Does anyone have personal experience in comparing the earlier iterations of Swarovski EL binoculars (Swarobright) with the current Swarovision ELs?
I'm considering a 8.5x42 EL and trying to determine if the current glass is worth the extra $$$ to get into one. Yes, I know every one's eyes are different.
I simply don't have an opportunity to make a first hand comparison of the glass.
Thanks

Depending on what kinda pricing dealo you're looking at I would say yes it's worth it to go with the SV EL's. I have the 8.5x42 EL SV's and have had the SV 10x42's, they are to my eyes the best image I've seen. The old ELs are certainly great binos, but the improvement(s) made with the current version are quite noticeable. As long as the rolling ball of the SV's doesn't bother you, I'd say round up to the best.

This.

I've owned both (although not at the same time), the older version is a nice pair of bino's the SV bino's are awesome.

Yes the SV is worth the upcharge from the EL-I have owned both at the same time in 8.5x42. The current SLC model is a upgrade over the EL also.

I would look for a recent produced SV. I hear they eliminated some of the rolling ball/globe effect that the early models had (8.5x42 was the worst).

I however would recommend and prefer the current SLC model over the SV or any other binocular at the moment.

Gentlemen,
Thanks for your responses. They basically reinforced what I already suspected. I intend to get a look through the current ELs and SLCs.

With Swaros, current production SLC agrees with my eyes the best, although I still prefer Leica Noctivid, albeit by the slimmest of margins.

ILya

If I may offer an extra thought. Take a look at the Kowa Genesis. A truly great optic worth considering at a very sharp price considering the quality. This review, Kowa Genesis 8x33 vs Swarovski 8x32 EL Binoculars was posted on another forum and is worth taking the time to read.

There is quite a jump between the older ELs and new Swarovision. If I still primarily hunted out west, I’d upgrade. For where I use them, I can’t justify them. FYI, the Tract 8x42 were essentially comparable to my EL 8.5 binos. I think you’d have to spend well north of 1k to improve on them.