(4) Quality 8x32 Binoculars- Swarovski EL, SV and Nikon EDG II, SE~ My Impressions (1 Viewer)

[steve@37n84w]

Back in 2004-2005 when Dennis had an SE it was the best and now that he has an SE again it is the best again; however, in the interim it was a piece of crap compared to his favorite roof of the moment. Could it actually be a simple as the fact that Dennis wants everyone to belief that WHATEVER binocular HE has at the moment is the BEST???

I agree with Kammerdiner that when someone flip flops as much as Dennis the reviews are worthless. Dennis is ALWAYS biased in favor of the binocular he currently owns when doing one of his "misty memory" reviews.

Steve

 

[Torview]

To be fair to Dennis his optics opinions are usually on the money, sadly his responses to others opinions frequently lack tact, a shame because there is a insightful binocular enthusiast there.

 

[Odradek]

Back in 2004-2005 when Dennis had an SE it was the best and now that he has an SE again it is the best again; however, in the interim it was a piece of crap compared to his favorite roof of the moment. Could it actually be a simple as the fact that Dennis wants everyone to belief that WHATEVER binocular HE has at the moment is the BEST???

Steve

I did not knew that. I thought he switched his opinion only one time.

Like i said, i dont wanted to unmask him or play the spy!! But as i found a post where he said that the workmanship of the SE is like a toy for 10year old kids, my first impression was "wow, thats a realy strong difference to the last posts of him".

For me it was somewhat suspicious to change the opinion that much. I wanted to know what was the reason.

 

[stephen b]

It all comes back around to Dennis- it is like the binocular forum version of 6 degrees of separation. Except with Dennis, it is like 2 degrees; like the so called Kevin Bacon phenomenon, but shorter.

How did I know in advance of doing this review write up, that Dennis was going to play a prominent part in the thread? I guess I just have an uncanny intuition.

Oh- now I can just see it- Dennis will change his moniker and signature to "the Kevin Bacon of bird forum"

 

[mooreorless]

It all comes back around to Dennis- it is like the binocular forum version of 6 degrees of separation. Except with Dennis, it is like 2 degrees; like the so called Kevin Bacon phenomenon, but shorter.

How did I know in advance of doing this review write up, that Dennis was going to play a prominent part in the thread? I guess I just have an uncanny intuition.

Oh- now I can just see it- Dennis will change his moniker and signature to "the Kevin Bacon of bird forum"

Stephen I will be quite surprised if Dennis doesn't change it.

 

[[email protected]]

Hi denco,

i am looking around in this forum for a while and it seems that you prefer the Se over the SV (both 8x32). Now, i have the Nikon Se in my focus and i eventually want to buy them. Therefore i was looking for older threads here and i found something interesting.

Please keep in mind, my english is not the best and i dont say the fallowing with the intention to blame you. I am only interested in the WHY (supposed that i understand you correctly!!). During the threads in 2011 it seems you clearly prefered the SV over the Se. What happend after this time?

Just to give you a few examples ....

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=201421

I found another thread where you said that the birds "pop out" with the SV, which was better than your experience with the Se. Unfortunally i dont have the link anymore.

I wasn´t looking for posty made by you. I was looking for threads about the Se in generall. But i found these change in your position remarkable. It seemed that you almost fight for the Se in the last few posts. Now is my question, have you made any bad experiences with the SV after this time?

The newer SE has new coatings which to me made a remarkable difference in contrast to my eyes. I also changed my opinion because of the some new testing methods I used while comparing the two binoculars. Namely my now famous and unrivaled "DVD Test." I have learned also to appreciate the 3D effect of the porro more in the SE. I spent alot of time comparing the two and I really see a difference with the porro being superior. I notice an almost cystalline sharpness to the SE view that I don't see with any roof I have tried. The SE's are pretty hard to beat. I had the 8.5 x42 SV and at first I didn't notice rolling ball and then later I did. Also, my pair had a gritty focuser that turned harder one way than it did the other. I personally grew weary of the SV view and I think it is akin to "circus mirrors" or some type of fake optical illusion. It just doesn't seem real to me. I prefer the Zeiss FL over the SV even with it's slightly less sharp edges. For roofs I prefer the EDG because it has sharper edges than the FL and it still has a relaxed natural view but it doesn't have the sharpness or realism of the SE. With it's 3D view and slight increase of sharpness the SE looks more realistic to me. I recently compared the 8x32 SV also and I still like the SE better. I really think the SE has the best optics of any birding size binocular made especailly the 8x32.

 

[[email protected]]

...and, in his defense, if you actually go back to 2004-2005 he does promote the SE as being the best 8x32 available.

Don't ask why I was looking at posts from way back then. It had nothing to do with the current discussion.

God, I am so flattered that I am that famous that you researched my posts back to 2004.

 

[[email protected]]

Back in 2004-2005 when Dennis had an SE it was the best and now that he has an SE again it is the best again; however, in the interim it was a piece of crap compared to his favorite roof of the moment. Could it actually be a simple as the fact that Dennis wants everyone to belief that WHATEVER binocular HE has at the moment is the BEST???

