That is rather disturbing to read...so far no issues with the focuser of my NL 10x, have them for two weeks now. I did read in a dutch review of the NL about a grain of sand being stuck in the focusing mechanism of a NL 8x, causing it to become stiff to turn...(link) I agree about the critical eye placement, it takes some time to fine tune. Sweet spot for me is two clicks down, plus using the Swaro winged eyecups and the FRP.
Good point. Anyway I'll keep my Swaro SVs as "status symbol".You'd expect 3k to get you a fuss-free device. What's optimal optic quality without optimal handling? Just another wanna-have status object?
Wow that is massively disappointing. I do not completely buy the teething problems argument on $3K glass as far as distinguishing between teething and incomplete R&D. R&D should be completed prior to release not after.....
I agree. Customers shouldn't be beta testers on any products (unless that's the specific deal) - especially on $3-$5K instruments (depending on your own pesos exchange rate at the time).
It will be interesting to see if this is a service issue, a manufacturing issue, a design for manufacturing issue, or a design issue.
A story to follow - keep us posted NZBinodude ..... :t:
Chosun :gh:
I do not get it: everything can break, every new device is known to have an higher probability of problems. If this is a «*piece of survival equipment*», why buying something that just hit the market instead of keeping using the well-known, proven by years of usage and excellent gear already available?
So far we know that one NL Pure had a problem. If it happens to several of them, it is a design issue and Swaro will fix them under warranty. If not, this is simply the proof that everything may fail, whatever the price and this is hardly news.
I have been following this and never intending to purchase the NL’s. So many good binoculars of the past have been discontinued only to be redesigned, replaced. Why not just update their coatings, glass and maybe their waterproofing/armor ? There’s that old saying ..... if it’s not broke , leave it alone.
There would be no progress then. We would still be driving Model T's.I have been following this and never intending to purchase the NL’s. So many good binoculars of the past have been discontinued only to be redesigned, replaced. Why not just update their coatings, glass and maybe their waterproofing/armor ? There’s that old saying ..... if it’s not broke , leave it alone.
Cold water after using the soap? I wonder if some soap congealed from the cold water and clogged up the focuser.No I didn't have the binos at the beach, and no they haven't been dirty, dusty, covered in shit etc,etc.
I just gave the rubber armor a quick rub with the soap Swaro recommends you regularly wash the NL's with. I wanted to see what it was all about. I thin rinsed the binos off under some cold water for a few seconds.
The focusser had some very slight stickiness prior to rinsing them with water - but afterwards, it got much worse.
Swaro NZ have offered to replace them, but I'm not sure I'm going to take them up on the offer. I'm tempted to just get a refund.
@Gijs - binoculars made for outdoor use should be designed to survive the elements. That includes being functional despite being covered in sand, dust, and the blood and guts of your enemies.
I'm not saying ALL porro prism binos are excellent. My 6x30's were made in West Germany and they ooze build quality. Sure, the sealing on them could be better, as could the coatings etc,etc...but I cannot see why optic companies today cannot take that same build quality and simplicity and pair it with brilliant optics (for $5k).
I agree 100%.
But fashion sells, doesn't it?
I reckon you should just hang onto your 8.5x42 EL's mate. They've been around for yonks, and assuming you've got the Field Pro model, it's the most refined and complete version of the EL there is.
If I could do it again I'd stay away from the NL's. As you say, they just haven't been around long enough for a general consensus to be made of their long-term performance.
And yeah, if this had happened in the middle of a trip, it would have been a real kick in the guts.
Fashion is for ladies and handbags. Those NZ mountains care not for what you gear looks like.