Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Best 8x32 bino

I'm starting to look around for a pair of lightweight 8x32 binoculars to replace my Geovids. Looking pretty heavy at the Leica Ultravid. Really would like to go with something with good resale value.

Are there any other contenders I should be eyeballing?

Swarovski....

I might suggest Doug at Cameraland as a good contender.

I think if you want the best it will be Leica or Swaro right now in 8x32. I like the Leica's as they are noticeably more compact than almost all others without giving up anything in performance.

Ultravid 8x and 10x32 are probably the best glass/size/weight combo out there. Their CS/Warranty service is hit and miss--in other words it sucks.

Zeiss 32mmm's are very good too, their CS/Warranty service is a bit better than Leica.

To my eyes the Swaro and Ziess are different but one is not necessarily better than the other. Swaro's CS/Warranty service is as good as we can find. Swaro's repair facility in RI is considered among the best according to what I have been told by others in the industry. Plus Swaro has an update program that is very much a part of their philosophy/business model.

When it comes to optics--especially optics--warranty is important. Very important.

Swarovski 8x32's by a mile..............

I have Zeiss 8x32 Victory and wouldn't trade them for anything. Your eyes might differ, no substitute for putting your hands on them and eyes through them.

IMO it would be Leica or Swarovski with the Zeiss Victory FL's a close behind. Our pleasure to work with you on this and discuss the options.
The other one you may wish to take a peek at would be the Kowa Genesis 33 8x33mm Prominar XD GN33-8

Swaro companion cl, Zeiss seems to have a cheap feel these days

Swarovski 8x32 EL SV. They are the best in my opinion, very bright, with great ergos. and handling.

Wide 8* field of view, and with a flat field view, low distortion all the way to the edges.

If you're concerned about resale, I wouldn't touch a Leica with a 10 ft pole. I won't buy a used one because of the bush league warranty and customer service issues Leica USA is famous for. Swaro stands head and shoulders above all of the other alpha makers in this regard. I loved that EL SV 8x32 with the exception of how it handles glare (not good).

This

Do you wear glasses?

Leica's and Swaro's have shorter eye relief than the Zeiss (by a solid 2mm). Before I had Lasik the Zeiss were the glasses to beat. Now? I'd go Leica - I much prefer their contrasty coatings.

I've had Swaro, Zeiss and Leica. I prefer Leica.

I have the Leica ultra HD in 32mm, and they are pretty amazing.

If you can "get behind" the Leica, they're simply outstanding. I had some trouble with an immediate full-view so they went down the road in favor of the the Swarovski EL.
The open hinge of the EL made for a little better handling too. I had the Zeiss at one time as well and I'd rate them third but if they can be had for a favorable price, you won't be left wanting.

If you rate resale a high priority, Swarovski is the simple (and only) answer.

Can’t compare to comparable Leica or Swarovski but the Zeiss HD really really impressed me for $799.

I bought a pair of Leica 8X32 Ultravids from Doug and love them.

Also own a pair of Swarovskin 7X30 SLC binos that I won in an industry hunt many years ago. They have proved to be flawless in the hunting field and I've used them to complete satisfaction for a long, long time.

kd

Likely not the best but very close - Cabelas Euro Instinct HD. On sale right now for $675 plus free shipping. High end Meopta HD quality at a great price.

kd,

Shine a flashlight down the objective lens and see if there are "crystals" growing on the barrel walls. The Gen 2 Swaro 30mm SLC's had that problem after a time.

Swaro will repair and update them for free.

Of the high end binos I have only owned Swarovski and am completely happy with my 10x32 ELs.