Which year Swarovski EL (1 Viewer)

[Sirpotato]

Hello all,

I've started saving up for a pair of Swarovskis and whilst I'd love a pair of NL Pure 8x32, I'm also keeping myself open to a pair of EL 8x32 as well if a bargain comes up.

However one thing I've been wondering is which year of EL was best? I noticed they started being made in 1999 all the way to 2024 (still being manufactured or now discontinued?).

 

[Dennis Mau]

In January 2012, Swarovski released the new EL Swarovision 8x32 and 10x32 models and then in July 2015 they released the EL Swarovision with the FP system. I don't like the FP system, so I would look for EL Swarovsion between 2012 and 2015, but if you don't care anything after January 2012 is fine.

How to tell apart the EL 8x32 versions?

I am wondering how to tell the EL 8x32 WB "version 1" and the EL 8x32 Swarovision "version 2" bins? Is there an easy way?

www.birdforum.net

How can you tel if it is a swarovision model ?

Small question: Is it possible to identify the model of a swarovski binocular based upon a picture. Let me clarify: Both EL models have thesame inscription on the focus knob - I was wondering if one can see it is the WB or SV model. - swarovski EL 8x32 8° swarovision picture...

www.birdforum.net

 

[Sirpotato]

In January 2012, Swarovski released the new EL Swarovision 8x32 and 10x32 models and then in July 2015 they released the EL Swarovision with the FP system. I don't like the FP system, so I would look for EL Swarovsion between 2012 and 2015, but if you don't care anything after January 2012 is fine.

How to tell apart the EL 8x32 versions?

I am wondering how to tell the EL 8x32 WB "version 1" and the EL 8x32 Swarovision "version 2" bins? Is there an easy way?

www.birdforum.net

How can you tel if it is a swarovision model ?

Small question: Is it possible to identify the model of a swarovski binocular based upon a picture. Let me clarify: Both EL models have thesame inscription on the focus knob - I was wondering if one can see it is the WB or SV model. - swarovski EL 8x32 8° swarovision picture...

www.birdforum.net

Thanks mate! So the FP just basically added the round button strap clips on and changed the armor color/badge slightly.

Is the armour on the FP the same biodegradable one as on the NL Pure? If so, that would mean the 12-15 models armor would stand up to the test of time better I'm presuming too?

The FP one would make my investment into Optech straps void it appears!

 

[Rotherbirder]

Thanks mate! So the FP just basically added the round button strap clips on and changed the armor color/badge slightly.

Is the armour on the FP the same biodegradable one as on the NL Pure? If so, that would mean the 12-15 models armor would stand up to the test of time better I'm presuming too?

The FP one would make my investment into Optech straps void it appears!

That's correct, more or less. No, if you prefer Optech straps, Swarovski provide an alternative FP fitting enabling use of a conventional binocular strap instead of the cord 'strap'.

Yes, the 8x32/10x32 EL is discontinued so finding one new in a store will be difficult.

RB

 

[mwhogue]

Thanks mate! So the FP just basically added the round button strap clips on and changed the armor color/badge slightly.

Is the armour on the FP the same biodegradable one as on the NL Pure? If so, that would mean the 12-15 models armor would stand up to the test of time better I'm presuming too?

The FP one would make my investment into Optech straps void it appears!

Sirpotato,

In addition to the input of @denco and @Rotherbirder above, the focus wheel on the FP is slightly taller and some report they prefer the focus function of the FP but I don't notice any difference between function of the 8x32 pre - FP compared to the FP 10x32.

I much prefer all the pre FP accessories and generally prices on used pre FP models may be lower as they are the older version.

Hard to say in terms of the armor but the pre - FP model depending on age may not have the biodegradable armor.

Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

 

[Sirpotato]

That's correct, more or less. No, if you prefer Optech straps, Swarovski provide an alternative FP fitting enabling use of a conventional binocular strap instead of the cord 'strap'.

Yes, the 8x32/10x32 EL is discontinued so finding one new in a store will be difficult.

