I am interested in replacing my binoculars for one of the top three 8x32mm models.
Having discounted the Leica Ultravid 8x32BR due to eye relief issues, and the unavailability of Leica Trinovid 8x32BNs, I am left with the Zeiss 8x32FL and the Swarovski 8x32EL.
Can the owners of Swarovski 8x32ELs please stand up?
I want to hear what you think of your binoculars - what you like and dislike about them, and any durability or other concerns.
I'm also interested to learn about Swarovski's easy-clean coating - is this the same concept as Leica's Aqua-Dura and Zeiss' Lotu-Tec? I like the idea of water and dirt repellent lenses. Are Swarovski's lens coatings water repellent too?
Greetings, Dialyt ...
Between your two choices, I'd definitely go with the Swarovskis. Let me start by saying that my preferred 32 bin is the 10x32 Leica; also note that I have no eye relief issues. So, when I was choosing an 8x32 model it was as much to round out the "collection" by selecting a bin from one of the other "big three" - swaro and zeiss.
Side by side, the Swarovski is the clear winner for sharpness, resolution and handling. It's one drawback, to me, is a bluish cast to the overall color for objects viewed in the shadows. Most people don't notice this until I bring it to their attention, and then I invariably hear -- "Oh my God, you're absolutely right!". Not quite a deal breaker, but it does bug me somewhat.
I find the Zeiss model to be more color neutral, but suffering from (again for me) serious lens flare when oriented towards bright light sources lying just beyond the image field. I think it may be sharper edge to edge than the Swarovski, but lacking that crisp "snap" in the center that the Swarovski provides. It's a great optic, though, and for eye relief alone it may trump the Swarovski. The flare issue for me is, however, a deal breaker if I were to limit my choice to one chosen pair of bins.
I believe the Leicas to be superior to either (by a hair), when all is considered optically. And as a professional photographer, that has always been my principal and defining requirement. My approach has always been "optics first, everything else can be made to fit". That may not work for others with serious handling and eye relief issues, however, and I can respect that. If that's the case, and in your case, I'd lean towards the Swarovski. I do have the Swarovski 8x32 ELs (in addition to the Zeiss FL in 10x42), and I do love them (just not as much as my Leicas).
Regarding the EasyClean coatings: it is my understanding, reiterated by a sales rep at Eagle Optics, that Swaro's "EasyClean" is the same as Zeiss' "Lotu Tec", is the same as Leica's "Aqua Dura".
Best plan for you - Keep it simple, limit your choices to the two you mentioned, and compare rigorously, side by side, at a shop near you that stocks both.
Best of luck to you,
Robert / Seattle