New bin, EL10x50SV (1 Viewer)

[Sanjay Naithani]

Sanjay,

Memories of image quality are notoriously unreliable, but you can at least test whether the difference between a 4.2 and a 5mm exit pupil has any effect on your perception of image brightness or color saturation without needing to find a 10x42 SV for comparison. Just make a pair 42mm stopdown masks to place on the front of your 50mm binoculars. Any thin stiff opaque material will do, like black pasteboard. Cut to the right size and tape to the objective trim rings and you have a binocular that should behave very much like a current 10x42 SV. I would start by placing a single mask on one side and leave the other side unmasked. Look back and forth between the two sides with one eye.

Henry

Hmm that's sound some real interesting experiment. Let me see if I can simulate. What is your opinion on color saturation with higher exit pupil. Does this makes difference. I did try bino during the day time when there was adequate light and hence the time when it should play the least. I am not sure if El have different transmission curve over visible spectrum to give different charachteristics to different size ELs.

During the day when I looked down from building it gives me different level of clarity vs when I look straight through my binocular. I am not sure if stray light plays role when looking straight vs looking down. View looking down is crystal clear vs when you look straight and little far. There seems to be some haze which makes it less crispy.


Sanjay

 

[Vespobuteo]

Hmm that's sound some real interesting experiment. Let me see if I can simulate. What is your opinion on color saturation with higher exit pupil. Does this makes difference. I did try bino during the day time when there was adequate light and hence the time when it should play the least. I am not sure if El have different transmission curve over visible spectrum to give different charachteristics to different size ELs.

During the day when I looked down from building it gives me different level of clarity vs when I look straight through my binocular. I am not sure if stray light plays role when looking straight vs looking down. View looking down is crystal clear vs when you look straight and little far. There seems to be some haze which makes it less crispy.


Sanjay

If you haven't tried and compared the binoculars under the same conditions side by side I would say that the comparison is pretty insignificant. It's simple science.

And even side by side, different mag binoculars will give you a different cut-out of the scene and might give you a different impression of colors.

Of course there will be haze if you look farther than straight down,
air quality, air (heat) movements (even more in the city), pollutions/particles/pollen, distance, time of the day/color temperature,
everything will affect the image.

And at higher magnifications the environment will come into play even more. Such as a scope at 30-60x.

Often it's not the binoculars/scope that are the limitation but the current environmental factors.

Cold and clean air is the best for glassing/scoping, early mornings and late evenings. Thats one of the factors why birders usually get up early...
(very obvious when photographing with tele lenses as well)

A hot summer day a scope can be practically unusable at higher mag, even at modest distance, because of the air movements, and you actually can see more with a pair of low mag binoculars.

 

[Sanjay Naithani]

If you haven't tried and compared the binoculars under the same conditions side by side I would say that the comparison is pretty insignificant. It's simple science.

And even side by side, different mag binoculars will give you a different cut-out of the scene and might give you a different impression of colors.

Of course there will be haze if you look farther than straight down,
air quality, air (heat) movements (even more in the city), pollutions/particles/pollen, distance, time of the day/color temperature,
everything will affect the image.

And at higher magnifications the environment will come into play even more. Such as a scope at 30-60x.

Often it's not the binoculars/scope that are the limitation but the current environmental factors.

Cold and clean air is the best for glassing/scoping, early mornings and late evenings. Thats one of the factors why birders usually get up early...
(very obvious when photographing with tele lenses as well)

A hot summer day a scope can be practically unusable at higher mag, even at modest distance, because of the air movements, and you actually can see more with a pair of low mag binoculars.

Makes sense.

Sanjay

 

[Troubador]

A hot summer day a scope can be practically unusable at higher mag, even at modest distance, because of the air movements, and you actually can see more with a pair of low mag binoculars.

Does it ever get that hot in Sweden? :-O

Just joking. Of course it does, I can remember days like this in Smaland with the heat shimmering over Store Mosse. It was great for trollslaender but not for distant birds.

