Swarovski EL 8x32

5.0 Best of all 8x32

Excellent handling and optics, very light.

Not really existent, could be little smaller.

I read countless reviews before I chose the candidates of 8x32 binos I wanted to test, and I wanted to buy the best money can buy: Zeiss Victory, Leica Ultravid and Swarovski EL (the Nikon LX was eliminated early due to some obvious reflections). I tested all 3 models for a couple of days. My first impressions were one of disappointment because I expected perfect instruments at that price. The difference in optics was very small with the Zeiss having the least chromatic abberation and best contrast. Leica also had exellent contrast together with Swarovski (again, the difference between the models is VERY small).

Now handling: Leica was the biggest disappointment because the focuser was hard to turn in one direction, and easier in the other direction. As a result, I found myself constantly trying to find best focus. Zeiss was very good, but the Swarovski was AWESOME. The focus snaps in so easily just by its excellent mechanics.