• Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.

    Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Does the Swarovski SLC 8x42 HD have the rolling ball effect while panning? (1 Viewer)

Szmako81

Szmako81

Well-known member
Hungary
Dear Members,

I am relatively new to binos. When first wanted to purchase one, I went for the Swaros right away. Unfortunately, while I was panning with the EL, newer SLC WB and NL models, it made my stomach rise. I experienced a globe-like phenomenon.
On ebay there is a Swaro SLC 8x42 HD for 1590 Euros.
Before spending that much on it, could someone help me with some advice? Does anyone of You have the aforementioned model?
The globe-effect is there as well?

All the best, Szabolcs
 

Attachments

  • s-l500.jpg
    s-l500.jpg
    23.7 KB · Views: 23
Szmako81 said:
Dear Members,

I am relatively new to binos. When first wanted to purchase one, I went for the Swaros right away. Unfortunately, while I was panning with the EL, newer SLC WB and NL models, it made my stomach rise. I experienced a globe-like phenomenon.
On ebay there is a Swaro SLC 8x42 HD for 1590 Euros.
Before spending that much on it, could someone help me with some advice? Does anyone of You have the aforementioned model?
The globe-effect is there as well?

All the best, Szabolcs
Click to expand...

Have a look on Allbino review for your tried and known models, at the parameter “distortion”.

If you suffer rolling ball sensation, the lower the distortion the worse the rolling ball, usually. (Pincushion distortion)

Do you have any bino that you DONT see rolling ball? Check the pincushion distortion figure for that too.

Edit: also over concentrating, especially in higher magnification binoculars, and panning too much, will give you nausea regardless of image perfection 🤷
 
Last edited:
eBay Germany... ;)

I find the price a bit too high, even if you can still bargain down 100-150 euros.
If you don't need the good near point, I would wait for a newer model, some of which are already available for around 1100 euros!
Here's a slightly cheaper... Swarovski 8x42 SLC in OVP | eBay

Andreas
 
Szia Szabolcs, I recently acquired the 10x42 (others here have the 8x) and can assure you there is no rolling ball with this model. It has pincushion distortion instead, so lines will curve a bit near the edge in the classic way. This is an excellent binocular in every respect, including the close focus that was lost in the later model, although that one should be otherwise similar optically: sharp, contrasty, very low aberrations except near the edge and hardly noticeable in daylight use. The usual price for several years now has been in the $1400-1500 range (and I've seen similar prices asked even for the more recent model now that it's discontinued) though a better deal may appear if you're patient; one recently sold in the classifieds here. It's a good idea to have a pre-owned purchase serviced by Swarovski; mine is now like new.

Edit: I just noticed you saw RB even in the "newer SLC WB", could you clarify that -- perhaps you meant 56mm instead of 42? While not "flat field" like EL/NL, it does have less pincushioning than the 42, so I can see how a sensitive person could experience some RB with it, though it's no problem for me. SLC 56 is likewise one of the best binoculars ever made in my opinion (I have it in 10 and 15x).
 
Last edited:
Firstly, thank You all for answering!
When mentioning the Swaro models, I was not precise-SW EL 8.5x42, SLC WB 8x56, NL Pure 8x42. I was panning too much, I do not deny it, however I could not help noticing that globe effect even when doing it slowly.
At the moment I'm having a Leica UV 8x42 and a Trinovid 10x42 BA binos, having no problem with them.
It would be nice to add a Swaro to my little collection!
 
tenex said:
Szia Szabolcs, I recently acquired the 10x42 (others here have the 8x) and can assure you there is no rolling ball with this model. It has pincushion distortion instead, so lines will curve a bit near the edge in the classic way. This is an excellent binocular in every respect, including the close focus that was lost in the later model, although that one should be otherwise similar optically: sharp, contrasty, very low aberrations except near the edge and hardly noticeable in daylight use. The usual price for several years now has been in the $1400-1500 range (and I've seen similar prices asked even for the more recent model now that it's discontinued) though a better deal may appear if you're patient; one recently sold in the classifieds here. It's a good idea to have a pre-owned purchase serviced by Swarovski; mine is now like new.

Edit: I just noticed you saw RB even in the "newer SLC WB", could you clarify that -- perhaps you meant 56mm instead of 42? While not "flat field" like EL/NL, it does have less pincushioning than the 42, so I can see how a sensitive person could experience some RB with it, though it's no problem for me. SLC 56 is likewise one of the best binoculars ever made in my opinion (I have it in 10 and 15x).
Click to expand...
Szia! :)
 
Szmako81 said:
Dear Members,

I am relatively new to binos. When first wanted to purchase one, I went for the Swaros right away. Unfortunately, while I was panning with the EL, newer SLC WB and NL models, it made my stomach rise. I experienced a globe-like phenomenon.
On ebay there is a Swaro SLC 8x42 HD for 1590 Euros.
Before spending that much on it, could someone help me with some advice? Does anyone of You have the aforementioned model?
The globe-effect is there as well?

All the best, Szabolcs
Click to expand...
I have owned and used the original SLC 8x42 SLC-HD like this one for a decade, and appreciate its virtues more each time I use it. So far as I'm concerned Swaro never made a better binocular and probably never will. I never experienced the globe effect while using it.

Due to the fact that they designed this product to include just enough pincushion distortion to avoid the globe effect, and achieved a largely flat field without the need to add a flattener lens, they reached a sublime state of optical design that unfortunately conflicted with their other business interests. In short, it was too good, and they degraded later models ... which was carried forward into the current Kahles Helia version.