Lee

 

[Sanjay Naithani]

I'll know the answer to that, in my own mind at least, when my 10x50SV's get here in a couple of days. In spite of all the accolades given here about the '50's, if they're better than the '42'SV.....I'll have to see it to believe it. Not that I don't believe what the posters here say, but in my mind the 10x42SV is a phenomenal piece of equipment.

Do share your views when you get 50mm. Specifically comparison to 42 mm would be interesting.

Sanjay

 

[Vespobuteo]

Does it ever get that hot in Sweden? :-O

Just joking. Of course it does, I can remember days like this in Smaland with the heat shimmering over Store Mosse. It was great for trollslaender but not for distant birds.

Lee

Hot enough for breeding bee-eaters this year!
(on the island of Oland east of Smaland)

 

[Sanjay Naithani]

Hi,

Is there anyone who has EL 10*50mm and 10*42 mm and take a fresh look in respect to sharpness, clarity & crispness, color saturation and contrast between these two models.

 

[Uhu74]

If you haven't tried and compared the binoculars under the same conditions side by side I would say that the comparison is pretty insignificant. It's simple science.

And even side by side, different mag binoculars will give you a different cut-out of the scene and might give you a different impression of colors.

Of course there will be haze if you look farther than straight down,
air quality, air (heat) movements (even more in the city), pollutions/particles/pollen, distance, time of the day/color temperature,
everything will affect the image.

And at higher magnifications the environment will come into play even more. Such as a scope at 30-60x.

Often it's not the binoculars/scope that are the limitation but the current environmental factors.

Cold and clean air is the best for glassing/scoping, early mornings and late evenings. Thats one of the factors why birders usually get up early...
(very obvious when photographing with tele lenses as well)

A hot summer day a scope can be practically unusable at higher mag, even at modest distance, because of the air movements, and you actually can see more with a pair of low mag binoculars.

Very true, I even can see it in the big SV. On a bright day they really "shine" but on a dull day, ofcourse the image is more "dull" as well.
Today was a very nice day in Sweden, no clouds, lots of sun, and 23 degrees centigrade. When looking across a large lake, the image in the 50 looked a bit hazy about 2km away. Close distances, say, upto 300m were stunningly sharp and bright. This is totally normal. You already told us the view at close tange was sharp. I think we're talking about the same phenomenon I mentioned above.
I don't know about air pollution in India, but don't underestimate this factor.

Sanjay, believe me, this bino will grow on you. Don't think too much about the 12x50, of which you thought it was better. You are actually the first of whom I have heard likes the 12x better. A lot of others don't.
Just like Henry said, don't compare a bin through thoughts, but test them side by side.
I'm pretty confident that you will be very happy with your new bino. If it isn't now, you will be in a month or so.
Give it some time, don't panic, and enjoy the view.

Good luck,

Gijs

 

[PHA]

Hi Sanjay,

I did compare both the SV 10x42 side by side with the SV 10x50 past June at Purdey's Audley House in London. Looking in the afternoon at many trees, cables, antens, buildings, car license plates, etc.
Of those two samples, I see the 10x50 MUCH BETTER in all. And the, not too large, weight difference is a big plus in a hand held 10x binocular. For me this SV 10x50 is a really well matched binocular!!!
By the way, my Zeiss HT 10x42 participated in that "test". The optics were very simmilar in resolution, colours and contrast with the SVs. But the ergonomics of the HT wins down clearly, for me, almost compensating the advantage of the heavier 10x50...!!!!
If I were in the market for a new TOP 10x binocular, I would be in a real dilemma between the HT 42 and the SV 50...
Enjoy yours!!!

PHA

PS: I must say, the Purdey's peopple, in spite I clearly said I was there only for looking, the third time in three years, they help me as if I were to buy a $L 150.000 double rifle....!!!!

 

[Rolstone]

Hi,

Is there anyone who has EL 10*50mm and 10*42 mm and take a fresh look in respect to sharpness, clarity & crispness, color saturation and contrast between these two models.

