Is there a 1st hand experience out there about this 2 binox optical performance?
Zeiss 7x42 or Swarosi 8.5x42?
Started by Eddh, 04/08/2003 05:12PM
Posted 04/08/2003 05:12PM
Opening Post
Posted 04/09/2003 03:37AM
#1
Eddie,
Almost everyone will tell you that these are both superb binoculars. If you are primarily going to use it for birding and terrestrial applications then the Zeiss 7 x 42s
have an advantage in true field size, quicker refocusing, and may be a little easier to hold steady at 7x than 8.5x.
However, the Swarovski's are so well designed that they're still very easy to hold fairly steady at 8.5x. And, many birders prefer the larger 8.5x image scale. I have the 8.5 x 42 ELs and I choose them for four reasons: (1) They're fully waterproof and I need that for trips that I take into the mountains. Also, they're smaller and are easier to pack than the 7 x 42s. (2) They're very comfortable to hold. (3) I prefer the larger image size. (4) I also wanted to use them for astronomy in addition to terrestrial applications. And for that, the 8.5x power and smaller exit pupil of the ELs is a real advantage. The ELs work so well for astronomy that I ended up selling my 39 ounce 8 x 50's. I did a post on the Swarovski forum on the ELs and why they such a good all around design.
Almost everyone will tell you that these are both superb binoculars. If you are primarily going to use it for birding and terrestrial applications then the Zeiss 7 x 42s
have an advantage in true field size, quicker refocusing, and may be a little easier to hold steady at 7x than 8.5x.
However, the Swarovski's are so well designed that they're still very easy to hold fairly steady at 8.5x. And, many birders prefer the larger 8.5x image scale. I have the 8.5 x 42 ELs and I choose them for four reasons: (1) They're fully waterproof and I need that for trips that I take into the mountains. Also, they're smaller and are easier to pack than the 7 x 42s. (2) They're very comfortable to hold. (3) I prefer the larger image size. (4) I also wanted to use them for astronomy in addition to terrestrial applications. And for that, the 8.5x power and smaller exit pupil of the ELs is a real advantage. The ELs work so well for astronomy that I ended up selling my 39 ounce 8 x 50's. I did a post on the Swarovski forum on the ELs and why they such a good all around design.
Posted 04/09/2003 09:51PM
#2
The optics in both are top notch, but there are other considerations when buying binoculars. I spent about three years looking for the "perfect" binocular for me. Early on, I saw a pair of Swarovski 7x42 SLCs and really liked them. At the time, I had not seen too many other high end binox. The Swarovski 8.5x42s sounded nice, but after seeing a pair I decided I didn't want to spend quite that much, really wanted 7x, and I liked the focussing on the SLCs better. Quite a few folks I talked to really loved the Zeiss 7x42s.
I finally arranged to have a dealer bring a pair of the Zeiss 7x42s to an astronomy trade show. I expected to be impressed, but they were definitely not for me. They did not fit well in my hand, focussing was very stiff (could have been individual variation), and I really disliked the stiff rubber eyecups. I also liked the view through the 7x42 SLCs better (he brought these too, and I bought them). One of my optical savvy friends also preferred the SLCs.
If you are interested in the ELs and the Zeiss, you really should try them in person before buying. All the advice in the world will not tell you how well they will work for you.
I finally arranged to have a dealer bring a pair of the Zeiss 7x42s to an astronomy trade show. I expected to be impressed, but they were definitely not for me. They did not fit well in my hand, focussing was very stiff (could have been individual variation), and I really disliked the stiff rubber eyecups. I also liked the view through the 7x42 SLCs better (he brought these too, and I bought them). One of my optical savvy friends also preferred the SLCs.
If you are interested in the ELs and the Zeiss, you really should try them in person before buying. All the advice in the world will not tell you how well they will work for you.
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