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New Swarovski SLC HD 42mm

Crystal clear, ergonomic and robust: The new SLC 42 HD binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK
Versatility and robustness are the outstanding characteristics of the popular SLC binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK. SWAROVSKI OPTIK is building on the success of this product line by creating a new, robust, ergonomic SLC model with crystal clear HD optics and a new focusing mechanism.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK has enhanced its successful series of SLC binoculars by adding new, fluoride-containing HD lenses to both the 8x42 and 10x42 models. This special lens system reduces colour fringing and provides high-contrast images in true-to-life colour. The high-performance HD optics guarantee high-quality, crystal clear images with razor-sharp outlines, allowing users to spot the most intricate and fascinating details of the plant and animal world.

In addition to the HD optics, the SLC 42 HD models feature special optimised coatings such as SWARODUR, SWAROTOP and SWAROBRIGHT on lenses and prisms, which support the effect of the HD lenses and allow users to observe nature at its finest, even in low light conditions and twilight. In addition, the SWAROCLEAN coating on the eye piece and objective lenses creates a non-stick effect, making it much easier to clean off stubborn dirt such as water marks and tree resin.

From near to far in an instant with a new focusing mechanism
With its unique combination of hard and soft components, the new focusing wheel offers excellent grip and stability in any weather conditions. Thanks to its focusing mechanism, which is particularly smooth and free from backlash, the SLC 42 HD SWAROVISION can be operated accurately even when wearing gloves. Just a turn and a half takes you from infinity to a close range focus of less than two metres.

The new SLC 42 HD binoculars also have a range of vision correction options. The new focusing mechanism provides correction for impaired vision of at least 6 dpt, while the built-in dioptre adjustment of +/- 4 can compensate for different visual acuity in each eye.

The new SLC 42 HD also enables spectacle-wearers to enjoy an exceptional wide-angle field of view and benefit from the crystal clear images produced by these binoculars. The SLC 8x42 HD, for instance, gives a 136 metre field of view, providing the best overview in its class. The stable, removable twist-in eyecups are individually adjustable in three stages.

Lightweight magnesium housing and optimised ergonomics
The new, hard-wearing magnesium housing makes the new SLC 42 HD models lighter than their predecessors. This feature is particularly valuable during long periods of observation or on demanding expeditions. Despite the light weight of around just 800 grams, the magnesium housing makes the binoculars particularly robust without affecting their optical quality. Thanks to its slim, compact design and the high-grip rubber armouring with distinctive thumb rests, the binoculars are comfortable to use in any situation.

#58205 SLC HD 8x42 $1999.00
#58210 SLC HD 10x42 $2129.00

Field Bag � the versatile new functional bag
In addition to the new SLC 42 HD, SWAROVSKI OPTIK is to introduce its new Field Bag. This new functional bag has robust, water repellent outer material and a modern, classic design. A wide opening allows the user to remove the binoculars from the bag and replace them easily. The field bag contains a separate inner pocket for storing batteries, keys or lens cleaners securely. The new functional bag from SWAROVSKI OPTIK closes with a simple zip fastening, protecting the binoculars inside it from dust and dirt. The removable carrying strap allows the bag to be carried on the shoulder, on the hip or around the neck. Because it has its own carrying strap, the bag can also be used without the binoculars.

$2000 plus you get a free bag. Man I was hoping these would be like $1400-$1700. Figured they would put leica and zeiss out of business with a lower and higher level HD bino. Im sure they will be awesome but I'll stick with my "cheap" Meopta's which are awesome as well.

Doug,

Could you highlight the differences between the two new swaro binos? Also, when do you expect to see the SLCs?

New focusing system.
Closer focus to 6'
Magnisium body - lighter weight
HD optics

June/July release date

Before the butterfly folks get too excited that should be 6' (6 feet/2m) not 6" (6 inches)

Let me rephrase that- what's the difference between the new SLC and the swarovision ELs? Design only?

Your Killin me......I was all set to buy a pair of the new Swarovision EL's but now I got to wait and see what the SLC HDs are all about

Would you prefer I not keep you in the loop of what's happening?

@dryflyelk Well it depends what design you mean.

They have ED glass (the ELs don't). The optical design will be different.

The enclosure is different too.

anyone try these yet

Check this out. Not sure I understand it all, but nevertheless it sound like it's another fantastic Swaro product.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=175077

Is it worth the extra $$ to jump to the EL HDs for a first-time Swaro binoc buyer.

That's a good question. I'm sure the HD is better, but not sure if it's $600 better. I'm sure the post 2006 SLCneu is great to begin with.

Maybe I should re-phrase - is it worth the extra $$ to go with the EL-SV HD vice the SLC-HDs?

I also would like to hear Dougs answer

I would say that 95% of the optics users would not be able to see a difference as the view thru both is outstanding

At that level of glass, I'd go with the one that feels most comfortable in the hands. For me, the tiny differences that might exist optically are a non-issue for this hunter. I also believe that the differences people claim to see are largely imaginary to try and justify buying a new set of bino's. I don't think anyone here could look someone in the eye and state (with a straight face) that they were able to spot a particular game animal with a Swarovision bino that would have gone undetected with a EL, SLC-HD or SLC-Neu.

Wise reply, spoken by a man that knows optics

I couldn't agree more. IMO the tiniest of differences are noticeable only after people see what brand it is vs. the stellar class of mid $$ glass nowadays, i.e Leupold GR HD, Minox, Meopta, Bushnell Elite, Vortex Razor, Zen ED2 just to name a few. If you can't find game with these binos it's the glasser's fault, not the glass.

The optics/coatings of both the SLC-HD and SV EL are similar (more so than the older SLC and EL ... as both are now negative focuser designs).

The primary difference is the including (in the SV EL) of a field flattener that gives pretty much sharp to the edge of field views.

All bins add pincushion to reduce rolling ball (rolling globe) effects when panning. The EL SV have an interesting compound distortion that flattens out the added pincushion distortion at the field edge to make straight lines look more "normal". They also added rather less pincushion distortion than is common. For some viewers this can increase the chances of seeing the rolling globe effect. This is one of those "you must try it" to see if you have a problem or not with this.

The SV EL has has large oculars so all eyeglass wearers should get good view of the whole field. There is no much point in having sharp edges at the edge of field and not being able to see them.

The SLC HD is more "conventional" but if you suffer from rolling ball with the SV or just don't value the flat field at the difference in price (I thought it was more like $300 or $400) then that might be your better choice.

Read the birdforum discussions on the Swarovision and Rolling Globe effect to find out more technical details.

For a hands on SLC HD versus SV EL (and Zeiss 8x42 FL) comparison see

http://birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=175077