups to avoid blackouts while panning. So I might need to do that bicycle inner tube modification Renze suggested with the Zeiss 7x42 Dialyt to get my eyes at the right distance. Only problem is that I hate the smell of rubber!
The longer ER spec on the new model might make the blackouts worse, but it depends on how long the eyecups are. For me, eyecups need to be a bit longer than for others for some reason. I had the same issue with the Leupold 6x30 Yosemite - I had to back off from the eyecups to avoid blackouts.
As far whether the SV EL is worth $1,000 more -- it's a personal decision among you, your wallet, and your accountant. If you can afford the new model and it makes you happy, why not? Life's too short not to treat yourself on occassion.
But if you're budget minded like me, the discounted price of the 8x32 EL WB's will be more attractive than edge to edge sharpness and lack of CA of the SV EL model especially since you are not sensitive to CA>
Big409Brock