Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Swarovski 8x30 WB SLC

Are these a good choice for a first "quality" binocular purchase?
Is the 30mm objective still bright early and late? I know the 3.8 exit pupil isn't ideal, but doesn't the glass and coatings help make up for that?

Any other pros and cons?

Thanks!!

It's an excellent first, and last quality binocular purchase.
The 3.75 exit pupil will still get you plenty of light.

Only con, at least for me, is the focus wheel being toward the latter part of the barrels.

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to hear something good!

Anybody else?

I think the Swaro. 8x30 SLC is a good choice, as I have a SLC Neu. I do think that a 42mm type is better overall, and some reasons are just easier on the eye, easier eye placement, better in low light.

all the above because the exit pupil is larger

Great binocular and combined with Swaro service are an unbeatable value.

Try them first and compare to others of the same quality. Bino's don't all have the exact same proportions. Slight variations can make them fit your face a little differently. Also focus control isn't the same. With all the time spent using them, they should feel right. I have Leica 10x50 that fits very well. I wanted another smaller pair and got a deal used on the Swaro 8x30. They had beautiful glass, but eye relief was a little different and the fit wasn't quite right. So they got sold.

Not sure if the sale is still on, but I got an email from Doug at cameralandny new for $899.

Yes, that promotion is on.... Swarovski 8x30 SLC Binoculars are $899.99, brand new, while supplies last.

Great glass, you won't be sorry. Well worth buying over mid price glasses. The lastest version of this glass made in the last couple of years are excellent and improved over even a SLC NEU made 3 or more years ago- Swarovski has just kept improving their lenses and coatings. These last SLC binos are best buys.

Are the "WB" version different from the "NEU" version. Man I can't keep these things straight.

Yep, that's where they are coming from. I hope they'll be here tomorrow or Saturday.
I looked through a set of Swaros a few years ago at a 3D archery shoot. If these are anything close I'll be tickled pink.

Thanks again Doug!!

The "neu" versions from 2006 and after all have the Swarobright, Swarodura, and Swaroclean coatings, the latest and greatest that Swaro has according to the service tech I talked to.

Most all of the SLC's are WB, and the "neu" version is also, a WB. "W" stands for wide angle, and "B" means eyeglass
friendly.

For those wondering the later NEU models of the 8x30 SLC are the best. That means newest coatings and improvements
all along the line.

Jerry

The 8x30 SLC Neu from Doug is the last, best bargain in Alpha optics IMO.

I've hunted with 8x30/32 bin's for the last 24 years and they're all I need/want. Have had the 8x30 SLC's and they're top drawer.

And, anything with a serial number 68xxxx and above has Swarobright

Brad:
I agree with these being a good value, and the 30-32 bins are great for carry and daytime, but a great 42 will
be the thing you want for early and late. I have the 8x30 NEU SLC, and they are my lightweight choice, but I do
rather enjoy the view from a 42 much of the time. Now I am often glassing from afar so weight is not a factor, and
for some here that is a consideration.

If you are thinking of one quality optic, for most hunters, a 42 mm is my recommendation. Nothing new here.

Jerry

Funny, I've never had an issue in low light with my 8x32 Ultravids, 8x32 Trinovids, 8x30 and 7x30 SLC's. Certainly nothing that's cost me a BG animal anyway.

My 8x32 Ultravids have shown me everything I need in low light, but of course they have the same exit pupil as 10x42 glass.

Buy them,you won't regret it! I picked up a 8x30 SLC NEU, and love them. The focus wheel up front is actually very nice, especially if you wear a ballcap often. The quality of these glasses is incredible, the feel in the hand is superb. Then look thru them and you will be sold. I like them so much taht I also picked up a 10x42 SLC. I am sold of spending top-dollar for optics. I bought so many chaep pairs that I could have been money ahead if I would have started with Swarovski. My only advice, if you are only going to buy one pair, consider the 10x42, at least demo both before you decide. For an all-around, the 10x42 seems tops.

Brent

That right there ought to be a mandatory sticky for everyone who visits the optics forum to read.