used EL 8x32 or new NL 8x32 (4 Viewers)

[MKLbino]

Hi,

This is my first post on the forum. I have been reading a lot in the bino fora and learned a lot. I am about to spend a lot of money on new binoculars. As size is a big factor to me I am looking at 8x32 binoculars.

At this moment I am considering if I should buy a used (2021, mint condition) EL 8x32 or if I should spent 40% more and just buy a new NL Pure 8x32.

It seems to me the used EL 8x32 is rather expensive. It seems its current price is only 20% lower than the streetprise in 2021 (when it was discontinued). Maybe the high price can be explained due to its rare availability on the used market?

Now my question: does the EL have any properties which are considered better when compared to the NL? I can determine only 1, that is: size/weight. All other properties are equal or better for the NL Pure.

Any compelling reason to just bite the bullit and buy the NL Pure?

Thanks for all your input!

 

[tehri]

I have been reading a lot in the bino fora and learned a lot.

You probably haven't read enough, because your question has already had a ton of answers here and there on so many threads and posts... And probably your question will still provoke the same answers and endless discussions, with in the end only one famous piece of advice, only one recommendation : You have to try these binoculars for yourself to get a real idea of the difference, what suits you, and not necessarily someone else.

 

[[email protected]]

I would bite the bullet and buy the NL Pure 8x32 versus the EL 8x32, and I have had them both. IMO, the bigger FOV of the NL alone is worth the difference in price, but there are many other advantages also that aren't immediately obvious. The NL has better ergonomics for most people with its wasp waist design that custom fit's to your hands, the focuser is better positioned and generally smoother than the EL and you can install the headrest on the NL which many people like to stabilize the binoculars.

Optically, the EL has an 8 degree FOV and the NL has an 8.5 degree FOV, which makes quite a difference. The NL pans a little more comfortably because they relaxed the field flattener a bit, so the NL has less RB than the EL if RB bothers you. Edge sharpness, transmission, CA control, center sharpness, distortion and all those other things are pretty close between the two. The NL's have a sightly warmer and less neutral image than the EL's if that is your preference. All the NL's and EL's as well have some glare that can be aided by proper eye positioning and eye cup settings, but other than that, the NL 8x32 is about as perfect a binocular as you are going to find.

A 8x32 is an ideal format for most daytime birding because it gives you all the light your eyes can really use since your pupils only open to about 4mm, and they are much lighter and smaller than a 8x42. IMO, If I was going to spend almost $1700 anyway for a used EL 8x32, I would pay the difference and get a brand-new NL 8x32. It is not a huge difference to pay to get a brand-new binocular that is the best that Swarovski makes, and plus you get all the upgrades that the NL offers.

For daytime birding, it is awful hard to beat the NL 8x32, even with the NL 8x42. That being said, definitely try both of the binoculars yourself if you can. You may decide you don't need or want the upgrades on the NL versus the EL. The EL holds its value well because it was and still is one of the best birding binoculars ever made, and it still has the advantage of being more compact and lighter than the NL, and a lot of people like it for that reason. You certainly will not feel like you are deprived if you buy the EL. The EL is shockingly good for as small as it is! The view through those little 32mm objectives is amazing!

NL Pure 8x32 vs NL Pure 8x42?

Hi Rokslide, I finally got to try Alpha Binos in person. tl;dr - what in real world scenarios would the NL Pure 8x42 offer me when hunting that the 8x32 NL Pure couldn't offer? When testing, they both seemed virtually identical at very low light. Educate me. ----- Though in store, we got a...

rokslide.com

 

[claves_10]

I support what the forum user Tehri told you, YOU NEED TO TRY THEM YOURSELF. Contact a birding area near you or at least try few at a nearby shop if possible. Any hunting or rural events in octobre near by? You can't go wrong with Swarovski neither Zeiss neither Leica, nikon and many others ... but no bino is perfect. Try a few before hand. Might be a deal breaker for you, easy eye positioning, maybe fast focus wheel or your priority might be central sharpness or no glare at all.

 

[MKLbino]

You have to try these binoculars for yourself to get a real idea of the difference, what suits you, and not necessarily someone else.

This will be my first time buying such an expensive binocular, I have no experience with any of the alpha brands/models. Yes, I will be testing both binoculars for sure but time will be limited (e.g. 1 - 2 hours) so I am trying to prepare myself and determine characteristics and pro's & cons of both. I realize both are excellent alpha binoculars, just wondering if more experienced people believe the choice between the EL & NL is one that is easy to make.

