The Swarovski 8×25 comes highly recommended herein. This is a case where I believe that you’ll remember the experience and the quality long after you forget the price. I purchased mine from OpticsPlanet for its free Priority Mail shipping, but Amazon now also offers free shipping – reference the Amazon search box on the right (currently $719 w/shipping).
The Swarovski 8×25 will be well appreciated by those who also know that top optic design, material and craftsmanship come from German and Austrian makers Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski. A quick review of their product line will indicate that these companies do not make junk. Whether you’re willing or able to pay their premium over lesser companies’ products is a question for your own judgment.
The reasons I went with the Swarovski 8×25 are
- 8x magnification is about the maximum to tolerate for hand-holding and sports viewing. Any more would amplify natural hand tremors that viewing would be visually jarring to the eyes.
- 25mm objectives are a compromise to provide for a better viewing experience (higher eyepoint, more light transmission) than for 20mm but with a less bulky form than for 30mm+.
- Leica and Zeiss don’t have 8×25.
- Appealing small and convenient form factor.
What I experienced with the Swarovski 8×25:
- Wow! Optical clarity that tells me this is as good as it gets! I could see details with comfort and no eyestrain.
- Ease of use and efficient layout of focusing and diopter-adjustment mechanisms for quick and fumble-free operation. I feel that its high eyepoint is the minimum acceptable for spontaneous, no-delay viewing.
- Quality-build that tells me that it will remain reliable and last a lifetime.
- A little sting on the price, but it’s going away.
What I could only wish for
- Lower price, but this appears to be fair for this design and quality-build.
- Magnesium tubes for lighter weight.
- Lint-free cloth bag for times I’d like to just keep the binos in my pocket without its case.
Why I’m using it
- To save time and energy in lieu of having to walk/get there.
- Unobtrusive viewing of animals (e.g., poultry on the farm).
- ‘Awa plant conditions, high-up details of tree fruiting and seeding.
- Observe drone operations for ‘Iolele Company (http://iolele.com).
- Assess approaching strangers for security.
- Quality imaging, comfort and convenience provide for more effective and efficient operations.
- University of Hawaii Basketball – it’ll be great to see Webster-Chan’s game and Valdez’s 40″ jump & dunk next season.
(1) Galaxy Note 3 capture alone at Aloha Tower; (2) Galaxy Note 3 capture with the 8×25 at Aloha Tower; and (3) Galaxy Note 3 capture with the 8×25 at Aloha Stadium (mid-level, blue section).
The last photo is a retracted closeup and a business card sized reference.
