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 p.3 #6 · Binoculars - some advice | |
Chris S. wrote:
I'd give a strong vote to Swarovski. Here's why.
In 1990, I bought a pair of Swarovski binoculars. They were expensive, but I considered them a lifetime investment. I've used them nearly every day since, and taken them camping/hiking on several continents.
Sometime in the early 2000's, one side of my binoculars fogged up. Remembering that they had a lifetime warranty, I sent them in, as per instructions on the Swarovski Website. In the notes, I also asked that Swarovski collimate the binocs to my 57mm interpupillary distance (rather narrow).
A few days later, I received a voicemail from a lady at Swarovski, asking me to call her back. A bit cynically, I thought, "Here's where they tell me "lifetime warranty" doesn't mean what I thought it did."
But when I called, the nice lady said, "We no longer make your exact binoculars, but our engineers are going to make up a pair for you with the same specifications. We think you'll be pleased because they'll use more modern glass and coatings, so the binoculars should perform even better. The reason I asked you to call is that we don't make your green color anymore, and wanted to know if you'd prefer black or gray? Oh--and yes, our engineers will collimate them for your 57mm interpupillary distance."
Happily surprised, I remarked that this was wonderful customer service. She replied, "Use them another 25 years, and if they fog up again, send them back again! Or if you'd like them cleaned every few years, you can send them back for that, too."
And my binoculars soon arrive post-paid, better than new. Included was a nice new strap, with my old, much loved strap also included. So I feel very well treated by Swarovski, and think they've earned a loyal customer. Also, when a company treats us right, I feel we should tell others about it.
A friend has Nikon Monarchs, and we switch back and forth at times. At first, the Nikons do indeed look pretty good. But on careful examination--especially with backlit subjects--I see definite chromatic aberration with the Nikons that is absent in the Swarovskis. Sometimes this difference is enough to permit/prevent identification of a bird.
Vortex has indeed made great strides in producing high-quality optics at lower prices. Their best spotting scopes--which I've particularly had experience with--are excellent. Still, Swarovski spotting scopes are even better, if at notably higher prices.
And I agree with advice that binocular choice has a significant "individual preference" component--visual perception varies among individuals, as does hand size, physical strength, and hand/arm steadiness.
But I can testify to being treatedwonderfully by Swarovski customer service.
--Chris S....Show more →
Based on my recent experiences, I do not think Swarovski customer service in the USA is what it was. They used to clean and check your binoculars for free. I had that done a few years back and the turn around time they quoted was on the order of a couple of months. You could pay an "expedite" fee, which I did, and they would turn them in a couple of weeks. Now, they no longer offer a clean and check service. The other issue I've had is they make it difficult to contact them. Inquiries for North America support seem to redirect you to their international site. When I submitted a request for some replacement lens objective covers (these rubber covers are notorious for falling off on the EL and Swarovision series of binoculars), I never got a response. I was finally able to locate direct contact info for the US headquarters in Rhode Island and once I called them I did get prompt help. FYI, I believe this in the direct contact info:
CUSTOMER SERVICE AMERICAS
Phone (+1) (800) 426 3089
Mon - Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
Email [email protected]
With all that said, I do think they make a good product with first class optics. I've had three Swarovski binoculars (10x32 EL, 8x32 Swarovision, and 12x50 Swarovision). The 8x32 Swarovision is my current pair. I also have a Swarovski ATX spotting scope. My biggest complaint has been the objective cover issue which I've solved by using zip ties to hold them on to the binoculars.
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