Swarovski Introduces a New Model to Replace the ELs
Categories:
03/18/2010
Swarovski 8.5x42 EL Swarovision
The State of the Art Re-Defined
In the early 1980s I went along as my father’s schlepper for an appointment to photograph Aaron Copland. My dad was a photographer who gained a lot of attention for his portraits of people in the arts, and I occasionally came along as his assistant, especially when he was photographing someone I wanted to meet. I have always loved Copland’s music, and meeting him was a special occasion for me. As my father worked I took a few minutes to eyeball Copland’s record collection to see where a serious composer takes his solace. I was a little surprised to see an “Emerson, Lake and Palmer” album and even more so by Copland’s mediocre stereo system. How could a person whose entire life centered on music settle for such unconvincing sound reproduction? As an inveterate hi-fi tinkerer my dad would gladly have mortgaged the house or sold the family car for state-of-the-art sound reproduction. When it comes to birding optics I am very much like him.
I cannot understand how a person who invests great energy, passion, and money in watching birds can settle for less than the best available optics. I am baffled by the many seasoned birders who still proudly sport their 1970s or 1980s vintage Leica Trinovids or Zeiss 10x40s. I owned and loved both of those models and traded up when the state of the art advanced. Sentiment and frugality may have their place, but technology and engineering keep advancing and life is short. I have trained myself to keep my mouth shut in the presence of antique-toting birders. I have stopped telling them that their trusty Trinovids preceeded the invention of phase coating. That the images they see have poor contrast and color saturation. I have stopped telling them that the lifetime warranty on their bins is an expression of manufacturing quality and pride -- not an eleventh commandment to use their bins for life. I love watching birds. I love my binoculars. I am a faithful and constant companion. But when there is a significant advance I am quick to seek solace in the arms of a new optical companion. To those who balk at the cost of today’s best binoculars, I say that they are cheap in comparison to the pleasure they provide. If you spend $2,500 on binoculars every eight or ten years you are getting off cheap. Fishermen, photographers, hunters, backpackers, sailors, even chess players, happily spend far more on their pursuits than most bird watchers spend on optics.
Have you figured out, gentle reader, that I am leading up to something? That there is a new binocular out there that you will absolutely want?
Rather than keep you in suspense I will cut right to the quick. Swarovski has replaced their ten year old ELs with a model that sets a new standard for birding optics. The now venerable Swarovski ELs, which were introduced in 1999, were, at their introduction, game-changing binoculars. They were as bright as the Nikon Venturer. They worked well with and without eyeglasses and they were comfortable for people with either large or small hands. They had great resolution, very good color saturation and contrast, and provided a satisfying image that set a new standard for other makers to aim for. My one serious complaint with the first iteration of the ELs was that they focused much too slowly. Ignoring the advice of their own advisory team from Cape May Bird Observatory and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Swarovski engineers geared the focus wheel to turn two and a half times. Changing the focus from near to distant birds was irritatingly slow and was the primary reason I traded my ELs. Swarovski later fixed the focus and introduced a newer version that focused much faster. The ELs also suffered from a small amount of chromatic aberration in the center of the field which produced some edge distortion when looking at high contrast targets like soaring hawks and water fowl. Although the Leica Ultravids and the Zeiss Victory FLs surpassed the Swarovski ELs in several ways, the ELs have remained a strong choice among alpha class binoculars. But eleven years is a long time to stay at the head of the class, and a top manufacturer cannot rest on its laurels.
Two weeks ago I received a loaner pair of the new Swarovski 8.5x42 EL Swarovision binoculars which replace the ELs. Although the Swarovision bins look a lot like their predecessors this is a completely new binocular from the inside out. The Swarovision bins incorporate HD (low dispersion glass) objectives. They have added two field flattener lenses and feature a four element objective lens. They have improved the lens coatings for increased brightness. They have also used a magnesium body and a thinner, grippier rubber armor. The Swarovisions provide 20mm of eye relief, a 7.6 degree angle of view (400 feet at 1,000 yards). And they focus from infinity down to 4 ½ feet (for me).
What do all these changes mean for the birder? A lot! The image is the best I have seen. Brightness seems about equal to Leica Ultravids and Zeiss Victory FLs. The HD glass completely eliminates chromatic aberration and provides better color saturation and contrast than the ELs and other alpha-class bins. The addition of field flattener lenses eliminates curvature of the field which exists in almost all lenses to some degree. Since curvature of the field was never a problem in Swarovskis bins I would not have thought that this aspect of the EL’s image could be improved until I looked through the new model. I was blown away by the natural, satisfying, beautiful image. The only binocular I have used whose flatness of field rivals that of the Swarovision is the Nikon Superior E (now out of production). Swarovski has also re-engineered the gearing of the focus knob. Although the knob turns two and a half times (like the original ELs) the focus is quite fast and precise. These bins will focus five diopters past infinity which most of us will never need so most users will not start from hyper-infinity. In use it takes just one turn to cover normal birding distances from 8 feet to infinity and slightly more than an additional half turn from eight feet down to the closest focusing distance which, for me, was 4 ½ feet. Yes, the Swarovision bins are also great for butterflies and dragonflies.
