Swarovski NL Pure 8x32 vs 8x42 Binoculars: Comprehensive Field Test & Comparison 4K
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- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
- Welcome to my in-depth comparison of two powerhouse binoculars from Swarovski Optik: the NL Pure 8x32 and the NL Pure 8x42.
First up, we'll delve into some of the basics of these binoculars. Then we will delve into the specifications of each binocular, exploring factors such as magnification power, objective lens diameter, field of view, and more. Understanding these technical details is crucial for discerning their differences and determining which one might suit your specific needs and preferences better.
Also I did want to note that in this video the said FPR when I was Describing the NL Pure headrest and the correct acronym is FRP. I just wanted to highlight that and apologize about the error.
Throughout the video, we'll discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each model, helping you make an informed decision when choosing between them. Factors such as portability, comfort during extended use, and image quality will all be carefully evaluated to give you a comprehensive understanding of what each binocular brings to the table.
Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, a birdwatching aficionado, or simply someone looking to invest in top-tier optics, this comparison video is essential viewing. Join me as I explore the world through the lenses of the Swarovski NL Pure 8x32 and 8x42 binoculars, and discover which one emerges as the ultimate winner in the realm of premium optics.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:53 8x42 Basics
01:40 8x32 Basics
02:44 Ergonomics
03:26 FRP Headrest (I said FPR but Meant FRP)
03:57 Price
05:09 Ocular Lens Comparison
06:07 Objective Lens Comparison
06:54 Exit Pupil Diameter and Comparison
08:32 Field of View Comparison
09:04 Size and Weight Comparison
09:48 Lens Coatings
10:56 Eye relief
11:05 Eye Cups and Adjustment
11:34 Focus Wheel
12:23 Diopter and Diopter Adjustment
13:36 Built in Eyecups
14:02 Interpupillary Distance
15:17 Conclusion and Wrap Up
17:01 What I Use
17:31 8x32 and 8x42 Low Light Comparison
18:44 What are you going to Choose?
19:09 Outro
Links
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Ignited By Nature Journal
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Ignited By Nature Swag
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FRP Video
• Ultimate Swarovski Set...
Affiliate Links
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These Links do not cost anything extra but is does help me out if you decide to buy through the link! But no pressure at all!
NL Pure 8x32
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NL Pure 8x42
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Swarovski FRP
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The NL pure binos are way out of my price range but still found a bunch of useiful info in this video. I especially appreciate the time lapse video comparison at the end of the video, Ive seen many photos comparing 8x32 vs 8x42 binos but the time lapse video really showcased the twlight capabilities and limitations far better then any photos ive seen, its amazing how much of a difference there actually is between a 32 and 42mm objective lense.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Yeah it’s definitely noticeable when you get into those low light situations. For most people it probably doesn’t matter much but it is definitely nice when you are glassing for game during the last minutes of light.
I watched a lot of videos before I made this one and noticed that no one on RUclips was really showing these differences in their videos or giving real world examples of these binoculars in the field.
I just wanted to provide something that I would want to see if I was doing research and going to drop some real money on binos.
I have to get some more funds, but hopefully down the road I can review and compare some more affordable options.
Thanks again for watching!
In my opinion this is how reviews should be done, great job. I just found your channel and you deserve more subs. New sub, keep up the great work/reviews.
Thanks Leroy I really appreciate that and thanks again for the sub brother! I’ll keep cranking them out as long as people keep watching! Cheers!
Excellent review, perfect 🤩 👌 especially the dusk comparison. Many thanks.
Glad you liked it! I hope it helped you with your decision making process and thanks again for leaving a comment! I really appreciate that.
Hello Everyone!
I noticed after uploading this video that I had mispronounced the acronym for the Swarovski FRP headrest. In the Video I called the NL Pure headrest the FPR headrest when it is actually the FRP headrest.
Living in the mountains comes with sacrifices and one of those sacrifices is internet speed. This video took almost a day to upload in 4k and I did not think that the error was big enough to take the video down and re-record. However, I did want to apologize for my mispronunciation of the FRP acronym.
If you look at the video you will see that the description and links all have the correct spelling of the FRP headrest. Thanks again everyone for watching and have a great day!
Cheers!
Great Video! This was super helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
I have been in the market for some binoculars thanks for the information
Any time! Glad you liked the video!