 

[claves_10]

If you can try them perfect then. Assuming the EL 8x32 are field pro/latest version, then the main differences I can tell you are the focus wheel, the FOV and glare. NL smother f. wheel more FOV but unfortunately more glare. Sharpness, color fidelity etc ..for me isn't that different or significant difference between those two.

 

[mwhogue]

If you can try them perfect then. Assuming the EL 8x32 are field pro/latest version, then the main differences I can tell you are the focus wheel, the FOV and glare. NL smother f. wheel more FOV but unfortunately more glare. Sharpness, color fidelity etc ..for me isn't that different or significant difference between those two.

Nice intel, thanks.

This will be my first time buying such an expensive binocular, I have no experience with any of the alpha brands/models. Yes, I will be testing both binoculars for sure but time will be limited (e.g. 1 - 2 hours) so I am trying to prepare myself and determine characteristics and pro's & cons of both. I realize both are excellent alpha binoculars, just wondering if more experienced people believe the choice between the EL & NL is one that is easy to make.

If I understand you correctly, since you mention size and weight as important, one thing I would focus on during your comparison is whether you are likely to use one more rather than the other in view of the various physical differences. IMO you are likely to prefer the image quality of the NL. If so you will have to decide whether the differences in size, weight and handling are more important to you. Please let us know how it goes.

Good luck with the Quest,

Mike

 

[Jason Bugay Reyes]

Just get the latest NL if money not an issue. You won't regret it. The smell and feelings while handling new binocular is totally different than used ones...

 

[Dutchbirder64]

This will be my first time buying such an expensive binocular, I have no experience with any of the alpha brands/models. Yes, I will be testing both binoculars for sure but time will be limited (e.g. 1 - 2 hours) so I am trying to prepare myself and determine characteristics and pro's & cons of both. I realize both are excellent alpha binoculars, just wondering if more experienced people believe the choice between the EL & NL is one that is easy to make.

Just go to House ot Outdoor & Optics in Maarssen. @jan van daalen will definitely help you out with your choice. i had a NL 10x42 and swapped to a 10x32 3 years later. The NL will not disappoint you.

 

[PatR]

The best advice is in the above posts and what should be the mantra of this forum, 'try before you buy'.

But as superb bino shops are like rocking horse droppings, it is difficult to even find one let alone one which has stock of the ones you wish to try.

However, were I resident in the Netherlands I would fire up the trusty motor and visit that Mecca of Optical Excellence in Maarssen run by @jan van daalen and try to my hearts content safe in the knowledge that any advice would be both honest and totally impartial.

But I don't, so I do read all the reviews, absorb from those I trust and, if at all possible, go and physically try. Or buy from a shop that has an excellent returns policy.

One such reviewer is Holger Merlitz and I hope he doesnt mind me copying the link

Review: Swarovski 8x32 NL Pure vs. 8x32 EL WB

Best of luck in your search for your bino's

( for what it is worth I had a similar quest last year, compared the EL's against the Pure's and after looking through both bought the Pure's. They are for me the zenith of binocular design and IQ and whilst they were (much) more expensive, they provide a view that was worth every penny/cent).

 

[Maljunulo]

Give ear to the words of PatR, for they are wise.

 

[Owlbarred]

Some excellent recommendations. I'd add the following suggestion.

For 2 reasons, I'd buy a used EL SV or EL FP (optically identical) or a pre-owned NL from a reputable seller.
Should you decide to later sell them -- for whatever reason-- you won't lose a substantial amount of money (if any at all). I bought both my EL SV and NL used and saved big time. Both were in mint condition.

Second, you may discover over time that you'd rather own a different model (e.g., 8x42) or even a different alpha brand (e.g., Zeiss). If so, and assuming you paid a fair price when buying your used pair and they are still in excellent condition, you can sell them here on Bird Forum at a fair price for roughly what you paid for them.

 

[Rg548]

This will be my first time buying such an expensive binocular, I have no experience with any of the alpha brands/models.

In which case, either will clean blow you away.

 

[MKLbino]

Thank you all for your input.

I found another quality of the NL Pure which the EL does not have (if I am not mistaken). The availability of the FRP headrest and TAs tripod adapter. I am not sure if the headrest will give me positive gains on a 8x32 binocular but I do think the option to use a tripod/monopod is a big plus for the NL Pure.

