Swarovski EL or SLC?

BeaverPride · 12-15-2008, 03:17 PM

I'm thinking of stepping up. Would like your input on the difference between the EL and SLC models. I'd probably go for 10x42, but maybe 10x50. Looking for pro's and con's, key features, etc. Thanks in advance for whatever input you can provide.

Bait O' Eggs · 12-15-2008, 04:26 PM

come on up, you will enjoy the view from the top

SLC's are pretty heavy compared to the EL's. Buy you pay for the weight savings.

huntinfool · 12-15-2008, 04:32 PM

Well the EL's don't come in 10x50. Get the 10x42's. If you're willing to shell out the extra $430 for the 3.2 ounces difference, then get the EL's. Both have the same glass. I have the 10x42 SLC's, bought them in 2000 for $875 new. Now the SLC's are $1539 and the EL's are $1969. I'd buy before the end of the year, there's no telling how high they'll go with the weak dollar to Euro.

huntinfool · 12-15-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

come on up, you will enjoy the view from the top

SLC's are pretty heavy compared to the EL's. Buy you pay for the weight savings.

3.2 ounce difference between the two.

rrboy · 12-15-2008, 04:38 PM

i have a set of the slc's and love the optics, its like looking through binos with HD clarity. Sort of more 3 dimentional, took em to a blazer game and wow...i could see the abs on the blazer dancers..lol...they are awesome..they are a bit heavy is the only thing I whine out them. And they make it so you can see in dusk to dark conditions also where my leupold cascades wouldnt.

Grantspastor · 12-15-2008, 04:38 PM

My EL 10x42's make me happy inside every time I use them

Elk Czy · 12-15-2008, 08:02 PM

Like the other have said the EL's are lighter and both have the same glass so I got the EL's because I like the way they hold in my hands with there tube type design... For the ultimate in a glassing set-up check out... www.outdoorsmans.com Let me know if you would like to see it in person...

Beer Waggin · 12-15-2008, 09:04 PM

I have a pair of 10x42 EL's, love them, but I wouldn't buy either of them...

Leica's 10x42 Geovid's will be the next pair I own. Little heavier than either of the SLC's or EL's, but they are worth it in my mind. To me, they're just as clear as the Swarvo's and the benefit of having the built in rangfinder is priceless.

Accumark Man · 12-15-2008, 09:42 PM

I originally bought the SLC 10x42 and had a warranty issue. Swarovski upgraded me to the EL's. I would not go back to SLC's. It just seems to me one handed glassing while spot & stalk hunting now is much easier with the EL's. I know 3.2 ounces doesn't sound like much, but with one hand they are more steady than the SLC's.

Dr Strangelove · 12-15-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer Waggin

I have a pair of 10x42 EL's, love them, but I wouldn't buy either of them...

Leica's 10x42 Geovid's will be the next pair I own. Little heavier than either of the SLC's or EL's, but they are worth it in my mind. To me, they're just as clear as the Swarvo's and the benefit of having the built in rangfinder is priceless.

I like the Geovids, but for the price, they could have made the field of view wider. I have Swaro EL 10x32's as a compromise on weight (my neck has problems). The quality is unsurpassed by other compact nocs. I can see ducks swimming into our spread in darkness the eye cannot discern; they are invaluable for boat scouting birds tucked into shorelines. If I could just collimate a laser rangfinder to them I'd be set.

nobrownline · 12-15-2008, 10:46 PM

Get the EL's if you can. They are lighter and to my eyes they have a much truer color reproduction. I used a pair this past season along with a pair of B&L elites and a pair of Leicas. The order listed is the order I liked best

mtn300 · 12-16-2008, 06:22 AM

Cabelas has a deal on swarovski optics right now. I bought the el's 10x42 and I also purchased the doubler they will be here friday i can't wait

The el's hands down

Elkhunter14 · 12-16-2008, 06:58 AM

Get the 10x50 SLC. obviously they are going to be hevy but get a good pair of bino buddies and you won't even notice the weight. The 10x50 are good to glass off a tripod also.

Elkhunter14

Bait O' Eggs · 12-16-2008, 07:21 AM

Mine are the 10x50 SLC's, I really wish I would have gone for the 15 power, not many will agree, but I wish I would have gone that direction.

