Swarovski EL 8x32 Binocular with Snap Shot Adapter

Once you own top class optics you cannot go back. It is a once-in-a-life-time investment.

I have compared the Swarovski EL 8x32 with it's competitors from Zeiss (Victory) and Leica (Ultravid) for a weekend and decided to buy the Swarovski. In the end all 3 binos performed extremely well. But since this is my first top of the line bino, I was surprised that these binos are not perfect.

I wanted an as small as possible bino, the best money can buy. I did not want a small 8x20 because that size bino has a small exit pupil which makes it very sensitive to eye distance as well as position in front of the eyes. The focus knobs are also quite small. So the smallest bino with a large bino feeling is 8x32.

I found the optical performance between the three binos very very close. Each had very little reflexes due to back light, but from different directions. The Zeiss had the least chromatic abberation (color edges) probably due to it's fluoride lens. But the difference to Leica and Swarovski was very small. The contrast, detail and color fidelity is outstanding in all 3 binos.

The Leica was the smallest and I would have bought this one if the focusing mechanism would not have been a little hard to move; and it was harder in one direction than in the other direction. The weight of all three binos is very close. Leica and Swarovski have Magnesium alloy housing while Zeiss has a glass fibre enforced synthetic which makes it slightly lighter. But the difference is again small.

The Swarovski had the best feeling in the hand, it feels like a natural extension of your fingers. I use it very often one-handed, where it is no problem at all to run through the entire focus range. Also the focus knob works extremely easy. For example one of the competitors needed a higher torque to focus in one direction than into the other, so I found myself constantly trying to find best focus. The Swarovski snap into focus right away from any direction.

I would have considered the Zeiss as 1st choice if it would not have the "cheap" look from its rubber armoring. I also feel more comfortable with a metal alloy than with synthetic; I buy a bino like this to last for the rest of my life.

In the end the performance difference between the three models is very small. I decided in favor of the Swarovski because of the exellent mechanical design which makes feeling and focus a joy.

I acquired a pair last year and have nothing but praise for Swarovski.

Pros: These are top shelf quality. The image is crystal clear from edge to edge. They are the most comfortable binoculars in the hand that I've ever used. In fact, I bird with them one-handed as often as two-handed. They are so light. I can hold them up for extended periods without my arms feeling fatigued. Love the wide field of view. Getting on the bird is so easy. I haven't noticed the image being too dark when birding in morning twilight. Effortless to use. Feels like an extension of my hand and eye. As for close focus, I don't find it at all difficult to find and focus on butterflies and dragonflies. Plus, Swarovski and Eagle stand behind their stuff.

Cons: Top shelf glass costs top shelf prices.

If you're ready to take your birding to the next level and you can afford to make the sacrifice, you won't be disappointed. If you're wondering if they're worth the it, stop wondering. They are.