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Swarovski
Type of Body
Open bridge
Binoculars series
Swarovski EL

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Swarovski EL Binoculars.

Description of Swarovski EL Binoculars

The amazing Swarovski EL made in Austria offers one of the best optical performances we've seen yet. Revolutionary optical innovations provide incredible razor-sharp and crystal clear images. Swarovision technology offers fluoride containing HD lens and removes curvature of the field, thus producing the best resolution without any edge effects such as chromatic aberration. This flat field design gives a surreal and very vibrant detail-rich view-through that is not the only exceptional feature. EL also provides wider field of view that helps you to observe moving objects and a stunning close focus, ideal for macro observations. Fully multi-coatings Swarobright, Swarodur and Swarotop maximizes color fidelity and enhances light transmission and Swaroclean on external glass surfaces reduces the amount of moisture and other solid particles to stick to the lenses. This EL Swarovski line has a 3^rd generation of binoculars on the market, offering the first binoculars ever made with open-bridge design. If you are looking for high-end binoculars that offer the best images on the market at the moment, this is the right place for you!

The best features

This 3^rd generation of EL line has an incredible and unique ergonomic design. It invites you to hold and adjust the focus at the same time with just one hand due to an open-bridge design. Very balanced and comfortable feel gives a perfect fit in hands. Appealing dark green rubber armoring provides a secure grip and magnesium body successfully fights against the corrosion and makes them pretty lightweight. EL Swarovision are fully sealed and purged with nitrogen, which makes them able to withstand extreme weather conditions in the wildlife. They are waterproof, internally fog-proof and won’t get destroyed if using them to a depth of 4 meters/13 feet. Swaroclean coating on external glass surfaces are just an added value, reducing the amount of moisture and other particles such as dust to stick on the lenses, thus making them really easy to clean.

Optical properties

Using the best materials and advanced optic technology, these Swarovision binoculars have flat field design that removes curvature of the field with two flatteners between prisms and oculars. Images seen with the EL binoculars are free of any edge effect such as chromatic aberration. Great ease of view is also the result of the ocular’s advanced optical construction and its perfect alignment. Fluoride HD lenses and fully multi-coatings – Swarobright, Swarodur and Swarotop high-tech coatings on all glass surfaces significally increases light transmission, enhances color fidelity and also provides a high contrast transfer. EL has wider field of view and stunning close focus for macro observations of butterflies and other smaller animals up close. Binoculars are also resistant to flare, and provides very rich, vibrant and clear images. This Swarobright is equipped with central focus wheel and central diopter that can be locked for a proper adjustment the focusing from the shortest distance to infinity. Removable click-stop eyecups suitable for glass wearers can be easily removed and cleaned. Breathtaking images of this Swarovision are indeed the best one in the market at the moment and will satisfy every advanced customer.

Other features and acessories

Swarovski EL has a rotating strap connector that adapts to every movement and is easily removable when switching the equipment. It also includes quick catch button for comfortable carrying strap that can be adjusted to your ideal length and the Snap shot camera adapter. FieldPro package also includes very securely connected objective lens covers with click-mechanism.

Features of Swarovski EL Binoculars

Fluoride HD lens
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass
Fully multi-coated lenses (Swarodur and Swarotop)
Phase Correction (Swarobright)
Dielectric Prism coatings
BaK-4 Prisms
Flat Field Design
Magnesium Body
Rugged Rubber Armoring
Multi-position Eyecups (Three click-stops)
Central Focus Wheel
Central Diopter that locks
Tripod adaptable
Wider FOV
Waterproof and Fog-proof (nitrogen gas purged)
Watertight (4 meters/13 feet)

Accessories of Swarovski EL Binoculars

Snap shot camera adapter
Rotating strap connector
Quick catch button
Rainguards
Securely connected objective lens covers
Padded protective case for storage
Neck strap
Lens cleaning cloth

Available models of Swarovski EL Binoculars

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Swarovski Optik have 10 years of warranty valid only when warranty/service document has been dated, stamped and signed by the Authorized dealer on the day of purchase.

