Always like the size/weight, nice FOV of the 8x30-32mm binos. Wondering if anyone has had a chance to compare these two? Some of the reviews of the Cl's are not exactly glowing but they are also often compared to binos costing 2X as much. The Nikon has some nice features, a good look and price tag that won't break the bank - but are they worth carrying? Opinions? Other options in the sub 1K (Closer to $500 is even better) range - Thanks.

I don't know how the two you mentioned would compare, but I do know the Pentax ED's are alot better than I thought they'd be. E

I boight/used a pair of the Swaro CL this fall and adore them. I don't have any experience with the Nikon.

I own and use the Swaro CL 8x30 also. I love them.

I like the Monarchs a lot! Bang for your buck, they are tough to beat. That being said, have you looked at the Vortex Viper HD? They are also a screaming deal for the money.

I've owned a couple Vipers and Viper HD's (still have an 8X28 Viper)they were nice but have a halo in bright light that makes me a little crazy. The Monarch 7's have features from the old LX's that should make them very good. They have a giant FOV and size/weight about the same as the Swaro CL's
I guess the real question is - are they about as good for $379 instead of $979? I could find things to do with the extra $600!

Are they about as good?

Is Hillary is about as good as Milla if the lights are off ... ? The question is what you call 'about as good'.

The answer is just no.

The Nikon that is closer to being in the same league with a Swaro would be the "Premier" not the Monarch.

Having recently gone in search of some glass in the size class you have mentioned, and having looked through both, I'd take the Monarch 7s and the 6 bills in change and run.

Take a look at the Meopta Meostar 8x32s

I am very happy with Zeiss Conquest 8x32 HD and they have the hydrophobic lens coatings of the higher price Zeiss, and are well under 1k.

meostar 8x32

This, but make mine Cabelas Euro 8x32HD

I'm still toting a pair of Leupold Wind Rivers I bought about 10 years ago. But, I have looked at the Monarch 7's several times, and the glass is very good...better than my wind rivers for sure. In that price range, I don't think they can be beat. But, if you want to spend more money, I agree with Straydog, the Zeiss Conquest are freakin awesome. I would luv to own a pair of them. Looked thru some at BPS and peered into the dark shadows of their little shooting gallery for kids. I was amazed and Needless to say, I think they would really shine when the light is fading! They were every bit as good as the Swaros I looked thru.

I'd like to get to the quality point where you need the more expensive big brother right next to them to tell any difference........

I'll have to find a set of the Zeiss to look through - may just be a winner with that one. Thanks.

I bought the Cabelas 8x32(Meostar) and to my eyes they aren't in the same league as the SLCs. I had a pair of 8x32 Minox HG that were even better. The image was somewhat dull and not as bright as some other binoculars I had in this size. They(Cabelas) were returned after 2 days.

rrroae,

Please clarify your post.

Are you saying that the Meopta 8x32s were lacking when compared to the 8x30 SLCs, but your Minox HG 8x32s were better than the 8x30 SLCs?

Leftybolt

I'm not rrroae, but my Cabelas Euro 8x32HD were better optically, and had better eye relief than the 8x30 SLC neu I had. The eye relief on the 8x30 SLC neu is marginal at best.

No.


To my eyes, the SLC had better edge to edge clarity than both the Minox and Meopta and also had better light transmission. The Minox fell in between the SLC and the Meostar. Others could have different results.


Now if you want an image that will make you giddy, compare all of the above to a pair of Zeiss 7x42 Victory FL*L. Not really a fair comparison with the larger exit pupil but I've never seen such a beautiful image. Not even with Swaro 8.5x42 El's.



Just remember, everyone's eyes are different so best thing to do is try several and see which suites you the best.