Hi tenex,
Continuing off topic vs the Zeiss Conquest . . .
Although I’ve seen references both on BF and elsewhere, to a change to the optical construction of the x42 SLC with the 2013 revision:
• I’ve not seen any official indication that's the case, and
• There's strong evidence to the contrary
See both:
a) My comments about the published detail of the optical construction, in post #4 at:
https://www.birdforum.net/threads/slc-wb-hd-vs-wb.403732/#post-4132286 , and
b) Perhaps more definitively, a quote from from Clay Taylor of SONA back in 2013:
‘As for the newest version of the SLC vs. the SLC HD binocular, the optical path is unchanged. Period. The change in the focusing mechanism
from 7’ minimum to 10.5’ minimum costs less to manufacture and assemble, and Quality Control is easier to manage. That saves money, too.
There are cosmetic changes and a new style of rubber armoring. That’s it.’
see the post of 9th Oct 2013 at:
http://www.opticstalk.com/differences-between-swarovski-slc-and-el-binocular_topic38579_page1.html
- - - -
Likewise, there's no indication of an optical change to the x42 Legend version of the EL SV
Both the specification sheet for the Legend and the previous version list 24 optical elements (so 12 per side: 10 lenses and 2 prisms)
And Clay's comments regarding the SLC focuser - may apply even more so to the Legend - considering the much greater complexity
of the original EL SV focuser mechanism
e.g. see post #14 and 18 at:
https://www.birdforum.net/threads/swarovski-odd-business-policy-near-point.391737/#post-4027395
John