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SLC range to be discontinued by Swarovski! (1 Viewer)

chill6x6 said:
Kinda of a shame....great binocular. I got my first one, a 10X42 in 1999. Then a 7X42 in 2008 followed by a 2011 and 2014 8X42s. I don't see how one can better the SLC at the current prices..
Click to expand...

Chuck,

I share your sentiment about the SLCs, since I own an 8x30WB, 10x42WB, and original 8x42 HD. In truth everybody winds up with discontinued binoculars, so it comes down to knowing how fortunate you are with what you have.
:smoke:
Ed
 
Sollas said:
It’s the SLC 10x42 I’m worried about. One of the best 10x out there.
Maybe they’ll produce an exciting alternative ��
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I bought an SLC10x42 mail order at the start of the lockdown and I have to agree with you - they are fantastic.

As a matter of fact I've now bought an SLC8x42 as well and it's just as good if not apparently even better (that last bit possibly just to do with shakefree handholding; to be honest I can't really tell them apart image-wise.

This latter purchase was without having any idea they would be / were being discontinued -- lucky move and both are to my eyes excellent examples (I changed the first 8x within a week as its focuser was rougher than the 10 but the second example, rapidly sent by the supplier via a delivery van also to collect the other one - great service, is good on all counts, luckily).

No regrets at all and sorry to see them both dicontinued.

Tom
 
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chill6x6 said:
Kinda of a shame....great binocular. I got my first one, a 10X42 in 1999. Then a 7X42 in 2008 followed by a 2011 and 2014 8X42s. I don't see how one can better the SLC at the current prices..
Click to expand...

Chuck,

I think I have you to thank for cautioning me that I'd find a 10x42 would get much more use than the 10x50 I was so keen on last year. As a result I got the 10x42 SLC this year and it's comparatively compact, nicely balanced and gives a tremendous view. So much so that just recently I got the 8 version also and don't feel there is really anything else I would need if push came to shove.

Glad to have discovered the SLCs while they are still available. I have the 50 (EL SV) already and it doesn't get so much use but yesterday I used that and the 42 -- both 10s for some wildlife that is visiting my garden and was spellbound by the view from both. Fantastic definition, contrast and workmanship. Never any doubt about alignment and manufacturing tolerances etc. Wish I had a 7 as well but I have other 7s and that is absolutely fine.

All the best,

Tom
 
SeldomPerched said:
I bought an SLC10x42 mail order at the start of the lockdown and I have to agree with you - they are fantastic.

As a matter of fact I've now bought an SLC8x42 as well and it's just as good if not apparently even better (that last bit possibly just to do with shakefree handholding; to be honest I can't really tell them apart image-wise.

This latter purchase was without having any idea they would be / were being discontinued -- lucky move and both are to my eyes excellent examples (I changed the first 8x within a week as its focuser was rougher than the 10 but the second example, rapidly sent by the supplier via a delivery van also to collect the other one - great service, is good on all counts, luckily).

No regrets at all and sorry to see them both dicontinued.

Tom
Click to expand...

I’m very tempted to do likewise and make a quick purchase of the SLC10x42. I think it unlikely that Swarovski will produce a better 10x42 for the money.

If I could get a similar quality 10x32 for the money I may be tempted but in reality I think the 10x42 option is better than 10x32 in this magnification.
 
Hello,

yes it would be a shame if Swarovski would discontinue the SLC series!:C

I think the 8 / 10x42 will actually be discontinued, but what about the 56 models?
I can't really imagine that these models will be withdrawn from the market, the 56 are fantastic, that in my opinion 8x56 are the best binoculars with conventional optical design, I don't know any better glass.

Andreas
 
SeldomPerched said:
Chuck,

I think I have you to thank for cautioning me that I'd find a 10x42 would get much more use than the 10x50 I was so keen on last year. As a result I got the 10x42 SLC this year and it's comparatively compact, nicely balanced and gives a tremendous view. So much so that just recently I got the 8 version also and don't feel there is really anything else I would need if push came to shove.

Glad to have discovered the SLCs while they are still available. I have the 50 (EL SV) already and it doesn't get so much use but yesterday I used that and the 42 -- both 10s for some wildlife that is visiting my garden and was spellbound by the view from both. Fantastic definition, contrast and workmanship. Never any doubt about alignment and manufacturing tolerances etc. Wish I had a 7 as well but I have other 7s and that is absolutely fine.

All the best,

Tom
Click to expand...

Great Tom,

For sure I think there is a place for 10X50/56 binoculars but in actual birding use the 42s get the nod.
 
It is a matter of taste really, and what one is used to, I much prefer the views of a premium 10X50/56 glass over a premium 10X42 since the weight is not a hindrance. The New NLs 10X42 have my attention and looking forward to checking that one out to compare with my 10X50s.

