EL 8x32 SV vs 8x32 SE (1 Viewer)

ChadHahn said:

I got my demo EL 8x32 SVs from Camera Land yesterday and was able to do a little comparison of them against the Nikon 8x32 SEs.

I think the Swaros are a slightly nicer pair of binoculars. They are slightly brighter, have a slightly larger field of view and most importantly, I don't have to prop them on my eyebrows to prevent black outs.

The difference between them optically is slight and if you have a pair of Nikons you wouldn't gain much by getting the Swarovskis and if you are shopping between the two the Nikon is hard to beat, especially for the price.

However, the Swarovskis are very nice. They are more weather resistant than the Nikons (which could probably take more than people think they can), come with a camera adapter and have a nice flat sharp view.

I would think that anyone would be happy with either binocular or even happier with both.

Chad

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brocknroller said:

Chad,

It's a relief to know that I saved $1,200 buying an 8x32 SE (even more if I paid retail). I just need to buy a "dry box" and a camera adapter to get on par.

Brock

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ChadHahn said:

I got my demo EL 8x32 SVs from Camera Land yesterday and was able to do a little comparison of them against the Nikon 8x32 SEs.

I think the Swaros are a slightly nicer pair of binoculars. They are slightly brighter, have a slightly larger field of view and most importantly, I don't have to prop them on my eyebrows to prevent black outs.

The difference between them optically is slight and if you have a pair of Nikons you wouldn't gain much by getting the Swarovskis and if you are shopping between the two the Nikon is hard to beat, especially for the price.

However, the Swarovskis are very nice. They are more weather resistant than the Nikons (which could probably take more than people think they can), come with a camera adapter and have a nice flat sharp view.

I would think that anyone would be happy with either binocular or even happier with both.

Chad

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Torview said:

I`v only tried the 8x32sv one time so a very limited opinion from me. Having stated that, on that one try I found an unpleasant (to me) trait.

Something vertical, like a utility pole (I know Birders don`t spend their time looking at utility poles), when centered would bend top and bottom alarmingly with even the tiniest pan left or right.

I must try them again.

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Pileatus said:

Th 8X32 Swarovision versus Nikon 8X32 SE

The Swarovision (SV)
1. SV has better eye relief
2. SV has a wider, more captivating field of view
3. SV has a marginally brighter image (based solely on impression)
4. SV is waterproof and fogproof
5. SV is lighter
6. SV hangs against the body better than the SE
7. SV lenses are easier to clean
8. SV has much better eyecups
9. SV displays less chromatic aberration
10. SV has a much shorter close focus
11. SV has a faster focus mechanism
12. SV has a locking diopter (SE's diopter works fine)

We've used 8X32 SE's going on ten years and, during a recent ten day birding trip, my wife did not touch hers...nor did I. She used her 8X32 SV exclusively and I stuck with the 8.5X42 SV. I brought two SE's as backups; next year we'll take one.

The 8X32 SE is a phenomenal value play but I can't say it's the best overall 8X32. I think that accolade goes to the 8X32 Swarovision.

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Pileatus said:

Th 8X32 Swarovision versus Nikon 8X32 SE

The Swarovision (SV)
1. SV has better eye relief
2. SV has a wider, more captivating field of view
3. SV has a marginally brighter image (based solely on impression)
4. SV is waterproof and fogproof
5. SV is lighter
6. SV hangs against the body better than the SE
7. SV lenses are easier to clean
8. SV has much better eyecups
9. SV displays less chromatic aberration
10. SV has a much shorter close focus
11. SV has a faster focus mechanism
12. SV has a locking diopter (SE's diopter works fine)

We've used 8X32 SE's going on ten years and, during a recent ten day birding trip, my wife did not touch hers...nor did I. She used her 8X32 SV exclusively and I stuck with the 8.5X42 SV. I brought two SE's as backups; next year we'll take one.

The 8X32 SE is a phenomenal value play but I can't say it's the best overall 8X32. I think that accolade goes to the 8X32 Swarovision.

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Annabeth2 said:

for $1400 more (new) the SV had better offer more. I tried it at the store briefly but liked it a lot. Only minor complaint is that There's something about the plastic focus wheels on the swaros that are a little bothersome. I have the CL and I'm not loving the feel and stiffness of the focus wheel. The SV however had a smoother focus than the CL, but the feel Of that plastic focus wheel is somewhat unsatisfying. That's my only minor gripe.

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ceasar said:

I like that little CL. Even with my big ham like hands. There is nothing chintsy or stiff about it's focus wheel either.

Bob

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horukuru said:

Curious, other than the small FOV on CL, what's the other differences with 8x32 SV?

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horukuru said:

Curious, other than the small FOV on CL, what's the other differences with 8x32 SV?

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Annabeth2 said:

The optics/clarity. My CL is def. not as clear as my SE. I've only looked through the SV for a few minutes at the store but it's super clear. The CL has decent optics though. To me almost the whole image is clear...just not as sharp as the SE and contrast is nicer in the SE.

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ceasar said:

I like that little CL. Even with my big ham like hands. There is nothing chintsy or stiff about it's focus wheel either.

Bob

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