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Swarovski 8x32EL - Calling all owners! (1 Viewer)

I just found out today that there is a dealer here in N. Ireland which stocks the 3 binoculars I am interested in: the Zeiss 8x32FL, Swaro 8x30SLCnew, and the Swaro 8x32EL.

So I'll take a look at them next week. But their prices are probably list prices, so I won't be buying there. I checked with Black and Lizars in Belfast - they have the Swaro 8x32EL but are charging the full SRP! Lizars - you'd be mad to shop there!
 
I just found out today that there is a dealer here in N. Ireland which stocks the 3 binoculars I am interested in: the Zeiss 8x32FL, Swaro 8x30SLCnew, and the Swaro 8x32EL.

So I'll take a look at them next week. But their prices are probably list prices, so I won't be buying there. I checked with Black and Lizars in Belfast - they have the Swaro 8x32EL but are charging the full SRP! Lizars - you'd be mad to shop there!
Take in a copy of "Wings" or "Birdwatch" magazine, or the like, with some of the price lists, and when they quote you a price in the store, show them how much you can get the same binos for elsewhere. It should work, if they want to make a sale. (I'd be well dubious about going into a store called "Black and Lizars", sounds like their main business is trading in internal organs.....;))
 
Take in a copy of "Wings" or "Birdwatch" magazine, or the like, with some of the price lists, and when they quote you a price in the store, show them how much you can get the same binos for elsewhere. It should work, if they want to make a sale. (I'd be well dubious about going into a store called "Black and Lizars", sounds like their main business is trading in internal organs.....;))

I'm not sure those dozy shops would have the latest version of any given binocular so I'd rather buy from one of the UK mail order specialist dealers. But they definitely should be made aware of how much cheaper these things can be had elsewhere.
 
Dialyt,

You've got a wealth of information now. Looks like a strong leaning towards the 8x32 ELs. I sympathize with your relative isolation from a cordial shopkeeper, willing to let you test a vast array of samples, and having to limit yourself to an internet purchase based on an educated hunch as per the opinions of your peers. But good opinions they are - great, even. My next question to you:

Do you not have an internet sales supplier in the British Isles, as we have here in the US/Canada (Eagle Optics), who will let you "purchase-test drive-and return" the purchase should it not be to your liking?

That would seem to be the next step for a prudent buyer.

Robert / Seattle
 
Dialyt,

You've got a wealth of information now. Looks like a strong leaning towards the 8x32 ELs. I sympathize with your relative isolation from a cordial shopkeeper, willing to let you test a vast array of samples, and having to limit yourself to an internet purchase based on an educated hunch as per the opinions of your peers. But good opinions they are - great, even. My next question to you:

Do you not have an internet sales supplier in the British Isles, as we have here in the US/Canada (Eagle Optics), who will let you "purchase-test drive-and return" the purchase should it not be to your liking?

That would seem to be the next step for a prudent buyer.

Robert / Seattle
In-Focus do encourage 14-day test drives (I think) but WHE are not so keen - I presume this from the lack of encouragement. But next week's test should enable me to make a decision. I am leaning heavily towards the ELs, but if the SLC impress, I'd choose them with their bargain price.

Plus, our dealers charge around £18 for shipping to N. Ireland - a lot given I am an unemployed graduate. You then have the cost of returning them if you don't like them.
 
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In-Focus do encourage 14-day test drives (I think) but WHE are not so keen - I presume this from the lack of encouragement. But next week's test should enable me to make a decision. I am leaning heavily towards the ELs, but if the SLC impress, I'd choose them with their bargain price.

Plus, our dealers charge around £18 for shipping to N. Ireland - a lot given I am an unemployed graduate. You then have the cost of returning them if you don't like them.

Dialyt,

Again, I sympathize. Having gone through this very trying procedure myself (several times), I'd say this --

IF this is a "lifetime" purchase, opt for the ELs -- hands down.

If you're willing to re-tool in 5 years or so, you might consider the SLCs IF the price is right.

Cheers,

Robert / Seattle
 
Dialyt,

Again, I sympathize. Having gone through this very trying procedure myself (several times), I'd say this --

IF this is a "lifetime" purchase, opt for the ELs -- hands down.

If you're willing to re-tool in 5 years or so, you might consider the SLCs IF the price is right.

Cheers,

Robert / Seattle

I'd like it to be a ''lifetime'' purchase.

So I take it the Swaro SLCnew is not up to the standard of the Leica Trinovid 8x32BA*? If this is the case, I would definitely go for the EL, or, though it seems unlikely now, the Zeiss FL.

*My benchmark for general purpose everyday binoculars
 
I'd like it to be a ''lifetime'' purchase.

So I take it the Swaro SLCnew is not up to the standard of the Leica Trinovid 8x32BA*? If this is the case, I would definitely go for the EL, or, though it seems unlikely now, the Zeiss FL.

