I am searching for a replacement hunting bino. I'd prefer 8x42s but I'd settle for 8x32s. Here's the situation - I need the longest eye relief possible and I'd prefer something lighter in weight than my present Leupold Gold Ring 8x42HD. I like to optics on the Gold Ring, but they're heavy.

I have recovered from two retinal detachments and my glasses sit quite a ways off my face. I need the longest eye relief possible.

I have looked at a few (not much around me to allow actual handling) and researched many others on-line. I am willing to spend for quality but not crazy $2000 or $3000 price tags. And I'd prefer non-China optics.

Does anyone have any real suggestions?

Thanks

Swarovski 8x30 CL's

The 8x30 CL is a good deal.

Tract Toric 8x42 weighs 26 ounces versus the 17 of the 8x30 CL (and 26 oz. if pretty light for 8x42s)--but has longer eye relief (19mm vs. 16mm), and costs about half as much.

I also need long eye relief due to wearing glasses. In an 8x42, I find the Meopta Meopro excellent value and really like mine. It has 20mm, and weighs less than 25 oz.

I have never seen an 8x30/32 that comes close.

I have the 8×42 Meopro's as well I like them alot.

Tract Toric 8x42 advertises 19mm. That's about as far as it gets.

KOWA

The Swarovski 8.5x42 EL have 20mm or more eye relief. That is as high as I've seen in that power range. I've looked through the EL's in the store (I know that's not in the field) and they were very sharp and nice compared to my Leica 8x42.

Depending on your budget, the Athlon Cronus 8.5X42 is advertised as having eye relief of 22.0 mm. Doug has them for $300. Not a lightweight, and not alpha, but I like mine quite well.

Try to find some 7x42 Meostars. Great glass end excellent eye relief.

Leupold BX4 are pretty good optics for your price range and you stated you like the optics in your gold rings. Some have only 16 mm eye relief, but 10x50 has 18.8 and 8x42 has 19 (23.4 oz).

I'm like you. With my eye-glasses and deeper set eyes, the more eye relief the better for me. My Tract 8x42 has acceptable eye relief for me and are really nice. But for super eye relief, my older Swarovski 7x42 are better by far, and I actually hold them slightly off my glasses, unlike the Tracts. I highly recommend them.