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)
Shorebird Battles – Semipalmated Plovers
August 14, 2008
Article in: Photography
In a much more relaxed argument than the fighting Ruddy Turnstones, these digiscoped Semipalmated Plovers were trying to work out their disagreements through words (or peeps).
Step one – stick out your booty
Counter-attack with another booty raise
Peep out your problems…
Take a nap when done
Thanks to Swarovski Optik for loaning out a wonderful spotting scope to allow for these digiscoped images of shorebirds.
Digiscoping – Arctic Tern
August 12, 2008
Article in: Photography
There is something unequivocally impressive about a bird that can travel 25,000 miles a year.
Arctic Tern
Read more about the cool facts about Arctic Terns. Information on population status for Arctic Terns is limited but “southermost populations [are] declining and listed as of special concern.” – Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Digiscoped with a Swarovski Scope and Canon Rebel XTi DSLR
Shorebird Battles – Ruddy Turnstones
August 10, 2008
Article in: Photography
Getting a chance to digiscope courtesy of Swarovski Optik North America on the Cape of Massachusetts led to some interesting shorebird interactions. Here we have a duel between Ruddy Turnstones that got pretty violent.
Ruddy Turnstone Faceoff
Take Down!! That’s gotta hurt!
Rough fight, yet so beautiful
Not sure what this move is called… wing-flashing face-check?
Ouch!
No ear biting!
Willet acting as Referee – “Break it up you two!”
You can’t get away from me!
The battle ended with no serious injuries. Ruddy Turnstone populations are thankfully stable as they are gorgeous shorebirds. Read more about Ruddy Turnstones from Cornell’s All About Birds.
Check out Birdchick’s video of these battling Ruddies!
All photos digiscoped courtesy of Swarovski loaning out a sweet HD Scope and the Birdfreak Canon Rebel XTi DSLR
American Oystercatchers Digiscoped at South Beach on the Cape of Massachusetts
August 9, 2008
Article in: Photography
After testing out a Swarovski digiscoping* setup for the first time, I was able to put my newly learned skill to the test on the cape of Massachusetts at South Beach.
One of my first victims was a roving gang of American Oystercatchers. Needless to say, I was pretty happy with the results.
Two adults and a juvenile. If you look closely, one of the adults is banded “yellow #60″
This wasn’t the best shot, but the oystercatcher had been digging in his ear pretty fierce and seemed fairly happy about it
*Digiscoping is when you take a camera and connect it with a spotting scope to use as a super telephoto lens. I was using an angled HD scope with the Birdfreak Canon XTi DSLR.
Phriday Photo – Swarovski Bling
August 8, 2008
Article in: Photography
One of our rewards for participating in the birder-blogger event with Swarovski Optik was we were presented with a sweet Swarovski crystal raptor.
We are not sure what type of bird the crystal is supposed to be but Northern Hawk-Owl seems to fit. Any other ideas?
Swarovski Optik’s New Ad Campaign?
August 6, 2008
Article in: Birding
What 10-year old birder wouldn’t want the opportunity to use Swarovski’s high-quality optics?
Now if only Dakota could’ve kept them…
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!
