Swarovski EL

[cmak]

Thinking about upgrading my binoculars. Pretty much set on Swarovski EL 10x42. Called my local sporting goods store and they said best price they'll give is 1799.00. These are brand new. I have a like new Vortex Razor 12x50 HD version. They seem to have a slight grayish tint when looked through. Plus I found out its just too hard to hold 12 power steady. So I plan to sell them. I welcome anyone's opinions.

 

[Car Ramrod]

EL’s are world renowned as the best glass money could buy until the pures came along. Just a little sharper and better field of view on the pures. They’ve been the best purchase out of all the money I’ve spent over the years for hunting. Plus they retain their value. Speaking of that, I have a pair of EL 10x50 in the classifieds for cheaper than you mentioned above and only selling to pickup a pair of el ranges that I can’t pass up.

 

[Wapiti151]

I’d buy a like new pair of Zeiss Victory SF 10x42s WAY before I got a pair of ELs. The SFs can be had for $15-1600 here and on bird forum in like new condition. They are better in every way than the EL and compare much closer to the NL at half the cost. And you’ll be able to sell them for that exact cost years from now. To me, they are better bino than the NL as well, albeit very close. I’ve had and used all three.

The ELs are incredible, but they are easily the third best when compared to the SF and NL. It’s splitting hairs between the SF and NL and simply comes down to a few user preferences outside of the superior FOV of the pures, IMO.

I’d make sure you look through some SFs before you buy ELs. Or better yet, buy both and compare extensively. If buying the SFs used and decide to sell, you’ll get what you paid out of them.