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I have had these wonderful binoculars from new and they have been superb.
I give below a review of them warts and all when they were first launched my binos are a slightly later version.
Will supply with original carry case and presentation box with manual.
This is a top draw quality product with minimal signs of use and no damage or lens scratches.
The Swarovski 8×20 B is a compact roof prism binocular with high quality optics. Priced at approximately 300, it is far from cheap.
Mechanics
Like its competitors the Swarovski 8×20 B consists of two parallel tubes connected by hinges to a central bridge. The binocular is largely made of metal it looks like black anodised aluminium with Swarovskis trademark green rubber armour partially covering the optical assemblies, and a plastic cover embossed with the Swarovski eagle on the bridge.
The hinges allow the user to adjust the eyepiece spacing, or fold the binocular for storage. It is surprisingly small when folded.
The focus wheel is mounted rather perversely at the far end of the bridge midway between the objectives. The focus can be annoying and hard to use for those used to a more conventional position. However after a few months I figured out that I could access the focus wheel from beneath with my left thumb: using this technique the focus wheel is very convenient. Fortunately the focus is smooth and is low geared i.e. a large number of turns are needed to move the focus from one extreme to the other.
The dioptre wheel is mounted on the bridge, midway between the eyepieces. Its knurled, stiff, and functional.
The eye tubes screw in and out and are covered with rubber for comfort. They also unscrew to allow cleaning of the eyepiece lenses.
According to Swarovski the binocular is waterproof and fog-proof.
The binocular weighs a mere 215g and hence is lightweight.
A strap is supplied and is permanently attached. I was a little concerned that the strap could break free from the binocular, but in practice it seems well designed. I am still not convinced that a removeable strap would not be better.
The instrument is supplied with a woven Nylon case, with a Nylon zip, and a woven strap. In my opinion the case, though well made, does not quite match the standard of the binocular: I would prefer a more stylish leather case. It is also rather large, and importantly, the eyepieces risk being scratched if the binocular is stored with the eye tubes screwed in. To be fair to Swarovski the danger of the case scratching the eyepieces seems to be a general problem with compact binoculars.
The binocular is not supplied with objective covers or a rain guard and as far as I know none are available.
The overall build quality and finish are superb, and up to Swarovskis usual high standards. The binocular is certainly robust: I regularly carry mine in a trouser pocket when out on a 4 mile run round the local nature reserve.
Optics
The optics are superb, and in good light provide an image that can rival much larger instruments. The field of view is very good 115m at 1km but does not match premium full sized instruments where 130m at 1km is more usual. Contrast and sharpness are excellent over most of the field, with very little softening at the edges and very little distortion. Chromatic aberration is almost absent, except at the field edges. Flare is not a problem except when viewing in the direction of the sun when it can be significant. (Note: never look at the sun, either with a binocular, or the naked eye, as blindness will result.) Ghosting is not a problem.
In good light brightness is excellent. On an overcast day the limitation of the small objectives is all too obvious, especially when compared side by side with a larger instrument. Nevertheless resolution is excellent even in low light due to the relatively high contrast. Another side effect of the small objectives is small exit pupils 2.5mm and hence eye placement is critical.
According to the manufacturer eye relief is 15mm. I can just about see the whole field of view while wearing eyeglasses, but the view is not comfortable. NB: The only comparable binocular that I am aware of that has sufficient eye relief for eyeglass wearers is the Opticron 8×21 DBA.
Close focus on my sample is just over 2m.
Conclusion
The Swarovski 8x20B is a first rate, albeit expensive, compact binocular. On the negative side the small objectives, and small exit pupil mean that it is not really suitable as a general birding glass. Furthermore, as it is not as well armoured as some competing products, it is susceptible to cosmetic damage. However, if you need a compact instrument with first rate optics, and you have deep pockets, then the Swarovski 8×20 B is strongly recom
Category: Cameras and Photography:Telescopes and Binoculars:Binoculars and Monoculars
Location: Wigston
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