Skip to content

Swarovski EL Range with Tracking Assistant

Introduction of Swarovski EL Range TA

After Zeiss’ release of Victory RF in 2018 and Leica’s introduction of Geovid .COM series in 2020, it was only a matter of time before Swarovski would come up with a response. The EL Range has been on the market for quite some time, lacking some of the features of the newer premium Laser Rangefinding binoculars such as Wi-Fi connectivity and a ballistics calculator. The first generation of EL Range was released in 2011, and the second generation followed a few years after, bringing only minor updates. The third generation of EL Range, presented now in 2021, is a huge step forward. Read on to find out why.
Swarovski EL - range with tracking assistant
Swarovski EL – range with tracking assistant

Looking for the new EL Range?

EL Range TA 8x42

An optical masterpiece

Most binoculars enthusiasts have heard of the Swarovision technology which Swarovski implements in their best, most expensive binoculars. It is based on a field-flattening lens system which contributes to impressive colour fidelity, outstanding detail resolution, and edge-to-edge sharpness. Until now, the technology was limited to the EL series (the models without the rangefinder). Well, this is no longer the case – from now on, the Swarovision technology will be in the EL Range series also. Compared to the previous generation, the new models offer a 10% wider field of view – the 10×42, for example, now offers 120 m of FOV at 1000 m, which is quite exceptional. Both tubes boast a light transmission rate of 90 %, and when looking through the tubes, one cannot tell these binoculars of the Laser Rangefinding type – cheaper binocular of the Chinese origin usually have some yellow or blue tint in one of the tubes, but that does not apply to the EL Range.

Is it compatible with the forehead rest?

The answer is yes. Swarovski introduced the forehead rest last year when they launched the NL Pure binocular. Having an extra point of contact while using the binoculars has proved to be a remarkable characteristic. It is especially useful when binoculars are used for longer periods of time or when the user is fatigued. The downside is that it is not compatible with the forehead rest used on NL pure devices. Swarovski designed a new one for the EL Range with TA, it is fixed to the binoculars in a different way. One point of contact is with the battery compartment (you have to replace the battery cover with the threaded part of the forehead rest) and the other one is with the socket next to the left eyepiece. The rest is available as an accessory for 129 EUR. Other than that, Swarovski made some minor changes to the housing to improve the ergonomics, such as moving the measuring button to the right side of the bridge. A new button has been added to the bottom of the left barrel to facilitate the use of the new functions (inner side of the bulb).

Interested in Swarovski FRR Forehead Rest?

Swarovski FRR Forehead Rest EL Range
Swarovski EL Range TA
Swarovski EL Range TA

The Ballistics calculator and Wi-fi connectivity

The previous EL range models were not equipped with an advanced ballistics calculator, they could merely provide the user with the equivalent horizontal range. It is only logical that Swarovski chose to include it in the new models – the competitive devices in this price class, after all, already have this useful feature. Furthermore, you can connect them to the smartphone app via Wi-fi, which makes transferring the ballistic data to the binoculars a simple and hassle-free procedure. After the ballistic data is transferred, you can have the binoculars provide you with the holdover in the number of clicks needed for the elevation adjustment on the riflescope. On top of that, the air pressure, temperature, and angle are all taken into the account.

Looking for the right rangefinder binoculars?

The ULTIMATE Rangefinder Binoculars Buying Guide

Tracking Assistant – TA: A novelty in the world of sports optics

This is perhaps the biggest innovation when it comes to the new EL Range as none of the competitors have thought of something similar yet. The function works with the help of an electronical compass and is designed to help you locate the harvested animal, which is especially useful in mountainous/hilly terrain where it is difficult to navigate oneself. You can use it in combination with a smartphone (it will show you the place to which you have to go on a map) or without it (you point the binocular to the place you shot from, click the measuring button, and the directions will be provided on the binocular display).
Swarovski EL Range
Swarovski EL Range

Other information

As all other Swarovski optical devices, the new EL Range is Made in Austria. It measures from 10 to 2000 m distance; the accuracy up to 1500 m of distance is +/-1 m. It weighs 30 grams more than the previous version which we can attribute to the upgraded optics and advanced firmware. For now, the series is only available in the green colour – Swarovski has yet to decide whether they are going to come up with the O-range version. There are two models at one’s disposal: Swarovski chose to retain the popular open-bridge configuration and the strap attachment solution. These binoculars are incredibly appealing to the eye, the only thing that we dislike are the two bulbs, one at the bottom of each barrel (these have been present since the birth of the EL Range series). We know that these contain the electronic components, but many other manufacturers of premium optics have found ways to hide them within the housing.

Looking for new Swarovski EL Range 10×42?

Swarovski EL Range TA 10x42_cta
Swarovski EL Range
Swarovski EL Range
The new EL range has a 10-year warranty. The electronics are covered with a 2-year warranty period.

Conclusion

The new EL Range is a completely new binocular with an upgraded optical system (Swarovision), additional sensors, smartphone connectivity, forehead rest compatibility, and the all-new tracking assistant. The delivery starts on the 1st of February 2021. The old model will be discontinued after that. The 8×42 and 10×42 models will retail for 3380 € and 3480 €, respectively. They are more than 250 € more expensive than the previous generation, but the numerous upgrades justify that.
Summary
Swarovski EL Range with Tracking Assistant
Article Name
Swarovski EL Range with Tracking Assistant
Description
The new EL-Range is a completely new device with an upgraded optical system (Swarovision), additional sensors, smartphone connectivity, forehead rest compatibility, and the all-new tracking assistant. It will hit the shelves on the 1st of February 2021.
Author
Publisher Name
Optics Info
Publisher Logo

SHARE THIS POST

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

2 Comments
  • I have a set of 10×42 Swarovski ELs. Can I get a forehead rest for mine? If so how do I order?
    Thanks much,
    Ralph Alt

  • Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *