After the past 5 days of glassing under various lighting conditions (Daytime=sunny, rainy, cloudy, sunset, sunrise, early dawn, extreme dusk)-(Nighttime=crescent moon, dim street light shadows, starlight, darkness) and comparing the glass I have in my current collection of binos (see pic), my parallel journey with Gijs toward optical heaven appears in my grasp, namely the Swarovski EL 10x50 SV's! :king:
Optically, "Coming Home, "Comfortable View", "Bam, there it Is", "Lighter than it Is", "High AFOV", "CA Nicely controlled", "Big EP, easy on Eyes" were all descriptions by Gijs that I totally agree with. Now, Every viewing session starts with a "WOW" as I'm transported into the FOV as if I were standing there, just 10x closer! Contrast and color are equal to my wonderful SLC 10x42's (which are Superb), however resolution and sharpness are a step up with the 10x50 SV, yielding a brighter clarity that not only shows in shadowy daytime glassing, but especially in the deep dark details of extreme low light viewing. Static glassing just takes my breath away as the 10x50's present an even deeper DOF image presentation that makes me forget I'm looking through binoculars.
My only negative issue with the 10x50 SV's is their rolling ball effect due to the field flattening feature of the oculars. I'm very sensitive to RBE, but have pleasantly discovered the 10x50's horizontal panning, although noticeable, hasn't affected me as others have with dizziness or vertigo. Vertical panning is a little more prominent, but still does not adversely affect my sensitivity to RBE. I've viewed much worse, (Viper HD, Gold Ring HD, 8x32 SV), and optics that to my eyes had none (SLC's, HT's, Ultra Vids+)!
Ergonomically, after 25 hrs of viewing and comparison sessions in all diverse lighting conditions, their balanced weight allows me to hold these steadier than any other full size optics I've ever experienced. My best half also commented these were easier to hold and controlled "10X" shake better than any of our other, lighter 10x42's. The 10x50 eye cups are very comfortable for me and the focus control is very smooth and precise, both to Infinity (clockwise) and near field (counter clock wise). IPD adjustments are real positive and hold tightly from accidental bumping and rough handling. The pop-out focus diopter control is extremely precise and secure, making settings very intuitive, quick and easy. The 10x50's feel solid in my hands as the open bridge and larger barrels seems to offer an easier grip in handling their size and weight.
Due to their Superb optical qualities and handling, I've chose the EL 10x50 SV to be my primary glassing instrument...for a Long Time to come! Overall, I believe Pileatus statement in his Oct 2014 review says it ALL:
HERE
At this time, the above are my findings, Your Mileage might vary! Seeing with your own eyes and handling these bad boys will really be the only way to determine if
YOU also love their attributes and can tolerate their shortcomings! :t:
Ted