Swarovski habicht 10x40 W (2002 Model) (1 Viewer)

[Acorndrive]

Dear Forum members

Like some birds, lately I find myself migrating away from Zeiss and towards Swarovski. Having been somewhat dissatisfied with build quality and warranty on the Zeiss side, I have acquired some elderly Swarovski habichts and been pleasantly surprised at the overall product and viewing experience. This was not easy, having to overcome my natural aversion to Porro form factors, amongst other things.
I am here as ever, seeking advice from Swarovski owning forum members. I am considering buying a 2002 model Habicht 10x40 W. The price at 500 Eur seems reasonable, but here again I would welcome input, not just on price but also value. Is this model worth considering, or should I opt for a younger model?, or something else? I mainly use the bins on my rambles for birding. Thank you for your feedback.

 

[Gijs van Ginkel]

Acorndrive,
We have investigated two 10x40 Habicht models: one from 1984 and one from 2022, results are posted on the WEB-site of House of Outdoor.
Differences :
1984 model: 776 g, close focus 4,3 m, FOV 108m/1000m, transmission around 80--87% depending on wave length, color reproduction: slightly yellow, estimated price for a used model around 500 euros.
2022 model: 744 g, close focus 3,7 m, FOV 108 m/1000m, transmission approx. 95% over a broad wavelenght range, color reproduction: perfect, price in 2022: 1290 euros

Gijs van Ginkel

 

[Acorndrive]

Acorndrive,
We have investigated two 10x40 Habicht models: one from 1984 and one from 2022, results are posted on the WEB-site of House of Outdoor.
Differences :
1984 model: 776 g, close focus 4,3 m, FOV 108m/1000m, transmission around 80--87% depending on wave length, color reproduction: slightly yellow, estimated price for a used model around 500 euros.
2022 model: 744 g, close focus 3,7 m, FOV 108 m/1000m, transmission approx. 95% over a broad wavelenght range, color reproduction: perfect, price in 2022: 1290 euros

Gijs van Ginkel

Thank you for this, very useful.

 

[William Lewis]

Just to bridge the gap a little between gijs samples- I had a 2004 habicht and it was very good, no discernable colour cast and overall an excellent binocular.

Will

 

[dries1]

Just procured this 2021 model, may have to get the focus serviced, very tight

 

[PHA]

Hi Acorndrive,

By the way, I have had both Habicht 10x40 WGA, 2002 and 2019, both at the same time for a month. They are THE SAME. Having had four Habicht much older, from the seventies to the nineties, that 2002 and my actual 2019 have natural and neutral colours without that yellow cast of the early ones. I couldn´t see, from these two, any optical differences.
Anyway, ALL those older Habichts, in spite of the yellow cast, common on many Austrian optics at that time, had OUTSTANDING OPTICS!! Resolution or definition or "sharpness" really good!!!

Good luck!

 

[yarrellii]

I'm sure (or at least I hope ) @John A Roberts has a detailed timeline of the introduction of different coatings in the Habicht timeline.
My experience with two Habicht almost 20 years apart is that I found my year 2000 7x42 to be nowhere near as bright and "punchy" as my 2018 8x30. The 7x42 lacked what made the 2018 addictive, despite being a 7x (with the increased depth of field which usually makes for a very "wow experience").

Reading the good comments about experiences with 2002 and 2004 Habicht models, maybe something was changed from the year 2000 onwards.

 

[MFoortjes]

I know that around 2011/12 the coatings of the Habicht models got a major update but don't know if there were any more improvements later done.

 

[Thotmosis]

Just procured this 2021 model, may have to get the focus serviced, very tight

They get better -the focus- after a while. Especially in the summer.

 

[PHA]

Hi Acorndrive,

I said, again, at least in my two samples, there were no differences in the optics. Neither in the view nor looking to the objectives and/or the oculars. Or in the general aspect and markings of the binoculars.
I don´t know if there was any coating updates between 2002 and 2019. But if there was, to me it is almost indistinguishable.

Good luck!