You say the 8x42 is better for low light and wildlife viewing at dusk. That is also correct, but what many observers forget is that poor lighting conditions occur much more often than you think.
For example, when I went into dense bushes where the sun is blocked by trees and leaves, you can actually see details much better because everything is brightened up by the better light intensity.
I'm currently deciding which of the two binoculars I should buy. There are also the 10x32 and 10x42. So there are 4 glasses to choose from.
Help me? I just can't decide.
George you are correct, there are many other instances throughout the year were light can effect your environment and viewing experience!
That last video that I filmed of the two deer targets was on my property in a wooded area. In all instances the 8x42s will work better in low light they have a better twilight factor which lets you see more detail and an exit pupil size of 5.3mm.
Exit pupil in binoculars is a lot like aperture on a camera lens. You usually want a lens with a low F-stop that opens wide for shooting in low light; the larger the hole
the more light that will get in. This is true for binoculars as well. Coatings, design and exit pupil will all play a large role in your viewing experience.
There are actually five NL pure binoculars to choose from, there are also 12s. I own the 12s a love to use them for summer scouting and also for long distance glassing during the day! At dawn and dusk I use the eights. The 12s do have a better twilight factor and that is due to the higher magnification.
Twilight factor is just basically the detail that you can see at distance in low light from my understanding.
For me personally, if you already have a pair of binoculars that you are using and you like that magnification then stick with that with the NLs. Your viewing experience is going to be amazing no matter what!
The 10 and 12s also have an awesome viewing experience but they are going to be more shaky the further you glass. The eights are actually made for the human eye and the exit pupil size is the most ideal with the human eye. Also the full size binoculars will have the best viewing experience with a tripod from my experience.
As far as 8s go, both binoculars will work fine for handholding up close but the 8x42s will be better on a tripod if you’re glassing at distance and they will better in less than ideal lighting conditions such as cloudy days, fog or heavily Forested areas.
You really just need to decide what you are going to be using them for and then that should help you decide better.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Also, I don’t know if you’re a hunter or a birder or just a nature lover but regardless this podcast was a pretty good one for NL pure info. They talk about all three models of NL Pure binoculars. There is not much out there as far as podcasts but this one was pretty informative I thought.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/epic-outdoors-podcast/id1204967493?l=es&i=1000483679575
Good sober analysis. I have the 10x32's for birding and general wildlife viewing when I'm roaming the Norfolk countryside. I thought the 10x32's would be all I might ever need but, since I'm in Britain, where it's more often than not gray overhead,, 42mm might have been a better choice. In fact, the NL Pure range is so nice, there's a case for owning all 5 models including the 12x42 if you have the money.
I totally agree with you and if i could afford it I would buy all 5 options haha but that would be pretty expensive. I think there is a specific use case for each pair.
The 32 series is an excellent hand held binocular. I love mine! The 10s would be awesome for that extra magnification for sure though!
I also own the 12x42s and I find that I use those mostly during the summer when I’m looking for animals mid day. They are also pretty good for star gazing. Definitively think the 42 series is Better on a tripod.
I agree with you though, the NL line is really top notch!
I really don’t have any complaints besides the eye cups sometimes come loose or are hard to twist back on. Usually a good cleaning fixes that though!
@@ignitedbynature I think the 12x42's will be my next pair when I'm ready, unless I got a good deal on some 12x50 EL's. I really want to try tripod mounted viewing.
Nice! Yeah keep your eye out for deals. I have had luck at optics planet every now and then, but in general Swarovski prices don’t change much unless you find a lightly used deal.
Tripods are a game changer for sure. I would recommend installing an after market adapter so that you can use the SLC adapter with your NLs. It makes a nice overall viewing experience.
Hello!
Thank you very much for this wonderfully detailed and excellently made video! I am currently facing this very decision between 8 × 32/42, and I think you were able to help me a little further. In particular, the sequence with the comparison of the two binos at dusk is very interesting. Did you take the videos in parallel with two recorders? The lighting situation looks slightly different in each case. If I have calculated correctly, 1 second of this video sequence corresponds to about 15 minutes in reality. That would mean that the 8×42 shows a still unchanged bright image for about 75 (!) minutes longer, while the 8x32 has already started to get darker. Is that correct?
