First Swarovski questions…

[Goneoutdoors]

Looking for my first pair, 1500-2000 budget and don’t mind used depending on condition. I have done a bunch of research between the SLC and the EL version. It would be really eastern deer hunting primary purpose. What are some pros and cons to each model? Is it mainly edge to edge clarity?

 

[fatlander]

Edge to edge clarity (rolling ball effect is the downside), how it feels in the hand, ease of adding of a stud, price tag, and lastly availability.

The EL 8.5x42 gets a ton of love and they’re in your budget. You’ll be able to get SLCs at the bottom end and under your budget. I’ve got the latest (last) version of SLC 10x42. Don’t think I’ll ever part with them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cuahitl]

I had a pair of kowa genesis 10.5x44 and upgraded to the el 10x42. First thing I noticed is the swaros are brighter and lighter. But my eyes can’t tell the difference on clarity. Call rob at S and S Archer the phone price was $1979.00 shipped.

 

[Centralcoastca]

Picked up a nice older pair of used el 10x42s for a $1k awhile back on consignment at a gun shop. You should be able to find a good deal on some used glasses, there’s always someone who has to have the latest greatest and getting rid of the old ones. I’ve looked through both several times and would’ve bought the slc too if that’s what they were. I don’t get too technical or whatever on the minut details but they’re both very nice, bright and clear.

 

[Wrench]

Before you spend your money, compare leica and zeiss too. I prefer the color temp of the leica....I own both fwiw.

Everyone sees it differently.

 

[handwerk]

I would look at a lightly used EL SV 8.5x42 or Leica Noctivid see which fits your face/eyes best.

 

[roosiebull]

I had a pair of kowa genesis 10.5x44 and upgraded to the el 10x42. First thing I noticed is the swaros are brighter and lighter. But my eyes can’t tell the difference on clarity. Call rob at S and S Archer the phone price was $1979.00 shipped.

The genesis are right there with EL, like you mentioned, lighter and threaded for tripod stud… very close optically

OP, for your needs, I think a set of used 8.5X42 EL would be awesome, that’s one of my favorite optics made, and if you aren’t glassing a mile away on a tripod, the 8.5’s are awesome, and can still effectively glass pretty far… I don’t think you can do better than those under 2k, and can’t do much better regardless

 

[Goneoutdoors]

I read a few things about “rolling effect “is that when you’re slowly moving the binoculars and things just appear blurry?

 

[Goneoutdoors]

The genesis are right there with EL, like you mentioned, lighter and threaded for tripod stud… very close optically

OP, for your needs, I think a set of used 8.5X42 EL would be awesome, that’s one of my favorite optics made, and if you aren’t glassing a mile away on a tripod, the 8.5’s are awesome, and can still effectively glass pretty far… I don’t think you can do better than those under 2k, and can’t do much better regardless

When you refer to the 8.5×42, that’s the newer version that’s out?

 

[roosiebull]

When you refer to the 8.5×42, that’s the newer version that’s out?

No, it’s been around a good while.

 

[MattB355]

I would check out a pair of 8x32 EL's. They are perfect for what you describe as your needs. You'd be hard pressed to tell a difference from the 42 EL's optically but they are so much lighter and compact. They are also cheaper on the used market.

 

[Goneoutdoors]

Seems like the EL is just a step up from the SLC not necessarily in the glass but the overall product?

 

[BBob]

Hell of a deal. You should just forget everything else and buy these:

WTS - Swarovski NL pure 8x32

NL pure 8x32 , very good condition, very light usage Amazing view and amazing FOV Selling to fund other projects Please ask questions or request pics or video chat via PM I can no longer accept PP GS due to IRS 1099 situation and lack of seller protection 2000$ shipped/insured PP FF, money...

www.rokslide.com

 

[WRO]

Seems like the EL is just a step up from the SLC not necessarily in the glass but the overall product?

Glass is better significantly, better edge to edge clarity and clarity over all.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[buffsmoker]

Last year I went from a set of 10x42 SLCs (newest version) to some 8.5x42 EL SVs, and have no regrets at all. I did wait to sell my SLCs until I verified I don't have an issue with the rolling ball that some do with the ELs. Both are great sets of glass and I'm sure you'll be happy with either. But my vote is for the 8.5x ELs.

 

[Goneoutdoors]

Hell of a deal. You should just forget everything else and buy these:

WTS - Swarovski NL pure 8x32

NL pure 8x32 , very good condition, very light usage Amazing view and amazing FOV Selling to fund other projects Please ask questions or request pics or video chat via PM I can no longer accept PP GS due to IRS 1099 situation and lack of seller protection 2000$ shipped/insured PP FF, money...

www.rokslide.com

They look great but only looking for PayPal goods and services.

 

[WRO]

They look great but only looking for PayPal goods and services.

What I have done in those situations is found a 3rd party shipper and done a broker deal, that being said he's been around a while and @Ryan Avery has done a good job weeding out scammers and bots.

 

[BBob]

They look great but only looking for PayPal goods and services.

IMO It'd be worth looking into it. EL's are a noticeable step up from SLC's and the NL's are even better. I've carried EL 32's for 15 years or so and just picked up some NL's in 32, another noticeable step up. Beautiful glass and ergonomics.

 

[CorbLand]

They look great but only looking for PayPal goods and services.

I would reach out to ET on that. He has been around a while and maybe you can come to some sort of agreement.

If not, I would highly suggest looking through both SLCs and ELs. The rolling ball effect on the ELs can really jack with some people.

 

[Spiral Horn]

I read a few things about “rolling effect “is that when you’re slowly moving the binoculars and things just appear blurry?

A Layman’s explanation = Rolling Ball Effect is the term used to refer to the visual image characteristics generated by the differences in distortion and curvature between the image created by the optical instrument vs the natural distortion and curvature of the human visual system. This effect is most noticeable in extreme flat-field systems when panning, as the lack of pin-cushion and edge distortion can give the user the appearance of a concave, rolling edge of the image. This effect varies among individuals (as everyone’s eyes are a bit different) and can cause the sensation of motion sickness in some. This effect is associated with EL SV binoculars, so it is strongly recommended to try before buying.

On a personal note - I own and have owned many alpha and near alpha binoculars and really do not find extreme flat-field optics a significant advantage in the field. As far as Swarovskis go - the SLCs have a sufficiently wide sweet-spot, they are optically fantastic, are smaller/lighter and IMO handle much better than the ELs. I still have 10x42s, but regret having sold my 8x42 SLC as it is a great eastern deer hunting glass.