Hi Sanjay

Most of the members of this forum, who have tried the EL 10X42 against the 10X50, have preferred the 10X50. That includes me. You can ask for more opinions but, to be honest, those opinions are becoming less and less relevant to you because you have already read so many.

You now need to find an opportunity to compare the 10X50 against the 10X42 SIDE BY SIDE AND USING YOUR OWN EYES. Until you have done so, I suspect that you will always have doubts about whether you have made the right purchase.

Is there any way that you can identify a user of a set of EL 10X42 and/or a 12X50 convenient to you in India?

Rolstone

 

[Sanjay Naithani]

Hi Sanjay

Most of the members of this forum, who have tried the EL 10X42 against the 10X50, have preferred the 10X50. That includes me. You can ask for more opinions but, to be honest, those opinions are becoming less and less relevant to you because you have already read so many.

You now need to find an opportunity to compare the 10X50 against the 10X42 SIDE BY SIDE AND USING YOUR OWN EYES. Until you have done so, I suspect that you will always have doubts about whether you have made the right purchase.

Is there any way that you can identify a user of a set of EL 10X42 and/or a 12X50 convenient to you in India?

Rolstone

Yes, you are absolutely correct. I have no issues in keeping SV 50 with me and I know I will be happy with it. But now I am very curious to do side by side testing to experience what you have experienced or otherwise as well.

I have spoken to Swarovski to organize one demo sample through one of their local representative in India ( they don't keep any stock but order based on customer demand) and they will get back to me on that.

Sanjay Naithani

 

[Pileatus]

Yes, you are absolutely correct. I have no issues in keeping SV 50 with me and I know I will be happy with it. But now I am very curious to do side by side testing to experience what you have experienced or otherwise as well.

I have spoken to Swarovski to organize one demo sample through one of their local representative in India ( they don't keep any stock but order based on customer demand) and they will get back to me on that.

Sanjay Naithani

Lighting is everything and no high transmission binocular can compensate for very bright conditions. I only enjoy subdued lighting conditions where the 10X50 is a stunner. If there's a lot of sun, heat shimmering or other atmospheric disturbances the view is often boring. Give me an early morning, late afternoon, a dark forest or a rainy day and the 10X50 will always put a smile on my face. Sunglasses help on bright days but they come with their own set of problems (color, contrast, etc.).

http://digital-photography-school.c...photography-a-guide-to-learning-to-see-light/

 

[jgraider]

Hi,

Is there anyone who has EL 10*50mm and 10*42 mm and take a fresh look in respect to sharpness, clarity & crispness, color saturation and contrast between these two models.

I will apologize in advance, as my optical expertise pales in comparison to many (most) here. However, I received my 10x50's late yesterday, and only have this to offer, so far, after a brief 30 minute comparo this am, through my 54 yr old eyes:

My 10x42SV is a fantastic glass, best I've personally ever seen. It is exceptionally sharp, clear, shows vibrant colors, and is comfortable to use. There is little for me to fault it for. Focuser is fine. The 10x50SV is every bit as sharp and clear...amazing really, and has the obvious increased FOV, and it is very easy to note the increased brightness of this configuration. As everyone mentioned here, the size/weight increase is a non issue because it is so well balanced. One huge advantage is the increased depth of focus.....outstanding, and valuable for my uses. Focus wheel is great.

So first blush.....awesome "piece of kit", as our Euro buddies would say. I plan on putting them side by side on a tripod to "pick some nits".

Hope this helps some.

 

[Theo98]

I will apologize in advance, as my optical expertise pales in comparison to many (most) here. However, I received my 10x50's late yesterday, and only have this to offer, so far, after a brief 30 minute comparo this am, through my 54 yr old eyes:

My 10x42SV is a fantastic glass, best I've personally ever seen. It is exceptionally sharp, clear, shows vibrant colors, and is comfortable to use. There is little for me to fault it for. Focuser is fine. The 10x50SV is every bit as sharp and clear...amazing really, and has the obvious increased FOV, and it is very easy to note the increased brightness of this configuration. As everyone mentioned here, the size/weight increase is a non issue because it is so well balanced. One huge advantage is the increased depth of focus.....outstanding, and valuable for my uses. Focus wheel is great.

