Swarovski SLC 8x42 WB

Manufacturing problems an poor quality control

It is possible that Swaroski can produce a good pair of SLC 8x42 binouclars, the question is just how many you have to buy to get a good pair. I know now for sure that three is not enough.

A month ago I bought a pair of SLC 8x42. The first thing I saw was a damage on the black frame around the front lens. A mark where the black paint had been scaled off and the silvery surface below was visible. There was another damage on the corresponding place on the other tube as well. I returned the binouculars to the dealer.
The second pair had exceesive flair. I returned them to the dealer.
The third pair had the same damage as the first pair, but only on one of the tubes. I returned them to the dealer. The dealer offered med a fourth pair, but at this point I was quite tired of this, so I was refunded instead.
After the second pair the dealer had no more in stock, so I had to wait two weeks for the delivery from Austria. Meanwhile they let me borrow a four year old pair. That pair had terrible squeeking from the focus wheel.

I contacted Swarovski’s customer support in Austria. They claimed they have a double quality check. The only conclusion I can make of that is that they are well aware of the defects and knowingly deliver defect binoculars to the customers. That is really terible.

If you are lucky to get a good pair, if there are any, the SLC’s are really great binoculars.