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.

[JDHasty]

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.

Late SLC is a binocular that fits my face very well.  I can sit behind ours comfortably all day for a week. 

[Bigshooter]

http://www.eurooptic.com/swarovski-el-swarovision-10x42-binoculars-34110.aspx

About as cheap as I found the old model EL's.

[sagewalker]

Some good info and a lot more research left to do. I want to get my hands on some EL's and try them out. I really liked the way the SLC's looked, felt and fit my face. I spent hours and hours a day glassing behind them for a full week and my eyes never wore out. Thanks to everyone for chiming in already.

[huntnphool]

Some good info and a lot more research left to do. I want to get my hands on some EL's and try them out. I really liked the way the SLC's looked, felt and fit my face. I spent hours and hours a day glassing behind them for a full week and my eyes never wore out. Thanks to everyone for chiming in already.

 I'd loan you mine if you were closer.

[Karl Blanchard]

Some good info and a lot more research left to do. I want to get my hands on some EL's and try them out. I really liked the way the SLC's looked, felt and fit my face. I spent hours and hours a day glassing behind them for a full week and my eyes never wore out. Thanks to everyone for chiming in already.

I think you answered your own question there my friend  

[sagewalker]

Still gotta do my due diligence amigo!

[JDHasty]

Still gotta do my due diligence amigo!

Don't get in a hurry and budget a little time to make sure you purchase the one that gives you what you are looking to achieve.  In the years to come, you will be happy you did. 

[sagewalker]

Still gotta do my due diligence amigo!

Don't get in a hurry and budget a little time to make sure you purchase the one that gives you what you are looking to achieve.  In the years to come, you will be happy you did.

I have several months before I'm ready to pull the trigger. I'm tired of paying the dummy tax on gear. I want quality that will last for years.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Its been several years but a buddy and I compared 10x42 SLC and EL side by side.  We couldn't detect any difference in resolution, side by side the EL view was slightly red and the SLC slightly green - only noticeable tinting when both there to compare. 

[sagewalker]

Its been several years but a buddy and I compared 10x42 SLC and EL side by side.  We couldn't detect any difference in resolution, side by side the EL view was slightly red and the SLC slightly green - only noticeable tinting when both there to compare.

Awesome, good info.

[jjhunter]

New SLC HD and Swarovision are upgrades over the previous versions.  Make sure you compare "apples to apples"

I've owned and hunted them all.  It will most likely come down to ergonomics.  If you are going to tripod mount, the SLC adapter is much sturdier.  The outdoorsman stud on the el frame works, but puts additional stress on the front hinge and can come loose which can be a pain in ass to re tighten in the field. 

[actionshooter]

Its been several years but a buddy and I compared 10x42 SLC and EL side by side.  We couldn't detect any difference in resolution, side by side the EL view was slightly red and the SLC slightly green - only noticeable tinting when both there to compare. 

At one time years ago there wasn't much difference in the glass between the SLCs and the ELs, the ELs were much lighter in the weight dept. I don't think that's the case anymore with the ELs being better, not that I thought it was possible.

[JDHasty]

Its been several years but a buddy and I compared 10x42 SLC and EL side by side.  We couldn't detect any difference in resolution, side by side the EL view was slightly red and the SLC slightly green - only noticeable tinting when both there to compare.

That slight difference in color tint is what I referenced above regarding Swaro's attempt to optimize the coatings on these binocular lines toward their end user's needs.  That being said, it is just one more little thing Swaro does to respond to their customer and no one listens to their customer's more attentively.  That is what makes them great! 

Does that mean that you are giving up some value in going EL as opposed to SLC?  Not if there were other features that lead you to go EL except that you wanted "the best."  No one but you knows if you are going to get the added value in "buying up" except you AFTER you have checked both out. 

My choice is a Nikon EDG and it too is optimized to give a "true to life" color rendition and not (very slightly) emphasize the brown color and make it stand out from green and dry grass just a little better, as the SLC coating is designed to do. 

