How many can tell a huge difference in the optics between the SLC's and the EL's...Swarovski of-course.

I have a older pair of (10X) SLC's and my son some (8.5X) EL's. The El's are brighter but that is probably due to some advanced coatings. The SLC's are 5-6 years older.
On the current models. The EL's have a flat field eye piece which "may" provide a edge in definition at the perimeter of the view.
I have a pair of 10 X 70 Fuji binocs that incorporated that technology 20 years ago and they are sharp as a tack edge to edge.
Other than that ergonomics is the only difference I see along with $300.00 additional $$. As far as I know the new EL's are the only mid sized binocs that provide that flat field lens.

I have one of each and see a small difference in favor of the EL in field of view, and can tell a slight difference as far as brightness or clarity. It could be the different power, 7X vs 8.5X.

i have the new EL 8,5x42 Swarovision - and it is a big difference against the old EL and much more then the SLC - especially the sharpness, brilliance, sharpness to the rim and contrast is much much higher...

With the new SLC HD's and the EL's you might (?) be able to see a slight difference in flatness of field in the EL's but you will also notice that they have a narrower FOV than the SLC's also.
The new HD's are sharper and brighter than the older SLC's or the older EL's

I have both the 8 and 10X SLC's.

To me the biggest difference between the SLC and EL's, was the lighter weight and superior ergonomics. There was a difference in optical clarity, but is was not a huge diffference, but it was noticeable.

Optically speaking all these new (Flourite lens) high end optics are so good, you should probably look at other aspects that might be important. Weight, handling, durability, etc.
The top end Leica, Zeiss and Swar are all probably better than your eyes can descriminate.
I would give the edge to the Zeiss or Leica simply because they have added hydrophobic lens coatings (Lotutec / Aquadura) that the other guy has not incorporated yet; but Swar. will in the future to keep pace. I believe this is a great attribute to hunting binocs. Kudos to Bushnell for developing the concept and offering it to the masses.

optics just a little better on the EL's but for me the comfort of the better ergonomics is what makes it for me...

Speaking of "today". Both EL's and SLC's use the exact same glass and coatings including flourite on the objectives. The EL does have a flat field eye piece but optically that is the only difference.
I was at Cabelas last weekend and looked through all the high end glass and they were all so good it was impossible for me to tell the difference in the store. I looked at Leica HD's, Zeiss FL's, and Swar SLC's and EL's. Perhaps at dusk and dawn there would be some marginal difference. I may be a bit partial so I will not suggest my choice but it would not be based on the optics as they are all brilliant. They all start at about $2K in this store for 10 X 42's. A pretty penny but in my estimation; money well spent no mater which pair you buy.

quote:

Originally posted by McKay:
optics just a little better on the EL's but for me the comfort of the better ergonomics is what makes it for me...