IN PRAISE OF THE SWAROVSKI 12X42 NL PURE (2 Viewers)

[SUPPRESSOR]

Having always been a fan of X12 binoculars and having owned the Optolyth,Leica and Swarovski 12x50 I fancied giving the new NL Pure's a try. I purchased a pair yesterday and spent an evening trying them out. I think enough as been said about image quality which of course is excellent in everyway as is the look and feel of them.
The thing that really pleased me was how effective the forehead rest is it really does a great job not only to help with steadying the image, but, it places the eyecups in the perfect position every time you put them up to view absolutely no shifting about necessary and set up is so easy.

Also the strap was so easy to install, but, I had been shown how to do it and I can see it might cause some colourful words, like all things it's easy when you know how.

Anyway it is a joy to use a X12 binocular with such a stellar image and as steady as an X8 times. Think I would struggle to go back to a binocular with less magnification after using these for a while.
Pete.

 

[rpg51]

I will chime in to say even with my 8x42 NL the forehead rest turns out to be a very helpful thing for quickly getting good eye position aligned properly with the exit pupil. I used these binos without the forehead rest initially. After reading positive reviews on the forehead rest, I bought one expecting to return it. Turns out I really like it and I am definitely keeping it.

These binos go up to my face instantly in the correct position every time. I have never experienced that with any bino. To me this is really helpful especially when looking for small birds when you often are seeing some small movement with the naked eye and then glassing them quickly before they move. I am able to acquire a good image of the area where I saw movement more quicly, and that translates into fewer missed birds. I am not sure I can say that shake is reduced with the 8 power NL. But, I wonder if shake will be reduced with the higher power NLs. I suspect it will.

Also, while I was hesitant to move to a 10x or 12x bino at my age etc., I am now convinced that I should give a higher power NL a try. I'm saving up some $ to buy a second NL. Probably a 12x. I suspect the 8x will still be my main bino. But, I know a 12x will be very useful in those long view situations - over water or flats, long views in the mountains, that sort of thing. My experience with this forehead rest has reduced my concern that 12x will be too much for me to use handheld.

I love these binos!

 

[BabyDov]

I am in the same situation with rpg51. I own the 8 x 42 NL, but think I might also want the 12 x. I know that the 12NL with the headrest has a chance of being held steady, unlike most other 12 x binoculars. Still, I wonder if step up to the 12x, whether I will get equal use out the 8 x NL. I would hate for either one of them to sit on the shelf for long. Perhaps, other who own both, could comment.

 

[SUPPRESSOR]

I will chime in to say even with my 8x42 NL the forehead rest turns out to be a very helpful thing for quickly getting good eye position aligned properly with the exit pupil. I used these binos without the forehead rest initially. After reading positive reviews on the forehead rest, I bought one expecting to return it. Turns out I really like it and I am definitely keeping it.

These binos go up to my face instantly in the correct position every time. I have never experienced that with any bino. To me this is really helpful especially when looking for small birds when you often are seeing some small movement with the naked eye and then glassing them quickly before they move. I am able to acquire a good image of the area where I saw movement more quicly, and that translates into fewer missed birds. I am not sure I can say that shake is reduced with the 8 power NL. But, I wonder if shake will be reduced with the higher power NLs. I suspect it will.

Also, while I was hesitant to move to a 10x or 12x bino at my age etc., I am now convinced that I should give a higher power NL a try. I'm saving up some $ to buy a second NL. Probably a 12x. I suspect the 8x will still be my main bino. But, I know a 12x will be very useful in those long view situations - over water or flats, long views in the mountains, that sort of thing. My experience with this forehead rest has reduced my concern that 12x will be too much for me to use handheld.

I love these binos!

Sounds like we are both having the same good experience .
As far as age goes I am 73, and have not noticed my ability to hold bins steady deteriorate.
Another positive, I was told the forehead rest would not work if wearing a hat or cap ,but, I found no problems this afternoon wearing my Tilly hat.
Watching Beautiful Demoiselles this after noon at just a few feet distance the detail I was seeing in the eyes and mouth parts only confirmed what the headrest is capable of in reducing image shake and cannot see any reason ever to remove it.

Another thing, I do like pouch it comes with and the bins will fit with the headrest and strap fitted. With the binoculars hanging around the neck on the most comfortable strap I have ever had the case slung over one shoulder it sits and stays in the small of the back ideal for phone and notebook ,etc.

All I hope for now is the rubber armour and objective cap hinges to be more durable than some people have reported.
It's alright saying Swarovski will take care of it, but, sending them to Austria for weeks at a time!!!

Pete.

 

[henry link]

I agree about the advantages of using the headrest with the 8x42 NL. After years of using a heavier 8x56 binocular I've found the NL (like all small, light binoculars) feels a bit too bouncy in the hand to me. The headrest restores some of the extra stability and relaxation I experienced with the 8x56, even if there is only a slight improvement in detail acquisition. I have no problems at all combining the headrest with a billed hat. In fact, I find gripping the bill with the head rest in place is more stable than using the bill only.

