Swarovski SLC waterproof/fog proof question (1 Viewer)

[shpeter]

Hello all

I have read some comments about the swarovskis binoculars (I am interested particularly in the SLC series issues) and I found some one which some have fogged inside when facing some critical situation (under some very low temperature condition or under some hot high humid environment, etc) then I would like to ask here to the Swaro's SLC owners if this problem is a very seldom problem and how reliable are they in these matter...let me explain first of all that I have nothing against the Swaros quality, etc, etc it's just my curiosity since I am planning to get oneof these to myself in the future and I live in a hot humid area.
I know that no one equipment is quite free of some casual failure (of course - no one brand is 100% perfect in all of their manufactured units) but another thing that just caught my attention about that fact was that I read at the Swarovski owners manual (web pdf version) a advice regarding when living in a tropical zone or in a high humid area should be better to store the binocular inside a plastic bag with some silica gel (or another dry agent) to get the binocular's enviroment dry...but...sincerely...if are they waterproof and fog proof why this kind of extra care? I's just about some internal optical care or I've missed something more about some external care when under these storage condition?

regards Pedro

 

[elkcub]

Hi Pedro,

Good questions. Here are a few thoughts. Storing the binoculars in a dry environment may have more to do with avoiding the development of mold or mildew on the outside, than preventing moisture from getting into the inside. Many rubber compounds attract mold, as is often found on the older Zeiss models, such as the rubber armored Porros or B/GAT series roofs that have been stored improperly in a damp environment. (Incidentally, I found the most effective way to get rid of it is with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide.)

It is quite possible for any nitrogen purged instrument to lose its seal and let in moisture or water vapor. I'm sure it has happened with every brand, and will eventually occur simply due to seals drying out over time. Nothing is forever. Seals on my 10x25 SLC required replacement after 10 yrs. of constant use, and my 8x30 SLC after 13 yrs. Swarovski takes this in stride and repairs them with a smile.

Elk

 

[shpeter]

Hello thanks to reply

I quite understood!

regards Pedro