Swarovski Optik has over a century of experience and an impeccable reputation for producing the finest binoculars and optical instruments in the world such as the Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision. Founded in Austria in 1949, Swarovski has pioneered the development of advanced optical technologies that set the standard for high-end optics. The company takes a Swiss watchmaker’s approach to quality and precision, developing components and manufacturing processes in-house to ensure the highest quality optical instruments.
The Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision Binoculars represent the company’s optical engineering and design pinnacle. Part of Swarovski’s premium SwaroVision line, these binoculars leverage an array of innovative technologies to deliver world-class optical performance and remarkable usability. Key highlights include the cutting-edge Field Flattener lens system, which provides a perfectly flat visual field full of rich contrast and color fidelity. The lightweight magnesium chassis combines durability with comfort during extended glassing sessions. And Swarovski’s proprietary SWAROCLEAN lens coating repels water, grease, and dirt to keep images razor-sharp in all conditions. With their elite optics and refined ergonomic design, the 10×50 EL SwaroVision binoculars embody Swarovski’s obsessive commitment to optical excellence.
Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision Specs and Features
- 10X magnification, Field Flattener binoculars
- 50 mm objective lens diameter – For twilight or night use
- Roof prism optical path – Convenient, compact design
- Fluoride-containing HD lenses – Minimized color fringing
- Swarovision lens coating – Superb color fidelity and contrast
Design and Build Quality
The Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision binoculars feature an elegant, contemporary design built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The angular, solid metal housing is covered in Swarovski’s signature green armor, offering a secure, non-slip grip even in wet conditions. Weighing in at just 31 oz, they have near-perfect balance that makes them comfortable to hold steady during long observing sessions.
The chassis is made from magnesium, providing strength and durability without excessive weight. The rubber armor has a pebbled texture for enhanced grip. It also protects the body from bumps, scrapes, and minor impacts. The eyecups are wrapped in soft leather for comfort against the face. Despite using metal and rubber, the binoculars maintain a sleek, streamlined profile that is easy to pack.
Every part of the 10×50 EL is tightly assembled and precisely engineered. There is no looseness or wiggle in the moving parts. The focus knob rotates smoothly without catches. The eyecups slide up and down with the perfect amount of resistance. This kind of refinement inspires confidence in the optical and mechanical quality. Just holding and using the Swarovski 10×50 EL gives the impression of an extremely well-made and durable product.
Optical Performance
The SwaroVision binoculars live up to Swarovski’s reputation for incredible optical performance. They utilize fluoride-containing HD glass elements with Swarovision lens coatings to produce stunning visuals with high resolution and contrast. The Schmidt-Pechan prism system maximizes light transmission for bright, clear images across the entire field of view.
Image clarity is superb, with impressive edge-to-edge sharpness that reveals intricate details on distant subjects. Colors appear vivid and true-to-life thanks to the precise color fidelity achieved through the optimized lens coating design. Even in low light conditions, such as dusk or dawn, the SwaroVision binoculars excel with their light gathering power and maintain excellent clarity.
The generous 10x magnification provides satisfying views while the 50mm objective lenses result in an exceptionally wide field of view, letting you easily track moving subjects or scan expansive landscapes. The impressive 368 feet field of view at 1000 yards enables effortlessly immersive wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Overall, the optical prowess of these binoculars is unmatched in their price range.
Usability and Features
The Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision binoculars are designed for usability and versatility across diverse observing conditions. The central focusing knob allows for easy, precise adjustments, while the locking diopter rings let you set the optics for your particular eyesight and maintain that setting. The binoculars are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed for waterproofing down to 4 meters, preventing internal fogging even in wet weather. The exterior lenses have Swarovision proprietary hydrophobic coatings for enhanced moisture shedding.
For astronomy and low-light uses, the 10×50 model offers a good balance of magnification power, light gathering ability, and field of view. The smooth focus wheel allows you to zero in on stars and deep sky objects with ease. For wildlife observation and safaris, the 10x magnification brings animals in close while retaining a wide field of view to track movement. The binoculars are lightweight at just 27.6 oz, making them comfortable for long treks and extended handheld viewing sessions. The solid single hinge bridge design provides a steady viewing platform. Accessories like a carrying case, neck strap, lens caps and an objective lens shade come standard.
