Even if they were the same optically I would pick the Leica because it is the most rugged bino on the planet.

O.K. so nw lets compare the cream of both brands (10X42)

Leica Ultravid BR 10X42
and
Swarovski E.L. 10X42

I say no contest.
Leica Hands down.

I get to test both shortly. Welcome your opinions in anticipation.

When I purchsed my last pair of binos I tried every good brand I could lay hands on. I narrowed it down to Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski.

I stacked them and started comparing clarity. The Zeiss got elimanated.

I then placed the Swarovski and Leica on top of each other sand switched back and forth between the two. I then swapped their positions and moved back and forth between the two.

The Leica were SLIGHTLY better in clarity when I was looking into dark shadows. Also they were slightly better at picking out objects while looking through bushes.

Just remember... We are talking MINUTE differences here.

Both are very good binos.

In my opinion, in that particular lighting, at that time, the Leica was the better of the two binos.

you are very correct in the differences. i compared the same way you did.leica also is made with eyeglass glass.i carried my fatherinlaws swarovskis with me also.looking into well liut areas the swarovski really distorted the image. leica was much better. also leica people really stand behind their products.i have the leica 12x50.

Tim,

Did the dealer say how the Swarovski people handled the warranty complaints?

i have a swarovski 4x12x50 scope. i had problem with it not focusing in the beginning. i sent the scope in and it took almost 6 months of griping to get it back

Swarovski all the way... Not saying Leica is much behind though.

This is what we are comparing not EL's with Ultravids or anything like that. Next time anyone goes to a good optical store that has binos cut in half so you can look at internal guts look at a Leica and then at a Swarovski SLC..that is all one needs to know. Swarovski Polycarbonate body with glued in lenses whose mirrors have been problematic in the past vs Leica's HD magnesium chassis. . Also look at the way the focus mechanism workson a Duavid and the massive hinge pin ..built like a tank. Swarovski though beats any optics manufacturer with advertising dollars spent and sponsors numerous hunting related shows. As a Result the consumer gets stuck with the tab for overpriced binos... a 10x42 SLC would be a nice 600 dollar bino not a 950 dollar bino.. That is simply ridiculous. Now if you want an answer for EL's look at Ultravids. Information is out there read the reviews .

I didn't ask the dealer, on how the complaints were handled, but knowing the guy, his own service would be more than 100% regardless of the brand. As for the companies, sorry I can't answer that one.