Other features were where I found value and that drove my choice.  I also use our SLC and it lacks the field flattener lens group that the EL and the EDG has.  That gives me a little  better edge sharpness over the SLC, and I liked how they fit me just a little better than the other offerings I was considering.

The tripod mounting of the SLC rocks.  That could make it your choice, or maybe not.  That is for you to decide.  If you are in this market,you are not  in for a dime, you are in for a dollar, and the price differential should not drive you one way or the outher... unless you just cannot get there and your decision matrix suggests that you are willing to give up something you are willing to trade in order to start using them.  But, you are there in being ready to spend to have something that (and let's be clear, Alpha glass simply does not leave room for major improvement any longer) meets, and hopefully will exceed, your needs.

Please do go to the link and understand "globe effect" or rolling ball phenomenon as it is sometimes referred to.  See if you are someone who notices that with binoculars that have a field flattener lens group.  Or maybe just with some that do. 

If I am judging correctly this will be your primary binocular from here on out, and you want to get it right before making that kind of commitment. 

Make no mistake about what I am saying re: the future.  Swaro will not rest on their laurels and will continue to look for ways to squeeze every last drop of what is possible out and improve on what is on the market today.  What is there to be had in the future is simply never going to be "leaps and bounds" above what you purchase, there simply isn't room for that.   

Get the best Alpha binocular for you and you are never going to need to upgrade in order to get a really "eye popping" improvement.  In fact, I will go as far as to say that before it is possible to step up enough to even notice any slight improvement you would have to sell what you are going to have to sell, what you buy today, and put as much money as you are about to spend today along side what you will get for selling what you have in order to realize a difference that you will have to work real hard to see.  Alpha binoculars are just that good today. 

You are set on Swaro, and I am certain that between these two lines of Alpha binoculars from Swaro you can realize your goal.  Just do what you are doing and take your sweet time until your mind is made up and understand the differences in both lines and prioritize the features of each that you appreciate over the other and you will come out of this very happy that you made the right decision whether it is EL or SLC. 

 

     

[go4steelhd]

I have both. In fact a pair of 8x30 slc for my wife, and 10x40 slc that I sold to a buddy, and I run the 12x50 swarovision. What I have found is the el are clearer with greater detail if something is In a shaded area. The 12s are great for deer at over 500 yards in the high country. They take some getting use to because every thing seems so close. So you have to slow down a bit more than with 10s.
I'm not sure if you come over this way much but if you do I can put them both on a tripod for you. And you can see what you think. You will notice the biggest difference at dark and ranges over 500 yards.

[Taco280AI]

I have EL Swarovisions, have looked through the ELs before them. No matter what way you go, Swaro makes great glass!

[sagewalker]

Wow JD, awesome write up! Thank you. Steelhead, next time I'm going that way I will have to look you up, sounds like a good idea!! Thanks guys great info from all.

[Bob33]

I have both. In fact a pair of 8x30 slc for my wife, and 10x40 slc that I sold to a buddy, and I run the 12x50 swarovision. What I have found is the el are clearer with greater detail if something is In a shaded area. The 12s are great for deer at over 500 yards in the high country. They take some getting use to because every thing seems so close. So you have to slow down a bit more than with 10s.
I'm not sure if you come over this way much but if you do I can put them both on a tripod for you. And you can see what you think. You will notice the biggest difference at dark and ranges over 500 yards.

I don't doubt any of that but comparing 12x EL SV binoculars to 10x and 8x SLC binoculars is apples to oranges.

[splitshot]

some of the comments are great.  these guys know their stuff.  impressive.  mike w

[JDHasty]

Wow JD, awesome write up! Thank you. Steelhead, next time I'm going that way I will have to look you up, sounds like a good idea!! Thanks guys great info from all.

My 15x56 SLC Neu is available to play with this spring when we are in central WA shooting chucks and you can try them when we are in central WA, BUT I would never suggest that a EDG 8x42 against them is "gold."   

