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What is best: Swarovski 10x50 or kite APC 18x50? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter John snow
- Start date
It's not fair to compare these binoculars with each other. They are completely different in nature and use. Optically, the Swarovski wins on most fronts, but the stabilization of the Kite makes up for a lot and the extra magnification is useful for wide views such as the sea (but unusable in the forest). In short: the Swarovski is optically superior and much more universally applicable, but the Kite certainly has added value in large open areas.
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The Swarovski EL 10x50. I think it is the best 10x50 binocular available. I tried the APC 18x50 and found it to have a lot of veiling glare and a lot of CA, plus the IS creates artifacts and focusing and refocusing, which irritates me.
You have to really like IS to tolerate the substandard optics IMO when compared to an alpha level binocular like the EL 10x50.
Plus I don't care for the disadvantages of the higher magnification in the APC which has a very narrow FOV, lack of DOF and lack of brightness even in the daytime.
From Amazon.com Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars, Great Glass
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
The daytime image quality of these binoculars was brilliant. The image stabilization was top-notch and this version of IS dramatically enhanced the overall experience, in daylight. Unfortunately, stargazing with both eyes open and IS enabled was not an option. Glare from an unshielded internal LED near the right eye-piece washed-out the right side view. The light could be seen through the front lens, even in a lighted room. We are very disappointed we had to return these, it was a hard decision to make.
You have to really like IS to tolerate the substandard optics IMO when compared to an alpha level binocular like the EL 10x50.
Plus I don't care for the disadvantages of the higher magnification in the APC which has a very narrow FOV, lack of DOF and lack of brightness even in the daytime.
From Amazon.com Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars, Great Glass
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
The daytime image quality of these binoculars was brilliant. The image stabilization was top-notch and this version of IS dramatically enhanced the overall experience, in daylight. Unfortunately, stargazing with both eyes open and IS enabled was not an option. Glare from an unshielded internal LED near the right eye-piece washed-out the right side view. The light could be seen through the front lens, even in a lighted room. We are very disappointed we had to return these, it was a hard decision to make.
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