As regular readers of BVD know, I am fascinated by the possibilities of the mid-sized binoculars class. I believe it should be possible to produce an 8X30-35 binoculars that would provide all the performance a birder needs and do it in a relatively light weight, compact package that would be a joy to carry in the field. The Leica Ultra 8X32 comes very close to meeting that idea, so close that it is my current pick for best all around birding binoculars. I was eager to see what the redesigned Swarovski 8X30 could do. First, the Swarovski effort is nicer to hold, easier to handle in the field. The covering is better, the eyecups are better, the focus on the front is easier to get at once you get used to it. Optically, they are also excellent, with a measured resolution of 4.0 arc seconds. For most birding, the 8X30s would be completely satisfying. However, my impression is that the Leicas still have the edge in extreme conditions. While no current mid-sized binoculars equal the performance of the big glasses at distance, in shadow, or in twilight, the Leicas still come just a bit closer than the Swarovskis. (I have not yet been able to test the Leicas on my Color Extinction and Twilight Resolution tester, so I am going by memory and general impressions hereĞmore later!) Would I buy and use the Swarovskis, knowing that? I have recently seen the Swarovski 8X30s at such an attractive price, from several reputable mail order optics outlets, that I might find them very hard to resist! These are fine glasses. They would not replace your full sized glasses in critical situations, but for general birding, they are certainly very nice to carry in the field.