 

[rpg51]

Still, I wonder if step up to the 12x, whether I will get equal use out the 8 x NL. I would hate for either one of them to sit on the shelf for long. ...

I will never give up my 8x. I expect the 12x will not get as much use. Still, I expect the 12x will be great for the long distance stuff.

 

[jcnguyen09]

NL x42 are excellent binoculars except the weight. Maybe not a matter for young to middle ages but for seniors that could be the negative! Between NL 8x42 and 12x42, At the beginning when you were really exciting about the new toys, you might get the impression that with the FRP, the 12x is as steady as the 8x but actually it's not! However, this is the best handheld able 12x42 in my experience. I owned the EL 12x50 before and this NL 12x42 is a step up in every ways! I am kind of a guy who addicted to more power so I now pack a Victory Pocket 8x25, NL 10x32 and NL 12x42 on many trips: vacation or sight seeing trips, etc...My NL 8x42 stays more on the shelve these days! But I never give up on my NL 8x42. Definitely the NL 8x42 will go with me if I go to a densed forests or tropical countries where nothing can beat a good wide FOV 8x42.

 

[rpg51]

NL x42 are excellent binoculars except the weight. Maybe not a matter for young to middle ages but for seniors that could be the negative! Between NL 8x42 and 12x42, At the beginning when you were really exciting about the new toys, you might get the impression that with the FRP, the 12x is as steady as the 8x but actually it's not! However, this is the best handheld able 12x42 in my experience. I owned the EL 12x50 before and this NL 12x42 is a step up in every ways! I am kind of a guy who addicted to more power so I now pack a Victory Pocket 8x25, NL 10x32 and NL 12x42 on many trips: vacation or sight seeing trips, etc...My NL 8x42 stays more on the shelve these days! But I never give up on my NL 8x42. Definitely the NL 8x42 will go with me if I go to a densed forests or tropical countries where nothing can beat a good wide FOV 8x42.

That is quite an arsenal of glass you have there! As much as I would love to own all three 42 objective NLs, I don't think that will pass the budget committee. 😀 I'm pushing it as it is. I'm in the senior category. The weight of the NL binos is not a problem at all from my perspective.

 

[CharleyBird]

Away on a break for nearly four weeks I've brought only two binoculars, the 12x42NL and Opticron 6x32 traveller.
I've used the Opticron for following swallows flying close by; they are so very light and can fit into a large pocket or glove box.

The 12x have worked for everything else during daylight in the north of Britain. For coast, moors, marsh, rivers, meadow, woodland, and garden feeders a few feet distant, I cannot praise them highly enough.

While I'd disagree with the OP that they are as steady as an 8x, their novel shape & balance really do help with holding, and that extra magnification can prove invaluable in use. Shall I get the forehead rest? Yes, eventually, though I find them fine without.
They do become weighty when walking over some hours, but lengthening/shortening the fieldpro neck strap takes seconds and they can be carried over the shoulder on the full length strap.
My objective and ocular covers are still intact and working well, though following advice from others on birdforum I've loosened them by cutting off the six little grips on the oculars and half the rubber ridge on the objective covers.

I probably need only the 12x42NL and the 7x42UV+ for birding.

 

[jcnguyen09]

That is quite an arsenal of glass you have there! As much as I would love to own all three 42 objective NLs, I don't think that will pass the budget committee. 😀 I'm pushing it as it is. I'm in the senior category. The weight of the NL binos is not a problem at all from my perspective.

The only other member of my budget commitee has 0% interest on optics except her fancy, expensive designed eyeglasses! So It is a plus and minus! She has no idea that the binoculars can cost that much nor she cares about that. The minus side is that I have to enjoy this expensive interest alone

 

[mwhogue]

"Away on a break for nearly four weeks I've brought only two binoculars, the 12x42NL and Opticron 6x32 traveller.
I've used the Opticron for following swallows flying close by; they are so very light and can fit into a large pocket or glove box. "

Nice combination especially given the alpha 12 paired with with the Opticron 6x32.

The 12x have worked for everything else during daylight in the north of Britain. For coast, moors, marsh, rivers, meadow, woodland, and garden feeders a few feet distant, I cannot praise them highly enough.

Deliver me from temptation.

While I'd disagree with the OP that they are as steady as an 8x, their novel shape & balance really do help with holding, and that extra magnification can prove invaluable in use. Shall I get the forehead rest? Yes, eventually, though I find them fine without.
They do become weighty when walking over some hours, but lengthening/shortening the fieldpro neck strap takes seconds and they can be carried over the shoulder on the full length strap.

Personally, the option to quickly adjust for cross body carry is the only thing that makes adjustable straps worth the fiddle.


My objective and ocular covers are still intact and working well, though following advice from others on birdforum I've loosened them by cutting off the six little grips on the oculars and half the rubber ridge on the objective covers.

Small modifications to accessories can deliver big increases in actually using and enjoying bins.

I probably need only the 12x42NL and the 7x42UV+ for birding.

Great real world input, thanks.

