1st world optic problems... Should I upgrade?

[D.Rose]

I have been seeing the recent sell off of the Swarovski EL’s and has me thinking. I have a set of Maven B2 9x45’s and a set of Maven B3 8x30’s. Thinking about selling both pairs and just picking up a set of Swaro EL’s for a one do it all binocular. Does this make sense for me to do or should I just be content with my current set up? The Mavens seem really good but would I gain much moving to the EL’s? I live in Southeast Ky and do a fair amount of glassing old strip jobs for whitetail and go west a couple times a year. Just another case of wanting the next best thing I guess.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I think it’s worth it, the release of the NLs didn’t make the ELs any less awesome. They are still in the top tier, best 2-3 binoculars. You’ll never know until you try though!

 

[D.Rose]

I’ve looked through two different sets of EL’s. One set was only a year old and I felt like they were definitely a step above my Mavens where as the others were close to 10 years old. I felt like my Mavens were just as good as the older EL’s though.

 

[StopMakingSense]

Short answer, yes. The NL’s were all that could replace my trusty EL’s

 

[D.Rose]

Any reason to look at the SLC over the EL?

 

[Xlr8n]

Any reason to look at the SLC over the EL?

The SLC's are great glass and are a notch better than your Maven's. Very bright and clear (actually a smidge brighter than EL's) but don't take that clarity to the edge as well as EL's. Some prefer the ergo's and view of the SLC's but most seem to prefer the EL's as long as they don't make you dizzy. Both are fantastic glass.

 

[archp625]

I think you would be happy but at the end of the day you have to do what makes you happy. I rock some 10 x 42 SLC's and absolutely love them.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

Buy an EL 8.5x42 SV and have the best of both worlds.

I'll even sell you one for $1500...

 

[JohnJohnson]

I'd get the ELs.

 

[D.Rose]

I am pretty prone to motion sickness so I would be worried about the EL's when panning and scanning. I dont have any issues panning with the Mavens. Is this anything to be worried about with the EL's?

 

[Sooner_Fan]

I'd get the EL's too.

I have a set of early generation 10x42 EL's, I bought them sometime in the early 2000's. Two years ago I bought a pair of Leica HDB-3000's, I just never "Loved Them" like I do the EL's.

I sold the HDB-3000's and bought a new pair of the EL Range TA's. They came in on Wednesday and I already love them. Can't wait to get to really play with them in the woods.

 

[Xlr8n]

I am pretty prone to motion sickness so I would be worried about the EL's when panning and scanning. I dont have any issues panning with the Mavens. Is this anything to be worried about with the EL's?

If you go with a pre-2010 EL that are Swarobright, they won't have the field flattening lenses and will not be an issue with rolling ball. The later Swarovision 2010+ are the field flattening lenses, but before you discount them I'd go to a store and try them out to see if it bothers you. Most people don't have a problem with Swarovsion,

 

[CApighunter]

I'm going to go against the grain and say keep the mavens unless you want 12x50s or Pures. I've got the same 9x and prefer them to the 10x42 slc and didn't think there was enough benefit to the 8.5 ELs to justify the cost. Im very happy with the B2s being my forever bino.

 

[Bkdc]

Is there something about your Mavens that you are dissatisfied with? It’s really difficult to know unless you are hunting with a buddy and you notice that you are missing something on your Maven that he can see with his Swaro. The Swaro is clearly superior optically but unless you feel your eyes are strained or tired or you’re missing out then what do you get for your money but “viewing enjoyment” from the best glass in the planet. I get eye fatigue easily and getting premium glass is worth it for me.

I own an NL, EL, and I’m working on buying an SLC once I sell another bino. I also own a Noctivid. The NL is not superior to the EL. It’s just different and does have weaknesses. The EL SV is one of the greatest optical devices ever designed within its design constraints. And I can say the same about the Noctivid which is my favorite binocular overall despite the subtle off-axis coma in severe high contrast situations which I see as its only flaw.

 

[D.Rose]

I have never felt any eye strain with my Mavens. They seem fantastic. But where I live I dont really have the option to test high end bino’s side by side. I have looked through several different top tier bino’s at national archery tournaments but not in a situation I could throw them on a tripod and really see. I just let my mind get the best of me and think that theres always something a little better thats going to help me. I will say the Mavens are absolutely fantastic and have held up to all the top tier binos I have tried by hand holding them.

 

[Spoonman]

I was kinda in the same boat. Had a Razor 85 spotter and viper 12’s. Just was never really happy with them. So I recently picked up a new ats 65hd and EL 12’s. Couldnt be happier and would do it again. I am really happy with the upgrade in glass and dropping more than a pound in glass.

 

[Cheesehead]

I would spend a little time comparing SLCs and ELs. I went SLCs and love em

 

[TexaninSconny]

How old are your Mavens DRose? I’m looking to get that exact setup (B2 9x45 & B3 8x30).
I’ll mostly be whitetail hunting in WI, but hope to get out West soon, too.


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[EJFS]

I sure like having the option to take a smaller/lighter pair when I'm hunting thick country, plus you always have a solid backup or loaner with the two.

 

[roosiebull]

i would get the EL's.... i bought a pair of 8x30 SLC's a couple years ago for archery season, lightweight short range glass instead of packing my 10x42's, i just don't switch for archery season, i just leave my 10's in my harness. i loved the idea of smaller glass when i wasn't glassing far, but i don't use them, i just use my 10X's all year.

i'm kinda glad i don't rely on having those 8's now, because my wife has stole them from me it all works out. i like the idea of 2 sets of binos, but would rather have one pair of really good glass myself. if i ever get another pair of binos (in addition) it will be 15's, but i don't see spending the dough for how little i would use them.

i like my 10's just fine close range glassing looking through brush trying to spot that bedded cow's ear that's about to bust me, i used the 8's a little bit the year i got them, and liked them too, but not enough to swap them out before archery season, which proves they aren't that necessary.