I have an all swaro set-up, including the the 8x30 slc's. I bought them when the local sportsman's had them for $750, brand new. I am very very happy with them as they are light, 19oz, compact, and very very clear glass. Service wise, I needed new eyecups for my 15x56's and when I called, they just shipped them right out, no hassles, not need to prove mine were bad. I use to think along the lines of value, and that there wasn't much diff between the good $200-$500 glass out there and the high end stuff, but now with lots and lots of time under good glass the past 3 seasons I am convinced you won't ever look back after the check is written. I've read a lot about the Vortex options out there in bino's, spotters, and rifle scopes but the bottom line is I have yet to read any form of comparison review by a sporting mag or birding site where Swaro, Zeiss, and Leica didn't score at or near the top of optical performance and I am yet to see where Vortex has fallen anywhere but middle of the pack. Usually the "other" brands seem to score high on value. So the question is do you want a "value" or the best optics. If you want the best then look at the big "3", and consider the service/warranty and look for the best deal you can find. I have been lucky to get good deals at local shops(lucky), but all I read says that Doug can give good prices and great service so I'd start there.
