You put your hands on a set of the NL Pures yet? I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a set of swaros in the next couple of months and had no idea about the pures. Seems the wide field of view and ergonomics are better, but I'd like to hear what you think - especially with the higher cost vs other models.

Trying to decide which 10x42 to get. Any thoughts on them vs EL?

Primary use - deer hunting (100-300 yards), spotting aoudad (300-600 yards), and occasional elk/western hunt.

ttha_aggie_09 said:

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You put your hands on a set of the NL Pures yet? I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a set of swaros in the next couple of months and had no idea about the pures. Seems the wide field of view and ergonomics are better, but I'd like to hear what you think - especially with the higher cost vs other models.

Trying to decide which 10x42 to get. Any thoughts on them vs EL?

Primary use - deer hunting (100-300 yards), spotting aoudad (300-600 yards), and occasional elk/western hunt.

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Hello -

I have tried the 8x42 NL, and I added the 12x NL to the stable last summer. I don't have any other 12x to compare mine with, but I can compare it to my 42mm EL. The biggest differences between the bodies is the barrel grip size, and that the NL's focus wheel spins a bit more smoothly and is placed a tiny bit more ergonomically for me. I find that while I do not mind the NL's smaller grip circumference, I actually prefer the size of the EL. The supposedly more ergonomic NL turns out to be slightly less ergonomic for me.

As for a direct comparison between 8x42 NL and 8.5x42 EL -- I was impressed by the NL, but not nearly enough to consider buying one to replace my EL. I don't think the NL's ergos are any better for my hand, and I was not able to distinguish any improvement in resolution. And while the NL has more FOV and the 8.5 EL has more magnification, I don't think one really improves over the other.

In your situation, I wouldn't get either 42mm bino. You might consider the 10x50 EL instead. The 50mm has more FOV than the 10x42 EL (usually the other way around), and much more objective lens too. And the weight penalty is only about 5.5 ounces or thereabouts. Put it on a good harness, and you won't notice the extra weight. Compared to the 10x42 NL, the 50mm EL will have much more front glass and a bit more eye relief, with a weight and FOV penalty that is not bad at all. IMO the 10x50 EL is one of the all-time great binoculars.

C

I had both EL and NL (that is, until some jackass broke into my house and stole them, among other things back in July). When I got the insurance money I chose to buy the ELs as the replacement. My experience with the NLs was that it was difficult to get the eye relief set properly so that the full field of view appeared. If I moved the bino even minutely I would see a crescent effect in the eyepiece. FWIW, I've had similar issues with a nice pair of Leicas that I had as well, so that issue maybe unique to me. However, never had that problem with the ELs.

I have the 10x42 and they are great. I replaced my El 8.5x42 and 12x50 with them.

Greatly appreciate the feedback!

Follow up question:

Euro optic has a 10x42 EL Range for less than the 10x50 (slightly). I've never had range finding binos but can see the appeal and it eliminates one more thing I have on my chest/pack. Any thoughts on these? I don't see myself really needing the tracking assistant but feel free to tell me I'm wrong.

Thanks! Sorry yours got stolen… thieves suck

I bought myself the 10x42mm Pure for Christmas and returned them. I'm not so eye sensitive or sophisticated that I could tell the difference between them and a few pair of binos I already had. After holding them, stacking them on top of my others and looking through both, and turning all the dials, I couldn't justify the cost. Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD's got the nod the rest of the season.

Good to know! Aside from the cost, I am just concerned that the difference isn't quite worth it.

I should probably add that my eyesight, thus far (knocks on wood), is really good. Like spot stuff way before anyone else does… not meant as a brag but maybe to qualify whether or not the extra sharpness is needed on something like the pures?

ttha_aggie_09 said:

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Greatly appreciate the feedback!

Follow up question:

Euro optic has a 10x42 EL Range for less than the 10x50 (slightly). I've never had range finding binos but can see the appeal and it eliminates one more thing I have on my chest/pack. Any thoughts on these? I don't see myself really needing the tracking assistant but feel free to tell me I'm wrong.

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Sorry, but I am the wrong person to ask about RF binos. I just never had the need for one, especially since I have a Nikon RF that seems to work quite well. I have read where some people claim that the RF binos are not as optically proficient as the non-RF versions due to the need to change lens coatings to allow for the LASER to get through, but I am skeptical. It might be something for you to research further.

C

I haven't looked at the EL Range. But will buy the Leica geovid range finder binos soon. Their range finders are awesome. I have a pair of Ultravids and liked them better than the Swaros. That was in 2010 so whatever model that was. Sacrilegious I know, but different strokes.