Swarovski Optics Questions

[sagewalker]

Looking to buy Swarovski bino's this year. I have been looking at 10x42 SLC and EL models. I am hoping some of you guys that own these models could give some input on the major differences between the two models, is the price jump to the EL model worth the money? Just overall input would be nice. I used a pair of 10x42 SLC's in Idaho for a week this past season and absolutely loved them. I am not looking to buy any other brand of binoculars, just want some input between these two models Swarovski offers. Thanks!

[Katmai Guy]

I've got an older set of 10x50 SLC's(20yrs) that are more than I'll ever need.  Not sure the added cash is worth the difference unless you have a significant amount of disposable income.

[Bob33]

The primary difference is that the newer EL models have a field flattening lens.

If you read enough birding site reviews you'll find some users prefer the SLC, and some who prefer the ELs.

[Tbar]

Very debated topic.
http://www.opticstalk.com/differences-between-swarovski-slc-and-el-binocular_topic38579.html

[JDHasty]

Lotsa' info and links here: 

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,203575.msg2705047.html#msg2705047

[Bob33]

As with all alpha glass discussions, the opinions of others provide insight but you really should do your own comparisons before drawing a conclusion. Everyone's eyes are different. I knew a hunter once who have told me that he prefers the view through $100 Bushnells to the view through $2000 Swarovskis.

The differences between the current SLCs and the current EL Swarovisions are slight, but probably great enough to see minute variations.

[jjhunter]

The SLC are a lot of glass for the money.   Especially if you pick them up on a sale.

If the ergonomics work for you, I'd go with the SLC HD.

[JDHasty]

I sat in on a real good conversation w/a Swaro Rep at the Anacortes Wild Bird & Telescope The coatings used are slightly different. 

SLC is optimized for hunters, EL is optimized for bird watching.   But that does not mean that you may not personally prefer the EL as a hunting binocular.  You have to try them out, preferably in the field.  This is a big investment.

I use Swaros, Leicas and a pair of 8x42 Nikon EDG II a lot too and they are another one to consider.   

[JDHasty]

The Magnificent SIX - comparing 6 premier 8/8.5x42 binoculars from Leica, Nikon, Swarovski and Zeiss...

http://www.greatestbinoculars.com/allpages/reviews/shootouts/shootoutpremier8x42s/8x42shootout.html

[frazierw]

I wish Nikon EDG's has a 12x version

[huntnphool]

 If you can afford the EL's buy them, no hindsight after that.

[JDHasty]

Bargain Cave Online

[huntnphool]

Bargain Cave Online

Looking to buy Swarovski bino's this year. I am not looking to buy any other brand of binoculars, just want some input between these two models Swarovski offers. Thanks!

 

[JDHasty]

Bargain Cave Online

Looking to buy Swarovski bino's this year. I am not looking to buy any other brand of binoculars, just want some input between these two models Swarovski offers. Thanks!

 

I saw that.  Just thought some others that are following along might benefit from the heads up. 

[Tbar]

The SLC are a lot of glass for the money.   Especially if you pick them up on a sale.

If the ergonomics work for you, I'd go with the SLC HD.

And the 3rd generation slcs have a mostly open bridge design.