Swarovski EL 10X42 Review [SwaroVision Binocular w/ FieldPro]

Swarovski EL 10x42 Binoculars — Image Credit - Swarovski

Magnification: 10X
Power Variability: Fixed
Objective Diameter: 42 mm
Close Focus Distance: 4.9 feet
Dimensions: 6.3 x 5.2 x 2.4 inches
Weight: 29.6 ounces
Field of View: 336 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 20 mm/ 4.2 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: Swarovski Glass
Prism System: Schmidt-Pechan
Focus System: Center
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Eye cups: Twist up
Tripod adaptable: Yes
Rangefinder: No

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation, Sight Seeing

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Swarovski EL 10x42 Binoculars

This Swarovski EL 42 10X42 W B has innovative and image enhancing SwaroVision, SwaroClean, and SwaroBright technologies.

It's fully waterproof and fog-proof, has a twilight factor of 20.5, a short focus distance of 4.9 feet all with the FieldPro package upgrades with the swanky green finish.

As a new Swarovski binocular to 2016, there's still yet to be some buzzing activity about it online. But, the older version, the EL Swarovision 10X42, it replaced had a great rating with a decent number of reviewers casting their vote.

The 10X42 is the most popular platform for a binocular, and the ratings of the older version proves this point.

I know you're chomping at the bit to see what the new El Swarovision 10X42 has to offer. With all the Swaro-"this" and Swaro-"that", I can assure you that there's a lot of Swaro to go around in our Q&A.

Pros:

Excellent quality glass
Excellent coating quality
Extended eye relief
Submersible
Tripod adaptable

Cons:

Price

EL 10X42 Binocular Q&A:

What is SwaroVision?

Answering this question first might satiate you for just a minute. This lens technology is Swarovski's pride and joy when it comes to providing the hunter with the most crystal clear and perfect image.

When it comes to image brightness, this EL Swaro is definitely in the top competing brackets. When it comes to image sharpness, this EL Swaro hits it home.

SwaroVision is what gives the lenses their oomph and edge. It's the name for Swaro's Field Flattener lenses contain fluoride for HD image quality and to minimize chromatic aberrations.

The result is nothing but pure color fidelity and resolution. Another benefit of the fluoride-containing Field Flattener lenses is the incredibly flat images but detailed-rich depth of field.

The improved peripheral definition gives you side-to-side vision like never before.

With a wide field of view of 336 feet you're going to be able to see everything... from the flies buzzing on the backs of the far-away hog to the cougar who thinks he's got the surprise-factor in his court at a 6.4 degree field of view angle.

Now you know what SwaroVision is, you are probably wondering about SwaroClean and SwaroBright. Check out the Q&A's here and here to get the information you need about those.

What temperature range can this binocular function in?

If you're heading out to the Arctic or the hot sands of the Africana, you're definitely going to be asking this question.

But, rest assured knowing your big-ticket purchase will hold up to almost all of your extreme hunting destinations.

It can withstand temperatures as cold and freezing as -13 degrees Fahrenheit to as hot as 131 degrees Fahrenheit.

I think more of the concern lies not in your binoculars weatherproof-ability, but more in that lion that wants to eat you or the fact that you left your snow gloves at base camp in ice-cold weather. Temperature proof? Check.

Got the right hunting gear and rifle? Check again.

Where is the diopter adjustment on the Swaro EL 42?

Just by looking at the binocular, I wouldn't blame you if you couldn't place it.

If you're not familiar with high-end binoculars, here's a tip: sometimes the diopter is discreetly concealed by the center focus wheel or knob. In this case, this is true.

It's also true that that this setup provides an eye-pleasing appearance.

Its even, streamlined, and very sleek in design. Do I daresay, sexy?

To use the diopter, just simply pull out the center focus knob to reveal the -/+ scale and rotate to focus the right lens while keeping an eye on a distant target. Once you're done, push it back in. On this Swaro EL - easy.

If you're wondering if it has the ever-annoying problem of rotating a little bit when you go to push it back in, you won't have that with this Swaro. Promise.

How do I know? There's a fancy lock mechanism that keeps it from being accidentally knocked out of focus.

What is the FieldPro package?

The FieldPro package is the name for the new upgrades that the EL Swarovision 10X42 binocular earned in the make-over process. Optically, the 10X42 without the FieldPro and the 10X42 with the FieldPro are identical.

The differences actually come in the external upgrades.

The first, but maybe not so obvious, difference is the neck strap and connecting design. There are connectors that are located on either side of the barrels that sort of click and snap off.

The new neck strap is easier to use than ever while keeping the eyepiece lens caps nearby for quick covering when not in use.

Another difference is the upgraded objective lens caps. While it still retains the flip up style that's so popular, these caps can be detached for complete removal if you so desire.

At the base of the objective bell is a small slit of what looks like metal bars. This is where the objective lens caps reconnect. Again - easy.

How much does the EL 10x42 FieldPro binocular cost?

This is the question you've been waiting for. This EL 10X42 with the Field Pro package will cost you a pretty penny... 260,000 pretty pennies. Okay, that's $2600. The pennies sounded swankier.

Although this is a very expensive binocular, in fact, so expensive you may never actually own one in your lifetime, it's worth it.

If you're in doubt, you've probably never looked through a Swaro optic before, have you? Yes, my eyes are narrowed at both you skeptics and critics out there.

But, for a binocular that's more expensive than a round-trip ticket to God's Country, the land of the Lord of the Rings, the place where every true hobbit at heart wants to live, and that's probably on your "dream vacation" list to visit, the exotic New Zealand, the ratings of the EL 10X42 are pretty impressive.

So, do you want to spend roughly $2600 on a binocular or on a trip to the City of Sails? Hmm...

Noteworthy Features:

Integrated diopter and center focus knob with locking mechanism
Detachable flip up objective lens caps for easy use and reconnection
Rotating strap connector on binocular with a quick catch button on new and improved neck strap
Schmidt-Pechan prism system made with HD image quality
Temperature-controlled between -13 °F to +131 °F
Incredibly close focus distance of 4.9 feet
Lenses are made and coated with SwaroVision, SwaroBright, and SwaroClean
Fully waterproof and fog-proof and can survive submersion up to 13 feet
Durable full-body wrap-around rubber armor housing for ultimate protection and to support a natural and ergonomic grip
Backed by Swarovski's Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Verdict On The EL 10x42 Swarovision Binoculars

To glass it up, the El 42 10X42 binoculars are a masterpiece. We don't say this lightly either. The 10X42 binoculars are a real piece of work, and no target will ever get past you with these set of eyes. That is why we gave them a spot on our list of the best high end binoculars.

However, you could be forfeiting a trip to exotic New Zealand for the cash you'll be laying down on this Swaro. But, who says you can only have one? Have the best of both worlds and take your new Swaro to the Land of the Long White Cloud - voila, dilemma solved!

If you happen to be shopping for a new laser rangefinder, put that cheap list you have on the shelf. Instead, glass by the Swarovski EL Range 10X42 to get both rangefinder and binocular features in one. Don't ask for the price until you've checked it out - trust me on this.

But, if these budgets are only for the "one day" kinda wish list, then take a look at what Zeiss has to offer. They have the Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42 and the Terra ED 10x42 that are priced far below what Swaro is asking for the El 42. But, in the end, it's still not a Swaro is it?

As you can tell, we love our Swarovski optics. Not because of the hype or even the brand name, it's because their products truly are impressive on their own. They deliver, exceed our expectations, and their quality is truly unmatched. We know you'll love Swaro just as much as we do - if you can ever afford to land your hands on one!

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