I have a pair of 7x30 SLC's and a set of EL's in 8x42. The 8x42 is a better glass but I really prefer the SLC's as they are lighter and more compact. They are also significantly less $$$ and the optical difference is slim IMO.

Rich:

Not quite, but I did just get back from an RSA bowhunt with the 8x32 EL's. They performed very well in the critical low-light periods. The lighter weight of the 32mm made them much more comfortable to carry than my 42mm EL. They are now my preferred choice for Africa.

Steve, in this years shows, it appeared you were using a RSM? If so what calibre, scope and mounts?

Just curious, since with my .416 RSM, I've been stuck only being able to use a straight tubed scope, and I did notice that it appeared that you were able to fit one around 40mm.

Thanks
Gene

Guys,
As always, lots of good input here at AR. I too have a pair of 8x30 SLC Swarovskis that I've used for years. At 19 oz and 408 ft FOV. I find myself drawn to them..I took a new pair of 10 X 43 mm Pentax...the ones with phase coated lenses mirrors erc. and mag. body. They weighed 25 OZ and had an FOV of 315. Not enough FOV to suit me and I used the 8 x30's most of the time. Left the Pentax over there as
one of the new PH's was in need of a good set. I guess the 8x32 EL's would be a good glass at 21.9 oz and 420 FOV . 32 /8 is 4 while 32/10 is 3.2. Didn't I read somewhere that you need a 4.+ ratio for maximum brightness...to let enough light through? I was sitting next to a client on a rainy day in the Mt. Nyala area and saw what might have been a mt. nyala laying down in my 8 X 30's. I borrowed her (that's right, her) 10 X 42 EL's and could plainly see my mt. nyala was a log. Trying to find a balance here though because I don't want a 27.5 oz pair of 10 X 42 ELs around my neck all day. Guess I want to best of both worlds. The 330 feet FOV afforded by both the new Leica Ultravid's and the by the 10 X 42 EL"s just doesn't sound like it's enough. That's why the interest in the 10 X 32's....360 ft. FOV.

Rich Elliott

I have a pair of Leica 10x32 and 2 pair's of Swarovski 8x30 (not EL's). For me, I prefer the 8x30's for hunting. They are brighter, have a larger field of view and a deeper field of view.

Rich, I prefer 42mm objective lenses over 32mms; they're just that much brighter early and late. If you're buying a new pair, check out Leica's new Ultravids and compare to the ELs......

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