|
|
|||||||||||
| Review 4 Brand: Swarovski Product: 10 x 25 Author: Fred Mittermayer | |||||||||||
|
Review 3 Which Binoc is Best for me? Author: Andrew Whysall |
|||||||||||
|
Review 2 Brand: Swarovski Product: EL 10x40s Author: Adam Riley |
|||||||||||
|
Review 1 Brand: Swarovski Product: EL range Author: Derek Spencer |
|||||||||||
|
Swarovski EL range Having been an active birder over the past 25 years, one becomes mindful of the improved technology which has now reached binocular manufacture and field performance.
I have owned all the top makes, and have found the present state-of-the-art birding binoculars to be the Swarovski EL roof-prism range. Being of a robust lightweight magnesium construction, dustproof, air & watertight, nitrogen filled to eliminate fogging, split barrel-hinge to permit one-handed focusing, removable twist-in rear lens eyecups for easy cleaning, ergonomic design, and perfectly balanced, all coupled to both a bright & extremely sharp image with smooth and precise focusing and excellent close-up ability, you have the ultimate birding binoculars.
Although I use the 8.5 x 42 and 10 x 42 EL models, my personal preference is for the 8.5 x 42. The lower magnification when compared to the 10 x 42, is negligible (more so if one has a telescope in one’s arsenal) but has the added benefit of larger rear lens(ocular) elements(more suited to spectacle wearers), wider angle of view, ideal for birds in flight such as swifts, swallows, martins, and raptors. The 8 x 42’s also have greater depth of field and an overall brighter, sharper, and steadier image.
Although both these binocular models are comparatively lightweight, Swarovski have two lighter and more compact 8 x 32 and 10 x 32 models in the EL range which are more suitable for lady birders, hikers, and backpackers.
The Swarovski EL range of binoculars are top quality class leaders which come with a 30 year manufacturer’s warranty, linked to an impressive after sales service/back-up by the South African importers, Whysalls.
Accordingly, I recommend these superb products without any hesitation. Derek Spencer - Bird Life Port Natal |
|||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
|
I am very fortunate to spend at least 9 months of each year actively birding throughout the world. Whether birding in my backyard or through the wilds of remote Asia, I would not consider venturing from home without my Swarovski EL 10x40s around my neck. Again and again they have proven to be the toughest and most durable optics on the market able to withstand even the most exhausting weather conditions from dry sandy deserts to misty snow-covered mountaintops. With my job, I have the ability to frequently compare binoculars, and I have been consistently impressed with my Swarovski EL 10x40’s superior light collection, a crisp magnified image within an excellent field of view, and unmatched portability given the sleek model design and remarkably light weight. Minor quibbles are the eye-cups which have to be replaced on occasion but Whysall’s have been excellent in sorting this problem out each time it arises. I continue to be impressed with my binoculars performance and I would enthusiastically recommend the Swarovski EL 10x40s to any birder or nature enthusiast!
Adam Riley Managing Director Rockjumper
Birding Tours |
|||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
|
GEOMA PRO SPOTTING SCOPES
The Geoma Spotting scope combines the highest quality lenses in a class leading designed body.
WHICH
IS THE BEST BINOCULAR FOR ME ? Factors in choosing the correct binocular: Magnification: Objective
Lenses: The objective lens is the front lens of a binocular and
their diameter is specified in millimeters. In the 8x42 binocular, the
42 refers to the diameter of the objective lens. The larger the objective
lens, the more light will be let into the binocular and the image will
be brighter. Field Of View: The field of view is the angle in degrees that you can see from the extreme right to the extreme left of the binocular. It is also measured as the distance from left to right at a certain distance, being usually 1000 meters. It is generally accepted that the lower the magnification, the wider the field of view. Lens Coatings: Many binocular manufactures will coat their lenses with coatings which will reduce light loss. As light enters through a lens up to 10% of its original brightness will be lost due to diffraction on an uncoated lens. The lenses are coated with a very fine film which reduces the light loss and increases the contrast of the image. Designs: There are two common designs of binoculars, the one being a Porro Prism binocular and the other, the Roof Prism binocular. In the porro prism binocular, the prisms are positioned sideways, resulting in a bulky traditional binocular. However in the roof prism construction, the prisms are positioned together, resulting in a smaller more robust binocular. Due to their portability, roof prism binoculars are now becoming more and more popular. A
binocular is a product that will last a very long time if well looked
after and will bring many hours of enjoyment. It would be advisable
to invest in a good binocular at first as a cheap purchase can end up
being your most expensive purchase. Binoculars range in price from about
R 99.00 up to R20000.00. This is a huge difference and there is a vast
difference in the performance, durability and handling of the two products.
The optics in the cheap binocular will seem fuzzy and strain your eyes
resulting in fatigue, however the optics in the more expensive binoculars
will sometimes appear clearer than your own eyes. This is the case in
the Swarovski/Leica binoculars which have become sought after by bird
watchers the world over. These manufactures use expensive, high quality
lens coatings on their products which ensure total clarity, sharpness
and true colors. Their binoculars are so well made that they give their
products a 30 year guarantee. Which ever binocular you choose, we hope that you get many hours of viewing pleasure.
My decision to purchase the Swarovski 10 x 25 binoculars came about after using various different sizes of binoculars in some of the harshest conditions that one could subject binoculars to. Walking long distances, getting in and out of vehicles, canoeing and generally on the move all day, they seemed to be the only practical pair of binoculars. As a field guide trainer my binoculars are an essential tool that seldom leave my side. The heat, rain, dirt and dust are the daily challenges I subject my binoculars too. The ability of the Swaro 10 x 25 to slip into the top pocket honestly makes you feel like they are not even there ... until you need them. I was recently sent by the company I work for, to help with training our guides in the north eastern sector of the Serengeti National park. From the time I got on the plane, till the day I returned a month later those small and compact 10 x 25 stayed right by my side. In a place like the Serengeti you can’t not have an excellent pair of binoculars .... The only criticism that I would have is the fact that they don’t have lens caps to keep the dust out. I find though that by keeping them in your top pocket most of the dust is avoided. Fred
Mittermayer
|
|||||||||||
Binocs.co.za is a central hub of interest for Binocular and Scope enthusiasts. Binocs.co.za cannot be responsible for the accuracy of the prices, stocks, quality, pictures, colors, contact details, product details, guarantees or any claims made on the respective pages. Binocs.co.za is for general information only, and an attempt will be made to ensure updated information is accurate, however it is advisable to contact the recommended dealers who will explain anything that needs clarification. Changes to any information, details or pictures may be done on Binocs.co.za without any notice whatsoever. E&OE.