So first blush.....awesome "piece of kit", as our Euro buddies would say. I plan on putting them side by side on a tripod to "pick some nits".

Hope this helps some.

Interesting quick observations JG...I concur with their additional brightness and DOF focus, very immersive, easy to view and 3-D like! I'm Looking Forward to more of your 10x50 SV evaluations!

I had the 12x50s and the 10x42s side by side glassing for a couple of hours on Tuesday 18th. To my eyes, both posses Very Similar Optics without any "clear" winner. HOWEVER, when I spent 4 Hours comparing the 10x50s to the 10x42s (2 months ago), there was a substantial increase in all aspects of optical performance that easily convinced me to step up to the EL 10x50 SVs!

If\when Sanjay can glass with either the 12x50 or 10x42 SVs in comparison to his, I believe he's going to be very satisfied with his 10x50s!

Ted

 

[Sanjay Naithani]

I will apologize in advance, as my optical expertise pales in comparison to many (most) here. However, I received my 10x50's late yesterday, and only have this to offer, so far, after a brief 30 minute comparo this am, through my 54 yr old eyes:

My 10x42SV is a fantastic glass, best I've personally ever seen. It is exceptionally sharp, clear, shows vibrant colors, and is comfortable to use. There is little for me to fault it for. Focuser is fine. The 10x50SV is every bit as sharp and clear...amazing really, and has the obvious increased FOV, and it is very easy to note the increased brightness of this configuration. As everyone mentioned here, the size/weight increase is a non issue because it is so well balanced. One huge advantage is the increased depth of focus.....outstanding, and valuable for my uses. Focus wheel is great.

So first blush.....awesome "piece of kit", as our Euro buddies would say. I plan on putting them side by side on a tripod to "pick some nits".

Hope this helps some.

I am happy that finally you have got it. I would like to thank you for putting your first quick impression. We will wait for your full and detailed evaluation w.r.t 10*42 SV. If you can check for me ,impact of increased brightness on color saturation and contrast on 10*50 SV in comparison to 10*42 SV. Does 10*42 look more crisp and rich in color be caused of lower brightness. I think you may have to look for place full of all colors during bright sunny day.

Once again thanks and it was good to hear from you.

Sanjay Naithani

 

[Sanjay Naithani]

Interesting quick observations JG...I concur with their additional brightness and DOF focus, very immersive, easy to view and 3-D like! I'm Looking Forward to more of your 10x50 SV evaluations!

I had the 12x50s and the 10x42s side by side glassing for a couple of hours on Tuesday 18th. To my eyes, both posses Very Similar Optics without any "clear" winner. HOWEVER, when I spent 4 Hours comparing the 10x50s to the 10x42s (2 months ago), there was a substantial increase in all aspects of optical performance that easily convinced me to step up to the EL 10x50 SVs!

If\when Sanjay can glass with either the 12x50 or 10x42 SVs in comparison to his, I believe he's going to be very satisfied with his 10x50s!

Ted

Ted,

Just to make sure that I cross verify my impression that 12*50 was richer in color and contrast compared to 10*50, I went to the same place where I checked 12*50. It is a place where you can look down to a main road which is full of vehicles of all color, hoardings, sign boards and lot of shops. I would make honest confession that I could find 10*50 reflecting almost smillar image ( may be marginally less) as it was 12*50. I have noted that when you are looking down ( it was 2nd floor in this case) and not too far( say up till 200 meters), image looks much more crisp, clear and colors pop up. Reason I noticed is reduction of whiteness when viewing down. I have noticed that even when you look straight at up till 200 meters away, impression of the image becomes less rich and crisp due to some whiteness ( I guess brightness) in the image. I don't know what this phenomena is ?

Sorry , if it looks non sense to you guys. I am writing exactly what I am seeing or what is the perception of the image . In this process I have figured out atleast the view I would like more through binocular.

