Swarovski EL 2015 vs current?

[BrentH]

Have searched around but can’t find anything that breaks down the changes by year (if applicable) to the Swaro EL line. Have there been any major changes to the EL’s from 2015 to 2018 to current?

 

[Sako300]

According to Swarovski customer service, today from 2012-2020current, the lens and prisims are the same! Only update is to the exterior body and straps! So, if you find a good deal on a 2012 el model, you will have the same view as a current model.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

1999 PreSwarovision SN starts with L
2009 Swarovision SN starts with K
2015 Field Pro SN starts with K

At some point late this year they raised the minimum focus distance from 6 to 10 ft. No other difference optically 2009 to present.

 

[BrentH]

1999 PreSwarovision SN starts with L
2009 Swarovision SN starts with K
2015 Field Pro SN starts with K

At some point late this year they raised the minimum focus distance from 6 to 10 ft. No other difference optically 2009 to present.

What would be an EL that starts with D85?

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

What would be an EL that starts with D85?

Either a Swarovision or Field Pro 50mm.

Swarovision in the 32s starts with an F, preSwarovision in the 32s starts with an L

 

[BrentH]

Either a Swarovision or Field Pro 50mm.

Swarovision in the 32s starts with an F, preSwarovision in the 32s starts with an L

Ok, thank you!

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

Ok, thank you!

You can tell Swarovision from Field Pro pretty easy. Just look at how the objective covers and strap connect.

 

[zog]

My email to Swarovski about this two weeks ago, and his answer . . . .

"Hello David (Swarovski Sales Rep),

I am wondering about the age of my EL 10x42’s (2010). They are still working great but I am wondering if it is worth updating them. I only care about the vision, not any features like pro strap system, etc.

Does the lens coating age?

If binos are kept nicely and don’t get dinged up, is a brand new pair going to have better quality?

Has Swarovski improved the actual lens quality in the past 10 years?

Can older binos be serviced and come back with same quality as a new pair?

Thanks"


DAVID'S REPLY . .


" Good Afternoon,

There have been no changes to the lenses or the optical system on an EL in the last 10 years (serials starting with “K”), although the focusing mechanism was changed this year to increase the minimum focusing distance to 10 ft from 5 ft, allowing us to reduce the cost.

While the lens coatings do not necessarily age, it’s possible for them to be damaged over time, or for the binoculars to have another issue present.

This can be addressed with a service order, which can be set up using the form letter below"

 

[Bkdc]

Optically the EL Swarovision binoculars prior to the FieldPro package are the same as the Fieldpros. With ONLY the 42mm variants, the minimum focus distance went from around 6 feet to 10 feet in July 2020. So the FieldPro 42mm EL’s manufactured before June 2020 still focus down to minimum 6 feet. Ones from July 2020 and after focus down to 10 feet. This accompanied the introduction of the NL Pure series. Swarovski doesn’t want the EL competing against the NL Pure? Typically minimum focal distance has to do with the refractive index of the prism. Higher refractive index allows for a lower min focal distance but also accompanies other optical compromises that need correction. I do not know whether the new “Legend” EL’s with the new 10 foot minimum focal distance has newer (lower refractive index) prisms and/or focusing mechanism which’s allow Swarovski to cut costs or whether this is purely a marketing change so the EL does not compete against the NL Pure. You can get very good copies of the FieldPro (Pre-June 2020) at the newer lower prices. Which is great for the buyer.