With their lockable diopter settings, water and fog proofing, smooth focus, and optical accessories, the Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision binoculars deliver an excellent user experience for birding, hunting, sports, and outdoor adventures. The ergonomic design and versatile performance make them easy and enjoyable to use by a wide range of users.
Comparison to Competitors
The Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision Binoculars compete directly with other high-end binocular models like the Zeiss Victory SF 10×42 and the Leica Noctivid. In terms of design, the Swarovski stands out for its use of magnesium alloy housing paired with rubber armor coating. This provides a lightweight yet durable body that is comfortable to hold. The Zeiss uses high-density plastic while the Leica uses an aluminum housing, both of which are strong yet weigh slightly more than the Swarovski’s magnesium alloy.
Optically, all three are excellent performers with fully multi-coated lenses and high light transmission. The Swarovski edges out the competition with stunning edge-to-edge sharpness and color neutrality. Testing shows it has a wider field of view compared to the Zeiss at 368ft versus 330ft at 1000 yards. The Leica also has a smaller field of view at 342ft.
When it comes to pricing, the Swarovski sits in the middle with the Zeiss starting around $2600 and Leica around $3100, while the Swarovski retails for approximately $2750-$3,300. Given its optical excellence, comfort, and strong reputation, the Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision represents a smart buy amongst its high-end peers.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
The Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision binoculars have received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers across various online platforms. On major retail sites like Amazon and OpticsPlanet, these binoculars have earned average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars, with over 90% of reviewers awarding 5 stars.
On binocular and optics forums like Binoculars.com, CloudyNights.com, and the subreddit r/Binoculars, the consensus is that the Swarovski SwaroVision line represents the pinnacle of optical performance. Users consistently rave about the “stunning clarity”, “amazing light transmission”, and “superb color accuracy” that makes observing through these binoculars feel like “looking through a window.” The generous 10x magnification paired with a steady 50mm objective lens offers a “breathtakingly immersive” viewing experience.
Many reviewers call the SwaroVision binoculars the “Rolls Royce of optics” and say the image quality far surpasses competitors from other premium brands like Leica and Zeiss. The ruggedness and waterproof construction also earn consistent praise for reliability in the field. Owners report using these binoculars for years without any decrease in performance.
The most common criticism focuses on the lofty price tag, which can run 2-3 times higher than mid-tier binocular models. However, most reviewers agree the optics and lifetime warranty justify the investment for serious birding, safari, and astronomical viewing. Some reviewers have noted the binoculars feel heavy after prolonged handheld use, and recommend a harness for comfortable all-day glassing. Overall though, owners say the Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVisions deliver superlative performance worthy of their reputation as the finest binoculars money can buy.
Likes:
- Crisp, bright images even in low light conditions due to state of the art ED glass lenses and phase corrected prisms
- Exceptional close focus range allows viewing subjects as close as 1.2 m
- Open bridge design provides secure grip
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled housing protects binoculars in harsh weather
- Wide apparent field of view creates immersive viewing experience
- Lifetime warranty provides peace of mind
Dislikes:
- Expensive compared to other binoculars in its class
- Large objective lenses make it heavier than competitors
- Not ideal for people with small hands due to large focus wheel
- Tripod adapter not included
Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision Review – Conclusion
The Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision binoculars represent the pinnacle of optics engineering and deliver uncompromising performance to meet the needs of the most discerning users. Swarovski’s innovative optical design, precise manufacturing standards, and durable, ergonomic build come together to create binoculars that are in a class of their own.
While the SwaroVision commands a premium price, it consistently earns outstanding reviews and high praise from birders, safari-goers, and other experienced binocular users. The impressive light transmission, color accuracy, sharpness, and intuitive handling allow users to enjoy hours of comfortable viewing and achieve improved observational abilities.
For those seeking the absolute best in optical performance for nature watching, hunting, stargazing, and outdoor adventures, the Swarovski 10×50 EL SwaroVision binoculars are highly recommended. Their combination of technical brilliance and functional elegance make them an investment that will provide lasting satisfaction. While less expensive options exist, none match the SwaroVision’s standards and deliver such a refined viewing experience. For the discerning optics aficionado, these binoculars represent the peak of optical engineering.
