Many people describe the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 binoculars as the perfect birdwatching binocular and with optics of the highest quality, an wide field of view, an exit pupil of almost 5mm and a whole host of other features, it would be hard to argue against them.

I have owned Leica and older EL'S these are the Best Hands Down!!!!!! If you can Afford them? Buy them!!!!! You will not find better ones...I know I have tried!!!!! I recommend the 8.5 power over the 10 power. But I live in the Eastern US and I have used them in Africa.

Clarity; Erognomics

Price

I've been a birder for nearly 40 years and over the years I've owned plenty of different binoculars. The Swarovision binocular range is, without a doubt, the best range of binoculars I've ever used. All the Swarovision models are superb in every respect.

In 2009 the most expensive series of Swarovski binoculars, marked by the EL symbol, was present on the market for ten years. It consisted of four roof prism models with the following parameters: 8×32, 10×32, 8.5×42 and 10×42.

solid; high quality casing which is also very stylish at the same time; good transmission; excellent astigmatism correction; negligible distortion; very low coma; sharp images practically to the very edge of the field; negligible brightness loss on the edge of the field of view; very good colours...

a bit too light area near the exit pupil

Overview The Swarovski 8.5x42 EL Swarovision binocular is a fully waterproof roof prism binocular, with a magnesium alloy frame, and rubber armouring. It comes with a strap, objective and eyepiece covers and case.

Superb optics; superb build quality

Price; a trace of chromatic aberration; unusual distortion; badly placed strap lugs

Very easy to adjust for different sized faces. Very easy to set diopter, to adjust for different eye sight

Not Heavy With Harness; Quality Lenses; Strong Construction; Waterproof

I am new to the birding community and originally purchased Nikon Monarch 5's which I was quite pleased with. When my husband started joining me, I quickly realized that sharing a pair of binoculars might end a 25 year marriage.

The Swarovski binoculars are one of the best if not the best on the market. They are expensive but the warranty and service is excellent. I certainly would buy again.

A clear difference. The Swarovski EL Swarovision binoculars earn rave reviews for their optics, which provide a clear and vivid bird-watching experience. One owner at SurfBirds.com says, "In comparison with other 8x or 8.5 models, I would say that any real improvement in resolution was minimal, but...

High-quality optics; Good contrast in low light; Lightweight

Focus knob not sensitive enough

These binoculars are top notch. Crystal clear viewing with full field of vision to the edges. It also gets such great clarity in low light viewing. Used these on a camping trip and they were terrific. A bit expensive, but worth every penny and will last you a lifetime.

Quality Lenses; Strong Construction; Waterproof