After reading an older Bird Forum review from Henry Link on the Zeiss 8x56 Victory FL, I have wanted to purchase an 8x56. The big Zeiss proved too large for me to comfortably handle, but the new Swarovski 8x56 SLC-HD looked very promising. However, Swarovski would not import the 8x56 nor the 10x56 SLC-HDs into the U.S., citing a patent infringement. Special orders through U.S. dealers weren't possible.
Henry Link indirectly showed me another way. He has successfully had a Swarovski 8x30 armored center-focus Habicht made by House of Outdoor in Maarssen, The Netherlands. It piqued my interest in possibly purchasing an 8x56. I corresponded with Jan van Daalen of House of Outdoor on the faint possibility of shipping an 8x56 to the U.S.
Jan made it easy - after a bank transfer of funds and conversion to euros, the 8x56s were shipped out of Maarssen on a Wednesday and I received them the next Monday. Tracking showed that they cleared U.S. customs in 20 minutes; no customs fees were charged!
The binocular has been been reviewed extensively by Eric Bakker on Cloudy Nights, Binomania, Scopeview and others with positive results overall. I strongly agree with their findings.
The 8x56s are a delight! Despite the weight, the ergonomics with double - cutouts balance perfectly. Construction is flawless, smooth focus, grippy surface, long eye relief, comfortable eye cups -- everything you would expect from Swarovski. The view is stunning - large bright immersive look that is tack -sharp up to the edges, little to no CA, and neutral color. My only issue is finding a chest harness that's comfortable for this big glass! The 8x56 may not be for everyone, but it is nice to know you can get one!
Thanks again to Jan for making it possible to obtain the 8x56s on this side of the pond!
Henry Link indirectly showed me another way. He has successfully had a Swarovski 8x30 armored center-focus Habicht made by House of Outdoor in Maarssen, The Netherlands. It piqued my interest in possibly purchasing an 8x56. I corresponded with Jan van Daalen of House of Outdoor on the faint possibility of shipping an 8x56 to the U.S.
Jan made it easy - after a bank transfer of funds and conversion to euros, the 8x56s were shipped out of Maarssen on a Wednesday and I received them the next Monday. Tracking showed that they cleared U.S. customs in 20 minutes; no customs fees were charged!
The binocular has been been reviewed extensively by Eric Bakker on Cloudy Nights, Binomania, Scopeview and others with positive results overall. I strongly agree with their findings.
The 8x56s are a delight! Despite the weight, the ergonomics with double - cutouts balance perfectly. Construction is flawless, smooth focus, grippy surface, long eye relief, comfortable eye cups -- everything you would expect from Swarovski. The view is stunning - large bright immersive look that is tack -sharp up to the edges, little to no CA, and neutral color. My only issue is finding a chest harness that's comfortable for this big glass! The 8x56 may not be for everyone, but it is nice to know you can get one!
Thanks again to Jan for making it possible to obtain the 8x56s on this side of the pond!
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