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Swarovski EL 10x32mm BinocularReview by Diane Porter My personal binocular
The new one has some nice new features, such as an improved way of attaching the strap and new, integrated objective lens covers. However, the optics have not been changed. It's hard to improve on Swarovski optics. Why do I like 32mm? While 42mm is often considered the standard size for birders, my 10x32 EL weighs only 20 ounces, half a pound less than the 42mm versions. And it's only 5.3 inches long, which is a whole inch shorter than the 42mms. It does not cost me a thing in brightness. This binocular with 32mm objectives is magnificently bright. A binocular's brightness depends on how much of the light that enters through the objective lenses gets through to your eyes. And that depends on the quality of the glass, the anti-reflective coatings, and the bin's ability to trap or baffle any internal reflected light. The Swarovision design, with its high quality ED glass, transmits an incredible amount of light. In normal daylight you can't tell any difference at all in brightness between the 32mm and the larger, 42mm binocular. Maybe some people, especially much younger people, will find the 42mm brighter in very dim light when their eyes are completely darkness adjusted. To a person of more, ahem, mature years, any such difference is nil. Why do I go for 10 power? It's a personal matter. I like the extra measure of magnification in a 10-power bin. My hands are steady, and I'm very used to aiming a binocular and landing right on the bird. Call me power hungry — but personally, I prefer 10 power. Wider field of view Here's another bonus. The 10x32 EL actually has a wider field of view than the 10x42. Many people are surprised to learn that.
The extra 24 feet at 1000 yards adds to the immersive experience. And a wider field of view always makes it easier to spot the bird. They're sharp
I did a resolution test with a doubler behind the eyepiece, comparing the 10x32 Swarovision EL and the 10x42 Swarovision EL. I could not see any difference in the sharpness. Optics this good are sharper than your eye can see. What a relief to the eyes When I got my 10x32 ELs, I'd been carrying a larger, heavier, 10x42 binocular for years. Why? Because I wore glasses, and the only way I could get enough eye relief to work with my eyeglasses was with a 42mm binocular. The 32mm binoculars just didn't work with glasses. But the 10x32 Swarovision EL changed that for me forever. This binocular has 20mm of eye relief. You can see the whole picture, whether you wear glasses or not. Compact and neat When traveling, you may not always want valuable optics dangling from your neck, so if you want to use a high-value binocular like a Swarovski, it's nice to have one that will tuck into a purse or cargo pocket. You never know when a birding opportunity will arise. Though it comes with a nice case, the Swarovision is so well armored and waterproof that you don't need it. Lens covers are all it needs for protection, even when you tuck it in a pocket. These binoculars really live up the sayings — small is beautiful, and less is more.
Rainguard You might still be able to find the "old" 10x32 at a bargain price As I write this, we still have a small number of these 10x32s in stock, at a much reduced price. If you're looking for a 10x32, and you want a bargain in Swarovski quality, check it out.
Copyright 2017 Diane Porter |
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I've been using the same binocular for several years. I bird with it every day, and I'm completely happy with it. Many people have asked me what is my personal choice in binoculars and how I chose it, so I'm answering their questions here. 
I love the experience of putting these binoculars to my eyes and seeing that, magically, everything looks realer than real, brighter and clearer than regular life. 
