Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Opinions on Swaro EL...8.5 or 10X?

FOV is important when birding, but not nearly as important for serious glassing when hunting. Also, details as seen through the 42mm-objective models (whether 8.5 or 10) are much better in dim light than with the 8x32mm.

The 8,5x42 is optically the best bino I ever owned in the last 30yrs. Mostly I use the Leica Geovid because we have some long shots but optically or in demanding light condittions its the 8,5.

I did the same from the fine folks at Cameraland ('fire members get an additional discount). My should be drop-shipped from Swarovski today. SLC 10x42

How do you get the additional discount?

In a set of hand held bino's like an 8x32mm, FOV is hugely important. It allows for quicker target acquisition, and faster scanning. I used the 8x32 ELs for a lot of years, I don't feel I gave up enough with the smaller objective to make for all of the advantages (weight, FOV, steadiness). My buddy won't sell them back to me.

I wish they would make a 9x42...


Spent a couple hours yesterday looking for mule deer with 8x42 SLC's. Bought them from Cameraland and don't remember what I paid.


Fricken awesome view.


Speaking of FOV.....


Yesterday morning I was glassing some deer 3/4 mile. Looking up a hill and across a washy prairie creek bottom.

All of a sudden I see antler tips right up close on the bottom of the lenses, like 40-50 yards away!
A young 4x4 buck deer was chasing a doe right up the creek bottom and I had zero idea they were there.

They never noticed me.

I have had the same 10x42 ELs for about 12 years They have been all over the world with me. I have tried some of the newer versions (both Swarovski and Leica) and always go back to my originals.

For our latest African trip, I bought 10x42 SLCs, with Swarovision, for my wife. Her eyes are much better than mine, and she is a much better spotter.

I would not willingly give up either binocular.

donsm70

Personally, I think the 8x42 SLC is the very finest bin Swaro makes. Stunning optically.

Brad, they are basically uber.

Again, does anyone know how to get the additional discount at cameraland? Was going to order since they are on sale now.

That's going to require a call to Doug or Neal.

donsm,

The SLC's have Swarobright but not Swarovision.

Thanks so much.

I have no clue, OP, what your budget or hunting environment is like, but I've owned many different alpha binos, including the SLCHD (fantastic needless to say), but the 10x50SV is stunning.....the best glass I've personally ever owned, seen, tested, etc.

I suffered the same fate early this year when my 8x30 SLC's were lifted. I did not need a 10X because I have Leica, but after hemming and hawing I sprang for the new 8x32 Swarovision.

Used them in Maine last week and they were stunning.

If I had to make this choice i'd get the 10X Swaro.