More innovation, practicality, and excellence from Swarovski Optik
Returning from the 2024 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, and after handling my first EL RANGE 8×32, I felt compelled to take one for a spin – to see what all the hype was about. I can tell you – it didn’t disappoint.
While this particular piece was officially introduced to the optics marketplace a few months ago, it is one of Swarovski’s newest additions. I’ve been using the first generation EL Range 10×42 since its inception in 2011. Revolutionary at the time, for over a decade, it’s made my hunting more enjoyable and successful. Even still, there were features that I felt could be improved upon. With the EL RANGE 8×32, Swarovski has responded to consumer requests by introducing yet another engineering marvel.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
I’ll qualify my comments by stating that reviewing fine optics can be a challenge. At this level, manufacturers go to painstaking ends to ensure that they cover their bases.
Any time I’ve opened a Swarovski Optik box, I’ve felt like I was being treated to not only a significant purchase, but an experience – and the EL RANGE 8×32 package was no exception. This company has earned a reputation for making fine optic, and it’s clear that considerable investment went into presenting this piece as yet another exquisite investment, one that would undoubtedly enhance my outdoor experiences for years to come.
Sliding the classic green external cover from the sturdy storage box, the first thing you notice is the classic embossed hawk emblem. Lifting the flap of the main compartment, the inside of the cover bears a classic full color wilderness scene. Seemingly insignificant at first, as you dig deeper, it becomes increasingly clear how much attention to detail has been invested in their packaging alone. On the left side is an open compartment holding a stout, yet attractive, carry bag – again baring the trademark Swarovski Optik hawk emblem. On the right side is yet another flap. When opened, you are immediately presented with an assortment of instructional papers, a Swarovski Optik sticker, a stunningly designed user manual (printed in 10 different languages), and a few other documents. Below that, is another compartment containing a strap for the storage bag, a neck strap for the binocular itself, as well as an eye cup cover. As if that’s not enough, there are additional tiny boxes containing practical tools for making adjustments to the binocular and lens cleaning accessories as well.
Opening the storage bag, and gripping the binocular, the difference is noticeable. In hand, the EL RANGE 8×32 fits in your hand nicely and looks great. But before we talk about ergonomics, I want to share some of the technical aspects of this incredible piece.
RANGEFINDING ENHANCEMENT
A number of years back, Swarovski Optik made its first dedicated laser rangefinding binocular, but it had its limitations. Close range distance measurement wasn’t available and this was a particular issue of concern for bowhunters. With the third generation of the EL RANGE 10×42 launched in 2021, I’m extremely excited to see close-range measurement has now become a reality, and in fact a major improvement now available with the compact EL RANGE 8×32. In earlier EL RANGE models, the minimum distance was 30-metres and beyond. Now that minimum distance is 10-metres; a significant enhancement that makes this rangefinding binocular an ideal choice for archers and crossbow hunters alike.
ERGONOMICS
With the classic Swarovski finish, the EL RANGE 8×32 feels great to the touch. I wouldn’t say the straight barrels are as comfortable to hold as the NL PURE, but it’s obvious that you’re holding a Swarovski binocular. A great upgrade is the location of the laser activation button. In earlier models (i.e., the 8×42 and 10×42), the range button was located on the left side, so users had to press it with their left hand. A higher percentage of people are right-handed, so Swarovski decided to switch it to just inside the right ocular tube – making it more practical and accessible for most users. This new EL RANGE 8×32 comes from the factory, with the range button on the top right, and the mode button on the top left – both located between the two barrels just behind the focus wheel. To accommodate lefties, a nice feature is that these can be switched depending on preference.
DISPLAY
I find the red LCD display for both the distance measurement and mode settings to be comfortable to view and they can be adjusted for brightness. Both buttons are easily depressed, making readings and setting modifications simple to navigate as well. What I find truly incredible about the digital elements in this binocular is the variable mode settings. You can set it for one-off measurements, or on scan mode for moving targets. When viewing, there is a target mark located at the top center of the display, a distance measurement display that can be switched between metric and standard readouts (meters or yards), a compass symbol, direction and degree symbol, and a battery life indicator.
TRACKING ASSISTANCE
No doubt, one of the most impressive technical features integrated into the EL RANGE 8×32 (and 10×32 as well), is the tracking assist function. Powered with a CR2 battery, testing indicates that users should get up to 2,000 hours of life on one battery. To pair the tracking assist function with your phone, you need to download the Swarovski Optik EL RANGE KG App with your portable device. Once it’s paired with the App, it communicates via Bluetooth, to store and display immediate and changing distance information. Essentially, tracking assistance allows the user to measure and record the distance of a subject, and then continue to capture new measurements at changing distances. Those recordings map out your movements. This can be helpful for example, in marking locations that you’ve seen a concentration of game, or a specific target animal. A common field application might be if you initially measure the distance to an animal and then shoot it, tracking assist can help you follow up as you track it.
