The perfect binocular for hunting? Our optic expert Cody Nelson provides his insights on Swarovski's 10x52 NL Pure hunting binoculars and why you should consider one for any hunt
Swarovski NL Pure 10x52 binocular front view glassing off of a tripod.
Swarovski NL Pure 10x52 binocular side view.
Is the Swarovski 10x52 NL Pure the perfect binocular? I think about this question a lot. It’s a passion. I’ve helped thousands of hunters make this decision over the years, selecting the best optics that suit them and their style of hunting. There’s always that question, “If you had to choose a piece of glass, which one is it going to be?” There are many brands to choose from: Sig Sauer, Vortex Optics, Leica, Zeiss, Leupold, Steiner Optics and Burris, but today, the choice is Swarovski.
With the recent release of the Swarovski 10x52 NL Pure, it’s made the market take a hard look at the new 10x52. It comes from a long line of 10x50s. They include 10x50 SL Habicht, the 10x50 SLC and, finally, the 10x50 EL. These binoculars, in their day, were the best of the best! Until now…
The NL Pure took the industry by storm when Swarovski released the 8x32 NL Pure, 10x32 NL Pure, 10x42 NL Pure and 12x42 NL Pure models. With their altered internals and slender ergonomics along with their wide field of view, Swarovski delivered the “wow factor” it’s known for. As crazy as the response was to the 42mm NL Pure, there was an immediate imagination for other models. Customers asked about more magnification coupled with a larger objective lens for a slightly bigger binocular with more glass up front in the objective lens. Swarovski delivered the 10x52 NL Pure along with its bigger brother the 14x52 NL Pure.
I have owned different 10x50 binoculars over the years. From Tasco and Bushnell in the early days to Bausch & Lomb Elites in the late 80s. I used them because, at the time, some of these pieces of glass were all that we had. In the mid 90s, fresh out of college and single, hunting was a priority and it was taking off in my home state of Arizona. Good glass was also starting to make its way into the hunting world on a bigger scale than ever. Enter the Swarovski 10x50 NL Pure.
Swarovski didn’t disappoint with its newest rendition of all-purpose binoculars. When compared to the discontinued 10x50 EL, you’ll notice the ergonomic comfort of the NL Pure. Truth be told, the new 52mm is slightly bigger and heavier by an ounce at 36 ounces. Yet, in true NL fashion, it will make you feel like you’re holding a smaller binocular. I can promise you that your first look through these new 10x52mm NL Pures and you will be more than pleased. Everyone I talk with who has held them and looked through them is hooked!
First, the 5.2mm exit pupil and its effects when battling low light conditions is unmatched! Along with the resolution and clarity, having maximum light reaching your eyes is a difference maker for sure. The exit pupil exponentially creates better clarity and resolution — even at longer distances. I will stack these 10x52’s against any 12xs and be happier!
Second, the unmatched field of view of 390 feet at 1,000 yards is immediately realized and appreciated. This allows your eyes to work a larger view efficiently and has a direct steadying effect on hand-holding even without the use of the NL Pure Forehead Rest — which absolutely works and makes hand-holding your binoculars steadier with three points of contact.
Last, but certainly not least, the Austrians finally made good with making sure that the new NL 52mms were tripod mountable. The new Swarovski TA Tripod Adapter NL allows you to mount it to a tripod with its innovative slot and tension clamp design. It is a new design, is easy to connect and disconnect and secures your binoculars with tension that keeps them level regardless of level ground. The tripod adapter base is Arca-Swiss compatible and has 1/4-20 thread that accepts mounting plates with matching threads.
There are a few worthy choices out there for a do-all, do-everything binocular; however, the 10x52 NL Pure should be at the top of the list. I would feel comfortable with them mounted on a tripod for long glassing sessions as much as I can use them out of my Marsupial Gear Enclosed Binocular Pack. I would use the medium size I have without the forehead rest, or you could switch to a large with the forehead rest. They are only 6 ounces heavier than the smaller NL 42mms and would make an excellent choice for periodic handheld glassing.
Being from Arizona and having hunted Coues deer most of my life, glass has always been an important decision. Swarovski just made that decision much easier. If you’re going to choose one or simply lighten the load, go with a set of 10x52 NL Pures andSwarovski STC 17-40x56 Straight Spotting Scope or the Swarovski ATC 17-40x56 Angled Spotting Scope when it comes to a compact spotting scope. I can glass anywhere in the world and be successful.
So, when you’re deciding and looking for the glass that does it all, look no further: the Swarovski 10x52 NL Pure just might be that “perfect binocular.” Size and weight, low light performance, and field of view make this binocular an easy choice!
If you have questions about Swarovski optics, gear needed when glassing, or further explanation, please feel free to comment or reach out to me at optics@gohunt.com, or you can give me a call at 702-847-8747, and I’d be happy to help.
