Which Bino EL or FL

[gpscoqn]

I am in the market for new binoculars for hunting. I have decided on the 8X32 size for ease of carrying. Cant decide between the Swarovski El or Zeiss FL. I would appreciate your  opinion?

Thank you

Gary

[Rustbucket]

The El has a great view, and is overpriced too.  There have been problems with the EL hinge and focus knob.  The FL has a great view too, it's brighter and probably better in low light conditions, and also a tougher bino.  I would  go Zeiss or Leica Ultravid (slightly worse view than the EL and FL, but the toughest sporting bino available).

[Jimi]

When buying my premium binoculars I went to Cabela's and compared Swarovski, Zeiss, and Leica. For my eyes the Swarovski was clearly #1. Leica #2. Zeiss #3. I would suggest that if at all possible you do the same thing. I don't know this, but I think that different people's eyes respond better to different characteristics so try them out and see for yourself. Take your time. You're going to be dropping a lot of change on these things and it is worth taking time to make your decision.

In hindsight... I absolutely love my ELs. I got the 10x, but the 8x is fantastic too and isn't as prone to the shakes that come with higher powered optics.

[Atomic Chicken]

Gary,

I am in the market for new binoculars for hunting. I have decided on the 8X32 size for ease of carrying. Cant decide between the Swarovski El or Zeiss FL. I would appreciate your  opinion?

Thank you

Gary

Of the two, I personally would buy the Swarovski EL... although neither is the best in my opinion.  For hunting use, I think the Leica Trinovid and Ultravid binoculars are the best in the world, they are more rugged than either the Swarovski or Zeiss and both the Trinovid and Ultravid have better edge-to-edge sharpness than the Swarovski or Zeiss.  The Ultravid is probably the brightest/sharpest binocular in the world currently, and the Trinovid probably has the best color rendition/saturation of all the binoculars I've ever examined.  Of the two, I'd probably buy the Trinovid, because they are currently being closed out and you can find some great deals on them... although the Ultravid has a definite weight advantage and will give you slightly better low-light performance.

Just my opinion... take it for what it's worth.

Best wishes,
Bawko

[Grubbs]

I would agree with Atomic Chicken.  I bought the Leica BN 10x42's about 6 years ago and it's the single best piece of hunting equipment I've ever bought.  Fabulous binos, and usually when I spend that much money I have buyer's remorse.....not this time.  I personally like them more than the EL's due to durability.  The Leica's are much better built and more durable, and in my opinion optically superior (slightly).

[centershot]

Have you tried the Nikon LX's? Available as refurbs for $479.00 Still top shelf and you could have 3 pairs for the price of the FL's.

[Redhawk1]

I have the Zeiss FL but in 8X42. I think they are great. I looked at a lot of glass before I made my purchase. I am sold on Zeiss Bino's, I have 2 pair now.