Swarovski NL 8x42 - First Impressions (1 Viewer)

[Uhu74]

"The EL SV feels like a dinosaur in comparison". I am wondering if you have much experience with binoculars at all.

The word dinosaur is powerful.

Jerry

Fazal likely meant it not so literally, but I have to agree with him in a way.
To me, the EL indeed feels a bit old fashioned and outdated (no offence) in comparison with the NL.
Not saying that the EL is bad in that regard, but it definitely feels a bit chubby in comparison.

Gijs

 

[fazalmajid]

Perhaps the word "feel" has more to do with ergonomics since Fazalmajid has spent time with the 8.5X42 I believe, they look quite different in shape to me

Yes, I meant the way they feel in your hands.

The sculptured shape of the NL is very effective, including the angle they are set at (it may depend on the size of your hands, and how wide your IPD setting is, I have relatively small hands and IPD), and when you go back to the EL SV, the more basic parabolic-conical shape definitely feels awkward in comparison. I took out my calipers and the elliptical section of the NL where you hold them is 35mm by 47mm, so quite a bit of flattening compared to a circular cross-section.

The armor is also softer and more springy on the NL, which contributes to the haptics.

As for the optics, the limiting factor is my own eyesight.

Regarding the cases, I only ever use them for storage, not when out using them (they generally stay on my neck or in my backpack). If the weather were really inclement, I might use the Swazi binocular beret, which is very compact and easy to take off and put back on.

 

[Ries]

I have commented on the seams of the armor in a previous post, and several people (Jan, Arek etc.) were bothered by it. It's surprising that Swaro could not fix such an issue.

They don't mean the rim on top of the bins like the pics here nicely show? That seems like a deliberate design detail, emphasizing the curves. I like that.

 

[PYRTLE]

They don't mean the rim on top of the bins like the pics here nicely show? That seems like a deliberate design detail, emphasizing the curves. I like that.

No not the rim but underneath it as shown on your linked photos #1 and 2. The seam appears quite clearly on the inside of the right hand tube. The ridge you correctly describe as a detailed feature. Yes, as clearly shown on the post below ->

 

[PeterPS]

They don't mean the rim on top of the bins like the pics here nicely show? That seems like a deliberate design detail, emphasizing the curves. I like that.

I do not think so. It's the seam of the armor that you can see in the attached picture.

 

[Ries]

Yeah, that seem on the inside is ugly...you would expect they could've made that smoother

 

[dries1]

Well Zeiss had issues with the SF on the roll out which were addressed in later models.The diopter is one I am curious about along with how the wide FOV behaves in a variance of viewing conditions

Andy W.

 

[Torview]

It will be a while until there is a general consensus about the NL, I enjoy reading users impressions they have value, lets not put those lucky owners off sharing their thoughts with needless sniping.

 

[Uhu74]

I wonder what would have happened if Jan hadn't commented about the armouring seams

Yes, they could be prettier, but I rather look through a bino than bothering about imperfections.
Imperfections will always be there in any bino, regardless of brand.

Just had a nice 10km hike, and the NL sure put a big grin on my face. The pistol grip shaped tubes put the ergonomics on another level.
The weight is there, but judging by feel, these could have been 32mm bino's, they feel really slim.
People with smaller hands will definitely like the feel of the NL.

Gijs

 

[Ries]

I wonder what would have happened if Jan hadn't commented about the armouring seams

Yes, they could be prettier, but I rather look through a bino than bothering about imperfections.
Imperfections will always be there in any bino, regardless of brand.

On almost 3k bins I would expect perfection in anything that's possibly under human control, so one can only be critical about subjective things like optics characteristics, mechanics and general design. Finishing could and should be perfect (it is on a pair of €400 bins I have f.i.). A seam protruding like this is not perfection. It's like Swaro crystal with a bubble in it. I wouldn't leave it on a shelf over that though, I also would just look through it and take the seam for what it is. I have the same with a raspy edge on the tripod attachment button on my Nikon MHG. It shouldn't (have to) be like that. If the rest is perfection, such a small blemish stands out more.

