Bino decisions

[Jmort1754]

Is the EL at 1999 the best deal going ?

 

[Spiral Horn]

NO

 

[Shō[t]gun]

There have been some killer deals on Ultravids in the classifieds lately.

 

[Jmort1754]

NO

What do you think is ?

 

[JO.]

The EL 12x50 is a pretty good deal right now for $2300.

 

[JGRaider]

What do you think is ?

The GPO HD (not ED) is every bit the equal, optically, of an SLC HD, and built every bit as good. GPO is a real underdog in the bino/rf category as well and I'm not sure why.

 

[stereotruckdriver]

The GPO HD (not ED) is every bit the equal, optically, of an SLC HD, and built every bit as good. GPO is a real underdog in the bino/rf category as well and I'm not sure why.

Advertising? Getting product in to the market for people to have a go at them.

 

[UpTop]

NO

What is optically better for the price?

 

[Shō[t]gun]

Advertising? Getting product in to the market for people to have a go at them.

Yep, the direct-to-consumer model is a real handicap unless it’s already a known value. It’s free to go look through the big 3 at bass pro/cabelas/scheels. Maven, tract, GPO, etc are hard to commit to when it’s added steps and dealing with shipping fees/refunds just to try out an unknown.

 

[Spiral Horn]

What do you think is ?

If the OP or anyone else posing this challenge will first post a detailed response as to why the Swarovski EL is the best deal going in binoculars then I’ll respond, as “no” was a complete response to the way the question was posed.

 

[Mojave]

Ok it depends!

1. Is guiding your profession? Then maybe.
2. Are you going to likley upgrade in a couple years then no.
3. Are you nearsighted? If yes then no. You are better off with the 10x50.
4. Do you have $2000 that doesn't really matter right now? Then of course.

The Bushnell Edge 15x56 is stunning for it's price.
Meopta 15x56 is exceptional, near Swarovski in capability.

What do you actually need?

 

[Spiral Horn]

Since the price quoted was $1999 let’s assume we are discussing the 10x42 EL SV.

Let’s begin by saying as far as pure resolution is concerned the EL remains an exceptional binocular. When it first arrived on the scene a few decades ago it was completely revolutionary with many firsts - flat field, extremely low CA, open bridge, option for 8.5x in a full-size roof-prism design, etc. However, even though this bino received several refreshes during its life the design is old and has been surpassed by both the SF and NL.

I’ve always wanted to like the EL and intended to buy one, but it just never agreed with me. Since then I’ve put my money into other models, several different versions of the SLC, Zeiss SF, NL Pure and a number of others. A few areas where I feel the EL is challenged:
- Weight - heavy and not well-balanced, feels heavy in hand
- Handling - nowhere near as nimble as SF, NL, SLC, many more
- FOV - 6,3 degrees is tight for a current premium 42mm
- Extreme flat field creates “rolling ball” effect for some

So, the EL was a “Wow” binocular in its day and was the model that firmly established Swarovski as a player in the premium optics market. Is it still a high performing binocular? = yes. But today there are better premium options. In fact, as an all-around hunting glass I prefer a 10x42 SLC. However, primarily for tripod use the EL might just be at least an equal if not better choice. At $1999 it may be a solid offering. But best value/$???

To me, if judging by best deal (performance/$), some better 10x42s deals (not in any particular order), just a few:
- Used/like new SLC
- Zeiss Conquest HD
- Kowa Genesis (on sale)
- Maven

Before anyone chimes in to say they think the EL is a better optical device than those listed above, that isn’t the question. To me each of the above is a better value buy. Ex = the Conquest HD gives me 95% (or more) of the EL performance for 1/2 the price.

 

[JGRaider]

Nice write up. I appreciate a guy who knows what he likes, and why.

 

[alderchokedhellhole]

Since the price quoted was $1999 let’s assume we are discussing the 10x42 EL SV.

Let’s begin by saying as far as pure resolution is concerned the EL remains an exceptional binocular. When it first arrived on the scene a few decades ago it was completely revolutionary with many firsts - flat field, extremely low CA, open bridge, option for 8.5x in a full-size roof-prism design, etc. However, even though this bino received several refreshes during its life the design is old and has been surpassed by both the SF and NL.

I’ve always wanted to like the EL and intended to buy one, but it just never agreed with me. Since then I’ve put my money into other models, several different versions of the SLC, Zeiss SF, NL Pure and a number of others. A few areas where I feel the EL is challenged:
- Weight - heavy and not well-balanced, feels heavy in hand
- Handling - nowhere near as nimble as SF, NL, SLC, many more
- FOV - 6,3 degrees is tight for a current premium 42mm
- Extreme flat field creates “rolling ball” effect for some

So, the EL was a “Wow” binocular in its day and was the model that firmly established Swarovski as a player in the premium optics market. Is it still a high performing binocular? = yes. But today there are better premium options. In fact, as an all-around hunting glass I prefer a 10x42 SLC. However, primarily for tripod use the EL might just be at least an equal if not better choice. At $1999 it may be a solid offering. But best value/$???

To me, if judging by best deal (performance/$), some better 10x42s deals (not in any particular order), just a few:
- Used/like new SLC
- Zeiss Conquest HD
- Kowa Genesis (on sale)
- Maven

Before anyone chimes in to say they think the EL is a better optical device than those listed above, that isn’t the question. To me each of the above is a better value buy. Ex = the Conquest HD gives me 95% (or more) of the EL performance for 1/2 the price.

I’ve seen previous posts of yours regarding the monarch HG, are those still a heavy hitter?

 

[Shō[t]gun]

I’ve seen previous posts of yours regarding the monarch HG, are those still a heavy hitter?

HG’s are awesome. Rokslide did a review a few years back, shouldn’t be hard to find on the main page search.

 

[Spiral Horn]

I’ve seen previous posts of yours regarding the monarch HG, are those still a heavy hitter?

Sure. It wasn’t a comprehensive list. The HG is a wonderful binocular. But as I always say, there is no such thing as a perfect binocular. Each is a compromise of features to varying degrees. One may offer a smidge better resolution/crispness, but be much heavier or have less color saturation, maybe a bit more or less CA, a smoother or grittier focuser, lousy balance, etc. After we get past price and acceptable levels of general optical performance (or lack thereof) the rest is focused on which particular optical device checks off the greatest number of our preferences. This can also vary a lot when considering specific intended uses or environments.

Kind of why I often find it a bit boring when one brand or model gets recommended for every and all purposes/situations. Upon inspection it’s often a bit off point. We live in great times for optics as there are a plethora of solid choices. A decade or so back there were only a few.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

After getting into higher grade optics, that focus wheel feel (and speed) is certainly going to be a personal preference thing. ELs are an easy "yeah" at that right price, but only if you like the swaro image and ergos, and are cool with a flat field.

 

[Spence1875]

I have literally owned them all. Serial optic shopper. For the medium size bins 40/42mm the Leica Ultravid HD or HD plus or the Zeiss SFL are the hands down winner. They are optically as good as any competitors, but both are almost the same size as others 32mm.

I have been using the 8x40 Zeiss sfls for a while and love them, I got a crazy deal on an Amazon return on eBay.