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Swarovski EL 50 Swarovision binoculars

  • Review
Swarovski EL 50 Swarovision binoculars

Last year Swarovski launched their new and improved EL binoculars into the UK market and price aside, they were impressive. I tested a set of 8.5x42s and they proved a better product than the original ELs, which is a hard act to follow. The familiar look has been refined a little but the basic shape that uses a roof prism build with straight barrels and a magnesium body covered in tough, green rubber armour remains, as do features like improved, eye cups, a wide central focusing/adjustment drum, individual attached objective covers and new strap design.

Too Good Perhaps?

Ergonomics are improved a tad but the real difference comes from the new field flattener lenses that give a flat and true image right up to the edge. Along with high definition, fluoride-containing lenses that minimize colour-fringing (chromatic aberration) for good contrast and sharp outlines. The enhanced lens and prism coatings SWARODUR, SWAROTOP and SWAROBRIGHT offer lifelike colour reproduction and outstanding image brightness from dawn to dusk. SWAROCLEAN coatings on the outer surfaces combat the effects of water and dirt build-up.

The whole contributing to a level of ability and performance that really does have to be experienced to be appreciated. One Swarovski employee I know commented they might even be too good for the human eye. That’s as maybe but they are approaching perhaps maximum ability for a set of field binoculars, which is all to the good for their intended role! The 8.5x42 strike a good balance between weight and performance, but there are those that might want a bit more. With that in mind Swarovski are now offering the 10x50 and 12x50 EL options and I have the former on test.

More Mag, Less FOV

In truth and apart from the specifications nothing has really changed with the 10x50s, though the higher magnification does drop the field of view (FOV) by comparison, with the 8.5x42 at 399 ft @ 1000-yards, as opposed to 345 ft with the 10x50s. However, visually the larger, 50mm objective does allow you to see more of what you are looking at.

Weight is 5.8oz more over the 29.4oz of the 8.5x42s, with a slight increase in length to 6.8” and width of 5.3” of less than an inch. In the hand when compared to the 8.5s, yes there is a physical difference but not near as much as you might expect. What I really appreciated was the extra magnification on target and wider objectives that far outweighs the slightly larger/heavier package. In terms of stability not a lot of difference either, as the EL shape is a good one to free hold and easy to maintain in the aim at x10.

More Glass =

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In terms of what you see as to colour and clarity there was no difference to my eyes, with the now proven New EL package being as good as ever. However the 10x50s offer the ability to see more of and around your target and also better low light performance it’s as simple as that. Facts that became evident as the evening was drawing in and going back-to-back with the 8.5x42s. Some will say that the perfect hunting binocular is an 8x42 and they would be correct. Others will favour a more compact build, prizing size and reduced weight over power. Though I would not have said or thought so until I tested the 10x50s, but for me they strike an excellent balance in terms of magnification, view and handling.

That aside the new EL binoculars are without question most impressive optics that give the user near 100% ability in the field in all conditions. They come complete with strap, padded field bag and camera adaptor as standard. Whether you want 8.5x42, 10x50 or even 12x50 is down to you. Price as ever is a serious consideration as the 10x50s will set you back just over £2000, which is not cheap, so whether quality and performance is commensurate with the cost; only you can decide…

For: These larger magnification models will better suit some users

Against: Cost is a serious consideration

Verdict: This superior design now offers more specification options

Caps:

1, Same top performing system in higher specifications - Swarovski have expanded their Swarovision EL binocular range with two more models here we see the 10x50 with their field bag
2, The build is identical with a central focus drum/adjuster and individual, screw-up eye cups, if you want a bit more mag and ability with all the quality of the 8.5x42 Swarovsion new ELs this is it
3, In the field the extra mag and FOV is obvious, but as can be seen the new 10x50s (left) are not that much larger/heavier than the 8.4x42 (right)

PRICE: £2,010.00

CONTACT: Swarovski Optik UK, www.swarovskioptik.com

  • Swarovski EL 50 Swarovision binoculars - image {image:count}

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  • Swarovski EL 50 Swarovision binoculars - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Swarovski EL 50 Swarovision binoculars - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Swarovski EL 50 Swarovision binoculars - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Swarovski EL 50 Swarovision binoculars - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Spec: 10x50
  • Exit pupil: 5mm
  • FOV: 345 ft @ 1000-yds
  • Twilight factor: DIN 58388 22.4
  • Length: 6.8”
  • Weight: 35.2oz
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