Since Kevin didn't put his E-mail address on his sig line '-(, I'll have
to respond to the whole group.

The Zeiss 8x30 BGATP ($995), Leica 8x32 Ultra ($1025), and Swarovski
8x30 SLC ($832) [recent list prices shown] are the top-of-the-line bins
in their class, and the choice between them IMHO is largely personal.
Of the three, Leica usually comes out best on reviews I've seen;
Swarovski almost the same (but it may get more "points" for its lower
price); Zeiss a bit farther back for reasons I don't recall. My
suggestion is to try all three before you buy. I imagine a discount in
the 25% range isn't hard to find on any of them. Be sure in comparing
prices, the rain guard and the pouch are included.
---------------------------------------------------------------
P W (Bill) Smith
Grays Harbor, Washington USA
pwsmith at techline.com