Take in a copy of "Wings" or "Birdwatch" magazine, or the like, with some of the price lists, and when they quote you a price in the store, show them how much you can get the same binos for elsewhere. It should work, if they want to make a sale. (I'd be well dubious about going into a store called "Black and Lizars", sounds like their main business is trading in internal organs.....)I just found out today that there is a dealer here in N. Ireland which stocks the 3 binoculars I am interested in: the Zeiss 8x32FL, Swaro 8x30SLCnew, and the Swaro 8x32EL.
So I'll take a look at them next week. But their prices are probably list prices, so I won't be buying there. I checked with Black and Lizars in Belfast - they have the Swaro 8x32EL but are charging the full SRP! Lizars - you'd be mad to shop there!
Take in a copy of "Wings" or "Birdwatch" magazine, or the like, with some of the price lists, and when they quote you a price in the store, show them how much you can get the same binos for elsewhere. It should work, if they want to make a sale. (I'd be well dubious about going into a store called "Black and Lizars", sounds like their main business is trading in internal organs.....)
In-Focus do encourage 14-day test drives (I think) but WHE are not so keen - I presume this from the lack of encouragement. But next week's test should enable me to make a decision. I am leaning heavily towards the ELs, but if the SLC impress, I'd choose them with their bargain price.Dialyt,
You've got a wealth of information now. Looks like a strong leaning towards the 8x32 ELs. I sympathize with your relative isolation from a cordial shopkeeper, willing to let you test a vast array of samples, and having to limit yourself to an internet purchase based on an educated hunch as per the opinions of your peers. But good opinions they are - great, even. My next question to you:
Do you not have an internet sales supplier in the British Isles, as we have here in the US/Canada (Eagle Optics), who will let you "purchase-test drive-and return" the purchase should it not be to your liking?
That would seem to be the next step for a prudent buyer.
Robert / Seattle
In-Focus do encourage 14-day test drives (I think) but WHE are not so keen - I presume this from the lack of encouragement. But next week's test should enable me to make a decision. I am leaning heavily towards the ELs, but if the SLC impress, I'd choose them with their bargain price.
Plus, our dealers charge around £18 for shipping to N. Ireland - a lot given I am an unemployed graduate. You then have the cost of returning them if you don't like them.
Dialyt,
Again, I sympathize. Having gone through this very trying procedure myself (several times), I'd say this --
IF this is a "lifetime" purchase, opt for the ELs -- hands down.
If you're willing to re-tool in 5 years or so, you might consider the SLCs IF the price is right.
Cheers,
Robert / Seattle
I'd like it to be a ''lifetime'' purchase.
So I take it the Swaro SLCnew is not up to the standard of the Leica Trinovid 8x32BA*? If this is the case, I would definitely go for the EL, or, though it seems unlikely now, the Zeiss FL.
*My benchmark for general purpose everyday binoculars
Dialyt,
Simply stated:
SLC and Trinovid are a full generation past. Very fine instruments, but increasingly dated with respect to features and performance (technology changed ever so fast in the late 90's, early 00's).
EL and FL are current. Those are your choices. Choose the ELs.
EL is the better, of the two, as per the concesus of this discussion.
On the limb here, but with some confidence ...
Robert / Seattle
Ok. ... My conclusion, from the posts on this thread and elsewhere on this forum, is that both the Swaro EL and the Zeiss FL are fantastic optical instruments, but the Zeiss is let down by less than top-class build quality, which the Swaro EL does not suffer from.
Am I right?
Yup!
Ok. Thanks Robert.
... How do I check this out on my specimen when I receive it?
I'd like it to be a ''lifetime'' purchase.
So I take it the Swaro SLCnew is not up to the standard of the Leica Trinovid 8x32BA*? [/SIZE]
Dialyt
SLC and Trinovid are a full generation past.
Robert / Seattle
If I am looking for top-class performance, I must rule out the SLC.
Am I right?
The money could be saved via the petrol used on the otherwise necessary 180 mile round trip to check out all three binoculars in the nearest dealer.
I understand that there were some issues with the gearing of the focus wheel from low to high, or slow to fast focusing, ...
How do I check this out on my specimen when I receive it?
Frankly: No.
In 2006, in a large comparative test done by engineers of a german consumer organization the SLC10x42 achieved better results in the optical tests (Impartial, physical, in the lab) than the Victory 10x42FL.
Tom
Tom,
Could you perhaps elaborate on this? It would be interesting to hear what the results were.
Kimmo