Ziess/Swarovski compact binocular opinions

[Guss]

Hey Ray, everyone keeps telling you to go with the mid size bino(8x32's), you might want to listen to em! Just joking! Did I tell ya I could make you a sweet deal on the Leica's in the Classified's!! LOL! Guss

[greenie]

I owned a pair of 10 x 25 Swaroski compacts.  I did have to have the eye cup replaced after a few years use.  For compacts, they were awesome but the only pair of Swaroski's I own now is a pair of 8 x 30.  I'd spend a little more and go for the 8 x 30's.

[MMilin]

Ray:

I have two pairs of Leica 8 x 20s.  One is over 20 years old.  The second, which I bought for my wife, is more than half of that.  I use them for hunting and concerts . . . and everything in between.  They have NEVER disappointed.

They're spectacular.  The image is bright and crisp.  They're small, light, and durable.

Leica still makes them.  Mine have what I'll call "telescoping" eyecups, to facilitate their use with eyeglasses of all kinds.  They're not that rubber, fold-down crap that dries out and cracks.  If Leica still makes them that way, that feature alone makes them top of the heap.

Do yourself a favor.  Give 'em a look.

Mark

[B.O.D.]

I agree with HunterJohn, I got the Zeiss 8x30's last Sept. And I have not looked back either, they are light, durable and crystal clear; I have not noticed a difference in light gethering ability from my old 8x42's

BD

[Pete W]

There are several reviews of the swarovski on my site from the 8x20 upin the trad review section at  www.peteward.com.  each has it's points, I love the 8x20 , but my all time pick is the EL 8x32.