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Focuser smoothness on NL Pure? (1 Viewer)

Concerning a $3k instrument, this is very difficult for me to believe. Who would think of paying so much for their second/third choice of magnification, apart from someone who intends eventually to buy both or all three? (Did I just answer my own question?)
Well, it could be that someone like me who had no chance to compare all 3 versions in a store , bought the 8x42Nl as a first choice, not only because it was available but because it promised the greatest FOV, and easiest handling. I never imagined that I would want a second Nl until owning the 8x Nl for several months and hearing the many glowing reviews about the 12x. I just had to try it, and to do that, I had to buy it. It wouldn't have been my first choice, but now that I have tried it, and like it, so much, my 8xNl may be unfortunately get demoted to 2nd place usage. So preferences can change.
 
For me it started out several years ago when I bought the EL SV 12x50 and fell in love with the 12x power. Unfortunately I had to exchange for the EL SV 10x50 because the 12x got 1mm shorter eye relief but that was enough to make it completely different eye placement comfortable since i wear bifocal glasses. the EL SV 10x is ok but 12x is very uncomfortable and hard for eye placement with my glasses on. So when NL was released, I jumped right in and ordered the first NL 12x42 with the FRN. I found it is amazing and absolutely loved it and still do. Regarding my 2nd pair NL 8x42, I had been using the SF 8x42 but got annoyed with the crescent flares every times I need to use an 8x bino. Up to a point, I said I have it enough and went out to get the NL 8x42. Not ended here yet! I always want a small good 10x powers, owned the EL SV 10x32 for a while but the shaking were bad for me with the SV 10x32...I tried the SF 10x32 but did not feel comfortable with eye placements, black bean sensitivities so I waited until NL 32 were released. I did not have to wait for long and bought the NL 10x32 and really happy and enjoy it a lot.
Bottom line, I really appreciated Swarovski to resolve all of the optics short faults for me with the NL lines and I am happy to commit to the last sin of "buy three cry one" and carrying them and heading into my soon retirement golden years.
 
Concerning a $3k instrument, this is very difficult for me to believe. Who would think of paying so much for their second/third choice of magnification, apart from someone who intends eventually to buy both or all three? (Did I just answer my own question?)
Hi T,

There is a complete new "target group" type of customer thx to COVID.
It is the "suit" now working at home who uses his/her lunchtime to take a walk in the park/nature where they normally never would have been found.
In that, for them, new surrounding they meet people with optics and the question rises "Where are you looking at?".
After taking a look a complete new world opens up for them and..........THIS IS NICE.
Fact is, in Holland when you have more than 100K on the bank you pay a negative rent and people can't get rid of their money. No festivals, no bars, no restaurants, no vacation. Thx to COVID.
To put is rather black and white....... people want to spoil themselves for now because all the "nice things" are on hold.
So, "what is the best you've got", is more relevant than "how much does it cost".
Currently Swaro rides on that top of the wave very succesfull.

Jan
 
Silly me then, still thinking of budgets... and confusing earlier data on orders (how do those look now?) with actual sales dependent on stock, in still strange conditions. Pity the poor person with cash burning a hole in their pocket who wanted the 12x, or had to choose between SF now and NL later.

Jan, how are sales of SLC 56 lately? I fear it might be next to the chopping block.
 
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For me it started out several years ago when I bought the EL SV 12x50 and fell in love with the 12x power. Unfortunately I had to exchange for the EL SV 10x50 because the 12x got 1mm shorter eye relief but that was enough to make it completely different eye placement comfortable since i wear bifocal glasses. the EL SV 10x is ok but 12x is very uncomfortable and hard for eye placement with my glasses on. So when NL was released, I jumped right in and ordered the first NL 12x42 with the FRN. I found it is amazing and absolutely loved it and still do. Regarding my 2nd pair NL 8x42, I had been using the SF 8x42 but got annoyed with the crescent flares every times I need to use an 8x bino. Up to a point, I said I have it enough and went out to get the NL 8x42. Not ended here yet! I always want a small good 10x powers, owned the EL SV 10x32 for a while but the shaking were bad for me with the SV 10x32...I tried the SF 10x32 but did not feel comfortable with eye placements, black bean sensitivities so I waited until NL 32 were released. I did not have to wait for long and bought the NL 10x32 and really happy and enjoy it a lot.
Bottom line, I really appreciated Swarovski to resolve all of the optics short faults for me with the NL lines and I am happy to commit to the last sin of "buy three cry one" and carrying them and heading into my soon retirement golden years.
It's very coinciidental, that. after just getting the 12xNl, after having first bought the 8x42Nl, I was thinking it might be nice to own the 10xN,l as well. But the only way I could justify doing that would be to buy it in the 32Nl format for its better portability. What is coimcidental is I see you have done just that. However, I may my head examined, first. So. my wife tells me.
 
