Swaro bino ranking pros/cons

[Sierra Hunter]

Alright so like many before me I’ve been climbing the optics ladder and went from spending $200 to $500 to $700+ but all value brands. My real questions is of the top/swaro how do the different models compare/rank and pros and cons. Without being able to compare them all side by side it’s difficult. To make it more apples to apples let’s say 10x carried on your chest and thrown on a tripod and you have xyz spotter to supplement. A thank you to those who weigh in and impart some knowledge as I’m sure the journey has not been cheap.
cheers,
MV.

 

[fatrascal]

Without rangefinder I'd say the EL's were the best bino I have ever used. I sold them and went with the older version EL ranges which I regret. The regular EL's were superior in optical quality and I did not have to use the focus wheel as often. Now I'm eyeballing the NL Pure's and hopefully can get a pair next year.
The EL rangefinder binos are no slouch and are great quality but once you've had the best then its hard to downgrade. I dont really like the ergonomics of the bump on the bottom of the EL ranges but they really don't bother me when using them and it really is no issue. I have never owned a pair of 10x42 SLC's but I have owned the 15x56 SLC's. Again the EL's were superior. So I have one vote for the Swarovski EL 10x42 binoculars and possibly would change my mind if I had the NL's. Fatrascal

 

[Clrems77]

I went from Vortex to Leupold to the 12X EL's and I can easily tell you the Swaros are every bit as awesome as people say they are. Last year was the first year using them and I can honestly say they made a big difference in finding animals. Edge to edge clarity, less eye strain and when you throw them on a tripod, you literally have a spotting scope. I would highly recommend buying them if the budget allows it. Youll never switch to anything else!

 

[Sierra Hunter]

El’s vs Slcs, why one over the other? I hear NLs are the real deal but I can’t bring myself to consider that ticket.

 

[BBob]

NL's are hands down the best overall package Swaro has ever made. I've tested the 10x and own the 12x. EL's are better than the SLC's and NL's better than both overall. I own or have owned versions of all. The only place an EL may be better than the NL is in the 50mm objective for early and late. Haven't tested that out fully quite yet. EL's are noticeably better than SLC's unless you need 15x. 12x NL's or 12x EL's just don't quite beat the 15x if you need that magnification. Close but not the same. I'm using NL 12 paired with BTX sized glass solely to cut down on weight in an attempt to cover all the bases. It's a compromise and we'll see how it works out this year.

 

[BBob]

El’s vs Slcs, why one over the other? I hear NLs are the real deal but I can’t bring myself to consider that ticket.

Search around, you 'll find anyone that owned SLC's and tried EL's were generally blown away. They are a noticeable improvement. Some complain about certain versions barrel roll/rolling ball, while noticeable but given a short bit of time it fades and you never see it anymore. Some can't take it but those seem to be few. I was never bothered or really noticed it at all.

 

[Sierra Hunter]

NL's are hands down the best overall package Swaro has ever made. I've tested the 10x and own the 12x. EL's are better than the SLC's and NL's better than both overall. I own or have owned versions of all. The only place an EL may be better than the NL is in the 50mm objective for early and late. Haven't tested that out fully quite yet. EL's are noticeably better than SLC's unless you need 15x. 12x NL's or 12x EL's just don't quite beat the 15x if you need that magnification. Close but not the same. I'm using NL 12 paired with BTX sized glass solely to cut down on weight in an attempt to cover all the bases. It's a compromise and we'll see how it works out this year.

Appreciate the feedback, after looking through BTXs in the field it’s hard to even call it the same thing as glassing with binos or a spotter. It’s in a different league.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

Optically speaking:

NL 10x42
EL Range TA 10x42
EL 10x42 Swarovision/FP
SLC 10x42 HD
EL Range 10x42 = EL 10x42 Original
PreHD SLC 10x42

 

[shake12321]

I agree with the above statement.
Very little cons to speak of outside of ergonomic preferences.