So, anyway, considering the rarity and performance of this unique model I would suggest that $1,619.79 USD is a fair price in today's market. I paid about that amount for mine 11 yrs. ago. Of course, you do need to check out the condition of the instrument and the European Swaro warranty status.

Ed
 
Hi Ed,

While i’ve never tried a slc, i somewhat agree with you that swaro has been consistently downgrading aspects of their products for long term profit.

Though to balance the view a little, is the SLC a little lower transmission, and a little yellow tinted compared to EL and NL?

I agree the size, weight, build, field are top notch.
 
Szmako81 said:
At the moment I'm having a Leica UV 8x42 and a Trinovid 10x42 BA binos, having no problem with them.
It would be nice to add a Swaro to my little collection!
Click to expand...
We also have a BN and UV; the optical character of SLC 42 strikes me as rather similar overall (but with less chromatic aberration), so I expect you'll like it. It's likely to replace the UV as my daily binocular, largely thanks to Ed's remarks about it here. Good luck!

P.S. Yes, SLC 42 has a slight yellow bias compared to other Swaros (even SLC 56) which I don't mind. Transmission remains 91%.
 
Conndomat said:
eBay Germany... ;)

I find the price a bit too high, even if you can still bargain down 100-150 euros.
If you don't need the good near point, I would wait for a newer model, some of which are already available for around 1100 euros!
Here's a slightly cheaper... Swarovski 8x42 SLC in OVP | eBay

Andreas
Click to expand...
Lieber Andreas,
Thanks for the recomnendation, however I've been looking for that "special" model. Sz.
 
elkcub said:
I have owned and used the original SLC 8x42 SLC-HD like this one for a decade, and appreciate its virtues more each time I use it. So far as I'm concerned Swaro never made a better binocular and probably never will. I never experienced the globe effect while using it.

Due to the fact that they designed this product to include just enough pincushion distortion to avoid the globe effect, and achieved a largely flat field without the need to add a flattener lens, they reached a sublime state of optical design that unfortunately conflicted with their other business interests. In short, it was too good, and they degraded later models ... which was carried forward into the current Kahles Helia version.

So, anyway, considering the rarity and performance of this unique model I would suggest that $1,619.79 USD is a fair price in today's market. I paid about that amount for mine 11 yrs. ago. Of course, you do need to check out the condition of the instrument and the European Swaro warranty status.

Ed
Click to expand...
Dear Ed,
What do you mean by the European warranty status? To check out the condition of the instrument I've only got the pictures...

Sz.
 
elkcub said:
Do you have a reference describing how Swarovski measures percent transmission?
Click to expand...
No, I'm not sure any manufacturer documents such methods. But (as I should have said) the claimed transmission on the spec sheet is identical, 91% for both HD 42 and WB 42.

As to "degradation" or "downgrading" of certain models, the obvious evidence is the reduced close focus on the SLC 42 and EL 42 "Classic"(!) models, but photos have also been posted here [Edit: by John Roberts, see post #25 below] showing much cruder internal construction on SLC 42 which helps to explain the price drop. (I'm curious whether this happened also with EL.) It's a strange practice I haven't seen from other (alpha) makers.

All the same, SLCs have become my favorites now.
 

Attachments

  • Swaro SLC 42 HD.jpg
    Swaro SLC 42 HD.jpg
    166.8 KB · Views: 49
  • Swaro SLC 42 WB.jpg
    Swaro SLC 42 WB.jpg
    273.6 KB · Views: 50
Last edited:
tenex said:
No, I'm not sure any manufacturer documents such methods. But (as I should have said) the claimed transmission on the spec sheet is identical, 91% for both HD 42 and WB 42.

As to "degradation" or "downgrading" of certain models, the obvious evidence is the reduced close focus on the SLC 42 and EL 42 "Classic"(!) models, but photos have also been posted here showing much cruder internal construction on SLC 42 which helps to explain the price drop. (I'm curious whether this happened also with EL.) It's a strange practice I haven't seen from other (alpha) makers.

All the same, I've thought of changing my handle to MrSLC... (and I was a Leicaphile for so long)
Click to expand...
That is weird. And ugly. The WB is the latest?
 
Szmako81 said:
Dear Ed,
What do you mean by the European warranty status? To check out the condition of the instrument I've only got the pictures...

Sz.
Click to expand...
Hello Sz,

Overall, Swarovski has an excellent reputation for restoring damaged binoculars to original condition, sometimes to even better than original condition. In the USA, Swarovski Optik North America (SONA) provides this service for optical products they imported, and I've used them many times over the years. However, I don't know the situation on Europe so you would need to check out the warranty policy with Swarovski (Austria?) as to its terms.

Since you're buying on eBay there should be a statement about the condition of the binoculars and an indication as to whether the seller will accept returns if you're not satisfied (usually 30 days), and who pays for the postage. Personally, I would make an effort to contact the seller to get the serial number and to determine who owned it previously. If the seller is the original owner ask why he/she is selling? It it's a dealer ask about their confidence in the binoculars, and also about the warranty status.

I'm sure others on BF have better insights.

Ed
 

Similar threads

kimmik
Globe effect/rolling ball, there is more to it
Replies
14
Views
1K
kimmik
kimmik
D
Sky Rover Banner Cloud 8x42 APO Review
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
jgraider
J
S
Finally clicked into place with UVHD Pluses (and still love SLC)
2 3 4
Replies
70
Views
8K
tenex
tenex
D
Lower Mid-Range Bins without "Rolling Ball Effect"
Replies
6
Views
2K
giosblue
G
S
Noctivid 8x42- wow!
2 3 4
Replies
70
Views
15K
hopster
hopster

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top