Andy W.
 
elkcub said:
Chuck,

I share your sentiment about the SLCs, since I own an 8x30WB, 10x42WB, and original 8x42 HD. In truth everybody winds up with discontinued binoculars, so it comes down to knowing how fortunate you are with what you have.
:smoke:
Ed
Click to expand...
Depends on when your birthday is discontinued. B :)
 
elkcub said:
Chuck,

I share your sentiment about the SLCs, since I own an 8x30WB, 10x42WB, and original 8x42 HD. In truth everybody winds up with discontinued binoculars, so it comes down to knowing how fortunate you are with what you have.
:smoke:
Ed
Click to expand...

You're speaking the truth, brother. I have a pair of now discontinued Zeiss HT 8x42's. Because I use my Conquest HD 8x32's more, I'd put the HT's up for sale. I am VERY glad no one took me up on them. I admit, Swaros are sexier looking than these black Zeiss but the HT's stun me whenever I look through them. I don't think I've seen any Swaros that *I've tried* that are optically better (part of it is that rolling ball thing which I am very aware of). I'll be keeping my discontinued 8x42 HT's. No offense to Swaro owners meant as I fully agree that they're the best looking bins out there.
 
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I couldn’t agree more about the HT’s Ed. I’m also so glad I got one before they were discontinued. I don’t think I have ever looked through a clearer binocular.
 
My main dilemma now is should I pull the trigger on a SLC 10x42 or wait for the SF 10x32.

I know the SLC is a no brainer just curious as to whether there would be negatives on the SF against the SLC?
 
elkcub said:
In truth everybody winds up with discontinued binoculars, so it comes down to knowing how fortunate you are with what you have.
Click to expand...

Wise words sir. Even today's latest and greatest will be discontinued some day. The SLCs have been around for decades and have outlived (and eventually outperformed) their competition at the time - the Leica BA/BNs and the Zeiss Dialyts. I agree (for what it's worth) with Vespobuteo that the area of the market the SLCs are competing in is really tough, and with pbjosh and Eitan that almost all the Swaros I've seen around other birders' necks are ELs. Ultimately every product line has got to pay its way, and if everything that the x42 SLCs can do can also be done by the ELs... Maybe after the SLCs are discontinued the EL baffling could be tweaked - better baffling/glare resistance would be a more than decent tradeoff for longer close focus in my book.

It is the end of an era though.

chill6x6 said:
For sure I think there is a place for 10X50/56 binoculars but in actual birding use the 42s get the nod.
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Just a quick one Chill... what would you say the key purpose for those format binoculars (10x50 and 10x56) is? 10x50 I think still has value for long stints over long distances where being easy on the eye would make a difference, but that's pretty specialist, I agree.
 
My own opinion (arrived at only in the last couple of years with the SLC 56) is that binos of this size simply give a beautiful, easy, comfortable view in every circumstance, with their large exit pupil. In 8x of course one starts to have that already with 42mm, though there are still a few enchanted by 8x56, who comment on improved daytime image quality from stopping down a large objective. So I suspect what Chuck is saying (and I would agree) is that weight is absolutely the only reason most wouldn't use 50 or even 56mm for daily birding, and there are other uses for binos too.
 
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I concur with much of the previous two postings. If the whole SLC range were indeed to be discontinued, then wouldn't that free up Swarovski in a big way to continue developing some new products catering for a modern market? Seems a logical move and sadly some formats have and will continue to disappear eg, an alpha brand 7 x 42, a specification consigned to history.

Why are / were 50mm and 56mm so preferred by the hunting element of binocular users? Could those desired performance features now be encompassed by a 42mm, perhaps.
 
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PYRTLE said:
Why are / were 50mm and 56mm so preferred by the hunting element of binocular users? Could those desired performance features now be encompassed by a 42mm, perhaps.
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They're not really. By far the most common in the hunting world is a 10x42, which is why you don't ever see many new 8x32 configurations IMO.
 
eitanaltman said:
Yup, I see a lot of birders here in California since I'm active in the local birding community and lead tours for the bird festival.

I have NEVER seen someone with a 42mm+ SLC in the field. I have seen a couple of older 30mm SLCs over the years, but that is highly unusual such that I notice. Almost nobody uses porros. Everyone using Swarovski has EL models (plenty of new SVs as well as 1st gen ELs still running). Swaro is the dominant high end brand, then Zeiss (a few SF users, some Conquests, and lots of old Victory FLs), and some Leicas (and then it's nearly always 32mm UV or Trinnie BA/BN). Only ever seen a few Meoptas or Kowas (although the Kowa 883 is by far the dominant alpha scope),

As to Nikon... only one guy I know uses an EDG, I've only seen a few MHGs in the field, but Nikon Monarchs are BY FAR the most common binocular overall as they dominate the under $500 zone with birders. On a bird tour the Monarch 5 and Monarch 7 are used by most of the "beginner/intermediate" types, and I know some really good birders who use Monarchs. Then Vortex is generally #2, with Vipers being the most common. So it seems that Nikon has a broad reputation for the cheap zone, and Vortex Vipers tend to be the "step up" for someone who wants to spend ~$500 for something better.... no doubt these tropes are reinforced by the many online reviews over the years with Vipers consistently topping the "mid level" tier.
Click to expand...

So what do you see out there other than that cheap sub $500.... If not SLC's...what is the going ALPHA or sub-alpha?
 
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