Swarovski has also increased the angle of view to 7.6 degrees (400 feet at 1,000 yards) from 7.4 degrees (390 feet) in the ELs. That they have done it without causing any image blackout or other distortion is incredible.
Although the ELs worked extremely well for eyeglass wearers, the new Swarovisions are even better. They offer slightly more eye relief and an intermediate stop on the twist up eyecups. They should be comfortable for all face shapes and interpupilary distances, and will even fit fairly young children.
Although the Swarovisions include three additional lens elements, they are actually lighter (by 1oz.) than the ELs. The new rubber armor is more comfortable and provides a stickier grip than the armor used on the ELs.
Negatives? Just one. Frankly, I don’t like the new neck strap. It attaches to the bins with two buttons which go through two slits in the strap very much like cufflinks. The part that goes around your neck includes a system that allows you to quickly adjust the length but which leaves the ends dangling and in the way. The strap, like the one used on the ELs is very comfortable except for the dangling tabs. Please, if anyone at Swarovski is listening, go back to the old strap.
My binocular inventory includes Swarovski ELs, Leica Ultravids, Zeiss Victory FLs, Nikon Superior Es, and Nikon Premiers among others. In several days of birding and comparing the Swarovisions with the other bins in my closet, my wife and I have been battling over who gets to use the Swarovision bins. The Swarovisions have re-set the bar. So sell a few pints of blood. Take a second on your house. Teach your kids a lesson about independence by invading their college fund. Do whatever it takes and go get a pair. And, oh yes…if you are married to a birder, you will need two pairs.
Happy birding.
Blog Promo:
Comments
I do really admire people
I do really admire people who love cameras. I my self are very fun of those stuff. I love taking pictures together with my family.
victoria bc real estate
fotograf zdjecia slubne and
fotograf zdjecia slubne and fotografia slubna bielsko Katowice krakow fine art. Psycholog on Line korzysci pomocy online fotografia ślubna last minute
My wife like only Swarovsky
My wife like only Swarovsky ;)
Swarovski binoculars are the
Swarovski binoculars are the best but they are so expensive.
breville je900 juice fountain professional juice extractor
Fantastic site. I am very
Fantastic site. I am very happy to read it.
unusual engagement rings
The photographers are quite
The photographers are quite unique people.They capture the hard realities of the life into their camera.
tax lawyer
People in just such cases,
People in just such cases, says - Akhal would uncle, looking at himself. :) Here we are Russian! Unfortunately I did not have big problems with English.
very very nice and exiting
very very nice and exiting info,..!! So informative things are provided here,I really happy to read this post,I was just imagine about it and you provided me the correct information I really bookmark it,for further reading,So thanks for sharing the information.
danke für die informationen
danke für die
informationen
Other people claim they
Other people claim they don’t have time, and yet somehow find time to read up on reams of information regarding exercising – that’s the time they could have spent actually working out.
bad credit car loan
Other people claim they
Other people claim they don’t have time, and yet somehow find time to read up on reams of information regarding exercising – that’s the time they could have spent actually working out. bad credit car loan
Really interesting topic
Really interesting topic that cuts to the core for me right now.
Interesting post and thanks
Interesting post and thanks for sharing. Some things in here I have not thought about before.Thanks for making such a cool post which is really very well written.will be referring a lot of friends about this.Keep blogging.
White - framed sunglassed
White - framed sunglassed are extremely hot for this summer. White color frame returns us back to the 1960' s and make you look distinctive and very stylish. In magazines or on TV we may notice that many people have already liked this type ...Klipsch 500 hd
Hi, Pretty good post. I just
Hi,
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.
Thanks a lot,
Victor.
www.jobsindex.co.il
This article answers several
This article answers several questions I was still wrestling with about choosing new binoculars. Thanks!
I too have hobby of
I too have hobby of photography and i already have taken lots of photographs. My photograph collections includes -
Models
Animals
Birds
Nature and Art
What I love about this kinds
What I love about this kinds of screen saver. It's very much pleasing to apply because of the good sight. It's just simply amazing, my best regards,
Casinos Intern
and color saturation. I have
and color saturation. I have stopped telling them that the lifetime warranty on their bins is an expression of manufacturing quality and pride
Thank you for the share,
Thank you for the share, truly like what you do, keep up the great work, you are really awesome, i am more than happy that I got here, you are awesome..
baby furniture
Nice post, thanks for
Nice post, thanks for sharing this information.
Keep it up.
Keep it up.
