This is an in-depth review of the Swarovski EL!
Swarovski’s prism coatings and enhanced lenses with high light transmission provide bright, natural, and crisp images for birders and nature enthusiasts.
These binoculars combine weight, size, and exceptional optical performance to deliver razor-sharp images and high-resolution views. These binoculars are versatile and extremely reliable, whether used during the day or at dusk.
In this review, we’ll go over the specifications, features, and sizes available for these legendary binoculars.
Swarovski EL Overview
These binoculars feature Swarovski EL SwaroVision technology, which produces exceptionally clear images with exceptional colour fidelity. The images maintain their colour accuracy and sharpness from edge to edge.
Swarovski Optics is a family-owned company that manufactures binoculars and sport optics. All binoculars are manufactured entirely in Austria. These binoculars are prohibitively expensive, and they are best suited to serious users who want their optics to last a lifetime.
The wraparound grip and ergonomic design allow you to comfortably hold it for extended periods of time while watching a bird fly.
Swarovski EL binoculars are available in a variety of sizes. The range is sufficient for a wide variety of users.
- EL 8X32 Swarovski
- EL 8.5X42 Swarovski
- EL 10X32 Swarovski
- EL 10X42 Swarovski
- 10X50 Swarovski EL
- 12X50 Swarovski EL
The 8.542 and 1032 are the most popular sizes among birders and wildlife observers due to their high-quality imagery with precise colour and clarity.
The following two sections of this review will discuss some of the characteristics that are common to all available EL sizes. We will discuss each of these sizes and their associated features in greater detail later in this review.
Optical performance
The overall optical performance of these EL binoculars is quite impressive, owing to their ease of use and sharp image results in a variety of light conditions.
Superiority of the lens
Swarovski constructs the EL series lenses with high-quality fluoride glass, which results in a loss of colour fidelity. The colour reproduction is true to life, which makes these the best binoculars for nature observers. Swarovski SwaroVision optical coatings enhance the sharpness and clarity of the views through these lenses.
These binoculars’ phase-coated roof prisms maximise light transmission, allowing for bright images even in low light conditions.
Even if you wear glasses, you can achieve a wide field of view with the aid of a field flattener lens. This means that even the tiniest details in the image appear razor-sharp.
Excellent image quality
With the Swarovski EL binoculars, you’ll experience high-definition imaging thanks to the field-flattening lenses that ensure edge-to-edge sharpness. This means that you can always enjoy images that are distortion-free and free of blurred edges.
Additionally, we noticed razor-sharp contours, true-to-life colours, and a high contrast ratio to ensure excellent detail. The SwarVison lens coating performs admirably well in terms of improved light handling and colour rendering.
All SwaroVision EL binoculars guarantee greater than 90% light transmission, and their large exit pupil makes them an excellent choice for testing in low-light conditions.
Quality and Construction
Even with such high-quality optics, these binoculars feel light in the hand and feature an extremely ergonomic design that is built to withstand the elements.
The body and the grip
Due to the magnesium-alloy chassis, they can be stored between -22 and +158 °F. They feel extremely comfortable in your hands, even in wet conditions, due to the wraparound rubber armouring.
Swarovski nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed these binoculars to eliminate fog and ensure their waterproofness. As a result, they can be used comfortably in the rain.
These binoculars are tripod compatible, but they will only work with a Swarovski tripod. Additionally, they feature lockable diopter settings to prevent any type of random shifting.
Wheel of focus and focusing
The focus mechanism on these binoculars is fairly well-established, with satisfying clicks, and it is not overly sensitive. It will enable you to adjust fairly easily and according to your needs.
At a distance of approximately 5 feet, you will notice how precise this mechanism is. Additionally, regardless of the magnification, you will always obtain highly accurate colours. When viewing small hummingbirds through your EL binoculars, you will notice the accuracy of the colours.
The ergonomic design places the focusing nicely, and it features non-slip streaks that make it easy to use even in wet conditions.
Lens Covers and Eyecups
Finally, I discovered a binocular that does not have a lens cover. I adore how Swarovski Optik EL covers snap on and off. This means you won’t have to worry about missing covers, but you will receive ample protection from any impacts.
Swarovski constructed these caps with high-quality materials to ensure they blend seamlessly with the overall design. They are also not excessively fat, which would result in them flopping around when you use your binoculars. The eyecups are quite comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.
Swarovski EL models are available in a variety of sizes.
The Swarovski EL series is available in six distinct sizes. The 8.542 and 1032 are the most popular among birders. However, hunters find 1042 to be more useful. By the way, for serious astronomers, 1250 is the optimal value.
EL 8X32 Swarovski
Due to their lightweight construction and compact size, the Swarovski EL 832 binoculars are ideal for use on the go. Along with the 1032 size, these are the lightest EL binoculars.
However, this size has the largest field of view of any of the sizes at 432 feet @ 1000 yards. This means that you can use these Swarovski 832 EL to take in the expansive views. This is the best feature to have for sightseeing, camping, and hiking.
If you wear glasses, you’ll appreciate the 20mm eye relief provided by Swarovski 832 EL SwaroVision binoculars.
EL 8.5X42 Swarovski
When out in nature, the Swarovski EL 8.542 binoculars provide a more detailed view.
These binoculars feature more powerful optics and one of the largest exit pupil sizes in this series at 4.9mm. This results in brighter images, as this size is more suited to twilight use. For example, you’ll appreciate every detail of a soaring Albatross taking flight and gliding through the air.
