New Swarovski EL Binocular With Swarovision
April 28, 2010
Article in: Product Reviews
![New Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42 [HDR]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4404461194_04b3eaa89c.jpg)
The new Swarovski EL binoculars
The new Swarovski ELs have “Swarovision” which from using them in the field essentially means “awesome-super-enhanced-vision”. Swarovski’s highly advanced technology, all found in these new bins, consists of the following:
- SWAROVISION: field flattener corrective lenses for unmatched peripheral focus
- SWAROCLEAN: special coating that makes cleaning off dirt, dust, water marks, insect repellents, tree resin, etc. easy and effective
- SWAROBRIGHT: coating for maximum color fidelity over entire light spectrum
New Swarovski ELs with Swarovision photo in high dynamic range [HDR]
![New Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42 [HDR]](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4404459498_1c4016aa3a.jpg)
The binoculars work exceptionally well in low and bad lighting and even through glass. I spotted a Horned Grebe way across a lake, through the windshield (near the edge) and was spot on. I love this because I often bird from the kitchen windows which have quite a bit of imperfections in the glass.
The view is sharp throughout the entire field of vision. You won’t lose quality at the edges!!
I brought the new ELs in to show bird club members and the universal response wasn’t a phrase or superlative adjective but just big smiles. Of course, this quality comes at a high price. But you’ll be hard pressed to find a disappointed Swarovski user. And once you try out the new ELs you’ll be hooked!
The ELs have three eye cup positions to suit eyeglass and non-eyeglass wearers better.
The new Swarovski ELs have a close focus of just under 5 feet; the focus is smooth throughout whether you are watching raptors in the clouds or a hummingbird at your feeder.
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The new Swarovski Optik ELs come in two sizes:
- Swarovski Optik EL Swarovision Binocular, 8.5×42 mm
- Swarovski Optik EL Swarovision Binocular, 10×42 mm
—10x magnification, field of view of 336 ft/1000 yds
Comparison shot between “old” ELs (top) and the new ELs (bottom).
Review: New Swarovski EL Binoculars
August 18, 2008
Article in: Product Reviews
Swarovski Optik is known for their fine quality and their latest creation stands up to the name. While in Rhode Island, I got the chance to try out a brand new pairs of 8.5×42 and 10×42 ELs. Having owned a pair of Swarovski 10×42 EL for over a year now, I was surprised at the immediate difference in the new version. And despite my lack of previous experience with optics (having only owned three pairs: junky, weak, and Swarovski) the new ones will create quite an uproar when they make it to the U.S. officially.
The new ELs are actually a bit lighter and more ergonomic, although I can carry my current pair for back-to-back Christmas Bird Counts without any discomfort (from the binoculars, that is). Optically speaking, the new EL is a definite upgrade from the “old”, providing a crisper view across the entire field as well as improved eye relief. The close focus is about from your eyes to your feet.
Butterflying and dragonflying just got a whole lot easier!
The new ELs are on top – you can see the obvious difference
With any premium pair of optics, expect to spend quite a bit of cash. Prices will vary due to dollar exchange rates (Swarovskis are made in Austria) but two grand is a good ballpark. Just remember, superb optics are the tool that will enhance your birding more than any other gadget, book, or trick.
Of course the best way to find out how great the new Swarovski ELs are is to go to your nearest dealer and try them out for yourself. But be warned; once you hold these beauties you may just refuse to give them back.
Overall rating: 10 out of 10 feathers Although I am still very happy with my “old” ELs (below)
Swarovski Fantasy Land of Optics
August 5, 2008
Article in: Birding
Once upon a time, in a land far far away (Cranston, Rhode Island) there was a magical place full of green treasures. These spectacular vision-enhancing devices (binoculars and scopes) were the envy of all who came to search for them.
Only a small group of birder-bloggers survived the grueling trek to make it into the Great Swarovski Dragon lair. Corey from 10,000 Birds, Sharon the Birdchick, Julie Zickefoose, Ben from 600 Birds, John the Born Again Bird Watcher, and Helena from Adventures of Bird Girl along with yours truly, were the last ones standing in our quest.
Go ahead, you can drool…
When we arrived in the lair of optics awaiting repairs, we attempted to distract Gatekeeper Gail, to no avail.
Why, oh why must you tempt us with such treasures?
I managed to find this crystal prism that came from a pair of Swarovski EL bins. But somehow I think it held a much more magical power. Perhaps life birds were in my near future…
The land of optics is not for the faint-hearted but the visit was well worth it. The Swarovskians are a great people and showed it with their superb hospitality and high-quality optics.
Coming soon if I can ever get done sifting through photos: digiscoping on the cape of Massachusetts!
