NL Pure 8x32 Green Binoculars w/Sidebag, Strap, Eyepiece, Lens Cover, and Cleaning Kit 36232

Pros: These are the best binoculars I have ever looked through in terms of clarity, brightness, field of view, and chromatic aberration. The field of view of my 12x NL Pure binoculars is wider than that of my 10x Vortex binoculars. The chromatic aberration is very well controlled by the NL Pure optics and the only optical system I’ve used that does better is my Kowa Prominar scope that uses a pure fluorite objective lens. Also, the optics in the left and right barrels are perfectly collimated so that there is no discernible doubling of the subject and eye strain is very low - something that I cannot say for any of the Vortex binoculars I have owned. The binocular design is very ergonomic from the shape of the barrels and placement of the focus knob to the very well-constructed adjustable eyecups. The provided case and sling are both incredibly well-made with thoughtful (if not conventional) design details (the case is a side-slung affair in contrast to the usual chest rig provided with other popular binoculars). Finally, Swarovski has so far lived up to their amazing customer service reputation (see below). Cons: The objective covers have been a minor source of grief for me over the 8 months I’ve been using these binoculars so far. First, when the binoculars are placed on a flat surface (say, on the dash of a car) the rubber straps that tether the lens covers to the barrels rest on said surface and tend to push the lens covers open over time. Second, on my binoculars these rubber straps slowly separated from where they attached to the clip at the bottom of the barrel (see pic). However, while it was inconvenient to no longer have retention of the lens covers, the covers were still otherwise functional, and a quick email to Swarovski had replacement covers headed my way at no additional cost to me. Next, another small issue I found was that the adjustment slider on the case strap was made of heavy metal (much heavier than plastic or even aluminum) and it was coated in a slick finish. As a result, it does not hold the length of the strap well and the slider is liable to chip your tooth if you’re unlucky while slinging the strap over your head. Fortunately, excellent plastic sliders are easy to come by here on Amazon. Finally, I consider the fact that the excellent FRP forehead rest doesn’t ship with these binoculars to be a mistake as this one simple gadget takes these already ground-breaking binoculars to a whole new level. Conclusion: I would not hesitate to buy these binoculars again - even given the issues I had and the astronomical price.

Bought 8x42 and headrest in 2021. Of the dozen or so binoculars I have used, including the ELs, this has the best optics and best ergonomics. The balance, feel, and weight in my hands is great, I can hold them for hours on end, such as on pelagic birding tours, without my hands getting fatigued or sore. That was not the case with my Zeiss or one time with ELs. Now approaching the 5 year mark, they have held up well despite nearly daily use. This could be partly because I wear them in a completely enclosed flip-top case of the type favored by hunters. With the case they are exposed less to weather and impacts, and I rarely use lens caps. However, during an extended birding trip in Brazil, the rubber grip material became loose, and felt like it would tear if I wasn't careful. I have seen other reports of this happening in tropical locations. I also found the plastic column on the headrest breaks easily if it catches on something like a camera strap or a ledge. Swarovski replaced it the first time but not the 2nd. The headrest is terrific for steadying and not pushing the eyepieces against my glasses, but I would count on it breaking. Note that unlike the ELs Swarovski does not offer the same

I'm just blown away by these. The ergonomics, the field of view, the quality and attention to detail, just everything about these is perfect. I'm a Leica Noctivid user primarily, but also have a few Zeiss and Swaro SLC scopes. I prefer everything on this NL pure over the other scopes. I did notice however that the Noctivid produces a slightly more contrasty image - the colors are punchier and the blacks are darker to my eyes. The NL appears brighter, but maybe that's due to the wider field of view. In the end, even as a Leica fanboy, I would choose these for most situations. The ergonomics alone are well worth it. Some PROs over the Leica Noctivid: - NL pure has slightly more elegant hinges/attachment for the front lens covers. - NL pure eyepiece covers are better quality, but Leica's are more practical and ergonomic. - NL pure open bridge design and sculpted barrels make it much easier to hold. Leica is pretty comfortable, but the difference is noticeable. - Focus knobs are great on both. Leica's diopter adjustment is slightly better as it locks in place. In practice, the NL pure's diopter is not that easily knocked out of place. - NL pure has a more compact carrying case than the Leica. But it's also a weird landscape oriented messenger bag, whereas the Leica comes in a more traditional (and more useable imo) portrait style bag. The NL pure's bag feels a bit tight. - NL pure (and the EL) have nicer strap attachments than the Leica. The Leica has simple loops, the NL pure uses proprietary screws that look much better and are easier to remove in a hurry. Swarovski also sells replacement ones that covert it to a traditional loop style, in case you want to use your own strap. - Quality of finish is equal. The Swaro feels a bit more refined due to the sculpted barrels. The Leica feels like a Leica. Solid German industrial engineering with minimalist Bauhaus design. Note, I'm comparing it directly to the Leica 8x42 Noctivid because in my opinion that's the current best overall bino (sorry Zeiss, you have great optics but mediocre built quality). UPDATE: So I ordered the accessory NL headrest that's sold separately, just to see what all the fuss was about. Thought I'd maybe use it from time to time as it adds a bit of bulk to the binos. Well, after trying the headrest for about 8 seconds, I've decided it's never coming off. This headrest makes the binos feel like 7x or perhaps 6x binos. Hard to explain but they become even more stable and ergonomic. I'm actually a bit surprised that no one else has attempted this. A pity these were not included and are sold separately. Kinda expensive ($150) but very well worth it. I'm giving these 7/5 stars.