 

[Spiral Horn]

Know it is close to blasphemy on this forum, but some hunters actually prefer brands other than Swarovski. Would strongly advise comparing your favorite SW against a Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 prior to final purchase.

However, as far as SWs go, I’ve personally owned a few and done detailed comparisons side-by-side. My rankings are as follows:

1. SLC 10x42 (Model 58310) - commonly referred to as the HD, (although it doesn’t say HD on either the binocular or the box it comes in). To my eyes this is an all-time classic that just works for almost any hunting situation. Greatest SW handling properties, splended image with incredible depth of field and slow-precise focus for picking apart a landscape on a tripod, resolution at least equal to any other SW product - all at a much more reasonable price. Only warts are the focus mechanism is nowhere near as refined as the others and can sometimes be rough or skiddy, and FOV is more along traditional 10x lines. If looking to buy one, sooner is better as being discontinued will make tip-top models increasingly difficult to come by down the road.

2. NL Pure 10x42 - they are an optical engineering marvel, but not as easy as others to use. Colors explode and saturate, the FOV overwhelms and the hand position is computer-designed to be anatomically perfect. While impressive, I found them to be heavier than expected, very finicky on eye position, the colors a bit too saturated (especially blacks), and glare off of everything reflective in bright sunlight. Interestingly, I found their view much more impressive and comfortable in cloudy and low light situations.

3. EL SV 10x42 - They’ve stood the test of time and are a great glass if not affected by “rolling ball effect,” which unfortunately I am. A while back I was very interested in purchasing a set and borrowed my buddies. After a while glassing, noticed I was getting sick to my stomach. Tried them several times since = same effect.

Haven’t spent enough time with the SW 32mms or other models to have an informed opinion and cannot rate them.

My 2 cents - YMMV

 

[Sierra Hunter]

Know it is close to blasphemy on this forum, but some hunters actually prefer brands other than Swarovski. Would strongly advise comparing your favorite SW against a Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 prior to final purchase.

However, as far as SWs go, I’ve personally owned a few and done detailed comparisons side-by-side. My rankings are as follows:

1. SLC 10x42 (Model 58310) - commonly referred to as the HD, (although it doesn’t say HD on either the binocular or the box it comes in). To my eyes this is an all-time classic that just works for almost any hunting situation. Greatest SW handling properties, splended image with incredible depth of field and slow-precise focus for picking apart a landscape on a tripod, resolution at least equal to any other SW product - all at a much more reasonable price. Only warts are the focus mechanism is nowhere near as refined as the others and can sometimes be rough or skiddy, and FOV is more along traditional 10x lines. If looking to buy one, sooner is better as being discontinued will make tip-top models increasingly difficult to come by down the road.

2. NL Pure 10x42 - they are an optical engineering marvel, but not as easy as others to use. Colors explode and saturate, the FOV overwhelms and the hand position is computer-designed to be anatomically perfect. While impressive, I found them to be heavier than expected, very finicky on eye position, the colors a bit too saturated (especially blacks), and glare off of everything reflective in bright sunlight. Interestingly, I found their view much more impressive and comfortable in cloudy and low light situations.

3. EL SV 10x42 - They’ve stood the test of time and are a great glass if not affected by “rolling ball effect,” which unfortunately I am. A while back I was very interested in purchasing a set and borrowed my buddies. After a while glassing, noticed I was getting sick to my stomach. Tried them several times since = same effect.

Haven’t spent enough time with the SW 32mms or other models to have an informed opinion and cannot rate them.

My 2 cents - YMMV

Appreciate the input, solid feedback. What was the design purpose/difference behind els and slcs?

 

[bigmike23]

Spent a good amount of time comparing the slc/EL/NL at eurooptic. Went with the EL. I immediately didn't like the slcs ergonomics. If there's an optical quality difference between the NLs and ELs, you'd have to be a wizard to spot it. The NL's do have a bigger FOV and nicer ergonomics than the ELs, but in no way are the ELs bad either. Very comfortable to me. As a whitetail hunter, I'm never going to use a tripod only using the center image handheld. I didn't feel the extra FOV and slightly better in hand feel warranted 900$ price increase. Don't regret it one bit.

