Need Swarovski 8x30 CL Date ID Confirmed? (1 Viewer)

gcole said:

While on a trip back to New York this week I visited a LLbean store and I
negotiated down a price for a Green pair of CL 8x30 for $639. I knew it was not the current model but felt sorry for this little fellow 3 for sitting new in its box with no one wanting to pay the $1079 price that was on the original retail tag. The serial number is K854950438. I am reading this as manufactured in 2016, 49th week . Can anyone confirm that this is correct ?

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Gilmore Girl said:

Just call Swarovski and they'll tell you. That's what I did with the one I purchased this year.
That's a great price and even better than what I paid.

How do you like it? Some people think it's not too good for a Swarovski. I've been enjoying mine (tan color) and think the optics are fine. I especially like the colors, but I do recognize now that it could be a little sharper.
Most of the time I feel it's sharp enough, but when I use it a day after using my Ultravid+ it really suffers by comparison. When I use it solely for some days I adjust and it's fine again.

I would like to upgrade from CL to EL SV 8x32, but I don't want to spend that kind of money at this point.

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Gilmore Girl said:

Just call Swarovski and they'll tell you. That's what I did with the one I purchased this year.
That's a great price and even better than what I paid.

How do you like it? Some people think it's not too good for a Swarovski. I've been enjoying mine (tan color) and think the optics are fine. I especially like the colors, but I do recognize now that it could be a little sharper.
Most of the time I feel it's sharp enough, but when I use it a day after using my Ultravid+ it really suffers by comparison. When I use it solely for some days I adjust and it's fine again.

I would like to upgrade from CL to EL SV 8x32, but I don't want to spend that kind of money at this point.

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mwhogue said:

Gcole,

Good move. I own both the original and new version in 8x30. The newer version is better optically but a new in the box original version like yours is well worth @ $650 and IMO the previous accessory package is better, especially the case, strap and rain guard. The new objective covers are the only improved accessory.

Hope you enjoy them.

Mike

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gcole said:

While on a trip back to New York this week I visited a LLbean store and I
negotiated down a price for a Green pair of CL 8x30 for $639. I knew it was not the current model but felt sorry for this little fellow 3 for sitting new in its box with no one wanting to pay the $1079 price that was on the original retail tag. The serial number is K854950438. I am reading this as manufactured in 2016, 49th week . Can anyone confirm that this is correct ?

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NDhunter said:

Gwen:

It is quite easy to find the date of mfr. of any newer Swarovski binocular.
You just add 30 to the first 2 digits of the ser. #. So you have it, it would
be made in 2015, and that means it is a mid model. Jerry

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mwhogue said:

Hey Beth,

You mention "tan color". Do you actually have the Africa edition or the Traveler tan color? I bought the Africa edition for my wife several years ago. I really like the color but would describe it as a mid to dark brown color with bronze colored eye pieces. Really nice looking combo. I didn't know the original version came in tan (?).

Either way, glad you enjoy them.

Mike

Mike

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gcole said:

I find the optics are acceptable, but my eyes are not what they used to be. They appealed to me because of their weight/size. They fit my face and they are very well made. I had the upper hand over the sales clerk and the floor manager at LLBean. Both knew nothing about binoculars, so me knowing they had been in their binocular cabinet for a few years they really were caught of guard when I explained how old they probably were. After that convincing them they would never get that retail tag price of $1079 for these was pretty easy. Making a deal after that, they practically begged me for the sale. I will call Swarovski to find the manufacturing date.

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Gilmore Girl said:

Yep, I too like it more for the lightweight, ergonomics and beautiful build quality.

Mine is also 2015 production date.

You got an awesome deal.

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