Well, I tried using it, but
Well, I tried using it, but it seemed to be a real pain in the neck. Are there any guides?
calvin klein euphoria
Terry Jones
keep continue doing great
keep continue doing great work. I'm also interessed inDigital Cameras under $100laser eye treatment
Changing the focus from nigh
Changing the focus from nigh to far kites was irritatingly slacken also was the fundamental proof I traded my ELs. Swarovski following firm the focus plus introduced a newer edition that focused ample faster.online payday loans
Yeah, I tried it too. I had
Yeah, I tried it too. I had expected the RB effect to be a non-issue, but I found it quite disconcerting. This isn't to say I couldn't get used to it, but in my "sample of one" I found the RB effect to negate the supposed advantage of a flat field with edge to edge clarity, at least to this guys eyes/brain.
NY Bankruptcy Lawyer
NY Bankruptcy Lawyer
I'll be moving on to those,
I'll be moving on to those, thanks. Have been thinking of buying some gear for myself for the coming holidays. I've planned a nice trip. Thanks. ecommerce web site development
I never owned a binocular.
I never owned a binocular. Guess time to get one when I go on holiday.
black decker cj625 citrus juicer
The rider of meadow
The rider of meadow flattener lenses removes arch of the gridiron which breathes in around total lenses to part extent. Whereas arch of the stadium was never a question in Swarovskis baskets I would hardly permit mind that this semblance of the EL’s effigy could be improved until I looked via the fresh design. Car Stereo
Just Tried The New 8.5x42
Just Tried The New 8.5x42 Swarovision...
The ergonomics of the bin were a real pleasure. Lighter and smaller feeling than the original EL's. The image, as was expected, was exceedingly bright and sharp, but the much discussed "rolling ball effect" was indeed present, and much to my surprise it bothered me quite a bit!
invicta watches for men
I was very pleased to find
I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Remy Human Hair Extensions
This is nice post which I
This is nice post which I was awaiting for such an artice and I have gained some useful information from this site. Thanks for sharing this information Acai berry Review
Hmmm I agree with your
Hmmm I agree with your opinion. But it is not just interesting, this article provides further motivation for anyone who read it. Mobil Keluarga Ideal Terbaik
Thanks for a really good
Thanks for a really good post. I remember the first time I visited you blog and from that till now its my regular reading site. affiliate program
Some very good ideas of of
Some very good ideas of of how diamonds influence on our life. Moreover they can be more and more useful for your gowns like Herrenmode. You appearance will look nice and more emotional.
I was a big fan of the ELS,
I was a big fan of the ELS, sorry to see it going away. Garage Storage
do you want to read the
do you want to read the latest financial news?what do you think about financial crisis?you are affected or not?
global financial crisis
a good blog.want to read
a good blog.want to read more news about global financial crisis ?
Copland is one of my
Copland is one of my favorites.
This is so surprising how
This is so surprising how this processs. This is so decorous to exploit to snatch prints of ravens. I am definitely a hefty enthusiast of your process. I guess the technology in this is definitely getting outdo. patio furniture covers
Thanks for sharing. i really
Thanks for sharing. i really appreciate it that you shared with us such a informative post..
I dissagree, it is not old
I dissagree, it is not old news, because it is still valid to the broader public. I really did find it a fascinating read, and will keep an eye on this thread.
This was a great quote:
Although the Swarovisions include three additional lens elements, they are actually lighter (by 1oz.) than the ELs. The new rubber armor is more comfortable and provides a stickier grip than the armor used on the ELs.
Thanks.
This is nice post which I
This is nice post which I was awaiting for such an artice and I have gained some useful information from this site. Thanks for sharing this information.
demande de dossier de surendettement
Thank you for this nice
Thank you for this nice post
my blog: lemonade diet | how to get a six pack
Very well written post.The
Very well written post.The author also shares very good experiences & also his wonderful relationship with his father.
Wayne Mones has been birding
Wayne Mones has been birding since he was ten years old. A member of the Audubon staff, Wayne frequently leads bird walks in and around New York City. He also leads Audubon Nature Odyssey trips to South and Central America, West Africa, New Zealand, and Mexico.
mark and brian klos christmas show tickets | power 106 cali christmas tickets
Good Stuff. Thanks. Prestiti
Good Stuff. Thanks.
Prestiti veloci
Just came across this site
Just came across this site by accident but really enjoyed reading !
Alien Perfume
I am delighted that yours is
I am delighted that yours is unit of blogs that do lot valued report that can cure to multiple lecturers.You managed to bang the capture franchise on the skull furthermore explained away all minus ramification. add site
Wayne Mones has been birding
Wayne Mones has been birding after he was ten years archaic. A constituent of the Audubon entourage, Wayne frequently influences crow marchs in more approximately Untried York Municipal. He also influences Audubon Constitution Trek safaris to South also Pivotal America, West Africa, Pristine Zealand, further Mexico.used rowing machines