Introduction of NL Pure series
Swarovski Optik is known for moving boundaries in the field of sports optics. As one of the industry leaders, they strive to make an impact during every new product release. Today, they announced a launch of brand-new binoculars which are sure to shake the market. The battle for the best binoculars between Zeiss, Swarovski, and Leica has been unfolding for years. Swarovski EL series is already a spectacular series of binoculars with outstanding optical quality; can Swarovski take it one step further?
Apparently, they can – with NL Pure, binoculars with the slogan ‘One with Nature’.
NL Pure – a pure delight
With NL Pure, Swarovski is addressing the customers who want uncompromising quality. The most demanding users out there will be glad to learn that there are three models scheduled for release:
The former two feature classic configurations. The model with 12x magnification is a surprise, especially since the magnification is paired with a 42mm objective lens instead of a 50mm one. The universal 42mm objective lens makes these suitable for hunters, birdwatchers, hikers, travelers, and other nature enthusiasts.
We tested the NL Pure binoculars in the mountains!
The most revolutionary feature of the NL Pure series is the field of view – no binoculars introduced before with the same configurations have had a greater field of view than the ones from the NL Pure series. The 8×42 model boasts an amazing field of view of 159 m at 1000 m, the 10×42 offers 133 m of the field of view at 1000m, while the 12×42 grants 113m of the field of view at 1000m. Up to now, Zeiss Victory SF 8×42 was the field-of-view champion with almost 150m of the field of view at 1000m; from now on, Swarovski NL Pure 8×42 is to be the leader.
There are no other significant optical upgrades from the EL. The same Swarovision technology is used which flattens the field of view, delivering a distortion-free image from edge to edge. Furthermore, the image is high in contrast and extremely rich in colours. It is important to note that NL Pure is not going to replace the EL. EL will remain in production as its name is almost legendary.
Swarovski focused heavily on the ergonomics of this newly introduced series of binoculars. Both tubes are narrowed towards the center, resulting in a better grip and increased ergonomics, which is especially useful when observing for a longer period of time. This is a unique shape, a design that we have not seen before on the binoculars market. The material used for the housing is magnesium.
They perfected the focusing knob, making sure that it runs smoothly and precisely, without any friction. The fast-focusing mechanism will be favored by birdwatchers especially. The closest focusing distance is 2m except for the 12×42 model which has a close focusing distance of 2.6m. The diopter setting is located behind the focusing knob.
NL Pure forehead rest
Another interesting novelty is a forehead rest, an accessory that the user can buy extra. You simply place it on the eyepieces, adjust the eye relief accordingly (so that you can rest your forehead on the binoculars, and see the whole image), and you are ready to go. It can be set to 10 positions altogether and is even compatible with eyeglasses use. The accessory is especially useful when paired with the 12×42 model because it will significantly increase stability when observing. The retail price is around 130 EUR. All the models can be mounted on a tripod, for which the universal tripod adapter is needed.
Need Forehead rest for NL Pure binoculars?
Swarovski EL vs NL Pure
The length is comparable to the EL binoculars with the 42mm objective lens (158 mm). The weight of the 8×42 and 12×42 models is 840 grams, while the 10×42 model weighs 10 grams more. The light transmission rate is 91 %, and the binoculars can withstand temperatures as low as –25 degrees Celsius. It features the roof prisms of the Schmidt-Pechan type. The interpupillary distance can be set from 56 to 74 mm.
In the box which is made of 100% recycled polyester you get a universal comfort strap, a functional sidebag, ocular and objective covers, soap & brush kit, a microfiber cloth, a strap loop connector, and a cover for steel rings.
Conclusion
The binoculars can already be pre-ordered. The delivery starts on the 1st of September, 2020. The retail prices for the 8×42, 10×42, and 12×42 models are 2850 €, 2900 €, and 2950 €, respectively. You get a 10-year warranty from Swarovski Optik at the time of the purchase.