RB

Oh that's good to know then. It'll likely have to be a blind buy if I find one as I've not seen the EL in any shops here in Australia, only NLs.

Sirpotato,

In addition to the input of @denco and @Rotherbirder above, the focus wheel on the FP is slightly taller and some report they prefer the focus function of the FP but I don't notice any difference between function of the 8x32 pre - FP compared to the FP 10x32.

I much prefer all the pre FP accessories and generally prices on used pre FP models may be lower as they are the older version.

Hard to say in terms of the armor but the pre - FP model depending on age may not have the biodegradable armor.

Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

Thats great to know, thank you. Another accessory I'd be very keen for is the forehead rest - does that fit the older models?

 

[Richard D]

Thats great to know, thank you. Another accessory I'd be very keen for is the forehead rest - does that fit the older models?

Only NLs not the ELs.

My 8x32 and 10x32 ELs are both pre FP and I've found them both excellent, with no desire to upgrade. I've tried the 8x32 in FP and couldn't notice any handling or optical difference.

 

[Sirpotato]

Only NLs not the ELs.

My 8x32 and 10x32 ELs are both pre FP and I've found them both excellent, with no desire to upgrade. I've tried the 8x32 in FP and couldn't notice any handling or optical difference.

Oh no I just noticed - it says the forehead rest is for the "EL Range"

Swarovski FRR-42 Forehead Rest for EL Range 42 • Leederville Cameras

Buy Swarovski FRR-42 Forehead Rest for EL Range 42 online from Leederville Cameras • 12 Month Bonus Warranty • Australia Wide Delivery • Order Online!

www.leedervillecameras.com.au

Have you had chance to compare you 8x32 EL to the 8x32 NL pure?

 

[Richard D]

Have you had chance to compare you 8x32 EL to the 8x32 NL pure?

Not side by side but I've tried all the older NLs and like them. For me the extra cost didn't justify the extra FoV.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Oh no I just noticed - it says the forehead rest is for the "EL Range"

Swarovski FRR-42 Forehead Rest for EL Range 42 • Leederville Cameras

Buy Swarovski FRR-42 Forehead Rest for EL Range 42 online from Leederville Cameras • 12 Month Bonus Warranty • Australia Wide Delivery • Order Online!

www.leedervillecameras.com.au

Have you had chance to compare you 8x32 EL to the 8x32 NL pure?

The 8x32 EL has slightly sharper edges than the NL, but with a little more RB. The NL of course has a bigger FOV at 8.5 degree versus 8 degree for the EL. As far as glare, the NL's are a little worse than the EL's with veiling glare at the bottom of the FOV, which can be aided by precise eye cup positioning.

The NL of course has the wasp waist contoured design which does conform to your hands, but the EL is far from uncomfortable and the NL's focuser is smoother than the EL, but again I never had too many complaints with the EL focuser.

You can use the forehead rest on the NL and the EL you can't if that is a big thing for you. I never cared for the forehead rest, but some do.

The biggest difference is the FOV between then NL and the EL. The NL at 8.5 degrees is considerably wider than the 8 degrees of the EL, so you have to decide if that bigger FOV is worth another $1000 to you.

 

[Sirpotato]

The 8x32 EL has slightly sharper edges than the NL, but with a little more RB. The NL of course has a bigger FOV at 8.5 degree versus 8 degree for the EL. As far as glare, the NL's are a little worse than the EL's with veiling glare at the bottom of the FOV, which can be aided by precise eye cup positioning.

The NL of course has the wasp waist contoured design which does conform to your hands, but the EL is far from uncomfortable and the NL's focuser is smoother than the EL, but again I never had too many complaints with the EL focuser.

You can use the forehead rest on the NL and the EL you can't if that is a big thing for you.

The biggest difference is the FOV between then NL and the EL. The NL at 8.5 degrees is considerably wider than the 8 degrees of the EL, so you have to decide if that bigger FOV is worth another $1000 to you.

