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

[Szmako81]

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

 

[kimmik]

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

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 🤷

 

[Richard D]

I'd say it's much lower than the ELs, but I don't find rolling ball an issue so I might not be the best judge.

 

[Conndomat]

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

 

[tenex]

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).

 

[Szmako81]

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!

 

[Szmako81]

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).

Szia!

 

[Tringa45]

It is very unlikely that you would experience rolling ball with the 8x42 SLC as it has a moderate amount of pincussion distortion.
See here: http://holgermerlitz.de/newk/images/newk.jpg
Since it was discontinued by Swarovski it is now available as the Kahles Helia S, KAHLES: Ferngläser at a lower price than that ebay offer.

John

 

[Szmako81]

It is very unlikely that you would experience rolling ball with the 8x42 SLC as it has a moderate amount of pincussion distortion.
See here: http://holgermerlitz.de/newk/images/newk.jpg
Since it was discontinued by Swarovski it is now available as the Kahles Helia S, KAHLES: Ferngläser at a lower price than that ebay offer.

John

Thanks a lot! Sz.

 

[elkcub]

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

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

 

[kimmik]

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.

 

[tenex]

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!

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%.

 

[GrampaTom]

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.

Could you elaborate on what you mean by this please?

 

[elkcub]

Transmission remains 91%.

Do you have a reference describing how Swarovski measures percent transmission?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Ratal]

I am violently susceptible to rolling ball, and the SLC 8x42 is fine for me with little to no visible RB.

 

[Szmako81]

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

Lieber Andreas,
Thanks for the recomnendation, however I've been looking for that "special" model. Sz.

 

[Szmako81]

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

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.

 

[tenex]

Do you have a reference describing how Swarovski measures percent transmission?

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.

 

[GrampaTom]

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)

That is weird. And ugly. The WB is the latest?

 

[elkcub]

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.

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