It will be one rich in color and contrast and little less in brightness. This kind of image gives me impression if I am watching something Absolutely clear, crisp and rich.

Sanjay

 

[Theo98]

Ted,

Just to make sure that I cross verify my impression that 12*50 was richer in color and contrast compared to 10*50, I went to the same place where I checked 12*50. It is a place where you can look down to a main road which is full of vehicles of all color, hoardings, sign boards and lot of shops. I would make honest confession that I could find 10*50 reflecting almost smillar image ( may be marginally less) as it was 12*50. I have noted that when you are looking down ( it was 2nd floor in this case) and not too far( say up till 200 meters), image looks much more crisp, clear and colors pop up. Reason I noticed is reduction of whiteness when viewing down. I have noticed that even when you look straight at up till 200 meters away, impression of the image becomes less rich and crisp due to some whiteness ( I guess brightness) in the image. I don't know what this phenomena is ?

Sorry , if it looks non sense to you guys. I am writing exactly what I am seeing or what is the perception of the image . In this process I have figured out at least the view I would like more through binocular.

It will be one rich in color and contrast and little less in brightness. This kind of image gives me impression if I am watching something Absolutely clear, crisp and rich.

Sanjay

Sanjay,

For me, the similar optical qualities (color saturation & enhanced contrast) of the 10x42 and 12x50 SVs "pop" a little more than the 10x50. It's not necessarily a "bad" feature, and in very strong bright daylight, may be a desirable control of stray reflective light...like putting on good sunglasses to control glare to unprotected eyes. Due to the smaller exit pupils of the 10x42s and 12x50's, "light gathering" is not quite as strong as the extra "brightness" we all see using the 10x50s!

Personally, I find the Darker and Enhanced chromatic saturation and edge contrast of the 10x42s and 12x50s unnatural. I speak of this in the context of a natural view, as without any optical corrections or magnifications (my eyes are 20\13 vision, thanks to cataract surgery). Specifically, I compare my natural FOV eyesight of the scene with the binoculars, looking for inaccuracies in the magnified color fidelity, contrast, light presentation and razor edge sharpness. Yes, colors and possibly contrast seem to be accentuated with the smaller EPs, this being possibly more desirable and useful in very bright and harsh sunlight. My main usages are usually in daylight forested shadow areas, dusk and dawn that the natural brightness, color fidelity and resolution details of the 10x50 make so great, with a scenic view that is as if I were standing there.

The optic appeal of the 12x50 \ 10x42 may be just what you want. When You can make the direct comparisons Yourself, under the same Circumstances, under the same Lighting Conditions, then You will ultimately have the Perfect Answer for YOU!

Ted

 

[SuperDuty]

It was exactly that enhanced chromatic saturation which caused me to buy the 10X42 SV, as I don't like even a hint of whitish or washed out characteristic in the view. A new Cabelas opens today in Indy, so maybe I'll get to see an SF or 10X50 SV soon, that's assuming they stock them.

[/QUOTE
Personally, I find the Darker and Enhanced chromatic saturation and edge contrast of the 10x42s and 12x50s unnatural.
Ted[/QUOTE]

 

[Theo98]

It was exactly that enhanced chromatic saturation which caused me to buy the 10X42 SV, as I don't like even a hint of whitish or washed out characteristic in the view. A new Cabelas opens today in Indy, so maybe I'll get to see an SF or 10X50 SV soon, that's assuming they stock them.

I can understand that SD, the 10x42's truly have lushes colors that are eye candy in the view! My son (custom rifle builder, avid hunter and competition shooter) proclaims the EL 10x42 SVs "the best glass" he's ever looked through, Loves them, but was also seduced by the 10x50 DOF + FOV optical presentation. Will he trade up to the 10x50...No, but does admire their attributes!

Hopefully, Indy has a great SV & SF spread for you to glass and spend all of those millions on..., hehe. Please, let us know of Your experiences!

Ted

 

[Steve C]

Chromatic saturation? Everybody is trying to out wow everybody and now we're inventing new terms. Carry on...carry on.