Some days ago I visited an optical dealer in my city. Among some other quality binoculars as Kowa and Swift they carry the new Swarovski SLC New models in the 8x30 and 7x42 versions.
The SLC New has in my opinion a more attractive design than the predecessor. The SLC 7x42 has long time been one of my favorite binocular with the excellent optical performance and holding comfort.
The new version didn't dissapoint me.
In comparison to Kowa 8x42 and Swift Ultra Lite (roof) 8x42 it was a clear winner in my opinion. That superclear and open image, and the 8/56 deg FOV feels wide in comparison to the others 6,3/50 deg. In every aspect the Swarovski SLC New 7x42 radiates the highest possible quality, and I would consider it as very close to the "perfect" allround binocular.
BUT, when I did my usual test of innerreflections and "starfilter-effect" (spikes) against strong light sources (all such stores have spotlights who are excellent for this purpose) I discovered that the left barrel showed no visible starfilter-effect but the right barrel did.
According to my experience the lack of this effect (or that it demands stronger light for it to come up) is one of the typical differences between low/mid-priced roof binoculars and the high-ends. In my opinion I can make that demand of even optical performance for a binocular in this price-range. Against a certain spotlight the left barrel showed no visible effect, but the right barrel showed an effect comparable to a low to midprice roof. When I invest in a binocular in this price range I will not accept this difference between the two barrels. My question is: Am I making too high demand? If I order a high-end model and find the same thing as in the Swarovski SLC New 7x42 in the store, would the manufacturer accept it as a fault and give me another example?
Patric