Due to the more powerful optics on these Swarovski 8.542 EL binoculars, they are slightly heavier to hold. To use them at maximum magnification, you may need a steady pair of heads. Otherwise, a tripod or a window mount will suffice.
Additionally, the Swarovski EL 42’s linear field of view is still quite impressive at 399 feet @ 1000 yards, and you’ll enjoy panning across the scenery for a truly spectacular viewing experience.
EL 10X32 Swarovski
Swarovski’s EL 1032 binoculars are another addition to the series’ lightweight design. As a result, they will be ideal for use on the go and for capturing birds in flight.
Eye relief is also quite high at 20mm, so you’ll be quite comfortable wearing your glasses with these binoculars.
However, you will have to make a compromise on the exit pupil size here, as it is the smallest of the EL series at 3.2mm. This means that the Swarovski 1032 EL size is the least suitable for use in twilight.
EL 10X42 Swarovski
The EL 42 size combines weight and high-performance optics to deliver edge-to-edge clarity and sharp images even at a wide field of view. You get a massive 20mm eye relief, which makes it very comfortable to wear with eyeglasses. Additionally, you will benefit from a respectable linear field of view of 336 feet @ 1000 yards when using Swarovski EL 1042.
The Swarovski EL 1042 binoculars feature high-powered optics, which contributes to their weight. You may find it a little difficult to maintain on the go.
These Swarovski hunting binoculars fall somewhere between lightweight EL and high-powered binoculars. As a result, Swarovski Optik EL 1042 provides excellent value for money.
10X50 Swarovski EL
The Swarovski EL 1050 binoculars feature upgraded objective lenses, ensuring an exceptional viewing experience.
Due to the larger objective lenses, these Swarovski 1050 EL binoculars are quite heavy to hold, and will require either a tripod or a window mount to be comfortable to use.
However, you will not have to sacrifice eye relief, which remains at 20mm. Therefore, if you wear glasses, you will feel at ease with the EL 50.
12X50 Swarovski EL
Swarovski EL 1250 binoculars are the best in the series in terms of optics. Due to its 19mm length, you won’t have to make many sacrifices in terms of eye relief. As a result, it’s an excellent option to consider if you wear glasses.
Swarovski binoculars are the best for stargazers and astronomers. It has a linear field of view of 300 feet, and even at 12x magnification, you can pan across the view quite comfortably.
Therefore, whether you are out in nature or gazing at the stars, the Swarovski 1250 EL size will allow you to enjoy the sky objects for an extended period of time. With this size, use a tripod or a window mount because it is quite heavy due to the powerful optics.
Swarovski Warranty
Swarovski is a premium brand that produces high-quality products and stands behind them, including the various components and accessories.
That is why all Swarovski Optik el binoculars come with a ten-year warranty. Simultaneously, all accessories and electronic components come with a two-year warranty.
It’s a reasonable warranty, given that Vortex and Leupold both offer lifetime warranties on their products.
The warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, but not cosmetic damage, theft, or accidental breakage.
Downsides
I’d like to point out here that Swarovski could have offered a much better warranty than a ten-year one at this price. Vortex and Leupold are far superior to Swarovski in this regard. However, this is not a deal-breaker. A decade of support is sufficient to demonstrate the product’s durability.
What’s in the box?
- Binoculars Swarovski EL
- A FieldPro backpack
- A limited lifetime warranty is included (10 years)
- Rainguard for the eye (hinged)
- Covers for two objective lenses
Swarovski’s high-powered binoculars require an additional accessory. A window mount or a tripod should be included in the box.
User reviews for Swarovski EL
Swarovski EL binoculars have a user rating of 5.0 stars, which is quite impressive!
These are high-quality binoculars, as the majority of users have discovered. They admired how these binoculars’ optics performed in a variety of lighting conditions and how limited the images they produced were.
Only a few users have complained about the price, and we agree with the two, particularly in light of the warranty offered.
These binoculars are incredible! I considered the others and chose these. I considered the 8x32EL’s but was able to deal with the added weight due to the fact that I hunt from a tree stand or observe wildlife from a fixed position. You will never be sorry if you purchase them! I truly cannot say enough good things about them!
Pros: Spectacular glass!
Cons: the carry case is revolting!
Adapted from OpticsPlanet
Alternatives TO Swarovski EL
Are Swarovski binoculars a good investment? Disagree for whatever reason? Not to worry! Consider the following viable alternatives.
Victory SF Zeiss
The Zeiss Victory SF binoculars feature extremely powerful optics and a large field of view. Additionally, they perform admirably in low-light conditions. You’ll find a diverse selection of accessories.
Leica Noctivid
The Leica Noctivid binoculars are very similar in terms of features and optics to the Swarovski EL binoculars, and they also have a similar price tag. In low light conditions, the innovative baffle systems enable you to see the bright image with maximum contrast.
Vortex Razor UHD
Vortex Razor UHD also performs admirably in terms of optical performance. While you will experience reduced eye relief, Vortex Razor UHD binoculars come with an unconditional and lifetime warranty.
Swarovski EL Binoculars Conclusion
Nothing, in my opinion, compares to Swarovski optics in terms of optical performance. Even at wide field of view sizes, you’ll get edge-to-edge clarity and sharpness.
They come in a variety of sizes, but due to their weight and size, 8.542 and 1032 are the most popular among bird watchers and nature observers. The 1042 is popular with hunters due to its more powerful optics.
Swarovski EL binoculars are available directly from Swarovski USA, either online or in-store, or through authorised dealers located throughout the country.