I would like to get some advice from you. I observe birds and animals until about the end of the so-called civil twilight. In other words, as long as you can still see colors. Is an 8×32 sufficient for me at all? Unfortunately I don't own a 32; only a 20 for hiking, an older 42 which I want to replace and a 50. So I have no experience with the smaller size and would really appreciate an answer! Thanks again!
These are great questions! Thanks for asking them Andreas.
I took these videos at the same time but a day apart since I only have one phone and phone scope to record with. The weather conditions were the exact same though, so there shouldn’t be much variance between the two days in regard to lighting and weather.
The 8x32s do loose a lot of detail and color as the sun starts to set or if you are in dark dense forest or you are in places with low light conditions. The 8x32 binoculars are a chest binocular and are really better for day use based on their design, light transmission ability and exit pupil size. Also the twilight factor of the 8x42s is 18.3 verses 16. Twilight factor is a theoretical calculation that is used to calculate the level of detail you can see out of your binocular.
If you are viewing any wildlife at low light I would opt for the 8x42s. You are going to get a brighter image with more color due to the larger exit pupil diameter. You really don’t notice the difference in the two until you get to dawn, dusk or any other low light conditions. I would also recommend getting a tripod for a better overall viewings experience. I hope that information was helpful.
@@ignitedbynature Thank you very much for your detailed reply!
I had already thought that it was made on two different days, because the tracks in the snow around the dummy changed. But one can still clearly see the differences between the binos.
In the meantime, I have been making wanderings for test purposes into the woods and fields with my 8x42, from about 1 hour before sunset until it got dark. Here in Germany we are currently experiencing typical April weather. Lots of heavy clouds, a few showers and only a few cloudless patches. So it's pretty gloomy. I spotted some deer around the time the sun was setting. Three doe at the edge of the woods and shortly after a buck close by in the woods. I must say I even wished for a brighter, more contrasty picture!
So it became clear to me that an 8×32 will not be sufficient. I had the idea that I could save some “bulk“ with a smaller glass. However, twilight performance and comfort of view due to a larger exit pupil is more important to me. I still have my 8×20 for pure hikes over many kilometers, which is quite ok in good weather. So I'm going to buy a new 8×42 for nature observation; probably a Leica Trinovid. It's very compact and weighs only 730 g, so it's pretty light for a 42 and will be bearable for my forays through nature.
Thanks again!
No problem. I’m glad you figured it out. You loose some field of view and comfort with Zeiss but you will probably be happier with the overall brightness of those binos. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the Alpha glass, just comes down to overall preference.
Have fun out there!
Assuming in same good lighting, is there a diff in image quality between 32 and 42? In low light 42 win for sure. I'm thinking if 32 has the same optical quality as 42 when viewing during good to normal lighting condition.
Do u see more blackout with 32?
I'm considering moving to NL due to the forehead rest as I'm not stable enough for my nikon mhg 8x42. Hope the forehead rest can really improve the stability
Image quality between the NL Pure 8x32 and 8x42 is exactly the same assuming that the weather and lighting conditions are normal. The 8x42 have an extra 27ft field of view at 1000 yards but the eye relief is the same.
I don’t see any blackout with the 32s. The glass and the coatings are the same and they both use the field flattening lens technologies.
I find that the 32s are very stable and are almost rock solid at distance when you pair them with the FRP headrest. I prefer to carry the 32s in a chest pack as they are lighter and more stable for free hand observation of wildlife.
Depending on the chest harness that you use I find that the lid can be difficult to close with the FRP installed but you can easily pop them off and back on for storage purposes. I will say that the FRP fits nicely in the provided NL pure case and I have no issues with the fit when I am using this case.
I typically carry the 8x42s in my backpack and also carry a tripod if I am hiking. Additionally I will have my 32s on my chest and my ATC in the side compartment of my pack for easy access. That setup works best for my needs but I am usually glassing throughout the whole day when I am out.
There is other option, look for the el line on the secondary market.
I stumbled on a local smoking deal on the 10X32 el's in perfect condition for just over 1k, being sold by a guy who was upgrading. The clarity and field of view is spectacular, with zero chromatic aberration. I know the NL pures are better, but to me there is no way that they are $2000+ better.
That’s a good deal! You can find good deals every once in a while for sure. That is awesome you found a pair that cheap.
