I bought Swarovski SLC' and was later was given Nikon's LX's. Both are 8x40-somethings. Both are excellent. Both cost ver $1000 these days. In 2009, I borrowed a Pentax DCF WP II's 8X's during the spring turkey season. These are supposed to be below the SP series!?! These were impressive and I recommend them often because I discovered they can be bought for about $350 ! I for one would not hesitate one minute on the SP's based upon what I know about the WP II's.