The Binocular Site

Swarovski Binoculars

Overview

Swarovski Optik is part of the company Swarovski established by Daniel Swarovski in Tyrol and was started by his son Wilhelm. Swarovski is known for its spectacular glass crystal, but has also branched outward with other companies creating the Swarovski Group, each making use of the original glass production expertise. Swarovski Optik makes the sport optics products while other companies in the Swarovski Group make the crystal products, polished jewelry stones and tools for grinding and cutting.

In 1999, Swarovski Optik became certified under the ISO 9001 : 2000 for their quality management system. They were one of the first European companies to get certified and finding a company in the European industry certified under ISO 9001 : 2000 is very difficult. The high standards of the ISO 9001 : 2000 certification with the rarity of finding a European company certified under it highlights just how good Swarovski's products are. They also work in accordance with set ISO 14001 standards.

Swarovski binoculars are a preferred premium sport optic choice to professional users because of their unique quality. There is a high level of sophistication and technology that goes into the inner workings of their binoculars that the exterior does not do justice. Their technicians work toward eliminating negative effects like refraction, reflection and dispersion by combining over 70 glass types together by hand. Swarovski binoculars serve professionals and casual observers alike.

Ranges:

Swarovski has several lines of binoculars available to the consumer. The EL series is the all-purpose binocular series and is considered "the best of the best". There is a Habicht series of binoculars best suited to extreme situations and the SLCnew series specializing in versatile and innovative design.

They also have three series of pocket binoculars, the Pocket, the Crystal Pocket and the Pocket Tyrol. The Pocket series has models that easily fit into your pocket. The Tyrol model has a leather grip and is the smallest of all Swarovski models. Lastly, the Crystal Pocket series has binoculars with elegant grips covered in crystals. The three available models are the Idomeneo, Tosca and Nabucco, each with its own stunning look.

Magnification:

The magnifications available on Swarovski's binoculars are 7X, 8X, 8.5X, 10X and 15X. Most of the models have a magnification of 8X or 10X. Three of the models have a magnification of 7X and the EL series has an 8.5X model. If you're looking for something with a higher magnification than the 10X, there is one model with a 15X magnification level. It's the 15X56 WB model in the SLCnew series.

Objective Lens:

Swarovski has several sizes of objective lenses for a variety of uses. The low end objective lens is 20mm and the highest available is 56mm. Due to their size, almost all of the pocket models(Pocket, Tyrol and Crystal) sport the lowest 20mm size with two models having a 25mm objective lens. The other models have at least a 30mm objective lens and two models in the SLCnew series have the highest 56mm size, the SLCnew 8x56 B and SLCnew 15x56 WB.

Field of View (F.O.V):

The F.O.V on Swarovski binoculars ranges from 231 ft. at 1000 yards to 420 ft. at 1000 yards. Two models from two different series of Swarovski binoculars share the 420 ft. view, the EL series 8x32 WB and the SLCnew series 7x42 B. The model with the lowest F.O.V is the SLCnew 15x56 WB, but they also have the highest magnification. The average F.O.V is around 330 ft. at 1000 yards.

Product Offering:

Swarovski has 22 models of binoculars available, each grouped into one of six series, including the stunning Crystal Pocket series with three models of crystal covered binoculars. The unique crystal exterior is most likely a result of their related company's expertise in glass crystal and polished jewelry.

They also make other lines of optical devices like telescopes, rifle scopes and laser rangefinders. They also make various accessories including optronic instruments, tripods and a binocular booster. The binocular booster is a monocular attachment that replaces one of eyecups, turning it into a monocular telescope and doubling the magnification. The booster works with all EL and SLC models, except the SLC series 8X30 WB.

Price Range:

The least expensive Swarovski model costs the better part of $1,000 and the most expensive model around $2,000. The Swarovski 8X20B-P Pocket binoculars is the lowest costing model and can be found for $639.00 while the most expensive SLC 15X56 WB binoculars model is available for $1,999.00.

Warranty:

Swarovski offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty for their binoculars. They will repair factory defects or issue a new one at their discretion. The warranty only covers product defects, so it's best to take good care of them and avoid accidents and misuse. It also doesn't cover attempting to repair the binoculars first and then deciding to send it in.

Most parts of the binoculars have a ten year warranty, electronic components have a two year warranty and accessories have a one year warranty from the date of purchase, not when it was opened. U.S. customers must be careful when ordering. The warranty is only valid if the binoculars were purchased from Swarovski Optik North America or an authorized Swarovski Dealer.

A Service Order Number must be issued in order to send in your binoculars and it must be included on the package containing the defective binoculars. The binoculars must be packaged properly before sending to avoid damage during transit and they are not responsible for additional damage or if the package is lost.

Popular Swarovski Binoculars:

The model of Swarovksi binoculars that most people prefer is the EL series 10X42 WB with the 42mm objective lens. It's one of the most expensive models Swarovski has to offer at $1,969.00, but they're worth it. These full-sized binoculars are considered the "best of the best". They're lightweight and have comfortable thumb depressions for extended viewing or even one-handed. The field of view at 1000 yards is 330 ft and they have a roof prism. Additional bonuses to the EL 10X42 WB include a waterproof design and they are tripod ready.

There's also an 8.5X magnification model available for $1,899.00, a little less than the 10X magnification model, with only minor differences in technical specifications. Decide what particular specification is most important to you. Since both are reviewed favorably, you can get the one you want without regretting your decision.

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