Winner Binoculars.com's Best of the Best Binocular 2010
The view is astounding and the handling is superb - glassing through the EL 10x42 SwaroVision Binocular from Swarovski brings the cutting edge of optical performance to a new level. While the original EL series set the benchmark for clarity, color accuracy, and handling comfort, The EL SwaroVision binoculars raise the performance bar even higher.
The optical system has been enhanced with all of Swarovski's HD optics with their legendary performance-enhancing multilayer lens coatings. The optical path is enhanced even further with the addition of field flattener lenses. These field flatteners ensure an edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity that's free of distortion and other distractions.
Keeping pace with the optical train, the EL SV's construction also benefits from some advanced fine-tuning. The EL's open-bridge design provides viewers with long-term viewing comfort, enhanced stability, and ease of handling. The housing is covered with a rubberized finish that offers a secure tactile grip and a bit of shock resistance. Stellar all-climate performance is ensured via nitrogen purging. The rugged magnesium housing is sealed and purged to create a watertight and fogproof internal system - one that's impervious to dynamic climates and difficult conditions.
The focusing system has been upgraded as well - this optic focuses down to 4.9' and the viewer can go from infinity to minimum focus with two full rotations of the center-focus dial. A wide angle field of view and truly noteworthy eye relief contribute to this fine sporting optic's viewing performance. Even when wearing glasses, the view remains unobstructed, free from vignetting, and lush with crisp detail.
Construction
Rugged lightweight magnesium housing Nitrogen purged: waterproof, fogproof, submersible
Open-bridge EL design affords a comfortable wrap-around grip Tactile rubber armoring for shock and all-climate weather resistance Improved objective cover design offers an enhanced level of protection
Use and Handling
Prism Type
Roof
Magnification
10x
Objective Lens Diameter
42 mm
Angle of View
6.4°
Field-of-View
336' @ 1000 yd / 111.55 m @ 1000 m
Minimum Focus Distance
4.9' / 1.49 m
Exit Pupil Diameter
4.2 mm
Eye Relief
20 mm
Interpupillary Adjustment
56 - 74 mm / 2.20 - 2.91"
Dioptric Correction
±5
Focus Type
Center
Tripod Mount
Not Specified By Manufacturer
Dimensions
6.3 x 4.8 x 2.4" / 16.00 x 12.19 x 6.10 cm
Weight
28.2 oz / 799.47 g
Swarovski EL 10x42 SwaroVision Binocular
Rainguard
Pair of Tethered Objective Covers
Snap Shot Adapter S3
Functional Bag
Lifetime Warranty Through the years, I started with a pair of inexpensive Bushnell binoculars, upgraded to Nikon and finally last year to Vortex Viper HD. After much back and forth, weighing the pros and cons, I finally went for the gold and ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL. I spent two days crying about the cost, but after opening the box and trying these out, I must admit it was money well spent. The optics are phenomenal, I don't think you could improve on them. Other reviewers on other sites complained of various minor issues (such as objective lens covers falling off, the focus wheel, etc). I have no complaints at all. The old adage, "you get what you pay for" certainly applies to these binoculars. The price is salty, but they are worth every penny. I'd give these 100 stars.
Comparing the Top Leica, Swarovski, and Zeiss
Binoculars 10 Power Binoculars
Model Leica Swarovski Zeiss
Size 10x42 10x42 10x42
Resolution 10 10 10
Edge Sharpness 9 10 10
Brightness 10 10 10
Close Focus (ft.) 9.3 5.0 5.4
Field of View at 1000 yds. (ft.) 336 336 360
Eye Relief (mm.) 16.0 20.0 18.0
Eyecup Range (mm.) 11.0 12.4 12.4
Interpupillary Distance (mm.) 55-75 56-74 54-76
Weight (oz.) 26.7 29.8 28.0
Length (in.) 5.63 6.30 6.80
Width (in.) 4.75 4.80 5.00
Waterproof Depth (ft.) 16.5 13.0 13.4
Diopter 10 9 9
Thumb Guides 8 9 10
Focus Knob Placement 9 8 10
Focus Speed 20 ft. - 250 yds. (turns) 2/3 1/2 1/3
Focus Speed 20 ft. - Close (turns) 1/4 1-2/3 1-1/2
OVERALL SCORE 9.12 9.36 9.59
Street Price (July, 2015) $2,499.00 $2,579.00 $2,649.99
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