You can learn more about our own warranty policy on the following link:

https://admin2.optics-trade.eu/us/warranty-policy.html

No matter what happens to your binoculars, we will be here to help you.

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VIDEO

Birdwatching binoculars are usually very compact, with the objective lens diameter rarely larger than 42mm. Birdwatching usually takes place in the day time, meaning that larger and bright binoculars have no added value.

Resolution and absence of optical errors are thus far more important. Many ornithologists also prefer higher magnification, so 10x magnification is the preferred choice for many. Quality of the focusing mechanism is also one of the more critical properties for ornithological use of binoculars.

Summary of the most common features of binoculars for Birdwatching is given below:

8x magnification or 10x magnification
Objective lens diameter smaller than 42mm
Central focusing
Roof prism design
Small mass and size

Compact Bird Watching Binoculars

Birds are mostly observed during the day. Most binoculars used for Birdwatching are compact, with 28-36 mm objective lenses, which makes them bright enough for watching during the day.

The best thing about them is that they are lightweight and small, so the birders do not have to carry so much weight and can comfortably wear them around their necks, without causing any pain.

Compact binoculars

Birdwatchers can wear Compact binoculars comfortably around their necks

Birdwatching Binoculars with 8x32 and 10x32 Configurations

8x32 and 10x32 configurations belong to the group of Compact binoculars.

This type of binoculars does not perform great in low light conditions. In this respect, they are similar to 10x42 binoculars.
When comparing 8x42 and 8x32 binoculars, we realize that optical performance is almost the same. Except for the field of view, 8x32 binoculars have the largest field of view of them all.
It is generally considered that 8x32 and 10x32 binoculars are not very comfortable for the user. The exit pupil diameter is very small, meaning that after a more extended period, viewing becomes tiring. But these binoculars are, on the other hand, great for kids.
They are small in size and very lightweight, which makes them easy to carry around.

To learn more about Compact binoculars, read our Compact Binoculars Buying Guide.

Prism types in Bird Watching Binoculars

The most commonly used prisms in birdwatching binoculars are roof prisms. Most birders usually prefer binoculars with Schmidt Pechan prisms. They often hold binoculars in their hands for a more extended period.

It is advisable for them to purchase binoculars with a Roof prism design since they are more compact and ergonomically more comfortable to use.

Other types of prisms, like Abbe-Koening, are used very rarely.

Binoculars with Abbe-Koening prisms perform great at low light conditions, but Birdwatching is an activity that doesn't take place at night. There is no need for birders to have binoculars with this type of prisms.

There is one more type of prism that needs to be mentioned: Porro prisms. Like Abbe-Koning, these prisms are also not very popular among birders. The ergonomics and larger size of these binoculars are not suitable for ornithology.

Ergonomics

The shape and design of binoculars are critical features for all birders. Once they spot the bird, they tend to observe the animal for a more extended period. The comfort of holding binoculars in hands and carrying them around the neck is essential.

Open bridge design is trendy among birders since it allows the user to hold binoculars with only one hand. Holding binoculars in one hand is very practical. It enables the user to take notes with its freehand or to put it in the pocket when the weather is cold.
Some premium binoculars also feature special thumb rest indents on the barrels for a more secure grip and even more comfortable holding.

Open bridge

Sightron binoculars with open bridge design

For comfortable observations, it is vital that the observer's eyes do not get tired. The size of the eyebox is another feature that birders need to consider.

Larger eye box means more flexibility of the eye position and therefore more comfortable viewing because the eye can move in several directions within the eye box and still obtain a full image.

Focusing

The speed of focusing is essential for Birdwatching. The birds move very fast, so it is important to have fast focus. The observer needs to change the focus from close to far distance very fast.

Focusing is one of the main differences between Hunting and Birdwatching binoculars.

