SwarovskiOptik 8x42 NL Pure Binoculars with SWAROVISION Image Technology and Large Field of View

I'm just blown away by these. The ergonomics, the field of view, the quality and attention to detail, just everything about these is perfect. I'm a Leica Noctivid user primarily, but also have a few Zeiss and Swaro SLC scopes. I prefer everything on this NL pure over the other scopes. I did notice however that the Noctivid produces a slightly more contrasty image - the colors are punchier and the blacks are darker to my eyes. The NL appears brighter, but maybe that's due to the wider field of view. In the end, even as a Leica fanboy, I would choose these for most situations. The ergonomics alone are well worth it.Some PROs over the Leica Noctivid:- NL pure has slightly more elegant hinges/attachment for the front lens covers.- NL pure eyepiece covers are better quality, but Leica's are more practical and ergonomic.- NL pure open bridge design and sculpted barrels make it much easier to hold. Leica is pretty comfortable, but the difference is noticeable.- Focus knobs are great on both. Leica's diopter adjustment is slightly better as it locks in place. In practice, the NL pure's diopter is not that easily knocked out of place.- NL pure has a more compact carrying case than the Leica. But it's also a weird landscape oriented messenger bag, whereas the Leica comes in a more traditional (and more useable imo) portrait style bag. The NL pure's bag feels a bit tight.- NL pure (and the EL) have nicer strap attachments than the Leica. The Leica has simple loops, the NL pure uses proprietary screws that look much better and are easier to remove in a hurry. Swarovski also sells replacement ones that covert it to a traditional loop style, in case you want to use your own strap.- Quality of finish is equal. The Swaro feels a bit more refined due to the sculpted barrels. The Leica feels like a Leica. Solid German industrial engineering with minimalist Bauhaus design.Note, I'm comparing it directly to the Leica 8x42 Noctivid because in my opinion that's the current best overall bino (sorry Zeiss, you have great optics but mediocre built quality).UPDATE: So I ordered the accessory NL headrest that's sold separately, just to see what all the fuss was about. Thought I'd maybe use it from time to time as it adds a bit of bulk to the binos. Well, after trying the headrest for about 8 seconds, I've decided it's never coming off. This headrest makes the binos feel like 7x or perhaps 6x binos. Hard to explain but they become even more stable and ergonomic. I'm actually a bit surprised that no one else has attempted this. A pity these were not included and are sold separately. Kinda expensive ($150) but very well worth it. I'm giving these 7/5 stars.

I went from 10-100 MPH on this purchase as I've only owned binoculars in the $150.00 range so I am not qualified to give a really detailed review on the subtleties of what makes a truly great binocular but I can tell you this: I am floored with how everything looks so strangely detailed as if I'm viewing the world in Ultra 4K. Everything is now so crisp and wonderfully bright too. I wish I had at least previously owned a middle-of-the-road pair of binoculars to compare these with but unfortunately cannot. However, I can tell you the optics are simply stunning and I cannot imagine a pair of binoculars offering better optics than these. They are THAT GOOD. As they should be for the price. I should also mention the build quality, focusing mechanism, and ergonomics are just superb. But do yourself a favor: Don't just listen to me. Go online and look up some really professional reviews as I did on this model. The pros, who know what they're talking about, are giving even higher praise. Extremely happy with this purchase.

Clarity of vision is absolutely fantastic. Quick and easy to focus from less than 3 m to infinity.Comfortable to hold and use. Weight is not excessive and yet these are sturdy and the mechanisms are smooth without any feeling of grinding or sticking.I would purchase again.

The Swarovski NL Pure is their absolute top-end, and just holding it, it is obvious that this is something special. The way the body of the binocular literally moulds to your hand, and the sheer broad, and aberration free view, is just breath-taking. If you want the absolute best, there’s none better, even though the Zeiss Victory SFs come really close.

You can’t put a price on quality…yes, crazy expensive but when you are using them the price is justified, I’m a professional wildlife photographer…the sharpness of these are just out of this world

The neck strap enclosed attached ok on one side of the binoculars but the pin would not attach firmly on the other. The ring on the neck strap was too thick for the pin to seat. I solved the problem by grinding down the plastic on the strap. The second day before I even went into the field on a birding trip a hinge broke on one of the objective lense caps. You would have to send it in to fix this (about six weeks turn around). These hinges are not very strong. I expected a little better quality on a $3000 binoc. I have a Swarovski SLC 10x42. The optics are excellent on both models. Are they $1000 better on the NL Pure?? On the positive side I like the feel of the NL and the focus is very smooth.

I have had these binoculars for about three years, and right from the beginning I had problems with the objective covers falling off. They would actually rip off and I was unable to reattach them. I had to replaced them both twice. Swarovski did send me one set free. Now I use my Nikon flip down lens covers on them. About six months ago both eye cup covers started falling off. I had been gluing them on, but the other day one fell off and I can’t find it. I tried calling Swarovski customer service, but this time no one answered. Very frustrating.

With the headrest and harness optionals I would definitely have got a 10x42 for bird watching. The headrest stabilizer really makes a 10x42 the new normal for bird watching. But I'm way satisfied with quality and the few from these 8x42s. Real quality. Real expensive.