Is it worth buying the new nl 52 (3 Viewers)

[Binofreund]

Everybody's use case is likely to be different - but for me the NL12x42 has become more or less my daily bino/a 12er magnification handheld is simply unbeatable for me. The NL10x52 left the shelf for action mainly in special situations when filed of view or brightness matter more. If I would need to chose only one of them I would probably go for the 12x42 as the better all-rounder for me.

 

[ZacMD]

I added the 10x52's to the collection.

For what its worth, my most used pair last season were SFL 8x40's. Which I still hold to a very high regard and I chose almost every time over our NL 8x32's etc.. However, though these 10x's are on the opposite side of the spectrum physically, I am just enamored. I think the NL wasp design shines here and they are very comfortable. I don't mind the weight at all. Just absolutely tack sharp, great color and contrast, noticeably brighter than the other pairs in the stable. The FOV is nice at this magnification and I've found tracking BIF no problem at all and very natural. No rolling ball. My only two knocks are not against this specific pair but Swaro's in general, they still have glare (I am not overly sensitive to it... but hard not to notice) and the rain guards are too tight and just a total pain when using during any weather at all. So hard to get on/off, and twist the eyecups out of position at least half the time.

For winter season birding I've paired the 10x52's with a set of Leica 7x42UHD+ and don't feel like I'm giving anything up. My guess is this will be my go to set up for the year.

If any ones has any questions or would like any comparisons just reach out.

-Zach

 

[claves_10]

I added the 10x52's to the collection.

......................... My only two knocks are not against this specific pair but Swaro's in general, they still have glare (I am not overly sensitive to it... but hard not to notice) and the rain guards are too tight and just a total pain when using during any weather at all. So hard to get on/off, and twist the eyecups out of position at least half the time.

........................
-Zach

Well can give you advice here BUT I have to warn you that is at your own risk.
If you use a silicon based grease, just a little, LITTLE, the rain guards will fit perfectly. Either you apply it around de rain guard or the exterior of the rubber of the ocular. The same goes for the objective covers. Have in mind that grease and lenses do not get along well, so be careful not to apply much. not a good idea but works like a charm.

 

[tenex]

Zach, you can just get cheap generic rain guards that don't fit so tightly. I've done this for all my SLCs; they're actually more flexible and easier to use. Measure the eyecup OD, then add about 2mm to choose the right size.

 

[Yarkho]

I've heard it say that once silicon gel is within 10 km of a lens, it will end up on the lens.

 

[claves_10]

I've heard it say that once silicon gel is within 10 km of a lens, it will end up on the lens.

WIth the luck we all have and Murphy's damn laws .....QUITE PROBABLY.

 

[Maljunulo]

I doubt if that stuff is soluble in anything you’d want to put on your lenses. (but I’m guessing)

 

[ZacMD]

Appreciate the input all, going to grab some aftermarket rain guards first and give them a shot.

 

[pbjosh]

Appreciate the input all, going to grab some aftermarket rain guards first and give them a shot.

On the 42mm NL’s I used a razor and trimmed the ridges on the inside of the ocular cover (rain guard) which helped a bit but as well time/use helps.

Agree it’s a miserably tight fit when new and twists eye cups out all the time. And that with the eyecups being extremely stiff as well- so stiff that i inadvertantly reset the IPD half the times I raise or lower them.