Is there a difference between the various optics companies regarding guarantees they provide when purchasing binoculars? I'm thinking more along the lines of Leica/Zeiss/Nikon/Swarovski et al.
Or are they pretty much standard these days, and does it depend on which model one purchases?
Thanks.
I gather from some of the remarks I've been reading that warranty policies for these products in the UK and continental Europe differ from those in the US. In the US warranty service is often used as a competitive advertising device just as product features or perceived sexiness are (e.g., you'll pick up beautiful women if you have the right car). In the US, Zeiss offers a "Lifetime Transferable Warranty." So, if you give away or sell the bins, they're still covered. But this seems contrary to the "lifetime" bit, and when I asked them, they said it's the bin's lifetime, not the owner's. So does that mean the warranty ends when the binocular breaks, in which case there is effectively no warranty at all? Zeiss has a generally good reputation for warranty service, for being generous and accommodating, so I'm counting on that if I have a problem. However, an American in one of the scope threads has an unhappy experience with a Zeiss scope. Zeiss in North America apparently has no way to test a scope the owner feels is not up to par and must send the scope back to Germany. Swarovski offers a "lifetime" warranty that is not transferable. This is the original owner's lifetime. If you die or sell the bins or scope, they are no longer covered. Swarovski also has a reputation for good service. Someone else will have to describe the details of Leica's "Passport Protection Plan," which I guess is only available in North America.
Helen.
There seems to be a difference btw Europe and the US.
Until recently some companies gave 30 year warranties on certain models (not all), but it would appear that in recent times the warranty period has been reduced, this I gather is more of a commercial decision and not to do with manufacturing quality. I was told, that it does not make economic sense to have to make parts for 30 years, after a model has been discontinued, thinking about it it does make sense even though we would prefer much more cover. Models which came with the longer warranty periods are still valid.
I would suggest that you contact the manufacturers and check which model has what warranty.