- 92% Light Transmission – The Ultra-FL Concept is containing several SCHOTT fluoride glasses for absolute color fidelity, brightness, clarity and the finest resolution of details, even in the harshest conditions and most challenging environment.
- Extremely wide field of view – The wide field of view of the ZEISS Victory SF binoculars increases the observable area of interest by up to 20% in comparison with other binoculars.
- True-to-life image quality – The ZEISS Victory SF family was developed to master the most demanding situations encountered in birdwatching. The optical performance was maximised with a UFL Concept.
- SmartFocus Concept – The outstanding SmartFocus concept allows you to respond as quickly and intuitively thanks to the improved focusing speed. The focusing wheel is positioned in the triple-link bridge to allow for a comfortable, natural hand position.
- A clear view, whatever the weather – LotuTec coating for the lenses of binoculars and spotting scopes that enables a clear and unhindered view in all weather conditions.
- 90% LIGHT TRANSMISSION: Higher definition glass produces 90% to-the-eye light transmission, great low-light performance and excellent target resolution across the entire magnification range.
- ZEISS T* COATING: Guaranteed brilliant, high-contrast images, particularly in adverse light conditions and twilight. The coating is tuned to each lens individually for maximum clarity.
- A CLEAR VIEW IN ANY WEATHER: There are always exciting things to be seen in the world of nature, even in wet weather. ZEISS developed LotuTec as a coating for binoculars and scopes that enables a clear and unhindered view in all weather conditions.
- COMPACT & ROBUST: Compact size, low weight and robust body construction guarantee readiness for use in all conditions. Ergonomics plays a major role too – compact size and lightweight, modern design, truly comes into its own.
- OPTIMIZED OPERATING ELEMENTS: The comfortable focusing system with a large focusing wheel ensures easy handling, optimum grip and precise focusing – even with gloves. The slightly slanted eyecups are carefully and ergonomically aligned for extra comfort.
- ZEISS 10×42 Victory Rangefinder: The Rangefinder System is a laser rangefinder with an integrated real-time ballistics computer. The consideration of all relevant factors and customisation with the aid of the ZEISS Hunting App ensures precisely placed shots at any distance. The RF 10 × 42 for daylight hunting
- Measuring Within Seconds: The rangefinder determines the precise target distance up to a maximum range of 2,300 metres
- Bluetooth Synchronisation with ZEISS Hunting App: The capabilities of the rangefinder system are perfected by the ability to synchronise it with the ZEISS Hunting App via Bluetooth. Every measurement takes the physical and environmental factors, such as temperature and air pressure, into account when making the calculation
- Transfer of Personal Ballsitic Data: Storage capability for up to nine personalised ballistic profiles, that can be set up within the ZEISS Hunting App. Thanks to the Bluetooth function it is possible to import personal ballistic data from the ZEISS Hunting App to the Victory RF
- Calculate Precise Setting for BDC (ASV): The various measuring functions of the rangefinder take a multitude of relevant data into account and use them to calculate the precise setting for the BDC (ASV)
- Rangefinder: The SWAROVSKI OPTIK 10×42 EL Laser Rangefinder has an integrated tilt indicator with a unique angle shot program displays either the adjusted viewing distance or the angle. It gives precise measurements from a distance of 10 meters
- Personalized Ballistics: Use the smartphone app to configure the binoculars to your specific needs and individual ballistics data. Based on this and atmospheric data, it helps you to capture with even greater precision
- Tracking Assistant: The integrated Tracking Assistant makes it much easier to track your prey by guiding you to where you fired your last shot
- Always Precise: The EL Range can be configured to suit your specific needs and you can transfer your own ballistics data, allowing you to make an accurate assessment of every hunting situation
- Rangefinder: The binoculars combine state-of-the-art optics with precise measuring functions. The integrated tilt indicator with a unique angle shot program displays either the adjusted capturing distance or the angle
- 15X magnification, HD optical system binoculars
- 56 objective lens diameter – Optimized for night use
- Roof prism optical path – Convenient, compact design
- Fluoride containing lenses – Minimized color fringing
- Swaroclean lens coating – Non-stick outer surface layer