Secondhand Binoculars (1 Viewer)

[Gander]

I have been considering buying secondhand binoculars of a good quality. I am wondering if you are not the original owner, does the makers warranty become invalid?
I have some experience in unrelated sporting equipment, where if you are not the original registered owner, the warranty goes out the window.

 

[MiddleRiver]

Depends on the manufacturer. All warranties are different and they vary according to market (e.g. USA vs EU). I don't mean to offend, but it's worth simply going to the respective websites and reading the actual warranties, rather than risking misinformation on a forum!

 

[MiddleRiver]

Depends on the manufacturer. All warranties are different and they vary according to market (e.g. USA vs EU). I don't mean to offend, but it's worth simply going to the respective websites and reading the actual warranties, rather than risking misinformation on a forum!

BTW, my comments reflect some confusion - which has occured on places like BF - regarding warranties as mfg. have changed them over the years (Leica is a good example). Ideally, read up on current warranties, then if you are considering used gear, check on warranty at time of sale. THEN search or ask around here - and of course you'll get conflicting stories of 'i'lll never buy yada yada again, their warranty sucks' vs 'i've never had ANY issues with my blah blah bins'. )

 

[Maljunulo]

Tell us how much you are willing to spend, and you will probably get better advice.

 

[greekgeek]

It's a bit of a crapshoot with most brands.

One challenge with "older" second hand binoculars is ascertaining the warranty that applies based on the original production and sale date, authorized dealer, and whether or not registration was required and fulfilled timely.

In the US:
Kowa, Pentax, Hawke, and Nikon are currently not offering lifetime warranty transfer to second or third owners.

Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, and Vortex currently offer transferable lifetime warranties. Older Leica's may or may not be grandfathered in, call and ask by serial number.

 

[Gander]

Tell us how much you are willing to spend, and you will probably get better advice.

Up to around £1,500 would be available.

 

[Isthatascratch?]

I have been considering buying secondhand binoculars of a good quality. I am wondering if you are not the original owner, does the makers warranty become invalid?
I have some experience in unrelated sporting equipment, where if you are not the original registered owner, the warranty goes out the a

Up to around £1,500 would be available.

That’s a territory of lotsa choice in used binoculars. It’s now going to come down to what you are using them for etc. and also you will be able to get some with a shop warranty / returns guarantee here in the UK.

 

[PatR]

Up to around £1,500 would be available.

I have spoken to Leica UK and they have confirmed that the serial number, which dates the binocular, dictates the warranty period left irrespective of the owner(s).

Ditto Swarovski.

As for buying from a UK dealer their warranty terms vary. WEX for example, offer a 12 month warranty unless it states otherwise on the product description. I think that most reputable dealers offer similar terms but that is something you would need to confirm before purchase and I would also check their returns policy at the same time.

£1500 will buy a lovely pair of bino's so shop around but, if that is your budget (and as you have not stated the magnification or use), there are some superb brand new bino's available.

Unless its an absolute bargain, I would opt for brand new every time.

 

[Isthatascratch?]

I have spoken to Leica UK and they have confirmed that the serial number, which dates the binocular, dictates the warranty period left irrespective of the owner(s).

Ditto Swarovski.

As for buying from a UK dealer their warranty terms vary. WEX for example, offer a 12 month warranty unless it states otherwise on the product description. I think that most reputable dealers offer similar terms but that is something you would need to confirm before purchase and I would also check their returns policy at the same time.

£1500 will buy a lovely pair of bino's so shop around but, if that is your budget (and as you have not stated the magnification or use), there are some superb brand new bino's available.

Unless it’s an absolute bargain, I would opt for brand new every time

I have spoken to Leica UK and they have confirmed that the serial number, which dates the binocular, dictates the warranty period left irrespective of the owner(s).

Ditto Swarovski.

As for buying from a UK dealer their warranty terms vary. WEX for example, offer a 12 month warranty unless it states otherwise on the product description. I think that most reputable dealers offer similar terms but that is something you would need to confirm before purchase and I would also check their returns policy at the same time.

£1500 will buy a lovely pair of bino's so shop around but, if that is your budget (and as you have not stated the magnification or use), there are some superb brand new bino's available.

Unless its an absolute bargain, I would opt for brand new every time.

I am almost always the complete opposite unless this is your first foray into this minefield and you may be nervous about issues that could occur/return policies etc for used.

At least you can try them assuming that you aren’t out at sea all the time???

I’ve bought from Bushwear, but never in person and they aren’t that far from you…I don’t think?