Have you looked through them side by side. NL purés are way better in every aspect.
I owned a pair of EL’s and sold them after trying NLs. If NLs are what you can afford then by all means get the EL’s they are great glass. But if you can afford the NL Pure Bino’s get those.
I still have hard time choosing between 8x32 and 8x42, I just wonder if the 200g worth sacrifice, I do often use mine in dusk and twilight but I wonder whether the 42 makes noticeable different or not in these lighting condition.
If you can only buy one, I would buy the 8x42 NLs. They are going to work better overall and perform better in all conditions. The 8x32s will still work but won’t have as much detail in lower light situations. Keep in mind that low light is not just dawn or dusk. You also have to consider adverse weather and dense forest as well.
Also keep in mind that the 8x42s work better on a tripod and the 32s are going to be better for handholding.
@@ignitedbynatureThanks for the suggestion! I think I'll go for 42s then, for handholding, I owns a CL companion I guess that would do the job better in term of weight and size .
Really thank you for your opinion, I've been struggle for days lol. But like what you say, if I think the weight is too much, I can always get a monopod or tripod to support it, so the 840g should be a non-issue.
@@user-yt5xc2sn3d I’m glad that helped! Honestly I bought the 32s first and ended up buying the 42s. I think you will be happier with the 42s, they are worth the extra 500 bucks and weight. Also tripods are a game changer! I’ve been using a tripod for a few years now and it is so much more comfortable and stable.
I would opt for the NL to SLC conversion mounts if you are going to use a tripod. Basically, it’s just an after market NL Pure adapter that works with the Swarovski SLC tripod adapter. There are a few different companies that make them and the SLC mount is way better than the universal adapter. Below is my video I did on the install. It’s way easy.
Ultimate Swarovski Setup: Installing Epic Outdoors Binocular Stud & Swarovski FRP Headrest 4K
ruclips.net/video/1MacQ-zXOaA/видео.html
Also, the CL companions are really good too. I have a pair of those that I keep with me almost all the time. They are a great little binocular and they fit in your pocket!
@@ignitedbynatureThanks mate, I appreciate your sharing, you really helped me made up a 3k+ euro purchasing decision. I subscribed your channel. Yes, the CL companions B, despite their small size, small EP, it is surprisingly comfortable to use, and I always think their design is more elegant even compare to the bulky NL 32s. although its diopter placing is a little tricky but it wasn't really an issue to me.
It is still one my favorite to use, I hope in future NL will join that list as well.
Thanks for the video recommendation, ill watch it, as I'm definitely getting the FRP headrest and pick up a monopod/tripod & adapter. I actually lean forward for universal adapter due to its non harmful nature to the binos ( can use without any modification), but I'll take a look for stud for sure.
Glad I could help give some helpful insight!Also, thank you for the subscription I really appreciate that! Cheers and have a great day.
Let me know how you like your NLs when you do get them.
Are the 32mm nl pures better than the 32mm els? I have seen few people say there is not a lot of difference other than wider view. The 32mm nls are also heavier than 32mm els.
First off let me say that I have never owned the 8x32 ELs. I have only owned the 10x42 els and they were and still are a great binocular.
The 8x32 EL pros have been discontinued and the el ranges are available but I have heard that the range finder does not work that great.
With that being said, there are two major differences between the ELs and the NLs. The first is that the NLs have much better ergonomics and are a single bridge binocular, and the second is that there are some major performance differences.For instance, the NL Pures are quicker responding in terms of focusing. The NLs go from minimum close focus to infinity in about 2 turns of the focus knob. This is considerably faster than the ELs, which do so in about 2.5 to 3 turns. The ELs also have a minimum focusing distance of 2 meters and the ELs have a focusing distance of 5 meters. The NLs have 18mms of eye relief vs 17mms, but that only really matters if you wear glasses. Lastly,the NLs have slightly better light transmission overall and have a much larger field of view.
Keep in mind that Swarovski also retained several features from the ELs that were revolutionary when creating the NLs. In most cases the NLs perform better than the ELs even though the fluoride HD glass and coatings have remained the same. The NLs also have a version of the field flattener lenses that were pioneered in the ELs, and if anything, they are more improved over the ELs. With the NLs, I have never experienced that “rolling ball” effect that could be seen in the EL Swarovisions. This may be, in part, due to the larger field of view of the NLs but I am not sure.