*My benchmark for general purpose everyday binoculars

Dialyt,

Simply stated:

SLC and Trinovid are a full generation past. Very fine instruments, but increasingly dated with respect to features and performance (technology changed ever so fast in the late 90's, and early 00's).

EL and FL are current (as are the HDs). Those are your choices. Choose the ELs given your stated parameters and budget .

EL is the better, of the two, as per the concesus of this discussion.

On the limb here, but with some confidence ...

Robert / Seattle
 
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Re: 8x32 Swaro EL and Zeiss FL

Dialyt,

Simply stated:

SLC and Trinovid are a full generation past. Very fine instruments, but increasingly dated with respect to features and performance (technology changed ever so fast in the late 90's, early 00's).

EL and FL are current. Those are your choices. Choose the ELs.

EL is the better, of the two, as per the concesus of this discussion.

On the limb here, but with some confidence ...

Robert / Seattle

Ok. This could save me a bit of money, so please go with me here...

If I am looking for top-class performance, I must rule out the SLC.

This leaves me with the Leica, Swarovski, and Zeiss.

The Leica HD is too expensive IMHO, and I feel like I could do with a break from Leica anyway. The Zeiss is optically wonderful, but the build quality is somewhat lacking, and serious doubts have been raised about this. I understand that it features a composite body, with armouring that may not be very durable or well fixed to the body. I'm not sure how durable the composite chassis is, but I've heard enough about the rubber armouring to put me off - binoculars in this price range should not have the hint of such faults about them. This leaves me with the Swaro EL, about which I've not come across any criticisms.

I'd really appreciate any last minute presentations to be made about the Zeiss before I make my decision.

The money could be saved via the petrol used on the otherwise necessary 180 mile round trip to check out all three binoculars in the nearest dealer.

My conclusion, from the posts on this thread and elsewhere on this forum, is that both the Swaro EL and the Zeiss FL are fantastic optical instruments, but the Zeiss is let down by less than top-class build quality, which the Swaro EL does not suffer from.

Am I right?
 
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Ok. ... My conclusion, from the posts on this thread and elsewhere on this forum, is that both the Swaro EL and the Zeiss FL are fantastic optical instruments, but the Zeiss is let down by less than top-class build quality, which the Swaro EL does not suffer from.

Am I right?

Yup! (The ELs are extraordinary).
 
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Re: Swarovski 8x32EL


Ok. Thanks Robert.

One final thing: wherever I order from, I will receive my Swaro EL via mail order, but I need to make sure that I have received the latest version - how do I check this?

I understand that there were some issues with the gearing of the focus wheel from low to high, or slow to fast focusing, as well as the use of coatings i.e. the easy-to-clean coating.

How do I check this out on my specimen when I receive it?
 
Ok. Thanks Robert.
... How do I check this out on my specimen when I receive it?

As per BirdForum member "etc"., who posted the following on another Swarovski thread:

"According to Swarovski, the easy to clean coating started with serial number: L760326357"

I'd think that any serial number after that will be on a "current" specimen to your liking and specifications.

Robert / Seattle
 
I'd like it to be a ''lifetime'' purchase.

So I take it the Swaro SLCnew is not up to the standard of the Leica Trinovid 8x32BA*? [/SIZE]

No. Definitely not. The trinovids have gone out of production, probably for more than one reason.
The SLCs are "alive and kicking", so to speak.
The get regular technical updates such as the addition of the easy-clean coating only last year.

I'd say the SLC is definitely superior to the BAs.

Tom
 
If I am looking for top-class performance, I must rule out the SLC.

Am I right?


Frankly: No.
In 2006, in a large comparative test done by engineers of a german consumer organization the SLC10x42 achieved better results in the optical tests (Impartial, physical, in the lab) than the Victory 10x42FL.
You're up to deciding by yourself what it means, but if it means anything it must be that - by applying objective criteria - the are definitely not lagging behind.

Tom
 
The money could be saved via the petrol used on the otherwise necessary 180 mile round trip to check out all three binoculars in the nearest dealer.


I think it all boils down to realizing that there is absolutely no way to avoid a direct, side-by-side comparison if you intend to remove all doubt.

Maybe you can go by train?

Tom
 
Frankly: No.
In 2006, in a large comparative test done by engineers of a german consumer organization the SLC10x42 achieved better results in the optical tests (Impartial, physical, in the lab) than the Victory 10x42FL.

Tom

Tom,

Could you perhaps elaborate on this? It would be interesting to hear what the results were.

Kimmo
 
Tom,

Could you perhaps elaborate on this? It would be interesting to hear what the results were.

Kimmo

Hello Kimmo!
good morning to Finland.
I have tried to attach a pdf. If it did not work, drop me a line at [email protected]
I'll send it to you directly. The results are in a neat table. You'll probably have to difficulties, even with the unfamiliar language.
A criticism that applies is that they have tested but one specimen each but this applies to most such tests.

Regards, Thomas
 

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