Swarovski EL 10x42 or 8.5x42 ? (1 Viewer)

[Electric Factory]

I am finally ready [ ok, almost ready] to take the Swarovski EL plunge but find myself in a quandry regarding the pragmatic differences between the EL 10x42's and the EL 8.5x42. To be sure the 8.5x42's have garnered quite a respectable following here, apparantly eclipsing the 10x42's in terms of popularity.
My usage will be primarily supported so weight isn't the critical issue. Is the FOV that much superior in the EL 8.5x42's ? Comparitively speaking, do both binoculars share the same optic clarity ? What is it that the 8.5x10's are that the 10x42's are not according to you 8.5 proponents ?

 

[angelo225544]

The reason for the popularity of the 8.5x vs. the 10x is that, for most users, the greater FOV and depth of focus of the 8.5x more than offsets the modest gain in magnification of the 10x. The 8.5x will also provide a slight but noticable increase in brightness, especially in less than optimal light. The 8.5x also has slightly less chromatic aberration than the 10x and most find the larger exit pupil and steadier image of the 8.5x easier on the eyes over extended periods of viewing. All that said - if you prefer the higher magnification of the 10x - it is a wonderful binocular and well worth considering.

 

[karmantra]

The reason for the popularity of the 8.5x vs. the 10x is that, for most users, the greater FOV and depth of focus of the 8.5x more than offsets the modest gain in magnification of the 10x. The 8.5x will also provide a slight but noticable increase in brightness, especially in less than optimal light. The 8.5x also has slightly less chromatic aberration than the 10x and most find the larger exit pupil and steadier image of the 8.5x easier on the eyes over extended periods of viewing. All that said - if you prefer the higher magnification of the 10x - it is a wonderful binocular and well worth considering.

Angelo said everything I would have said--if you are thinking the 10x, make sure you can hold them for a period of time without 'shaking' your view.

 

[gerdwichers8]

Angelo said everything I would have said--if you are thinking the 10x, make sure you can hold them for a period of time without 'shaking' your view.

I suffered this problem in my youth more than now. Last friday I bought 10x EL
and lightwise it is tremendously sharp and bright.
I considered lower magnification for 12 years now, but instead of going back to 8,5 (I once did, 14 years ago), only went 'up' and even considered 12x for the last 6 months,because I dont suffer the 'shaking'.
But I didnt want to loose the light and considered 10x50.
But this 10x42 EL has it all.
(Zeisses' 10x42 is cheaper and tremendously sharp as well!)

 

[Electric Factory]

(Zeisses' 10x42 is cheaper and tremendously sharp as well!)[/QUOTE]


Hmmm- is this a ringing endorsement for the Zeiss 10x42 FL T* ? In fact, what is the Swarovski EL 10x42 that the the Zeiss 10x42 FL T* is not- besides ALOT cheaper !

 

[Collster]

i've got the 10x42 and they are an excellent piece of kit, if you are mostlyl ikely to be looking at birds over a distance go for them , you wont be disappointed

 

[Tero]

10x42 is pretty good for a 10x format all around. I don't think you can do much better if you want 10x and a practical birding binocular. It should be a good investment. But if you plan for say 20 years, I suppose the frailties of old age might come in at some point, and the 8.5x would then get more use in the long run.

I have considered using 10x42 as my main binocular and then carrying a 8.5x32 for support in some situations, but all 8.5x I was interested in were beyond my price range* or I have not seen one actually in my hand, the Vortex.

Good luck, happy birding.

*Minox has an 8.5x, but the FOV is the same more or less as the 10X
http://www.opticsplanet.net/minox-bd-10x42-br-alt-binoculars.html

 

[Rich N]

(Zeisses' 10x42 is cheaper and tremendously sharp as well!)

Hmmm- is this a ringing endorsement for the Zeiss 10x42 FL T* ? In fact, what is the Swarovski EL 10x42 that the the Zeiss 10x42 FL T* is not- besides ALOT cheaper ![/QUOTE]


I have the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL, 10x42 EL, and Zeiss 10x42 FL. Of the two 10x models I prefer the Zeiss FL. Better eye relief, lighter weight, I think sharper, higher contrast images too. And, the close focus is closer on the FL.

Between the 8.5x42 EL and 10x42 EL, I much prefer the 8.5x model. It is an older EL with the slow focuser but it gives amazingly nice views. It is a little heavy. I've been tempted to get a Zeiss 8x42 FL but the 8.5x EL is so nice I just haven't seen a big enough need to get the 8x FL.

All the best,
Rich

 

[edge1255]

I tried both and found the 10x to have more of a chromatic 'flash' which catches the eye when following a moving target, so went for the 8.5x instead. One thing to watch, though, I caught the end of a branch in the objective end and it scored the coating quite noticably. It didn't seem anything at the time but did damage the coating. It doesn't seem to affect the view through the binos but I know it's there and boy it sure bugs me. GRRR!!! :storm:

 

[gerdwichers8]

(Zeisses' 10x42 is cheaper and tremendously sharp as well!)

Hmmm- is this a ringing endorsement for the Zeiss 10x42 FL T* ? In fact, what is the Swarovski EL 10x42 that the the Zeiss 10x42 FL T* is not- besides ALOT cheaper !

Well, at first : Zeiss 10x42 FL is the absolute opposite of the 32's: An ugly piece of bins! 8-P
Second, I like the idea of having stronger glass than fluorit lenses. I lost an apo televid Scope by leica, while driving my recumbent bike 2 years ago: two lenses broke on the inside of this fine piece of equipment and that event turned it into an aquarium.
Third, I just found the Swarovski,s the overall best bins compared whith the other brands.