Ever since I recently received a Habicht SL 8x56 B M from around 1986, I have been taking it with me on my dawn patrol with the hound.
Some Historical Perspective
The SL was the last porro prism binocular series to be introduced by Swarovski. It came out in 1980 and production ended in early 1998. In the year of introduction Leitz offered only roof prism binos, while Zeiss only had two porros left in their portfolio. Swarovski's first roof prism bino, the SLC 8x30, came out in 1985/'86.
Physical Aspects
The Habicht SL is a behemoth, and the 8x56 especially so. It weighs in at 1481 g including oem strap, ocular cap and objective caps (new, courtesy of those friendly and ever helpful folks in Absam). By comparison my Habicht 10x40 W weighs in at a lithe 829 g, incl. objective and ocular caps.
The svelte 10x40 on the left, the SL 8x56 almost bursting out of its dirndl on the right:
Contrary to popular belief, the SL, although touted as waterproof, still has an external focussing mechanism as the eyepieces move up and down, or in and out of the, at the time ultra modern, synthetic body.
The Optics
The optics themselves are basically the normal Habicht optics although in the SL line, the prisms were cemented together, then had tubes glued to their ends. These assemblies were then placed in a mold which was then filled with liquid polyurethane. This highly modern process is partly the reason why now, that these binos get older, repair is a serious pita and is sadly often not even attempted. All Habichts with 5 or 6-digit serials, which inlcudes mine, are no longer accepted for repairs in Absam. Should you be lucky enough to own one with a serial above C64 ... it is still repairable (information correct as of Feb. 2024).
All SLs except the 8x56 B, which is the only one of the series to have foldable rubber eyecups, have the same rather short eye relief as the 'standard' Habichts. Measuring with my own rather basic little Moeller-Wedel dynameter gave a figure of 16.5 mm. Combined with a eyecup diamter of 39 mm, this makes for a good ease of view and very acceptable Einblickverhalten - for me.
From the word go the SLs were multi-coated, something which in due course became known as Swarotop. However, Mr. van Ginkel's tests have shown, that early Swarotop did not necessarily lead to better transmission than the previous DV coatings. Transmission figures are comparable to those of the other Habicht porros of the time, although the cemented prisms reduced the number of glas-to-air surfaces and 'may' have brought an increase of ca. 2%.
Transmission of the SL 8x56 (Source: Dr. Gijs van Ginkel)
To my eyes the view is perfectly ok, no noticeable yellow tinge, and also bright enough to use it at dawn.
Haptics/Ergonomics
For many, this unwieldy heavyweight my not be an option. I say: do not be scared.
At least in the 8x56 configuration and with my big hands, this binocular is very 'grippy' and well balanced. Those huge thumb grooves at the back of the instrument were possibly made for bear paws.
I find holding the SL in one hand is very comfortable which is lucky, because Senor Diabolito can be a rather unruly handful at times.
PS. It turns CCW to infinity ...
Conclusion
Quite possibly I would never have thought about chasing up a used Habicht SL, despite my fondness of porros and/or of 7x42s. Since I inherited one, I have come to appreciate its positives while learning that its negatives weigh, at least for me, not very heavily. Literally.
I hope that with careful use, this interesting piece of binocular history and innovation stays with me in an operable condition for many years to come.
I thank all those whose tireless research and accumulation of facts, measurements and knowledge has allowed me to learn and write this little post.
Some Historical Perspective
The SL was the last porro prism binocular series to be introduced by Swarovski. It came out in 1980 and production ended in early 1998. In the year of introduction Leitz offered only roof prism binos, while Zeiss only had two porros left in their portfolio. Swarovski's first roof prism bino, the SLC 8x30, came out in 1985/'86.
Physical Aspects
The Habicht SL is a behemoth, and the 8x56 especially so. It weighs in at 1481 g including oem strap, ocular cap and objective caps (new, courtesy of those friendly and ever helpful folks in Absam). By comparison my Habicht 10x40 W weighs in at a lithe 829 g, incl. objective and ocular caps.
The svelte 10x40 on the left, the SL 8x56 almost bursting out of its dirndl on the right:
Contrary to popular belief, the SL, although touted as waterproof, still has an external focussing mechanism as the eyepieces move up and down, or in and out of the, at the time ultra modern, synthetic body.
The Optics
The optics themselves are basically the normal Habicht optics although in the SL line, the prisms were cemented together, then had tubes glued to their ends. These assemblies were then placed in a mold which was then filled with liquid polyurethane. This highly modern process is partly the reason why now, that these binos get older, repair is a serious pita and is sadly often not even attempted. All Habichts with 5 or 6-digit serials, which inlcudes mine, are no longer accepted for repairs in Absam. Should you be lucky enough to own one with a serial above C64 ... it is still repairable (information correct as of Feb. 2024).
All SLs except the 8x56 B, which is the only one of the series to have foldable rubber eyecups, have the same rather short eye relief as the 'standard' Habichts. Measuring with my own rather basic little Moeller-Wedel dynameter gave a figure of 16.5 mm. Combined with a eyecup diamter of 39 mm, this makes for a good ease of view and very acceptable Einblickverhalten - for me.
From the word go the SLs were multi-coated, something which in due course became known as Swarotop. However, Mr. van Ginkel's tests have shown, that early Swarotop did not necessarily lead to better transmission than the previous DV coatings. Transmission figures are comparable to those of the other Habicht porros of the time, although the cemented prisms reduced the number of glas-to-air surfaces and 'may' have brought an increase of ca. 2%.
Transmission of the SL 8x56 (Source: Dr. Gijs van Ginkel)
To my eyes the view is perfectly ok, no noticeable yellow tinge, and also bright enough to use it at dawn.
Haptics/Ergonomics
For many, this unwieldy heavyweight my not be an option. I say: do not be scared.
At least in the 8x56 configuration and with my big hands, this binocular is very 'grippy' and well balanced. Those huge thumb grooves at the back of the instrument were possibly made for bear paws.
I find holding the SL in one hand is very comfortable which is lucky, because Senor Diabolito can be a rather unruly handful at times.
PS. It turns CCW to infinity ...
Conclusion
Quite possibly I would never have thought about chasing up a used Habicht SL, despite my fondness of porros and/or of 7x42s. Since I inherited one, I have come to appreciate its positives while learning that its negatives weigh, at least for me, not very heavily. Literally.
I hope that with careful use, this interesting piece of binocular history and innovation stays with me in an operable condition for many years to come.
I thank all those whose tireless research and accumulation of facts, measurements and knowledge has allowed me to learn and write this little post.
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