I used my old trick when my wife asked: "why do you need so many binoculars?" The answer is that would work for me: "I build up my heritage wealth when I still can, so when I am gone, I will give my children and grand children one piece each from my valuable optics collection! Work like a charm!!!
 
Silly me then, still thinking of budgets... and confusing earlier data on orders (how do those look now?) with actual sales dependent on stock, in still strange conditions. Pity the poor person with cash burning a hole in their pocket who wanted the 12x, or had to choose between SF now and NL later.

Jan, how are sales of SLC 56 lately? I fear it might be next to the chopping block.
Hi T,

Data on orders for a new launched bin is important but the fact if that sales level continues is more important. I can only say it does.
Regarding the 56 line, there is a drop in sales on that area because of the use of thermal devices. You loose customers here and you win them there.

Jan
 
I used my old trick when my wife asked: "why do you need so many binoculars?" The answer is that would work for me: "I build up my heritage wealth when I still can, so when I am gone, I will give my children and grand children one piece each from my valuable optics collection! Work like a charm!!!
Considering the volume of my collection I'm sure my better half, if I used your "charm", would smile at me nicely while sharpening her biggest kitchen knife and ask me how much children I've got of which she doesn't know of.
Better to start a shop. You really sleep better......

Jan
 
Well, it could be that someone like me who had no chance to compare all 3 versions in a store , bought the 8x42Nl as a first choice, not only because it was available but because it promised the greatest FOV, and easiest handling. I never imagined that I would want a second Nl until owning the 8x Nl for several months and hearing the many glowing reviews about the 12x. I just had to try it, and to do that, I had to buy it. It wouldn't have been my first choice, but now that I have tried it, and like it, so much, my 8xNl may be unfortunately get demoted to 2nd place usage. So preferences can change.
I'm jealous. I made a decision a while back to upgrade and extend my optics as I prepare for retirement in a year or so. I am about to turn 70. I spend most of my life relying on and enjoying an 8x32 Nikon Premier. I still have that binocular. I knew nothing about Swarovski at the time, except by reputation. As I started looking around for my first purchase I realized that the NL was a thing that had burst upon the market. I got adivce to stick with 8x. I knew I wanted 42. So, I ended up up with 8x42 NL, and I love them. But ... a higher power bino is also calling out to me. I scratched that higher power itch first by picking up a good scope. I do like having the scope. It is a great tool. But, 12x binos continue to call out to me. Seems pretty obvious where this is going to end up. :)

My internal debate now is whether to go with 10x with the plan to sell the 8x, or go 12x and plan to keep the 8x. I'm not tempted by 32s. I am going to stick with 42s. I find the 42s are fine for me as far as weight and compactness.
 
If you could try out the 12X50 SV, I also have the UV HD in 12X50. I tried the NL 12X42, I am keeping both 12X50s, so I loose a bit of FOV, but both12X50s are so much more relaxing for extended viewing sessions.
 
No Swarovski SV 12X50. I guess my eyes prefer the EP of ~4.2 in the 12X50 to 3.5 in the 12X42, and it is to me better in lower light viewing.
 
I see. Yes, I have always looked for the larger exit pupil. But, I am told that after a certain age our eyes don't dilate enough to take advantage? Still, it seems that a larger exit pupil is easier as far as positioning your eyes for a good view? I will look at these.
 
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I see. Yes, I have always looked for the larger exit pupil. But, I am told that after a certain age our eyes don't dilate enough to take advantage? I will look at these.
It has always been my impression that a larger exit pupil makes eye placement less critical, an entirely different thing from whether all of the light gets into the eye.
 
For budget wise, look like if someone encounters with the NL itches, It might be a good idea to get the NL 12x42 first and then either stop there or work backward...I owned both SV 10 and 12x50 in the past and can tell for the eyeglasses wearers, the NL lines works much better on eye relief and eye placement comforts, lighter in weight and wider FOV as well as better 3-D effects.
 