I agree with Kammerdiner that when someone flip flops as much as Dennis the reviews are worthless. Dennis is ALWAYS biased in favor of the binocular he currently owns when doing one of his "misty memory" reviews.

Steve

I have both the SE and the EDG. If I was going to flip the EDG why would I say the SE is better optically. I have really had more time to compare the two in birding situations. One really big advantage of the SE is it's uncanny glare and stray light control. You can be almost right next to the sun and you don't get ANY glare. Amazing! You have to be careful in because of that in fact.

 

[steve@37n84w]

I have both the SE and the EDG. If I was going to flip the EDG why would I say the SE is better optically. I have really had more time to compare the two in birding situations. One really big advantage of the SE is it's uncanny glare and stray light control. You can be almost right next to the sun and you don't get ANY glare. Amazing! You have to be careful in because of that in fact.

I think you need to read more carefully, no one said anything about you flipping your EDG.

Steve

 

[John Dracon]

The glare and stray light control by the SE 8x32 as Dennis has mentioned is very apparent to me. I have yet to find any binocular I have used, including the Zeiss FL 8x32 that handles glare as well. One test I found important when hunting was during first light, just before the sun broke over the horizon. Watch the horizon with different binoculars. That is the test that separates the men from the boys. The SE 8x32 (to me) is simply the best. Interestingly enough, neither the SE 10x42 nor the SE 12x50 match their smaller cousin in this respect.

Unlike either Dennis or Brock, I cannot discern any difference between the coatings of early or late SE models. But then my eyes are not what they were. In terms of the 3-D effect of the SE 8x32, which really is outstanding, the only other binocular I use which has a slight edge is the FPO made (Fuji Photo Optics) Bushnell 7x35 Rangemaster. That may be a function of 7 power; of that I am not sure.

If I were forced to choose between the SE and the Rangemaster, i.e., I could only have one, but not the other, it would be a difficult choice. But then my eyes are 77 years old, and are behind corrective lens for astigmatism, plus I am diabetic with blood surgar fluctuations. IMO the individual eyes are a significant variable that can make one model appear better than another. There are so many excellent binoculars being made today. We may be debating today how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.

John

 

[cycleguy]

Hi,

Great review!!!! Thanks for sharing.

I own the SE and did own the old EL (both 8x32). Had them both at the same time and did a side by side comparison around the yard and neighborhood. My findings pretty much parallel your own.

The two things that stood out the most - the SE was a step sharper (see more detail) and the ergonomics and comfortable use of the EL.

I'd be happy with either one,

CG

 

[RTFM]

I have all these binoculars except the Nikon SE and I would whole heartedly agree with Stephen B's comments.

Now where can I get a pair of SE's ?

 

[stephen b]

Wow- a blast from the past with this.

I believe you can only pick up the SE on the used market, unless some dealer has some new old stock in a box still collecting dust.

 

[Bwana1]

And to think I just bought a pair of mint "08" EL's, only to be disappointed before they show up

 

[NDhunter]

And to think I just bought a pair of mint "08" EL's, only to be disappointed before they show up

Don't worry even a little bit. Any late model EL is very good,
and the differences between those mentioned above are very slim.

I have experience with most of them.

Jerry

 

[Bwana1]

Don't worry even a little bit. Any late model EL is very good,
and the differences between those mentioned above are very slim.

I have experience with most of them.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry,
I was joking of course, can't wait for them to show up....I've got some pretty nice glass to compare them against.

 

[stephen b]

Totally agree with Jerry. I would be happy about getting a 8x32 EL- it is a great binocular. All (4) of the binoculars I reviewed are great and picking between them is personal preference. They are all some of the very best 8x32's that have ever been produced. They are at the top of the heap for all time Swarovski 8x32 roofs ( now that I think about it- they are the only 8x32 roofs that Swarovski has made). And the EDG and the SE are the best 8x32 roof and best 8x32 porro that they have ever made.

Enjoy your new binocular!

 

[Bwana1]

Totally agree with Jerry. I would be happy about getting a 8x32 EL- it is a great binocular. All (4) of the binoculars I reviewed are great and picking between them is personal preference. They are all some of the very best 8x32's that have ever been produced. They are at the top of the heap for all time Swarovski 8x32 roofs ( now that I think about it- they are the only 8x32 roofs that Swarovski has made). And the EDG and the SE are the best 8x32 roof and best 8x32 porro that they have ever made.

Enjoy your new binocular!

Thank you Stephen, and great write up also. I should have mentioned my EL's are the 8.5x42 version.

 

[fstop]

Stephen, I'm new here. I enjoyed reading your review, these hands-on are what make forums valuable. It's much too late, but I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother.

 

[stephen b]

Stephen, I'm new here. I enjoyed reading your review, these hands-on are what make forums valuable. It's much too late, but I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother.

Thank you for the kind words- never too late for that; it is appreciated.

Even though it has been a little over (3) years, I still think about her every day. Except now, there is certainly less of the sadness; now it is more thankfulness and gratitude for what a great Mother she was and what she gave to all of us.

Glad you liked the review.