New swarovski El vs old.

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

What is the difference between the new vs the old? How can I tell the difference physically if buying them used? Would the new SLC HD be a better binocular than the older ELs? Looking to jump into buying some high end glass but probably going to buy it used. Any other advice?

 

[Matt Cashell]

What is the difference between the new vs the old? How can I tell the difference physically if buying them used? Would the new SLC HD be a better binocular than the older ELs? Looking to jump into buying some high end glass but probably going to buy it used. Any other advice?

The new EL has "Swarovision" which is just a marketing term for a field flattener and ED-glass containing objectives.

The older ELs had a more traditional optical design, especially in the eyepiece. The SV has a slightly different appearance than the older EL. The SV has green on the inner barrels between the hinges, while the older EL was all black in that area.

The older EL was a very good performer. The new EL SV suppresses chromatic aberration better and has a sharper edge. Centerfield performance is very similar, IMO.

The newer SLC (HD) performs just like the older EL in my opinion, except it does better on chromatic aberration control. It is also excellent ergonomically.

I would choose the SLC HD over the older EL.

 

[stephen b]

BB is spot on as usual. He knows what he is talking about.

I would 2nd getting the newer SLC's ( either the HD or the now called WB model) over the older EL. Coatings are a little better and a little brighter- probably due to coatings and glass improvements. In fact, for my preferences I would get the newer SLC's over the EL Swarovision; and that is what I have now. I used to have the SV's; and I personally like the format of the SLC's better.

Also if you are going to go used- the SLC's IMO go for a very reasonable price. For alpha glass, they are a great value- new or used.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Thanks guys those were the exact replies I was looking for.

 

[dotman]

If you haven't bought anything https://www.natchezss.com/8-5x42-swarovision-binoculars-demo.html

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

If you haven't bought anything https://www.natchezss.com/8-5x42-swarovision-binoculars-demo.html

That's a good deal for sure but I think I want 10s

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

And that's a little beyond what I'm wanting to spend

 

[dotman]

You sure? I'll never go back to 10's after running 8's.

 

[dotman]

And that's a little beyond what I'm wanting to spend

That makes sense, have to stay within our budgets.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

You sure? I'll never go back to 10's after running 8's.

Really why?

 

[dotman]

Really why?

Much better for our Midwest hunting and you really do not lose much out west to 10's, for me it is much easier to sit behind 8's handheld and if on a tripod I can spot anything a 10 will with less movement due to the larger fov. I even ran my 8x32's on a tripod.

 

[dotman]

Some 10's http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?41542-Swarovski-HD-SLC-10X42-Binoculars

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Ya I sent him a PM already

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

What does it mean when they say "habicht"?

 

[Matt Cashell]

What does it mean when they say "habicht"?

It refers to Swarovski's "mascot," the Northern Goshawk.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

It refers to Swarovski's "mascot," the Northern Goshawk.

Do they all say it or just older models? BTW you know way too much about swarovski lol!

 

[Matt Cashell]

It started with the original 7x42 Porro prism "habicht" binocular in the 1940s. They still make that binocular special order, I believe.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Sent you a PM bb

 

[littlebrotherC]

This is a great thread.

 

[RdRdrFan]

You sure? I'll never go back to 10's after running 8's.

Yep. I LOVE my 8.5x42's after years of believing the hype that 10x42's were the only way to go. Made the switch and I'm never looking back.