From what I've read, mainly from the birdwatchers, is that the SLC HD is just as clear and sharp as the EL, but the EL is prone to "rolling ball" effects when panning across the horizon for example. I don't think the EL swarovision is worth the extra $$ from what I'm told, but some may disagree. I don't think the open bridge designs are as tough as the full hinge designs personally, and can tell you that the previous EL versions were not as tough as the SLC, Trinovid, etc.