Another practical application might be using the tracking assist function as you move in on a subject. With marked locations on the App, you can touch a GPS measurement on your phone screen (or click on it), and it will then transfer that information over to the linked GPS marker on the digital aerial photograph. This feature literally allows you to move in close and know precisely how far away you are, even if you don’t have eyes on the animal you’re stalking.
If you don’t have the App, or even a cell phone, not to worry. You can actually use it right on the binocular itself. By activating successive measurements, the display will give you a new reading to determine the changed distance to your subject, along with how far you are to the right or left of the subject. With a little experimentation, it’s fairly easy to figure out how to use it. Remarkable really, this digital innovation is cutting edge.
In addition to the tracking assistance, you can also load relevant ballistic information (i.e., rifle caliber and ammunition) on the App, which will then provide compensation, or dial-up clicks, on your riflescope, making that information readily available in the field. This innovation takes technical hunting to a whole new level.
IMAGE CLARITY
Featuring Swarovision glass, it’s difficult to explain the clarity. I’ve spent over 30 years of my professional life as an outdoors communicator. Over those three-plus decades, I’ve worked with many different binocular brands and models. I’ve used a lot of great optics and few not-so -good ones as well, but one thing is certain. While many companies are improving the coatings on their glass, there are only a few that consistently rise to the top in terms of quality. The first time I raised an EL RANGE 8×32 rangefinding binocular to my eyes, it was in bright daylight. The edge-to-edge clarity did not disappoint. Crisp and clean to the eye, no squinting or image verification was required when acquiring and viewing images from up close, then in 100-yard increments well past 1,000 yards. Give it a go in lower light conditions at dawn and dusk and that’s where you really notice the brightness of Swarovski glass.
Of course, with a 32 mm object lens and 8x magnification, this binocular many not be a first choice for viewing long-range subjects out past 600 yards for example. Yet, even at those longer distances, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. No blurriness, no dark edges – just sharp and clear focus across the entire Field of View (FOV).
OTHER FEATURES
Standard on all Swarovski Optik binoculars, the centrally located focusing wheel moves freely and smoothly, and there are two diopter adjustments – one for each eyepiece (left and right). The twist-in eyecups allow you to adjust each eyepiece for comfort and ease of viewing as well.
Due to its smaller size, Swarovski moved to a single bridge design between the barrels, which in turn, helps decrease its overall weight. On the underside of the left barrel, you’ll notice two small markings. At first glance, they almost look like tiny cosmetic blemishes, but they’re not. One is an air pressure and temperature sensor, and the other is a status LED.
As far as protecting lenses, the EL RANGE 8×32 comes with the quick-disconnect low profile lens covers. Since these were first introduced on other binocular models, I’ve been concerned with the durability of these lighter-grade snap-in and snap-out covers. On the downside, I’ve had several tear off. On the upside, Swarovski has been excellent about replacing them under warranty, as needed. Bottom line, if you’re hard on your optics, this could be a source of frustration, but with a little extra care, they can be preserved.
FINAL COMMENTS
Certainly, there are pros and cons to the size of the 8×32 compared to the 10×32 and especially larger 10×42. The 32 mm objective lens makes this piece consider smaller and lighter. Weighing approximately 32.8 oz (930 g), the 8×32 fits well in the compact class of optics, and is really ideal for closer-range viewing. Otherwise versatile, I might suggest the most ideal field application would be for spot-and-stalk hunting and for stand hunters, where the animals you’re viewing may be close by, or out to a few hundred yards away. Of course, with a smaller objective lens, you lose some Field of View (FOV), and in turn some light transmission. Even still, with rangefinding capabilities from 10 yards to 1,640 yards, the EL RANGE 8×32 is a powerful piece.
Priced at around $3,400 USD, the EL RANGE 8×32 is not cheap, but it is a clearcut investment in quality. The number one complaint I hear from consumers is the price tag, but once they begin to understand the quality, testing, and warranty coverage, the rationale behind pricing begins to make sense. Over the years, my experience with Swarovski Optik North America (SONA), and their service department has been exceptional. They are always willing to answer technical questions, and handle any necessary repairs or even replacements when they’ve come up.
For more information on the EL RANGE 8×32, or to locate a dealer near you, visit www.swarovskioptik.com.
