Fine Scratches on Ocular Lens of SLC 8x30

[hunterstoots34]

I just bought Swarovski SLC 8x30 for $550. They really look brand new and it doesn’t look like they’ve been used much at all. I looked through them and couldn’t see any issues before I bought. We were outside and I couldn’t see any scratches or anything. It wasn’t until I got home and looked at the lenses under artificial light that I noticed really fine scratches in the ocular lens. You cannot see them with just natural light and the light inside my house has to hit the lens just right to be able to see them. My question is does this have any affect on clarity or optical performance or is it just something I shouldn’t worry about. I’ll try and attach some pics. Thanks!

 

[JGTWI]

If you don’t notice anything when looking through them then don’t worry about it. Looks like you got a good deal.

As you carry/use them I’m the field little things are going to happen anyways. As long as you take care of them and they perform, you’re GTG and try not to sweat every little thing that happens.

I get it- I’m the same way with new stuff. But the only way to have it perfect is to leave it in the safe.

 

[hunterstoots34]

If you don’t notice anything when looking through them then don’t worry about it. Looks like you got a good deal.

As you carry/use them I’m the field little things are going to happen anyways. As long as you take care of them and they perform, you’re GTG and try not to sweat every little thing that happens.

I get it- I’m the same way with new stuff. But the only way to have it perfect is to leave it in the safe.

Thanks for the reply! I was thinking the same thing but wasn’t sure.

 

[hunterstoots34]

I ended up calling Swarovski to get the full scoop on the binos and first of all shoutout to their customer service. I was on the phone with them for 20 minutes while a guy explained thoroughly the history of my particular binocular. The guy I bought them off of sent his mid 90’s SLC’s to be repaired in February and they sent him back the pair I bought. They’re brand new binos aside from the outer lenses that they took out of his older SLC’s. He did say they noticed the little scratches on the lenses when it was sent in for repair but they are just cosmetic and do not affect clarity or optical performance.

 

[Q child]

Woah. This is kind of a crazy story. Sounds like a good deal and a great customer service experience. Cheers.
So, are those the ones with the focus in the front of the bridge (nearer to the objective lenses)? If so, how are they to use?

 

[hunterstoots34]

Woah. This is kind of a crazy story. Sounds like a good deal and a great customer service experience. Cheers.
So, are those the ones with the focus in the front of the bridge (nearer to the objective lenses)? If so, how are they to use?

Yep they are! I’ve used binos that had the focus wheel in the normal spot my whole life and transitioning to these wasn’t bad at all. Super simple to adjust with your ring finger.

 

[Q child]

Dang... I want a pair now.

 

[Adam Gibbs]

I have the same swirl type scratches on my SLC lenses too. You can't see them, even with bright natural sunlight. Not even a little bit. But if you hold a flashlight up to the lense then there they are. I assumed it was maybe from the manufacturing process. I did buy them secondhand though so it could have been from the previous owner cleaning them with a dirty lense cloth.

 

[kaku3428]

You can send them to Swarovski and get the lenses replaced for 50 each I think and then you will literally have a new pair.
clean your optics as less as possible until you see obstruction in the view. When you clean, use light brush and water first. Then follow with cleaning liquid and swabs. Don’t reuse the cleaning cloth or swab.