Hi.
There have been some questions on this thread about direct comparisons between the EL 10X50 and the 10x42. Last week I spent 90 minutes at Lakeside Opics just south of Bristol UK mainly comparing the Zeiss Victory SF 10X42 against the EL 10X50 and 10X42. I had anticipated buying the Victory SF.
2 days later I spent another hour at Lakeside Optics mainly comparing the EL 10X50 against the SF 10X42 but also trying the EL 10X42. I left having purchased the EL10X50. Let me stress that I am not a technical expert on binoculars but I have huge experience of using over 15 pairs over the last 50 years. Also I am lucky enough to have very steady hands so the 10X is not a problem. Finally my requirement was for a general purpose binocular; general views, horse racing, birding (about 50% of the use). No astronomy.
The main difference between the EL 10X50 and the 10X42 is the brightness. At LO I was able to compare the binos looking across Chew Valley Lake at distant scenery and into a nearby wood looking down paths and under low hanging branches. In all cases the 10X50 was noticeably brighter. This was during the daytime in late morning on both occasions. They were both dull and cloudy days. I also looked at gulls and other birds. One major difference between the EL10X50 and the other 2 sets, which I had not expected, was that looking up into the sky at the undersides of birds, how much brighter they are through the EL10X50 and how much clearer the colours are. The 10X50 had a wow factor that I did not think that the 10X42 had. Incidentally the Zeiss SF is notably brighter than the EL 10X42 but less so than the EL 10X50. It did not blow my breath away, which was caused not only by the brightness but also the sheer richness and 3Dness of the view through the EL 19X50. I am probably expressing myself badly here.
Last night I spent quite sometime with a friend's EL 10X42 as the night descended comparing them against my 10X50. TBH initially the difference was not as great as I had remembered at LO but, as the evening descended, the 10X50's just pulled further and further ahead.
Much has been made of the extra weight of the 10X50 versus 10X42, 998 gms versus 840, an increase of 158 gms (5.5 oz) or just under 19%. TBH, they are not the bino for less strong people or those with weaker wrists. I do not find this a problem. However I do use a Swarovski harness and this makes a HUGE difference. The weight is taken off the back of the neck and spread equally onto the shoulders. As you raise the binos to the eye, they are pulled (comfortably) into ones eye sockets. My advice is to spend time trying various adjustments. I find that I wear the harness considerably tighter than I first expected to gain the maximum benefits.
These are my views for what they are worth. I am delighted with the EL10X50 but I am in the honeymoon period after purchase. Lakeside Optics gives a 16 day return period but I just cannot see myself returning them. They are not much more expensive than the 10x42 in percentage terms but IMHO offer so much more.
The attached photograph shows, from left to right, EL 10X50, SF 10X42, EL 10X42 and EL 10X32,
My strong advice is to spend a lot of time comparing any binocular that you are thinking of buying against its competitors. Only buy if you are certain!!
Rolstone
