Swarovski el range MK II binoculars

My first encounter with Swarovski was back in 2005; I was off to South Africa for my first plains game hunt and reckoned I needed some decent binos. I had been told by numerous people that Swarovski’s 8.5x42 EL were the business, so being a cheeky bugger I rang Swarovski thinking; well it’s worth a go, but probably be politely told thanks but no thanks! Much to my surprise a spoke to a very pleasant lady - Christine Percy the PA of the then UK Manager David Brinkley.

The upshot was I had a pair of ELs for the trip and I was very impressed. Up until then I had never used a decent set of binos so what they offered was a revelation. It was also the start of a relationship with Swarovski that I still cherish today! I think it was about three years later that they launched their new and improved version, which were even better. Everything had been improved, at the time I think I said something like: “they are so good that if Carlsberg made binoculars they would be Swarovski new ELs!”

INTEGRATED

With the growing use of laser rangefinders many companies offered small monocular units; Swarovski being no different with their 8x30 Laser Guide. But fewer had taken the next logical step of integrating them into a pair of binos. Leica led the way with their Geovid BRF (binocular range finders) as did Zeiss (Victory RF) and they certainly solved the problem of having to carry separate observation and ranging devices in the field.

I think it was around 2011 that Swarovski announced their new EL Range (range finder) series in 8x42 and 10x42. The build was similar to the EL binos but 4oz heavier at 2lbs 2oz, with distinctive bulges on the lower bodies and individual primary focus rings on the tubes. Main focus is in the middle with the CR2 Lithium battery contained within its drum and the firing button on the top/rear/left bridge. Functions include yards/metres selection, scan mode (multiple targets), automatic and manual brightness display adjustment, angled shot compensation with both true ballistic range or target angle. Optical quality and performance is as you would expect from Swarovski - superb!

 

SIMPLY PRACTICAL!

Swarovski resisted the urge to also incorporate a ballistics package in the EL Range, where you factor in your rifles’/ cartridge data and hold over is calculated for you. Which is something I do not miss, preferring to work out my own ballistics rather than rely on pre-set but variable parameters as every rifle/cartridge combo will not shoot factory ammo to the same spec and reloads… well don’t get me started! For me I want a reliable range read out every time and if I have an up/down hill shot the actual distance to target so I can factor in my ballistics. I have done this last a few times with the Range and it works beautifully.

In truth very little has changed with the EL Range as they work well – superior optical quality, reliable readings and easy to understand and apply technology combined with a tough weatherproof build. I think what I’m trying to say is: “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!”

 

MINOR PERIPHERALS

Saying that, Swarovski have now taken a look at the peripherals of the design as what I have here is their Field Pro Package. As before they come in a padded and waterproof carry case, which I never use as mine live in my pack or around my neck! Major changes are a QD neck strap with cord as opposed to webbing and quick lock/ unlock dials on the end of the padded (neck) section. A small thing but certainly easier than the old style!

Attachment is by rotary T-studs that allow the binos to hinge/swing; they have also re-designed the rear eyepiece cover too. Equally up front they have integrated the hinge for the lens cap into the objective rim, as opposed to using the old, slip-over, rubber ring.

 

SET UP AND USE

Setting up is easy; the selector (mode) button is located rear/left under the hinge point. This allows you to toggle through menus to adjust and set the functions as required; it’s all explained and easy to do. One thing they do have is an integrated dioptric compensation function. Or you can simply do it by eye, as I discovered both methods are near identical. A point to note is that the dioptre adjuster rings need to be lifted to unlock.

Swarovski quotes a maximum measurement range of 1375m of +/- 1m; this like all laser rangefinders is dependent on target size, shape, colour and reflectivity. In SCAN mode this is reduced to 1000m. For what I call general hunting distances out to 400m maximum it was spot on! The battery life is 1000 operations (pings). I set up in yards and selected the corrected shooting distance as opposed to target angle. It’s one less thing to calculate! The 10x42 would be my choice as I like the extra mag over the x8, saying that they do not yet offer a 56mm objective, which would be my preference overall!

The firing button is easy to operate so offering a stable platform for ranging. Press/ hold it and place the orange aiming circle on target and as you release it you get the range. I do prefer the integral objective covers as they do not get lost, I’m not too bothered about the new strap system, but it does offer the advantage of being quick to remove if you don’t want it on. To be honest no real complaints - superior optical quality and ability in all lighting conditions, easy to use, tough and with an effective ranging package that you can trust!

PRICE: 8 x 42 - £2,440 10 x 42 - £2,520
CONTACT: Swarovski UK Ltd, 01737 856812,  www.swarovskioptik.com