Also, keep in mind that Swarovski does not exactly share all there secrets and engineering details so it is hard to truly know everything when it comes to what makes them better for the ELs, but they are.
I hope that helps!
@@ignitedbynaturethanks for your reply. I think the current 32mms are so good it's not worth carrying the the 42mms round your neck for hours, you don't gain a lot. It's not until it goes really dark that u notice a difference.
You say the ocular lenses are the same size on both the 32mm and 42mm pures, so I presume the eye comfort is the same on both when viewing?
Yeah the 42s are usually in my backpack and the 32s are on my chest.
The 42s are longer and have better ergonomics for hand holding than the 32s in my opinion. The 32s are still comfortable it’s just a little tight. If you pick both up and hand hold them you will see what I mean.
I think the 32s are way better for hand holding for sure! The image less shaky at distance.
@@ignitedbynature thanks for your reply. If they both have same size ocular lenses though, doesn't that mean they are the same viewing comfort? Therefor the 32mm shouldn't be tight? Thanks
An Ocular Lens is not an objective lens. Therefore the 42mms are larger and more comfortable in your hands. Thank you 😊
For those deciding between 32 vs 42, do note that although 42 on paper is only 10mm more than 32 and doesn't look that much larger, it is in fact 1.72x the surface area. That is a pretty big advantage when light gathering in low light conditions.
Thanks for adding this! How did you calculate the surface area? If you don’t mind me asking…
@@ignitedbynature Basic formula of Circle area = π × r²
Haha dang, well it felt like a dumb question and it was haha. Thanks!
Yes but the 42mm is a lot heavier round your neck for long periods. Also you don't lose much light gathering with the 32mm for most situations.
What is most light conditions for you? In most light conditions they will be fine, the image will just not be as sharp and it won’t be as bright when you get into pre dawn and dusk situations or dark forests.
For digiscoping the image will be more grainy in lower light setting with the 8x32s as well.
So It honestly comes down to personal preference and use case scenario.
I’m curious, do you own both? What have you found?
I am.the lucky owner of the NL Pure 8x42 and a Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25.
I want one bino with more magnification for open lands. . What do you recommend. 12x42 or 10x32/10x30?
Haha welcome to the club! It sounds like you also have an appreciation for good glass!
I own the 12’s and really like them for open country. I love my 8s, but when I’m glassing big country at distance the 12s make it easier to spot game. They have the same field of view of normal 10s with extra magnification! The downside to the 12s is that you really need them on a tripod, for handholding they are a bit shaky.
With that being said, my buddy has the 10s and loves them…but I think deep down he wishes that he bought the 12s 😎.
However, Swarovski just came out with the 14x52’s. Those might be my new long distance binocular.
I usually have the 8s in my bino harness and my 12s in my pack. That is probably going to change though once I get the 52mm NLs. I foresee the 14s being my new backpack binocular.
@@ignitedbynature thanks for answering. I just started with my binomania. I love it. I have a cheap one for years. But after my first look at an alpha is was blown away.
12 power only on tripod? Than thats not for me. I read some people use them in hands. (12x42 NL) But personally in guess.
Maybe i will try them out one day. Also 10.
@@ignitedbynature 14x52 NL. Wow that would be great. But tripod only i guess.
I think once you get an alpha you want to have a next one, and next one,....
@@ignitedbynature
But why not. If you can afford them. Enjoy!
@s.d.r1062
Yeah I ran cheap binos for a long time and gradually worked my way up….i totally agree the alpha glass really immerses you in the image!
There are a lot of people who can hand hold the 12’s I can’t and have had other friends who held them and used them and couldn’t. I’m just to shaky at distance. But depending on how stable you are you might be able to hand hold them. Maybe if you lock your forearms on your knees you could get them pretty stable.
The 8x42 are great for scanning the night sky stars I think.... thanks.
I actually haven’t done much start gazing. I will have to give that a try. I have read they are good for that but I don’t personally have any experience with sky observation besides looking at birds flying by in the sky. I will definitely have to give that a try.
If the views are bright the 10x is also considerable. 🤔
Yeah honestly I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice. It comes down to personal preference honestly and your personal goals.