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Swift binoculars--is it just me? (1 Viewer)

fishcrow

Well-known member
Three years ago, I purchased a pair of Swift Audubon binoculars for a trip to Manu Park in Peru. I had a trusty old pair of Nikons that I really liked, but I decided that I better get a pair that are rated waterproof for the Amazon. In the middle of the trip, they fogged up and I was in bird heaven with no binoculars for several days. A good part of my trip was ruined, but Swift sent me a replacement. I went back to using my Nikons, and put the replacement in my closet. A few weeks ago, I had a kayak accident and lost the Nikons. So I broke out the Swifts for the first time. They have already fogged up. At most, they have been exposed to a few drops of rain. It's the same thing that happened to the other pair. The left eyepiece fogged up. Two pairs of these, and they both fogged up within a few weeks. This is supposed to be waterproof?? I owned the Nikons for eight years and never had such problems. I don't like to dump big bucks into equipment in case it gets stolen, lost, etc. It looks like I'll have to get some good binos. I don't want any more trips ruined because of junk from Swift.[/
 
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cinclodes said:
Three years ago, I purchased a pair of Swift Audubon binoculars for a trip to Manu Park in Peru. I had a trusty old pair of Nikons that I really liked, but I decided that I better get a pair that are rated waterproof for the Amazon. In the middle of the trip, they fogged up and I was in bird heaven with no binoculars for several days. A good part of my trip was ruined, but Swift sent me a replacement. I went back to using my Nikons, and put the replacement in my closet. A few weeks ago, I had a kayak accident and lost the Nikons. So I broke out the Swifts for the first time. They have already fogged up. At most, they have been exposed to a few drops of rain. It's the same thing that happened to the other pair. The left eyepiece fogged up. Two pairs of these, and they both fogged up within a few weeks. This is supposed to be waterproof?? I owned the Nikons for eight years and never had such problems. I don't like to dump big bucks into equipment in case it gets stolen, lost, etc. It looks like I'll have to get some good binos. I don't want any more trips ruined because of junk from Swift.
Sounds like really bad luck and possibly a "DUFF" pair as I have been using an old pair of 827's for years in all climates and weather conditions without any problem whatsoever.
 
bobwoodcock said:
Sounds like really bad luck and possibly a "DUFF" pair as I have been using an old pair of 827's for years in all climates and weather conditions without any problem whatsoever.
What is DUFF? It could indeed be nothing more than bad luck, but it's hard to believe that two pairs would fog up almost immediately. The first time, they told me they had gotten a bad shipment.
 
cinclodes said:
What is DUFF? It could indeed be nothing more than bad luck, but it's hard to believe that two pairs would fog up almost immediately. The first time, they told me they had gotten a bad shipment.
DUFF = Bad shipment
 
I have not had any problem with my Swifts fogging, but then I have not been in extreme conditions. I get a little external fogging in the summer, but nothing internal.
 
Yes, I agree. For extreme environments the Swift 828 HHS Audubon is a better choice since it's waterproof and nitrogen filled. However, it doesn't have as wide a field of view. The optics are great. Cost is <$300. (Buy a flotation strap too ;))

Ed
 
dendroica_john said:
I have not had any problem with my Swifts fogging, but then I have not been in extreme conditions. I get a little external fogging in the summer, but nothing internal.
I never used mine in extreme conditions, either, but moisture got inside both pairs and fogged up the inside of the eyepiece after only a few weeks use.
 
cinclodes said:
It's this model...

http://www.swift-optics.com/products/birding/eight_power/820

I hope to hear from someone who has had good luck with this model over an extended period. After being burned twice, I don't know if I would even want a replacement.

It wouldn't hurt to ask Swift customer service if they would replace your 820 with the 828 HHS Audubon, which costs about the same. They could say no, but you might be pleasantly surprised if they say yes. Let us know what happens, of course.

Ed
PS. Others have commented that the 820 is not really "waterproof," which technically means they can be submerged to some depth for an extended period. It's aggravating.
 
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elkcub said:
It wouldn't hurt to ask Swift customer service if they would replace your 820 with the 828 HHS Audubon, which costs about the same. They could say no, but you might be pleasantly surprised if they say yes. Let us know what happens, of course.

Ed
PS. Others have commented that the 820 is not really "waterproof," which technically means they can be submerged to some depth for an extended period. It's aggravating.
Thanks for the great suggestion. I would feel safer getting a different model. Neither of the pairs that gave me problems were exposed to anything more than a few rain drops or a little splash from a kayak paddle.
 
dendroica_john said:
That's the same model that I use as my primary pair, and I have never had any problem with them.
That's good to know. They said that the original pair was part of a bad shipment. I wonder if the second pair came from the same shipment? The moisture has evaporated out of the eyepiece. So it must be a really poor seal.
 
cinclodes said:
Maybe I should request the model that goes through the assembly line on Wednesday.
The 828 HHS Audubon is a very good pair and would be a great replacement if they would do it for you.
If not, accept the replacement that they send you, sell it on ebay and check out something ese.
There are loads of great binoculars under $400.00. Minox, Pentax, Nikon and even Olympus have some wonderful glass that you should look into.
 
