I’ve found that these binoculars provide VERY good images , but are not quite up to the standard of the likes of the Nikon 8x32 Superior E series binoculars, arguably one of the better 8x32 porro-prism binoculars ever made. The Swarvoski’s image has a VERY faint yellowish tinge, while the Nikon’s is more neutral. Their eye relief is also QUITE poor compared to the Nikon SE. The Habicht provides only about 10 to 13 millimeters or so compared to the Nikons’s 17-18 millimeters.
If possible, try to procure them in an armored format, as they are just a BIT delicate. The Swarovski also provides the benefit of being nitrogen-purged, just about the only small birder-worthy porro-prism binocular I can think of offering this feature. The Nikons are NOT waterproof!
For what it’s worth, Swarovski’s 7x42 Habicht binocular is a REAL bargain, offering significantly improved eye relief (as you would expect from this configuration) and are easier to steady for long periods if you have larger hands.
Best of luck!
Hi,....
one night i was tenting in the snow, temperature dropped below 30 celsius and all of my gear froze, in the morning i couldnt get my stove open, stuck with ice, whereas i could perfectly rotate the focusing knob of the bins! so much for alleged lack of ruggedness for porros!
don't hesitate to buy yours, i definitely would recommend this pair o bins to anybody looking for TOP quality and half the price...
regards,
zp
I highly recommend the 8x30 Habicht, it is indeed the hidden jewel in the Swarovski line!
I could not agree more. I have owned both the Habicht 10 x 40 and the 8 x 30, and the latter is a superlative glass and, IMHO, brighter and sharper than its SLC sibling. My 8 x 30 is the "leather" covered version, purchased in 2006, and focus is also stubbornly stiff.
- most dealers did not want to stock or sell the Classic models.
Clay Taylor
Swarovski Optik N.A.
After a few years ... SONA have stopped importing them from Austria and featuring them oin our price lists, ....
Stiff focus - yes it is stiffer than most porro prism binoculars, but that is due to the double-waterproofing seals on the bridge.
the better they ought to compete in this niche.and the percentage of top-end porros is tiny when compared to top-end roofs,
it simply would not be economic to redesign the lenses for those things. They would never recoup their additional investment.
nothing more comfortable out there.if the specific model (8x30, 7x42, 10x40) fits your hand comfortably,
True!it is a remarkable value in terms of optical quality and ruggedness.
Hi I tried some Roofprism's today.On there website they said they where Swarovski 7-42b Habicht SLC and only a few years old. The bin's felt great and the view great but at £500 for second hand I think I might think again? What do you think? Do Swarovski make this model? I can't find them on there web site Help Clive
Hello Clive,
The 7x42 Swarovski Porro glass has a relatively narrow field of view. The eyecups sometimes do not stay down but pop up unexpectedly.
Happy bird watching,
Arthur
Clive -
The basic design was tweaked into the "SLC New" a few years ago, but the differences are very small. They are selling new in the US for about $1500 - I don't know what they go for in the UK. They are excellent optics, and as rugged as any ever made.
Here's how to tell the manufacture date - the Serial Number begins with a letter, followed by nine numbers. The first two numbers are the code for the year of manufacture -
69 - 1999
70 - 2000
71 - 2001
72 - 2002
73 - 2003
74 - 2004
75 - 2005
76 - 2006, etc.
The next two numbers tell the week of that year in which they were made.
Clay Taylor
Swarovski Optik N.A.
Clive -
The basic design was tweaked into the "SLC New" a few years ago, but the differences are very small. They are selling new in the US for about $1500 - I don't know what they go for in the UK. They are excellent optics, and as rugged as any ever made.
Here's how to tell the manufacture date - the Serial Number begins with a letter, followed by nine numbers. The first two numbers are the code for the year of manufacture -
69 - 1999
70 - 2000
71 - 2001
72 - 2002
73 - 2003
74 - 2004
75 - 2005
76 - 2006, etc.
The next two numbers tell the week of that year in which they were made.
Clay Taylor
Swarovski Optik N.A.
...
Here's how to tell the manufacture date - the Serial Number begins with a letter, followed by nine numbers. The first two numbers are the code for the year of manufacture -
(...)
76 - 2006, etc.
The next two numbers tell the week of that year in which they were made.
Clay Taylor
Swarovski Optik N.A.