We have had our first delivery of this instrument and it is a typically excellent product from Swarovski! Available in 8×42 and 10×42 versions to replace the previous 7×42 and 10×42. The new model has HD glass and a narrower hinge to the body to bring the weight down to 820 grams and 850 grams. Several features are similar to the EL models: the focus knob, wider dioptre setting, two positive eyecup settings for eye relief adaption.  Above all, at last, a decent padded case with belt and shoulder  strap… a proper piece of Swarovski luggage!

Viewing :  Everthing you would expect, bright and sharp with good colours, and easy to obtain a full field of view. Close focus not quite up to the EL’s  at around 6 feet and for me at least there was more ‘overlap’ betwen the two sides.

I think the main complication is deciding where this instrument sits in the range. Not cheap at £1510 and £1580 listed prices and very nearly as good as the Swarovision, so could they take sales from the EL or is this another Swarovski winner which will take sales from competitors? Time and customers will tell.