Swarovski question....binoculars

woodturner · Jun 8, 2017

OK .....I think I have talked myself into purchasing a pair of Swarovski binoculars. I have been looking at the 10X42's.

What is the difference in the SLC's and the El's?
There is a $500 difference I know.....but ?
Thanks.

maddog58 · Jun 8, 2017

Check out Natchezz they have demo units quite often. I got a pair of 10x42 el for $1699 last year. They are amazing

3blade · Jun 8, 2017

The el's have a field flattener lens which can, if you can see it, cause a rolling ball effect. here's

http://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=67734&d=1167616021

a good article on what it is. Some people don't notice it, others do.

Slc does not have this effect so one drawback is the edge focus is not as clear. But slc's gather more light, they are designed for hunters.

I would go check both out and see what your eyes like the best.

Seamaster · Jun 9, 2017

I could not see any difference when I looked through both, but I liked the feel of the SLC better than the open bridge design of the EL. Lots of guys like the open bridge better but not me. I have heard fellows say that they liked the view of the EL better but my eyes could just not see any difference. I bought the SLC binoculars and am very happy with my decision.

woodturner · Jun 9, 2017

Thanks to those who sent stuff. I have read a number of reviews of both binoculars and did not understand the $500 difference. Maybe I still don't. Sounds like the SLC is the way to go.
Now just to find out where to get them......but working on that.

Anyone else want to add anything.....please do.
Thanks Everyone.

mmwb · Jun 9, 2017

You really need to look through each. I intended to buy SLCs and ended up getting ELs (pre swarovision). I liked the image a little better on the ELs, but the ergonomics was the seller for me. They just seem to fit my hands and face better.

swivelhead · Jun 11, 2017

SLC HD's are very good. EL Swarovision are sharper at the edge but have additional elements to do so (less light transfer). SLC's are threaded for a binocular adapter. EL's require a somewhat bulky adapter to be tripod mounted (Outdoorsmans will press in an adapter on the hinge but .... more $).
Tripod mounted 10X are very capable, you will want to have this option. The "sweet spot" on SLC HD's is large. Most people don't scrutinize objects at the extreme edge of the FOV (literally never when optics are handheld). SLC HD's hands down.

woodturner · Jun 12, 2017

Hi there Everyone,
Thanks for your responses. It has really helped.

I fell for the SLC 10x42 yesterday. Ordered a pair from Cabela's. I did not see that having a slight improvement on the edges was worth the extra money. That and I like the better light gathering at dawn and dusk.

I am heading to Colorado Unit 10 in the third season and will put them to good use.
Thanks for your help.

mmwb · Jun 14, 2017

You can't go wrong with them and I've yet to hear of anyone with buyers remorse for buying any model of Swarovski (sans the doubler, of course).

Homer · Jun 18, 2017

..you made the right choice

NMBOWHNTR27 · Jun 22, 2017

If u get el s, u might wanna try 10x50's before u buy. Wider field of view and more light in low light conditions. Other than that you have made a great choice!!!??