 

[BBob]

Adding to comments about the NL's:

Initially FOV was weird and I agree overwhelming. That effect I'd say lasted less than a half an hour for me.

Initially figuring out eye position? Yes a touch finicky but after an hour or so in the field it went away. Don't even think about it now.

Color and contrast? Fantastic for me. I'm color blind and my world is a bit subdued from most so mby why I like it?

Glare? Haven't really noticed that. I'll pay more attention and see if it's more than others. So far not a negative.

Depth of field. Initially it felt like they had really short depth of field but only closer in. Longer distances didn't notice. After use I think I've adapted with adjusting the focus on shorter distances and don't notice it anymore. BTW the focus on NL's is butter smooth and noiseless unlike some other models.

They are heavyish for the size no doubt. Best feeling binocular in the hand I've ever held.

My favorite binocular and most used over time? EL 10x32's. Love those. I don't know if I'll get rid of them. As soon as some NL 10x32's show up here (my dealer) I want to see how they compare.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

The NL is one whole ounce heavier than an EL or SLC...

 

[BBob]

The NL is one whole ounce heavier than an EL or SLC...

Ha ha! Not enough to worry about. For some reason (and I should have specified) they feel heavy for the apparent size. Don't know why that is? Maybe it's because they look so sleek they should feel lighter?

 

[Steve O]

Since 1992 I have used it owned just about every iteration of Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski binocular made. Many were owned amd the same time ad compared sided by side and in the field.

To MY eyes, nothing compares to the Swaro NL. Nothing feels as good in the hands either.

I cannot decipher any difference optically between ELs, Noctovids, or SFs

I cannot decipher any difference optically between Ultravids, ELs, or Victory Fl T.

Old Leica Trinovids and Duovids are the Best buys out there.

You absolutely get what you pay for with optics.

 

[Spiral Horn]

The great news for all of is there is likely a premium binocular available today for all tastes and preferences. At the SLC price level and above that is what it really comes down to.

Any optic is a compromise of features to some degree, Personally think there is far and away too much emphasis on specifications and features these days over how those apply in the real world. For example, how light or heavy a binocular feels after extended use is a confluence of many factors beyond pure weight. Balance and center of gravity, compactness, points of contact in relation to focus mechanism, and many other nuances will all combine to effect how it feels to carry and handling/fatigue while glassing.

My advice to anyone looking to buy an alpha always is = take your time and spend some time with every model under consideration before buying.

 

[Stubborn_bowhunter]

I was looking at maybe getting 12x EL, but I decided to go bigger on the magnification.

Just sold my antler pile to buy SLC 15x56.. I had to order them fast before I started second guessing.

I know when I look through them I'll be glad.

 

[Droppndrakes]

The EL 12x50 Are a sight to behold. The 10x50 are great also. The NL look great in the store and are very clear with an insane FOV. I am going to get the range TA soon and I’m hoping I like it as much as the EL 10x50. To my eyes all are much superior to the SLC or older EL range. I don’t care for the Zeiss binos and I feel like Leica is lacking ergonomically so Swarovski it is.

 

[Spiral Horn]

I was looking at maybe getting 12x EL, but I decided to go bigger on the magnification.

Just sold my antler pile to buy SLC 15x56.. I had to order them fast before I started second guessing.

I know when I look through them I'll be glad.

Congrats! Great Choice. If I were looking for a tripod binocular that would be it. Every once in a while there is a true optical gem out there that gets overlooked and IMO the 15x56 SLC is certainly one of them. When nobody was looking during the last upgrade they added 3x new HD lens elements per barrel, and something no other line of SW binoculars has - Abbe Koenig prisms. This gives them inherent optical advantages over even their in-house competition. Now there will be no excuse for not finding that Monster Muley after the season opens.