Mike

 

[rpg51]

The only other member of my budget commitee has 0% interest on optics except her fancy, expensive designed eyeglasses! So It is a plus and minus! She has no idea that the binoculars can cost that much nor she cares about that. The minus side is that I have to enjoy this expensive interest alone

My budget committee chairperson long ago learned that the committee needs to keep a very close eye on me. Its rare anything slips through without scrutiny. Every now and then, yes. But rare.

As to bino straps, I've gravitated to a stiff bungy chord affair that adjusts VERY quickly and easily, and that serves triple duty as a neck strap, a shoulder carry strip and a full harness. It wraps around the binos for a compact package when you are done for the day. A lot less bulk. Comfortable, no digging in. Ultralight Binocular Harness - Rick Young Outdoors

 

[BabyDov]

The only other member of my budget commitee has 0% interest on optics except her fancy, expensive designed eyeglasses! So It is a plus and minus! She has no idea that the binoculars can cost that much nor she cares about that. The minus side is that I have to enjoy this expensive interest alone

My wife needs prescription eye glasses that are quite strong. She insists on spending for the absolute best quality lenses in them. Between the frames and the lenses, she pays nearly $1500. When I explained to her that the NL's contain more than 2O of the best quality lenses in its magnesium housing, $3000 didn't seem like such an outrage to her. Of course, now I have to figure out to explain why, in addition to my 8 x 42 NL, I think I need a 12 x NL, too.

 

[rpg51]

... now I have to figure out to explain why, in addition to my 8 x 42 NL, I think I need a 12 x NL, too.

How could you ever be expected to identify those sandpipers feeding a couple of hundred yards away with 8x42 glass. Impossible. I have the same challenge but even worse because I just bought a scope and tripod which was not cheap either.

My budget committee keeps mentioning something about a roof replacement plan. Who cares about the darn roof? There isn't any water leaking - yet.

 

[jcnguyen09]

My wife needs prescription eye glasses that are quite strong. She insists on spending for the absolute best quality lenses in them. Between the frames and the lenses, she pays nearly $1500. When I explained to her that the NL's contain more than 2O of the best quality lenses in its magnesium housing, $3000 didn't seem like such an outrage to her. Of course, now I have to figure out to explain why, in addition to my 8 x 42 NL, I think I need a 12 x NL, too.

Mine doesn't care about the cost or expenses. The only same complaint I heard countless times was "why do you need a lot of binoculars?" My last explanation seems working marvelously: "I just build up my heritage wealth while I still can! I will give my children and grandchildren one each of my valuable optics for them to keep when I am gone! Worked like a charm!
I really love the 12x power and amazing the level of details that can provide. I owned the EL SV 12x50 for a while and when the NL 12x is available, that is the first NL I inquired. It's amazing glass and a handheld able 12x is so valuable and useful. Since I got it, I never left on the trip without it. I wear glasses so the FRP helps a lot as well.

 

[SUPPRESSOR]

Mine doesn't care about the cost or expenses. The only same complaint I heard countless times was "why do you need a lot of binoculars?" My last explanation seems working marvelously: "I just build up my heritage wealth while I still can! I will give my children and grandchildren one each of my valuable optics for them to keep when I am gone! Worked like a charm!
I really love the 12x power and amazing the level of details that can provide. I owned the EL SV 12x50 for a while and when the NL 12x is available, that is the first NL I inquired. It's amazing glass and a handheld able 12x is so valuable and useful. Since I got it, I never left on the trip without it. I wear glasses so the FRP helps a lot as well.

Amazed at how good they are every time I put them up to my eyes.Unlike you I am a one binocular at a time owner, spent yesterday afternoon woodland birding and they performed just great with steady detailed views of Silver Washed Fritillaries for example.
The forehead rest is an excellent aid.
Pete.

 

[Maljunulo]

Unlike you I am a one binocular at a time owner, .......

It doesn't seem that there are very many of us in here.

 

[rpg51]

Well, I went for nearly all my adult life with just one pair of good 8x32 binos. But, at this point in my life I am going to live a little!

 

[tenex]

Of course, now I have to figure out to explain why, in addition to my 8 x 42 NL, I think I need a 12 x NL, too.

Simple. Bifocals!

Of course it would also help to get a spouse interested in the "necessary" tools for viewing and appreciating nature, if they aren't familiar already. I gave my wife her first binocular years ago, and now they're just part of our life together.

 

[SUPPRESSOR]

Mine doesn't care about the cost or expenses. The only same complaint I heard countless times was "why do you need a lot of binoculars?" My last explanation seems working marvelously: "I just build up my heritage wealth while I still can! I will give my children and grandchildren one each of my valuable optics for them to keep when I am gone! Worked like a charm!
I really love the 12x power and amazing the level of details that can provide. I owned the EL SV 12x50 for a while and when the NL 12x is available, that is the first NL I inquired. It's amazing glass and a handheld able 12x is so valuable and useful. Since I got it, I never left on the trip without it. I wear glasses so the FRP helps a lot as well.

The question is will other binocular makers pick up on the forehead rest I think they will! It's not just the help it gives for a steady image, but, the way it positions the eyepieces to your eyes perfectly every time.
Pete.