This is my first post, hopefully it will go well.
I use my binoculars to observe birds and other wildlife, both on land and at sea. I am also an avid amateur photographer.
Until yesterday, my binocular collection consisted of a Leitz Trinovid 7x35B, 7x42BA, 10x40 (subsequently lost or misplaced), and a Nikon 7x21 7.1 deg. Having recently retired, and spending more time outdoors, I decided it was time to treat my aging eyes to modern alpha-level glass.
After agonizing between the Zeiss SF 8x32 (smaller, lighter, wider FOV) and the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 (larger, heavier, brighter, slightly higher magnification), I finally landed on the Swaro.
I also considered the Zeiss SFL 8x40, which seems to be an excellent blend of compromises.
Important critera to me included magnification, wanting more than 8x but less than 10x, and eye relief (I wear glasses). Low light performance was less important, but still a factor. Smaller size and weight were desirable, but not deal breakers, since I already have smaller, lighter binocs for when I go on longer hikes.
Close focus distance was not a factor for me. I don’t think I’ve ever used binoculars to look at something less than 10 ft away. Nor is the lack of a carry case. I have more than I can count in my closet.
One key deciding factor was the price for buying a new one. I feel that having strong warranty support is important, given the reported problems with the Swaro armored covering. I always take very good care of my toys. If I bought used in order to save a few hundred dollars, especially an older model, there would be a risk in getting full warranty coverage. Also, buying new from a reputable dealer gives me the option of returning it if I really don’t like it. The nearest store that carries even a limited selection of alpha-class binocs is several hours drive away.
The lowest new price I found for the Zeuss SF 8x32 was $2200, the SFL 8x40 $1800, and the Swaro $2000. I didn’t see any other new alpha-class model in this size range that was even close, everything being closer to $2500-$3000, which was outside my budget.
The reasons I finally chose the Swaro were that I am already well-covered for small, lightweight binocs, and wanted something that would give the best achievable quality, even if that meant going to a full-size model. Plus, it was $200 less than the Zeuss SF 8x32, and $500-$1000 less than comparable models. Exchanging close focus distance and a carry case for a lower price is a no-brainer for me. I also read some excellent reviews for the EL, like the one on Allbino, which said that it was one of the few binocs they inspected that had no dust inside the body. That indicates to me that assembly and QC are priorities.
I do have a semantics question. Being that the common thinking here seems to be that alpha binocs should cost over $2000, and the EL is no longer Swaro’s top-of-the-line model (that being NL Pure), does that mean that the EL is no longer considered an alpha-class binoc? Or is it an exception to the rule, perhaps only temporary if import tariffs go into effect?
Anyway, I expect to be receiving the Swaros later this week. After I have a chance to give them a good workout, I’ll report back, almost certainly with some more questions.
I use my binoculars to observe birds and other wildlife, both on land and at sea. I am also an avid amateur photographer.
Until yesterday, my binocular collection consisted of a Leitz Trinovid 7x35B, 7x42BA, 10x40 (subsequently lost or misplaced), and a Nikon 7x21 7.1 deg. Having recently retired, and spending more time outdoors, I decided it was time to treat my aging eyes to modern alpha-level glass.
After agonizing between the Zeiss SF 8x32 (smaller, lighter, wider FOV) and the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 (larger, heavier, brighter, slightly higher magnification), I finally landed on the Swaro.
I also considered the Zeiss SFL 8x40, which seems to be an excellent blend of compromises.
Important critera to me included magnification, wanting more than 8x but less than 10x, and eye relief (I wear glasses). Low light performance was less important, but still a factor. Smaller size and weight were desirable, but not deal breakers, since I already have smaller, lighter binocs for when I go on longer hikes.
Close focus distance was not a factor for me. I don’t think I’ve ever used binoculars to look at something less than 10 ft away. Nor is the lack of a carry case. I have more than I can count in my closet.
One key deciding factor was the price for buying a new one. I feel that having strong warranty support is important, given the reported problems with the Swaro armored covering. I always take very good care of my toys. If I bought used in order to save a few hundred dollars, especially an older model, there would be a risk in getting full warranty coverage. Also, buying new from a reputable dealer gives me the option of returning it if I really don’t like it. The nearest store that carries even a limited selection of alpha-class binocs is several hours drive away.
The lowest new price I found for the Zeuss SF 8x32 was $2200, the SFL 8x40 $1800, and the Swaro $2000. I didn’t see any other new alpha-class model in this size range that was even close, everything being closer to $2500-$3000, which was outside my budget.
The reasons I finally chose the Swaro were that I am already well-covered for small, lightweight binocs, and wanted something that would give the best achievable quality, even if that meant going to a full-size model. Plus, it was $200 less than the Zeuss SF 8x32, and $500-$1000 less than comparable models. Exchanging close focus distance and a carry case for a lower price is a no-brainer for me. I also read some excellent reviews for the EL, like the one on Allbino, which said that it was one of the few binocs they inspected that had no dust inside the body. That indicates to me that assembly and QC are priorities.
I do have a semantics question. Being that the common thinking here seems to be that alpha binocs should cost over $2000, and the EL is no longer Swaro’s top-of-the-line model (that being NL Pure), does that mean that the EL is no longer considered an alpha-class binoc? Or is it an exception to the rule, perhaps only temporary if import tariffs go into effect?
Anyway, I expect to be receiving the Swaros later this week. After I have a chance to give them a good workout, I’ll report back, almost certainly with some more questions.
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