(To be honest I don't understand why Swarovski did not equip the EL series with a normal tripod adapter option. In my opinion every stud-based solution is better than the Swarovski UTA solution.)

 

[rodneyAB]

Thank you all for your input.

I found another quality of the NL Pure which the EL does not have (if I am not mistaken). The availability of the FRP headrest and TAs tripod adapter. I am not sure if the headrest will give me positive gains on a 8x32 binocular but I do think the option to use a tripod/monopod is a big plus for the NL Pure.

(To be honest I don't understand why Swarovski did not equip the EL series with a normal tripod adapter option. In my opinion every stud-based solution is better than the Swarovski UTA solution.)

I firmly recommend the FRP use on the NL 8x32. (not necessarily for 'stability'). The fitting for TAs is new on all NL, but stock in shops may be prior to the mid 2024 roll-out of the TAs. I am currently negotiating the process for Retro-Fitting my NL12x42 to accept the TAs.

 

[SuperDuty]

I wonder how much not having the new TA receptacle will hurt resale on earlier units ? Or maybe some people would rather not have it, as stated by MKLbino.

 

[rodneyAB]

I wonder how much not having the new TA receptacle will hurt resale on earlier units ? Or maybe some people would rather not have it, as stated by MKLbino.

I have not considered the resale value hurt that this TAs will potentially inflict on previous versions. I am still in negotiations with SONA on the process of having the 12x42 retro fitted with the TAs receptacle. Personally I would not be interested in retro fitting my NL 832 or NL 842 with the TAs receptacle. In my hands, the NL12x42 could benefit from the TAs to tripod connection. The 52's need the tripod connection, and fortunately come with the receptacle.
In terms of future resale values, if concerned about retro fitment, the offer for free retro fitment lasts one year with the proof of purchase of the TAs

 

[PatR]

Thank you all for your input.

I found another quality of the NL Pure which the EL does not have (if I am not mistaken). The availability of the FRP headrest and TAs tripod adapter. I am not sure if the headrest will give me positive gains on a 8x32 binocular but I do think the option to use a tripod/monopod is a big plus for the NL Pure.

(To be honest I don't understand why Swarovski did not equip the EL series with a normal tripod adapter option. In my opinion every stud-based solution is better than the Swarovski UTA solution.)

The FRP is a brilliant, albeit expensive, addition to any of the Pure's and it, together with the winged eyecups, meant I could use the 14x52.

I am debating the TAs but bought the UTA for my 10x42 Pure's and thus far I am delighted with it as there is absolutely no movement once the bino is 'strapped' in.

 

[NDhunter]

Hi,

This is my first post on the forum. I have been reading a lot in the bino fora and learned a lot. I am about to spend a lot of money on new binoculars. As size is a big factor to me I am looking at 8x32 binoculars.

At this moment I am considering if I should buy a used (2021, mint condition) EL 8x32 or if I should spent 40% more and just buy a new NL Pure 8x32.

It seems to me the used EL 8x32 is rather expensive. It seems its current price is only 20% lower than the streetprise in 2021 (when it was discontinued). Maybe the high price can be explained due to its rare availability on the used market?

Now my question: does the EL have any properties which are considered better when compared to the NL? I can determine only 1, that is: size/weight. All other properties are equal or better for the NL Pure.

Any compelling reason to just bite the bullit and buy the NL Pure?

Thanks for all your input!

I would get the EL SV, its optics and ergos are top rate. Save your money for somethings else, your eyes
will not see much if any difference. My eyes surely do not.
Jerry

 

[Owlbarred]

Thank you all for your input.

I found another quality of the NL Pure which the EL does not have (if I am not mistaken). The availability of the FRP headrest and TAs tripod adapter. I am not sure if the headrest will give me positive gains on a 8x32 binocular but I do think the option to use a tripod/monopod is a big plus for the NL Pure.

(To be honest I don't understand why Swarovski did not equip the EL series with a normal tripod adapter option. In my opinion every stud-based solution is better than the Swarovski UTA solution.)

A tripod adapter (and thus a tripod) with an 8x32 Swaro? Seems rather self defeating and unnecessary. The advantages of Swaro 8x32s (EL or NL) are their light weight and wonderful portability. Why defeat those wonderful advantages by lugging around a tripod?