Swarovski NL Pure 10x42 vs EL 10x42

Field of view

Swarovski's NL Pure 10x42 prints a field of 399 ft at 1,000 yd, which is 7.6 degrees. That puts it in 2nd place among the 87 models of 10x42 that carry a field figure.

For the EL 10x42 the maker prints 336 ft, or 6.4 degrees. That matches the 336 ft median for the size and lands it in 41st place of 87. Here the NL Pure wins by a clear margin.

Brightness at dusk

This round is a tie. Both models work out to a 4.2 mm exit pupil, a twilight factor of 20.5 and a relative brightness of 17.6, all calculated from the 10x42 size.

Nikon defines exit pupil as the effective objective diameter divided by magnification, and says a larger exit pupil gives a brighter view in dim light. With the same 4.2 mm on both, the sizes alone do not separate them at dusk.

Eye relief and glasses

With 20 mm of eye relief against 18 mm for the NL Pure 10x42, the EL 10x42 leads here. The median for the size is 16 mm.

The RSPB shop says eyeglass wearers should look for at least 16 mm, so both clear that mark. Audubon puts the range for birders' binoculars at 15 to 20 mm, and the EL sits at the top of it. Both list an eye spacing range of 56 to 74 mm.

Close focus

A close focus of 6.6 ft puts the NL Pure 10x42 in front, level with the 6.6 ft median for the size. That suits butterflies, dragonflies and other subjects at arm's reach.

Close focus on the EL 10x42 is 10.8 ft, longer than that median. If you often watch things closer than that, the NL Pure is the better fit.

Weight and handling

At 29.6 oz the EL 10x42 is a touch lighter than the 30 oz NL Pure 10x42. The median for the size is 24.9 oz, so both are heavier than most 10x42 models.

The gap is small. Both are adaptable to a tripod and the makers' documents give no waterproofing figure for the NL Pure 10x42 or the EL 10x42. Nikon notes that waterproof binoculars should not be used underwater.

Price band

Makers list the NL Pure 10x42 in the over $2,000 band. EL 10x42 sits in the $1,000 to $2,000 band.

Since brightness, weight and waterproofing are so close, the price band is the main cost of the NL Pure's wider view and shorter close focus. For other options in each band, see binoculars over $1,000.

NL Pure 10x42 or EL 10x42

NL Pure 10x42 wins on view width, 399 ft against 336 ft, and on close focus, 6.6 ft against 10.8 ft. EL 10x42 wins on eye relief, 20 mm against 18 mm, and sits in the lower price band. Brightness figures are identical.