It's nerve wracking to be a family man and try to sort this decision out.  I know.  I'm done.  What I decided on is where we will be with an Alpha binocular for the long haul, or in our case a pair.   

We have an assortment of other binoculars, that better suits specific usage, but family's our Alpha binoculars are an SLC 15x56 and an 8X42 EDG. 

If you are looking for an Alpha binocular get it right the first time. 

[JeffRaines]

Its been several years but a buddy and I compared 10x42 SLC and EL side by side.  We couldn't detect any difference in resolution, side by side the EL view was slightly red and the SLC slightly green - only noticeable tinting when both there to compare.

Make no mistake about what I am saying re: the future.  Swaro will not rest on their laurels and will continue to look for ways to squeeze every last drop of what is possible out and improve on what is on the market today.  What is there to be had in the future is simply never going to be "leaps and bounds" above what you purchase, there simply isn't room for that.     

This is what made it somewhat easier for me to throw down the coin on SLCs. In 10 years they will still be exceptional binoculars... hell they will probably still be 'damn good' until I'm too old to hunt.

In my comparing EL and SLC, I didn't find the EL to be worth the extra money. You can see a difference between them, but that very slight difference was not worth the extra ~$800 to me.

[go4steelhd]

I agree with Jeff
There is a difference between the slc and the el swarovision. How great of a deference is there... And what's that's defencece worth....  Well that's up to you. Because if it's about money and not clarity. I think vortex dollar for dollar has the best glass for the money. Swarovski is definitely clearer but how much is that worth If you watch rokslide classifieds you will definitely see some deals compared to new prices. If you are buying new I would definitely call sport optics. They have always given me a better deal than the price listed on the site.

[sagewalker]

I believe my mind has been made but I just had to throw it out there and get some info. A buddy of mine said the difference between the SLC's and the EL's is an Outdoorsmans Tripod and Head. I would have to agree 

[huntnphool]

the difference between the SLC's and the EL's is an Outdoorsmans Tripod and Head.

 Actually that's not true. The EL's have a field flattening lens, the SLC's do not. 

[sagewalker]

Thanks for just saying!

[Mtnwalker]

I was not impressed with the Swarovisions once I got them out in the field. To me everything took on a white haze during mid day and I did not like the way they looked at first and last light either. Clear glass but image felt too 2-D to me. Took them back and got the Leicas, much happier with those. I think we will be getting the wife the slc HD's however

[high country]

Edg pops up quite a bit here twards the end and did very well in the review, what they didn't say was the armoring sucks and they will appear beat up in a season or two of field use. The focus wheel is butter smooth, but the diopitor adjuster locks no where even close to as well as leica.

I own them, use them and enjoy them....but they neglected to bring that up in the review.

[Crunchy]

A few years ago I committed to buying new binos and a spotter.  I mainly looked at Vortez Razors and Swaros.  Ended up buying Swaros 12X50s and 20X60X65 spotter.  Wallet took a hit, but I will never need to buy glass again.  Buy top of the line, that you can afford, and don't look back.

[White Pass Outfitters]

I just purchased the EL 12 X 50 and the 25X50X80 spotter.
I have been a leupold guy most of my life, but after doing some looking and getting all the info I could I went with Swarovski. I will always use the Leupold scopes for my rifles, I have never had a problem with them even after taking a beating in a scabbard. Yes your wallet will take a hit with Swarovski, but look at it as an investment, that's what I told my wife anyhow. Lol 

[high country]

I just purchased the EL 12 X 50 and the 25X50X80 spotter.
I have been a leupold guy most of my life, but after doing some looking and getting all the info I could I went with Swarovski. I will always use the Leupold scopes for my rifles, I have never had a problem with them even after taking a beating in a scabbard. Yes your wallet will take a hit with Swarovski, but look at it as an investment, that's what I told my wife anyhow. Lol 

I bought my leica 8x42ba in 1995 for $850. I sold them about 5 years ago for $850.....good glass is absolutely wort the money.