For budget wise, look like if someone encounters with the NL itches, It might be a good idea to get the NL 12x42 first and then either stop there or work backward...I owned both SV 10 and 12x50 in the past and can tell for the eyeglasses wearers, the NL lines works much better on eye relief and eye placement comforts, lighter in weight and wider FOV as well as better 3-D effects.
I do wear eyeglasses. I do like a lot of eye relief and yes, the FOV is nice. Also, I find that the headrest on the NL helps me quite a bit with eye placement even with my 8x42. Hmmm. Is the 12x42 NL pure easier as far as eye placement than the 12x50 EL even with the smaller exit pupil? If I had the 12x50 already would I spring for the 12x42 NL. Probably not. But, that is not my situation. Close call.

Ugh, I'm getting sucked in! In the last several months I have purchased an 8x42 NL, a Kowa 883, and two tripod/fluid head set ups, one light and one heavy. You all can do the math. Can the new roof wait? :)
 
Wow it looks like those who do not wear glasses are a minority. Many manufacturers are designing glass more for those that do. Neither the SV or the NL provide any 3-D effects to my eyes, the view is compressed, or flat, for lack of a better term.
 
I'm jealous. I made a decision a while back to upgrade and extend my optics as I prepare for retirement in a year or so. I am about to turn 70. I spend most of my life relying on and enjoying an 8x32 Nikon Premier. I still have that binocular. I knew nothing about Swarovski at the time, except by reputation. As I started looking around for my first purchase I realized that the NL was a thing that had burst upon the market. I got adivce to stick with 8x. I knew I wanted 42. So, I ended up up with 8x42 NL, and I love them. But ... a higher power bino is also calling out to me. I scratched that higher power itch first by picking up a good scope. I do like having the scope. It is a great tool. But, 12x binos continue to call out to me. Seems pretty obvious where this is going to end up. :)

My internal debate now is whether to go with 10x with the plan to sell the 8x, or go 12x and plan to keep the 8x. I'm not tempted by 32s. I am going to stick with 42s. I find the 42s are fine for me as far as weight and compactness.
I doubt that you will see enough difference by only going up to 10x from your 8x. It might not be worth it in order to sell the 8x. Since I now have the 12x, it will probably get used a lot more than the 8x for back yard bird viewing. The detail you can see at that power is close to breath taking. Having less FOV view seems insignificant at relatively close distances. Moreover, in brighter light, depth of field is still pretty good with 12x. However, in darker woods where you need more depth of field, or for viewing distant landscapes and for viewing sporting events, where you might appreciate more FOV, the 8x might be preferable. Having both, if you can afford it, allows you to choose the best tool for what you want to do, on any particular outing.

On the other hand, If you can only afford one pair, the 10x, might be the way to go. Or, if you only want to pack one pair to be used in multiple different situatiions (close and far, or bright and dark), the 10x might be the GoldieLocks pair to carry, even though, you might be giving up some on the magification when compared to the 12x, or FOV when compared to the 8x.

What has been, for me, surprisingly taken out of the decision making process, is ease of handling differences. Because of their fantastic ergonomics and balance, all magnificaton versions seem easy to hold steady without fatigue, even when not using the optional head rest. Also surprising to me is that I see no difference in brightness or in eye placement ease with the 8x or 12xNl, in spite of their different EPs. I guess you can't go wrong with any of them.
 
I strongly believed that Swarovski pays close attention on the NL 12x42 when they produced the NL lines since this is their first on this format! and It's truly NOT a disappointed but a greatest one iaw my eyes! Some experts expressed that the optic was stretched too much on the 12x in comparing with the 10 or 8 but I still try to figure out what they meant. I don't see any lack in performance characteristics of the 12! in the contrary, I see the 12x is the best among NL line including optical characteristic. It's even better contrast than the 8x and of cause the gloring details of the birds, waterfowls and wildlife around the park and lakes where I frequently take a walks. Two major factors I wasn't happy with the EL 50 series were the eye relief and weight. Even with 10x50 with 20mm ER as Swarovski claim, I never felt comfortable with the view or the eye placement when having my glasses on. I felt like Swarovski took my complain in when designing the eye pieces for NL lines. It's "close" to perfect for me (19/20mm eye relief would be perfect). And amazing that across the entire NL lines 8 or 12 or 10, I don't feel any differences regarding the easy and comfort of eye relief and eye placement although the technically differences in exit pupils! I like my NL 10x32 for size and weight and portability but the NL 12x42 is my most valuable bino and the best!
 
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