820 audubon

cinclodes said:
Maybe I should request the model that goes through the assembly line on Wednesday.
Hi there...i have a pair of audubons 820#...i had problems with them in the past...they fogged once because i washed them lightly ,after 1 year of use and dust.i was really upset because they should be waterproof ;i sent them back to the company and have the O-ring seals tightened ....The Guy that fixes the glasses(grat guy by the way)told me that a good way to keep them waterproof is not to get them close to water and also agreed that manufacturers sometimes dont deliver the standards of quality in materials that brands advertise.(that is probably true for many brands)i wasnt that happy about the solution but i took the advice and kept them dry and i havent had any more problems,i really like the view through them and would miss those binos.If i happen to have problems in the future(i just moved to rainy Oregon)i would send them back and demand a replacement ,no matter how long i have used this pair.
 
mayoayo said:
Hi there...i have a pair of audubons 820#...i had problems with them in the past...they fogged once because i washed them lightly ,after 1 year of use and dust.i was really upset because they should be waterproof ;i sent them back to the company and have the O-ring seals tightened ....The Guy that fixes the glasses(grat guy by the way)told me that a good way to keep them waterproof is not to get them close to water and also agreed that manufacturers sometimes dont deliver the standards of quality in materials that brands advertise.(that is probably true for many brands)i wasnt that happy about the solution but i took the advice and kept them dry and i havent had any more problems,i really like the view through them and would miss those binos.If i happen to have problems in the future(i just moved to rainy Oregon)i would send them back and demand a replacement ,no matter how long i have used this pair.
Don't get them close to water?? What a bizarre bit of advice for a waterproof pair of binoculars. Sending them back and getting them fixed is great, but what if they fail when you're in a remote area? They failed me the first time when I was deep in the Amazon. It ruined a good part of that trip. Thanks a lot for the input.
 
cinclodes said:
Three years ago, I purchased a pair of Swift Audubon binoculars for a trip to Manu Park in Peru. I had a trusty old pair of Nikons that I really liked, but I decided that I better get a pair that are rated waterproof for the Amazon. In the middle of the trip, they fogged up and I was in bird heaven with no binoculars for several days. A good part of my trip was ruined, but Swift sent me a replacement. I went back to using my Nikons, and put the replacement in my closet. A few weeks ago, I had a kayak accident and lost the Nikons. So I broke out the Swifts for the first time. They have already fogged up. At most, they have been exposed to a few drops of rain. It's the same thing that happened to the other pair. The left eyepiece fogged up. Two pairs of these, and they both fogged up within a few weeks. This is supposed to be waterproof?? I owned the Nikons for eight years and never had such problems. I don't like to dump big bucks into equipment in case it gets stolen, lost, etc. It looks like I'll have to get some good binos. I don't want any more trips ruined because of junk from Swift.
Here is some info on the latest Minox in the $300.00ish price range. Great binocular that is certainly waterproof:

The new lightweight MINOX BL 8x42 BR and BL 10x42 BR:
Two perfect companions for weight-conscious outdoor enthusiasts

Recognizing trends and responding to these with innovative products – this is a field in which MINOX excels. In a new line of field glasses the optics specialists from Wetzlar have now brought out two all-round binoculars of the 42 class, which, in spite of their exceptional performance data, are extreme lightweights. The MINOX BL 8x42 BR and BL 10x42 BR are two perfect companions for the price and weight-conscious outdoor enthusiast who does not want to compromise when it comes to optical quality.

The L for “Light“ in the binocular name is based on the robust body of polycarbonate. With its rubber armouring and ergonomic design this optical masterpiece lies steady and sure in the observer’s hand, thanks to its low weight. And it is virtually indestructible – a new generation in MINOX sport optics. In addition to this, the BL 8x42 BR and the BL 10x42 BR are watertight to a depth of five meters as a result of the sophisticated sealing technology developed by MINOX engineers.

The new developed optical systems with high light-gathering power have multicoated lens elements which guarantee highest optical performance and natural color rendition of the object in view. Thanks to the roof prisms with phase-correction coating the user is able to enjoy an image with exceptionally high detail rendition and excellent contrast, even when light conditions are bad. A nitrogen filling inside the binoculars prevents fogging of the glass surfaces, even with extreme temperature fluctuations.

MINOX has also taken the specific needs of people wearing glasses into account. With the extended eye relief the entire field of view can be enjoyed without vignetting, even for those wearing glasses. Rotating rubber eyecups which can be individually adjusted are additional convenient features.

The scope of delivery of these new binoculars includes a Neopren strap as well as a case.



Technical Data MINOX BL 8x42 BR and MINOX BL 10x42 BR:
Magnification: 8x / 10x
Front lens diameter: 42 mm
Exit pupil: 5.25 mm at 8x, 4.2 mm at 10x
Field of view: 113 m / 1.000 m, 6,5° (at 8x), 105 m / 1.000 m, 6,0° (at 10x)
Eye relief: 19,5 mm at 8x, 16 mm at 10x
Close distance: 2,5 m
Over run diopter adjustment: +/- 2 dpt
Twilight number: 18,3 at 8x, 20,5 at 10x
Operating temperature: -10° - +50° C
Waterproof: up to 16.4 ft. / 5m
Heigth, depth, width 146(143) x 126 x 54 mm
Weight: approx. 636 g / 22,9 oz.
 
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