Swarovski SLC 8 x 56 Binos

I am not worthy! Well that’s how I always felt about approaching top manufacturers when we first started Shooting Sports way back then. I knew pistols, rifles and general shooting etc, but my aspirations on glass were very limited. I had some good stuff so I thought, so it was rather with my heart in my mouth I approached Swarovski UK to borrow a set of their 8.5x42 EL binos. I had been told by those who knew better they were awesome. I spoke to a lady called Christine Percy fully expecting to get knocked back – after all who was I?

START OF A PERFECT FRIENDSHIP

Much to my pleasure Christine turned out to be friendly and helpful and a week later a set of the legendary 8.5x42 EL binos turned up and I was impressed. This was to be the start of both a friendship and partnership as my introduction to Swarovski’s quality glass opened my eyes to its possibilities for the hunter. Today I own two Z6i scopes and a set of 10x42 EL Range laser rangefinding binos and have tested most of their relevant products. I think the one that most blew me away were the new EL’s, which are a definite cut above the originals, which back then I thought impossible.

It’s binoculars I am looking at now, as though the ELs seems to get all the limelight Swarovski has another range called the SLC, which if you don’t know them might make you think they are a bit of a compromise by comparison. Nothing could be further from the truth as I discovered!

WEIGHTY QUESTION

The SLC series offers five models in two ranges; the smaller and more compact 42mm objective in 8 x42 and 10x42. The larger 56mm objective in 8x56 (on test), 10 x 56 and 15x56. Size and weight are the most obvious differences with the 42s at 6” long and 28 oz and the 56s at 7.5” and 42 oz (approximate). Yes the 56mm are big and heavy, but the low light and wider field of view advantages make them worth it, particularly for those who do a lot of dusk and dawn shooting.

Swarovski use HD (high definition) glass, which give good luminosity and edge-to-edge sharpness with a quoted light transmission of 93% (not too shabby!). The exterior surfaces are coated with their Swaroclean finish that as the name suggests keeps them cleaner by shrugging of oil and dirt etc.

Unlike the EL’s, which are a double bridge design the SLC’s use a larger, single central bridge. The build offers the familiar textured, green rubber moulded armour finish with thumb slots underneath. Well positioned they offer a balanced hold with plenty to get a grip on due to the large and tapered barrels with easy access to the deep focusing wheel, this pulls out to allow you to set primary focus.

As usual there are twist-up/down eyepieces to suit glasses wearers and those with normal sight and wide, interpupilary adjustment. The SLC’s come with a field bag, captive eyepiece and objective lens covers and quick-adjust padded carrying strap. Swarovski also offers optional extras too.

WORTH THEIR WEIGHT

Given the high profile of Swarovski’s flagship EL range some of you might think the SLCs are a lesser model. Nothing could be further from the truth! Tests against my EL Range 10 x 42s showed no perceivable difference in optical quality or ability. In low light and at night the larger 56mm objectives are literally worth their weight in gold and the edge-to-edge sharpness and general image quality is comparable. They make spotting and identifying animals easy too.

I found myself really liking these SLCs not just for their build quality and ability but also for their price compared to the EL series. OK the SLC 8x56s are not cheap at £1790, however compared to the 10 x 50 ELs they are around £200 less. Equally a set of EL 8.5x42s are £1900 with a comparable SLC costing £1300, which makes them far more accessible to many of us. I wonder if Swarovski will ever introduce an SLC Range model? Now that would be good!