...
I wonder if the strategy of the threat of a longer close focus in the future is a way of boosting EL sales in the short term before NL comes fully on stream.
Lee
I appreciate the passionate arguments voiced here by those who, it appears, so regularly use their binoculars on targets closer than 3.3m, but it surely must be the case that the great majority of ELs spend 99% or more of their working lives focused beyond 3.3m, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if 90% or more of EL users hardly ever use their binoculars at less than 3.3m.
Despite the vocal pronouncements of several folks here, I for one don't need a short focus distance. I'd very much prefer binoculars without it, and without the optical compromises short focusing distances always entail...
I don't know there are a lot of improvement's on the new NL. A way bigger FOV, better ergonomic's with the slimmed down tubes for a more comfortable grip and a smoother,faster focuser that is better positioned, forward weight distribution so the binocular's feel lighter and last but not least the game changing head rest for a more stable view. The EL's were already close to being perfect but the NL's could be the most perfect binocular's available. Easily worth the difference in price IMO. Where else are you going to find an 8x42 binocular with a 480 foot FOV WITH sharp edges? The new Swarovski NL has all the improvement's on the new Zeiss SF PLUS a much bigger FOV WITH sharp edges, better ergonomic's with the slimmed down tubes and the ground breaking head rest plus you get the best warranty and service support in the industry all at about the price of the SF. What more could you ask for?
I really can't see Swarovski keeping these three different model's in their top tier lineup. I mean they have the SLC, EL and now NL in all different sizes. I could see them dropping at least one line and I think it might be the EL's regardless of what they say. Why would they dumb the EL down to almost the close focus of the SLC which is a $1500.00 binocular now. As you say they don't want the EL cannibalizing sales from the NL. I think once they come out with the NL 8x32 the EL's will be gone.I entirely agree that the NL offers real improvement, most notably the increased FoV but also in ergonomics. My only point is that these were only enough to justify a modest price increase over the EL, so Swaro made the business decision to despec the EL to avoid having two nearly equally priced alphas.
Had Swaro been able to make the NL dramatically better than the EL, they could have shifted the entire price structure upward, with a preeminent NL at around $4000, the EL at around $3000 and the CL somewhere below that.
Achieving that was impossible, so they repositioned the EL by subtracting features, a very painful decision, as Dale has already noted.
... I think once they come out with the NL 8x32 the EL's will be gone.
Well, suppose they just stopped production of the EL models and began marketing the new NL models?
Ed
That is why I think they are going to do.Perhaps the latest price drop on the ELs is to clear them out.
Hello Ed,
Is not the NL price point a little too steep for many?
Stay safe,
Arthur
The Zeiss SF is up there in the same ballpark and some of the spotters are $3K. I think a lot of people will pay for $3K for a top alpha binocular especially from Swarovski. Swarovski because of its reputation has the ability to succeed in the ultra-premium market. They own the premium optic market, especially in the US. Hunter's and birders will pay for what they think is the best and I don't think most will bat an eyelash at the $3K mark. Most consider it a lifetime purchase so averaged over 50 years it isn't that much. Hunter's spend a lot on their equipment probably more than birders with their expensive guns, scopes, ammo, guides, and most of the time spotters. IMO the longer close focus of the EL is not really an issue because realistically if you can afford to spend $2200.00 on a pair of binoculars you can most likely afford to spend another $800.00 and get the NL's with the closer focus and all the other upgrades. I know I would not buy the older EL's anyway.Hello Ed,
Is not the NL price point a little too steep for many?
Stay safe,
Arthur
Gee, Lee, do you really think they'd do that? :egghead:
Ed
I think you've hit the nail on the head here and for me the chance to get a new pair of EL's form £1500 is too tempting and I'm biting in the next week or so.Well let's see what we have got here.
The price reduction of EL is because it would otherwise clash with NL, according to Swaro.
But the price reduction is on now.
Yet NL doesn't arrive until September assuming the promised availability date is kept.
Seems like Swaro wants to sell more EL than they might otherwise do, and, 'hello, whats this?' An increase in close focus distance of EL at some point in the future!
Add them together and we have the attraction of a current price reduction and a deterrent against waiting in the form of a specification down-grade by way of an increase in close focus distance in the future.
Draw your own conclusions :eek!:
Lee
If an NL 8x32 is on the horizon it make's you wonder if you should wait for it or spring for the NL 8x42 in September. The NL 8x32 will probably have a 520-foot FOV!OK, I just tried to buy an 8x32 SV from a big retailer. Reasons to follow. Anyway, the site said "available in two to four months." Which means, I suppose, that the 8 x32mm NL is not far behind, and a new far-focusing EL is in the works.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I will bow out again.
Oh, and why I'd want a second 8x32mm SV? My wife commandeers the one I already have.
If an NL 8x32 is on the horizon it make's you wonder if you should wait for it or spring for the NL 8x42 in September. The NL 8x32 will probably have a 520-foot FOV!