GRB pointed out the Leica button for the rangefinder is on the wrong side, you cant hold your bow in your left hand, pick up the glasses with your right hand and hit the range finder, because you cant reach the button with your right hand. If you were a left handed bow hunter then I guess your dialed in.

airman 23 · 12-16-2008, 02:30 PM

I have the 10x42 slc and my buddy has the el both a great binos looking thru his and mine i personally cant see a big difference, but of course my buddy says he can tell a better difference of course... But the weight issue i dont think would be a big deal if you had a good set of bino buddies, one thing about your wallet will way about 3.2 ounces lighter when you buy them lol

BrianMaguire · 12-16-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntinfool

I'd buy before the end of the year, there's no telling how high they'll go with the weak dollar to Euro.

The exchange rate is as good as its been since April of 07, and its only getting better right now. I would not pull the trigger right away, I think it will get better.

Chinook Nut · 12-16-2008, 03:31 PM

I own the 10 x 42 ELs and love them. Can look through them all day long without bothering my eyes. Once you have them you'll see what you've been missing. Good Luck and enjoy

BeaverPride · 12-16-2008, 04:28 PM

Thanks for all the great input guys. I'm inclined to go with the EL's but after Beer Waggin pointed out the Leica's, with built in range finder, now I have to consider them too. That will require a hands-on, side-by-side test. I was planning to wait until after Christmas to pull the trigger anyway. Maybey the $ will be worth more next month...

Thanks again everyone, for taking the time to help me out!

HOOKUP · 12-16-2008, 05:22 PM

I would check out the Cabelas Euro. They are 90-95% of the SLC and are less than half the price. The brightness is on par with any of the big 3.

I have them and am 100% satisfied.

TheTexan · 12-16-2008, 05:41 PM

I have the EL's and am glad that I bought them. Like everyone has said you can use them all day without any eye strain from before dawn to after dusk.

Hookup...your avatar freaks me out!

klr kut · 12-16-2008, 06:34 PM

Get the 8X42 I have them the light transmisson is better than the 10 s. They are easier to hold and focus too.

gspdog · 12-16-2008, 08:28 PM

I have the 8.5 by 42 EL's and I love them. They were the best hunting investment I have ever made until I got the 15x56's this past year. I've also heard the the 8.5's get better light but depending on what kind of country you hunt, the 10X might be your best bet.

DRUNK COWBOY · 12-17-2008, 08:52 AM

I own the EL in 10x42. I looked through many optics and these can't be beat. What ever you do, do not go above 10 power. you will have a problem holding them steady and they weigh a ton. Think about what you will be using them for, if you hike and put on a lot of miles, then the EL 10x42 will be your best bet...

Plus the all the new upgrades will be going on the EL and supported by the waranty.

DC

BeaverPride · 05-04-2009, 04:56 PM

Ordered the 10x42 EL's from Cabelas over the weekend. Note: Swarovski is running a 60th anniversary promotion, which knocks a little over $200 off the standard price, making the 10x42 EL's $1749. Both EL's and SLC's are on special.

mtn300 · 05-04-2009, 08:16 PM

I also have the EL'S awesome glass I purchased mine in december just had to have them now they are on sale

oh well you will most likely never wear them out. Super clear and worth every penny

225nontypical · 05-05-2009, 05:49 AM

i have the 10x42EL'S and love them. there is a place in NE Washington that sales them for $1700.00 and the northern Idaho cabelas will price match. that is how i got mine. if you look on the swaro web site and look up dealers you will find the place i am talking about, they are a drug store of all things but they have a heck of a deal on good glass.

Lanyard X · 05-11-2009, 07:59 AM

El's without a doubt the clarity and design is awesome but the light gathering is what sold me.

dilleybilly · 05-12-2009, 06:36 PM

i think the EL's have just a little better clairity i never regretted spending a little more

tailchaser · 05-12-2009, 06:44 PM

This conversation comes up every year it seems. Technically, the only difference from the EL's and the SLC's are 2 oz. in weight. THAT'S IT!!!! Not sure if I can make it any more clear. Check the specifications of the glass on thier manufact. website. If someone wants to spend the extra coin for the difference or simply want to have the very best aspects of the sworo's is thier choice. But glass wise, they are exactly the same.

I personally own two pairs and love them but this dead horse gets pounded a lot. It is merely a personal choice.

tc