The birds do not stand still; they are almost always in motion, so the focus on binoculars needs to be fast.
The game is usually dormant and move slowly. Unlike birders, hunters need slow focus and fine-tuning.

It is a general rule, that slow focus binoculars are used for hunting, while the ones with fast are used for Birdwatching. Premium brands, like Swarovski and Zeiss, began to manufacture binoculars that could do both.

The general principle is as follows:

The focusing speed is very fast in both directions.
When the user turns the knob, the focusing is swift.
When the knob is turned in the opposite direction for 5-10°, the adjustment is slow and then fast again. It takes some time to get used to this type of focusing.

Central focusing on Bird watching binoculars

The birds can move very fast, and because of this, focusing is being used a lot.

It is great if the focus can be easily and quickly changed, so the central focusing system is the most recommended.

All other focusing systems are usually not suitable for bird watching.

Birdwatching Binoculars for Eyeglass wearers

For anyone wearing eyeglasses, a minimum of 17-18mm eye relief is recommended (20mm even more optimal). It is good if the exit pupil is as large as possible, at least 4mm, preferably even 5mm or more. From this, it is clear that 8x42 is usually a better choice than 10x; however, it is true that some people rather "risk the comfort "for seeing more details.

It is essential that you check the eye relief before purchasing the optical device- if it is less than 15 mm, it will be much more challenging to observe with glasses.

Different Configurations of Bird Watching Binoculars

8x42 configuration

8x42 binoculars are very versatile, and a preferred configuration for many birders who don't have many experiences or have just started with this hobby.

Lack of experience is not a problem with 8x42 binoculars.
Because of low magnification, the image is still, so even the beginner can observe birds holding binoculars in hands, without the use of a tripod.
These binoculars offer a big field of view, but the image details are not so good as with 10x42 binoculars.

Many manufacturers produce 8x42 binoculars, so the competition between them is very fierce. For the users, this is a good thing. It means that the user gets the highest quality for its money.

You can read more about 8x42 Binoculars in our Buying Guide, or watch the video.

10x42 configuration

As with the 8x42 binoculars, there is also intense competition among manufacturers that produce 10x42 binoculars. 10x42 configuration is suitable for more advanced users that have calmer hands.

10x magnification offers an image with better details.
The downside is that the field of view is somehow smaller.

Compared to 8x42, this type of binoculars does not perform very well at dusk - poorer performance is noticeable even on a cloudy day.

10x50 configuration

10x50 binoculars are a compromise between the bright image and the size and weight of the optical device.

The field of view is about the same as with 10x42 binoculars; the image brightness is as with 8x42 configuration.
In exchange for 10x magnification and bright image, the user has to deal with larger and heavier binoculars.

Configurations for beginners

We recommend an 8x42 configuration for beginners since there is the largest selection among 8x42 binoculars. Also, the user gets the highest quality for its money.

Viewing with 8x42 binoculars is very comfortable and suitable for open terrains as well as for forests.
These binoculars offer a wider field of view, a brighter image, and (unfortunately) fewer details compared to 10x42.

Advice: For the first step in the world of Birdwatching, 8x42 is definitely most recommended because it provides a better field of view and is better for observing smaller and faster-moving birds. 8x42 binoculars are easy to hold in hand without excessive shaking of the image.

Best Bird Watching Binoculars

Like everywhere else, it is hard to point out the best Birdwatching binoculars. Every binoculars have its pros and cons, and it also depends on personal taste.

The user needs to know that binoculars in the middle price range (1000-1500€) perform very well. In the last ten years, significant progress has been made in this area, so the middle-class binoculars are well worth considering.

There is no denial that premium brands binoculars (like Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss) perform better than middle-class binoculars.

But there is a question if these small details are worth paying extra money- in the end, it depends on the user and its priorities.

Swarovski EL 8.5×42

Swarovski EL 8.5x42 is highly popular among Birders

A short presentation of Birdwatching Binoculars is available here.

Slideshare presentation

Short Presentation | Birdwatching Binoculars | Optics Trade from Optics-Trade