I think I'd love either of them to be honest. I really need to find someone locally that has one or both of them for me to test out as its really subjective isn't it when it comes down to relatively small differences.

I have always admired the bridge style on the EL, but the forehead rest is quite a big thing for me as I've started using my glasses to correct my astigmatism...After realising no-one cares what you look like whilst out birding 😅. But as I've got very bad neurological issues, the ability to brace them against my forehead would stop this quite unbearable tremble I have when putting them up against my glasses...Which I weirdly don't have when not wearing glasses.

Is the armour still problematic on the new NL Pures?

 

[LTGentry]

I have a pair of EL 10x50’s that are absolutely awesome. Purchased them in 2023. No experience with older models, but I can say these have been great.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I have a pair of EL 10x50’s that are absolutely awesome. Purchased them in 2023. No experience with older models, but I can say these have been great.

The EL 10x50's are absolutely wonderful. They don't have as much glare as the newer NL 10x52 or 14x52 either.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I think I'd love either of them to be honest. I really need to find someone locally that has one or both of them for me to test out as its really subjective isn't it when it comes down to relatively small differences.

I have always admired the bridge style on the EL, but the forehead rest is quite a big thing for me as I've started using my glasses to correct my astigmatism...After realising no-one cares what you look like whilst out birding 😅. But as I've got very bad neurological issues, the ability to brace them against my forehead would stop this quite unbearable tremble I have when putting them up against my glasses...Which I weirdly don't have when not wearing glasses.

Is the armour still problematic on the new NL Pures?

Poll - Trying to get some numbers on Swarovski rubber armour issues.

There are a few threads going on about the problems with Swarovski's biodegradable armour. I just wanted to know how many are actually having problems with it. Please post a photo of your binoculars if they are splitting/peeling /cracking, particularly the NL owners because so far I have only...

www.birdforum.net

 

[LTGentry]

The EL 10x50's are absolutely wonderful. They don't have as much glare as the newer NL 10x52 or 14x52 either.

I have a pair of NL Pure 10x42’s that is supposed to be delivered today, I’m excited to compare them. I do a lot of hunting and I’m hoping they will be a little smaller and lighter for that purpose.

 

[NDhunter]

Oh no I just noticed - it says the forehead rest is for the "EL Range"

Swarovski FRR-42 Forehead Rest for EL Range 42 • Leederville Cameras

Buy Swarovski FRR-42 Forehead Rest for EL Range 42 online from Leederville Cameras • 12 Month Bonus Warranty • Australia Wide Delivery • Order Online!

www.leedervillecameras.com.au

Have you had chance to compare you 8x32 EL to the 8x32 NL pure?

The EL Range is the "Rangefinder" model.
Jerry

 

[MiddleRiver]

The EL Range is the "Rangefinder" model.
Jerry

Jerry, do you own the RFs? I’m curious what differences are compared to regular ELs. Do you loose IQ in gaining the RF?

 

[NDhunter]

No I don't, but there is some loss with the rangefinder. I recall Gijs has tested that on his website,
House of Outdoors. I hope he will chime in.
Jerry

 

[Dennis Mau]

I have a pair of NL Pure 10x42’s that is supposed to be delivered today, I’m excited to compare them. I do a lot of hunting and I’m hoping they will be a little smaller and lighter for that purpose.

I had the NL Pure 10x42's. They show less glare than a lot of the other NL's, especially the NL 8x42. They are 5 oz. lighter than the EL 10x50 and of course have a bigger FOV. You will love them for hunting. They are ideal for panning for game with the huge FOV.

 

[LTGentry]

I had the NL Pure 10x42's. They show less glare than a lot of the other NL's, especially the NL 8x42. They are 5 oz. lighter than the EL 10x50 and of course have a bigger FOV. You will love them for hunting. They are ideal for panning for game with the huge FOV.

That’s good to hear. I tend to use my binoculars more for looking at birds and other wildlife while I’m a tree stand than I do actually looking for game 😂 love listening to the woods come alive in the morning