Swarovski NL Pure 32mm Review: 8x32 vs. 10x32—Which Would I Choose?

By Chris Bunce | Ignited by Nature

The Swarovski NL Pure 8x32 is my favorite daytime binocular. It combines excellent glass, a wide field of view, and comfortable ergonomics in a compact package that’s easy to carry and handhold.

But if you’re considering an NL Pure 32mm, there’s an important decision to make: should you choose the 8x32 or the 10x32?

My personal choice is the 8x32. That doesn’t mean it’s the best option for everyone, though. The extra magnification of the 10x32 has its advantages, and choosing between them comes down to how you plan to use your binoculars.

Here’s what I like about my 8x32 and how I would approach that decision.

What Makes the NL Pure 32mm Stand Out?

One of the first things you notice when picking up the NL Pure 8x32 is how comfortably it fits in your hands.

It retains the distinctive hourglass shape of the larger NL Pure models, but in a smaller package. At approximately 5.7 inches long and 640 grams—about 22.6 ounces—it’s easy to bring along when you want excellent optics without carrying a larger binocular.

For hiking, birding, and general nature observation, that combination makes a lot of sense. These are binoculars I enjoy carrying, and just as importantly, I enjoy looking through them.

The image feels wide and immersive. The clarity, brightness in daylight, and sharpness across the view are what keep bringing me back to this binocular.

Swarovski NL Pure 8x32 vs. 10x32: Key Differences

The biggest differences between these two models are magnification, field of view, and exit pupil.

SpecificationNL Pure 8x32NL Pure 10x32Magnification8x10xObjective diameter32mm32mmExit pupil4mm3.2mmField of view at 1,000 yards450 feet396 feetField of view at 1,000 meters150 meters132 metersApproximate weight640 grams640 gramsApproximate length5.7 inches5.7 inches

My firsthand impressions here are based on the 8x32 I own. The discussion of the 10x32 explains its specifications and the practical tradeoffs of choosing higher magnification.

Why I Prefer the NL Pure 8x32

A Wide, Relaxed View

The 8x32 gives you the wider field of view of the two models. For me, that’s a major part of its appeal.

When I’m looking across a landscape or watching wildlife, I appreciate being able to take in more of the surrounding area. The view feels open, and it’s easy to stay immersed in what I’m watching.

More magnification can be useful, but I don’t always want a tighter view. For a compact binocular that I’ll primarily use during the day, I really enjoy the balance the 8x32 provides.

Easy Handheld Viewing

Another reason I prefer the 8x32 is how easy it is to hold steady.

Higher magnification makes hand movement more noticeable. With the 8x32, I find it easy to get a comfortable, steady view without setting up a tripod.

That matters when I’m moving around and stopping for quick looks. I can pick these up, glass, and keep going.

A Larger Exit Pupil

The 8x32 has a 4mm exit pupil, compared with 3.2mm on the 10x32.

Exit pupil is calculated by dividing the objective diameter by magnification. In this case, that means 32 divided by eight or 10.

The larger exit pupil can make eye placement more forgiving and can provide a brightness advantage as light fades, depending on how much your own pupils dilate. It doesn’t mean the 8x32 will always look brighter in full daylight, but it’s another reason I lean toward eight power in this size.

When Would the 10x32 Make More Sense?

The main reason to choose the NL Pure 10x32 is the additional magnification.

If you spend more time looking at distant subjects and want a larger image while keeping the same compact size, the 10x32 is worth considering.

The tradeoff is that you’ll see less of the surrounding area, and your hand movement will be more noticeable. You also get the smaller 3.2mm exit pupil.

That doesn’t make the 10x32 difficult to use. It simply means you’re prioritizing magnification over some of the viewing comfort and wider perspective of the 8x32.

Extra magnification can help reveal detail, provided you can hold the binocular steady enough to take advantage of it.

Does the Forehead Rest Help?

I like using the optional forehead rest with my NL Pure 8x32.

It provides another point of contact and helps me settle into a steadier handheld view. The binocular is already comfortable on its own, but the forehead rest adds support that I appreciate.

It would also be worth considering with the 10x32, where the additional magnification makes shake more apparent. It won’t eliminate movement, but it can help support the binocular while you’re glassing.

Low-Light Performance: Keep Expectations Realistic

I think of the NL Pure 32mm models primarily as daytime binoculars.

The glass is excellent, but a compact 32mm binocular still involves a tradeoff. If your main priority is observing wildlife at first or last light, you should consider whether a larger objective model would better suit your needs.

Between these two, I prefer the 8x32 for its larger exit pupil. For the way I use a compact binocular—hiking, moving around, and glassing during the day—that’s a good balance.

Why I Chose Burnt Orange

My NL Pure 8x32 is burnt orange, and there’s a practical reason for that choice.

I’ve dropped binoculars in the snow before and had to backtrack to find them. Having a color that stands out can make that search a little easier.

I wish the orange were even brighter, but I still appreciate the visibility compared with green in some of the places I use them out West.

Of course, that advantage depends on your surroundings. Drop them in a pile of orange fall leaves, and you might have a different experience!

Which NL Pure 32mm Should You Choose?

I would choose the 8x32 if you prioritize:

• A wider field of view.

• Easy handheld viewing.

• A more forgiving exit pupil.

• Hiking, birding, and general daytime observation.

I would consider the 10x32 if you prioritize:

• A larger view of distant subjects.

• More magnification in the same compact package.

• Daytime observation where you can hold the binocular steadily or add support.

For me, the Swarovski NL Pure 8x32 remains my favorite daytime binocular. The size, ergonomics, wide view, and ease of handholding make it an optic I enjoy using.

If extra magnification matters more to you, the 10x32 may be the better fit. Both offer the compact NL Pure design; the decision is about which viewing experience suits you best.

Which would you choose: the wider view of the 8x32 or the extra magnification of the 10x32? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear what you’re using and why.

Stay connected to the wild.