Swarovski EL 8.5x42 vs Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42

The images are crystal clear and seem to be right in Your face close. The close focus is nearly at You toes, 12 to 15 feet. They are an absolute delight to hold and fit Your hands perfectly. The ability to hold the high power is all due to lens coatings used and the highest quality of their optic glass

I purchased the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10X28 Binoculars based solely on the reviews I read and am one hundred percent satisfied based upon the clarity, lack of shadowing and quick spotting. I have a pair of Leica Duovid 10X50 Binoculars I grew nervous of sharing at Washington Husky Football games due to a couple of near drops, so I knew I had to find an alternative, and boy, I'm glad I chose the Vortex. Currently, I have the Vortex Strike Eagle Scope on one of my rifles, so I knew the binoculars were going to be a great choice, especially with the warranty. I've also used the Binoculars in low light conditions while out on the water and am as equally amazed as I was at the football game

These 12x50 on a tripod is what I have used a lot in last 2 months. Pros: Best eye relief available in any 12x. Optics are sharp and clear. Colors are beautiful

This nice vortex logo printed on them instructions and the instruction for your glass back to attach the straps and how to secure it. To your chest. I...

There's just one downside of the EL, and it's a big one: price. These cost as much as a used car and are more of an investment than a purchase. However, if you're a serious birder who wants the best of the best, or you're embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime safari, these will undoubtedly take your experience to the next level.

I would think that as the price goes up the possibility of getting a bad unit goes down, but the worst (by far) of the units I tried was the Maven B1 10X42, basically a thousand dollar model. I found it frustrating to get a binocular this way without trying it out before buying. But this is the world we live in now, and Amazon's return policy does facilitate the process. I must say I was beginning to get a complex about returning these high price items though

We didn't buy these from Amazon, but we want Amazon customers to know that Swarovski's legendary reputation for good design and outstanding service is still intact. After five years of heavy and very enjoyable use in and out of the USA, the green rubber exterior shock coating on these bins was looking a bit worn. We returned them to Swarovski's Rhode Island office and got them back in under three weeks. Not only were the bins given a new external rubber coating, but they were given new eye cups, had the focus mechanism repaired (we hadn't even noticed whatever problem they fixed) and were realigned, all for free

They are guaranteed for life. They are incredible quality. They have good, build structure to them. Both of them have a very good Ridge in here

As for Swarovski's warranty service, my wife's 8 x 32 EL Swarovski binoculars, also heavily used over the last five years, had the green rubber exterior shock coating looking a bit worn. We returned them to Swarovski's Rhode Island office and got them back in under three weeks. Not only were the bins given a new external rubber coating, but they were given new eye cups, had the focus mechanism repaired (we hadn't even noticed whatever problem they fixed) and were realigned, all for free. Swarovski really does stand solidly behind its products and we highly recommend them to you

Maybe ignorance will be bliss in my case but for what I plan to use these for I can’t imagine ever getting another pair. That brings me to the warranty. It covers everything- even drops and what-not. Seems like as long as you don’t lose them Vortex will fix them for you