 

[PeterPS]

On almost 3k bins I would expect perfection in anything that's possibly under human control, so one can only be critical about subjective things like optics characteristics, mechanics and general design. Finishing could and should be perfect (it is on a pair of €400 bins I have f.i.). A seam protruding like this is not perfection. It's like Swaro crystal with a bubble in it. I wouldn't leave it on a shelf over that though, I also would just look through it and take the seam for what it is. I have the same with a raspy edge on the tripod attachment button on my Nikon MHG. It shouldn't (have to) be like that. If the rest is perfection, such a small blemish stands out more.

I agree, also about the tripod adapter cap of the MHG!

 

[dwever]

. . . . If the rest is perfection, such a small blemish stands out more.

If the rest is perfection, a little extra glue at the seam if merely cosmetic while undesirable is also ignorable.

 

[jan van daalen]

If the rest is perfection, a little extra glue at the seam if merely cosmetic while undesirable is also ignorable.

........not when your Marketing slogan is "We improve the best".

Jan

 

[[email protected]]

On almost 3k bins I would expect perfection in anything that's possibly under human control, so one can only be critical about subjective things like optics characteristics, mechanics and general design. Finishing could and should be perfect (it is on a pair of €400 bins I have f.i.). A seam protruding like this is not perfection. It's like Swaro crystal with a bubble in it. I wouldn't leave it on a shelf over that though, I also would just look through it and take the seam for what it is. I have the same with a raspy edge on the tripod attachment button on my Nikon MHG. It shouldn't (have to) be like that. If the rest is perfection, such a small blemish stands out more.

In defense of Swarovski if you think about the seams from an engineering perspective it probably is very difficult to fit armour around an asymmetrical optical tube as in the NL without a seam. No other binocular on the market has optical tubes shaped like the NL that I know of. But it is something that could possibly be improved on in future iterations. You have to remember that even when Swarovski brings out a new model it may have a few bugs in it at first.

 

[dries1]

It was the Covid I tell you, that is why that seam is there. Just kidding of course.

Andy W.

 

[[email protected]]

It was the Covid I tell you, that is why that seam is there. Just kidding of course.

Andy W.

That seams like a logical explanation.:smoke:

 

[henry link]

That sounds a bit worrisome to me, can you please detail just a bit. Of course take your time for the full review, which I am looking forward to.

I wouldn't worry too much, Peter. Overall the view is splendid, but there are some quirks and some nits for me to pick in the review.

For one thing the glare resistance is not state of the art and for those who experience ill effects from "rolling ball" the distortion follows the mustache pattern of pincushion gradually increasing out to about 70% of the FOV, then quickly reversing until there is no pincushion and very high angular magnification distortion near the edge. I'll put up photos in the review.

 

[PeterPS]

I wouldn't worry too much, Peter. Overall the view is splendid, but there are some quirks and some nits for me to pick in the review.

For one thing the glare resistance is not state of the art and for those who experience ill effects from "rolling ball" the distortion follows the mustache pattern of pincushion gradually increasing out to about 70% of the FOV, then quickly reversing until there is no pincushion and very high angular magnification distortion near the edge. I'll put up photos in the review.

Thanks, Henry, very useful comments as usual.

 

[Canip]

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For one thing the glare resistance is not state of the art .....
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„Not state of the art“?

I think that’s way overstating any minor imperfections!!
Just my 2 ct, based on my own tests.

But here we already go into partial „piecemeal“ reviewing - sorry, I behave, shut up and will wait for your detailed review.

Canip

 

[dwever]

„Not state of the art“? I think that’s way overstating any minor imperfections!! Just my 2 ct, based on my own tests. But here we already go into partial „piecemeal“ reviewing - sorry, I behave, shut up and will wait for your detailed review.

Well said. And let’s not unintentionally collaborate here to set an impossibly high bar for Swarovski, their marketing Dept. not withstanding. The Noctivid release a few years ago is ringing in my ears.

In the NL I think we are looking forward to and should end up pleased with the state of the art moving forward at some level. Posts can give the impression that in the NL some are expecting the technology to find a resting place for the next decade. Not likely. However, Swarovski may very well end up fulfilling their marketing by improving the current state-of-the-art.

........not when your Marketing slogan is "We improve the best".
Jan