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Message: <blockquote data-quote="stephen b" data-source="post: 3424537" data-attributes="member: 80110">Agree with most that has been written and covered above ( with slight exception as to actual quality characteristics of the newest model of the 8x42 SLC WB).I have had both models of the SLC 8x42's; I sold the original HD ( should have kept it), and now own the newest 8x42 SLC WB. Both of these are very fine binoculars. The SLC HD model was made for roughly (2) + years 2010-2012. I am not sure there are any out there with a 83 (2013) serial #. It was and is a fantastic binocular. For one main reason ( that has been confirmed to me by more than one Swaro SONA tech ) Swarovski discontinued it and came out with the newest version of the 8x42 SLC. That reason being to create more of price difference between the SLC HD and the SV. There was only about $200 difference in price at the time. Apparently either the SLC was not selling at the price, or it affected the SV sales. Do not know which was the case. But Swarovski made the interesting decision to lower the price on the SLC by changing the close focus and changing the armor. Really according to the tech I spoke with the only cost savings was in the redesign of the eyepiece; as the armor change does not save cost. One tech that I spoke to said that even though there was savings to the eyepiece design by changing the close focus, he did not think that it saved as much as the price drop. He thought that the new version was a very good value. My thoughts on this was that since the goal was to separate price from the SV; that Swarovski lowered the price on the SLC even more than the cost savings of making the binocular. Which makes sense that their whole goal was to have a bigger cost difference between the SLC and the SV. The price of the older SLC HD 8x42 was about $2129 and the new version when it came out was about $1729 ( now $1749). IMO, Swarovski did not save $400 by just changing the close focus design. Tech told me that there was significant savings there, but I am not sure if it is $400 in real cost to them. BTW- interesting that a company would make a change to one of its own lines just to make a price difference to other part of its offerings. But many companies do the same sorts of things. Auto market etc.I have been told more than once, that the optics and glass is the same as the original SLC- HD- except for close focus difference. In owning both and testing both, I would tend to agree with that.I had the original SLC-HD, sold it, regretted it a year later; and then looked for another. When I had trouble looking for one, I bought a newer version 8x42 SLC WB. Actually it is my second go around with one of these, but I am now sticking with this one.Basic difference is the close focus ( 6 ft, vs 10.5 ft in the new one) - which matters a hill of beans to me in a full size bin. It makes no field difference to me in the least. The new model is 1 oz less, which is not much, but something I actually appreciate. New model has a less aesthetically appealing appearance than the older model. But it's much maligned "bumpy" exterior actually has a nice functional use. I found that it really is quite "grippy" in use in the very wet climate that I live in. So for me in field use the new armor may be a wash as to which I prefer.New model that I have (made 2014) has a very smooth focus mechanism, is extremely sharp; is bright and a pleasure to use. Plus I bought it for a very appealing price. It makes a nice compliment to my 10x42 Leupold Cascade Porro binocular; and to my 8x32 Leupold Mojave.So anyone that is interested in one of the 8x42 SLC models, I would not hesitate to buy one of the new models, and not look back. After all, they do not make the old ones anymore, so choices of finding one are not easy. And this is the new design choice in all the SLC models. Even the 56mm models have the same armor look. Optically the new ones are very, very good. Recently when they were closing out the old model SV 8.5x42 at the local Cabelas I picked a demo model up to check out. I was wondering if I would like it better than my 8x42 SLC. I spent the better part of 2 weeks putting both through numerous testing in all conditions. Also tested them with a buddy who has a 10x42 SV; who BTW just assumed that the SV's must be the better line. Well, my 8x42 SLC more than held its own. In fact regardless of cost, I preferred it to the SV. But then again, that was based on my personal preferences of what I want in a binocular. And my buddy was quite surprised at how good the 8x42 SLC really is. He had a pre conceived bias towards both the SV and 10x bins in general. But after a couple of hours looking through all (3) mounted on tripods and testing them at a variety of distances, he came away quite impressed with the nice crisp wide view that the 8x42 SLC provides. He also liked quite well how fast and easier the tripod mount is on the Swaro SLC.So, the 8.5 SV was returned for someone else to enjoy, and I am quite happy with my 8x42 SLC. Maybe even more so, after all the detailed side by side testing.Apologize for the long winded post.</blockquote>

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