Perhaps it’s a useful time to provide some context for the NL . . .
Early History
Swarovski commenced roof prism binocular production in 1985 with the 8x30 SLC. The x42 models followed in 1992, with the x50 ones in 1997 and the x56’s in 1998 and 1999
However, both Leica (then Leitz) and Zeiss had started much earlier
Leitz had made three commercially unsuccessful attempts in the 1950’s with the Oberon, the Amplivid and the initial Trinovid branded models
However, in 1963 it introduced an all new and highly successful line also named Trinovid (the line was replaced in 1990 with the all new and successful Leica BA series)
Zeiss commenced producing modern roof prism binoculars in 1964 with the 8x30 Dialyt, and the 10x40 version following in 1968 *
(in 1968 Zeiss also commenced production of the 8x56 Hensoldt pattern binocular - a design that dated back to the start of the century)
And in 1994 it introduced the all new Night Owl line
* it had also produced various commercial models prior to WWII, see posts #83 to 87 at:
https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=385822&page=4
The EL
In 1999 Swarovski introduced the EL. While it’s optics were conventional (and similar to those of the SLC), the dual bridge axle-less design combined with centre focus was unique
The EL also marked the first use by Swarovski of magnesium for the main body components
And while not apparent to many users, what made the design possible was a very complex focusing mechanism routed through the narrow rear bridge arms,
see the images at:
https://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=4027395&postcount=18
The EL Swarovision
In 2009 Swarovski introduced the next generation, the EL Swarovision. This time the difference for users was the optics
The term Swarovision was used to describe a set of features:
- most notably a flattened field of view, along with
- use of HD glass in the objectives *
- longer eye relief, and
- improved image colour and transmission
* besides the necessarily more complex eyepiece, the EL SV also introduced a more complex objective construction
Additionally, the EL SV included a complete redesign of the focuser mechanism (see the above link)
The EL FieldPro
In 2015 the FieldPro upgrade of the EL SV was introduced. It was primarily a new attachment system for the the neck strap and objective covers (and is continued on the NL)
However, on the EL SV it also included a ‘belt and braces’ modification to the diopter lock, see:
https://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=3862091&postcount=12
The NL
And in 2020 the NL has arrived. While there is a variety of new detail, what’s most notable are:
- the EL SV pattern optics have been redesigned to provide a class leading field of view (an increase on those of the x42 Zeiss SF’s)
- the radical new ergonomics of the narrow waisted body for thumb and index finger placement, which incorporates an optimised oval cross-section
(so different to and perhaps and an advance on the Zeiss SF’s ergonomics), and
- the optional FRP forehead rest
And again the design will necessarily include a new and complex focus mechanism
cont.
