Swarovski Habicht 7x42

[@raulsanchezlanzas]

Nice review! I recently discovered your channel and I really like your unbiased reviews of classic and let's call them "not that common" binoculars. I also feel more attracted to older models of binoculars than to the so-called state of the art modern versions. Swarovski Habitch binoculars have a very strong personality and they are not for everybody. You can check the year of manufacture of yours with the serial number because recent models have better coatings and provide sharper images. Even if their light transmission and the transparency they provide are genuinely exceptional, the narrow field of view is a major drawback for me. In my opinion, the best 7x42 binoculars ever made and not yet improved, are the Zeiss Victory FL *T. I cannot understand why Zeiss discontinued their production. I absolutely adore them. They are light, they provide extra wide field of view, amazing stereopsis (3D effect), magnificent depth of field and stunning view. Even in low light conditions, they easily perform at the same level of Zeiss HT and I rate them above any other 7x42 I have owned (including Leica Ultravid HD or Swarovski SLC neu). I have only experienced that image quality with the Swarovski SLC 8x56 which unfortunately weight a bloody ton. I am a big fan of AK prisms!

[@davidlytle3974]

Thank you for your kind comment and valuable input. Yeah!!! I've been wondering why manufacturers discontinue some of their best stuff. I will be checking out your fave 7x42 for sure. Once again, thank you for your contribution.

[@BlackForestRecon]

Thank you for the review! No classic binocular collection is complete without a Swarovski Habicht 7x42. I have an IF version and hope to make a video with it this year. Unfortunately the weather has been too bad so far. Back then, Swarovski was not yet a premium manufacturer like it is today. This is also visible when it comes to the painting. However, their binos back then (Falke and Habicht) already had the very good sharpness that still characterizes Swarovski today. So far I haven't had any problems with haze on old Swarovski binoculars. In contrast to old Porro binoculars from Zeiss Oberkochen, which almost always have haze inside, the old Swaros are in most cases absolutely clear. However, cleaning should definitely be worthwhile. The old Porro binoculars have the great advantage that they can be opened and serviced even after over 100 years. Unfortunately, this is not the case with modern binoculars. Have fun with the binoculars and happy collecting! (And of course happy Easter!)

[@InfBerBat143]

The new Habicht frame is Magnesium and lens coverplate is Plastic.

[@davidlytle3974]

Thank you for sharing, as always. A Happy Easter to you as well. I'm still lowering my blood pressure by watching your art. Beautiful stuff and a blessing to my rattled soul. You should bill me.

[@androna1919]

No gaire gent ens mostra prismàtics antics com ho fas tu. 👍

[@redsky1433]

The porro optical design is simple and elegant. The prism surfaces don't have to be coated because the design utilizes total internal reflection. The popular roof prism design is more compact and can be lighter but it requires a lot more engineering to achieve a similar optical performance. Roof prisms are therefore usually more expensive. Also I believe roof prisms are more easily waterproofed but I'm not absolutely sure about that. Thanks for your video!

[@davidlytle3974]

Red sky, I appreciate your comments. Porros can definitely step out ahead of roofs of the same objective diameters. As for waterproofing, it should be a practical matter regardless of type. I recently tested my Habicht for watertightness. As old as it is it remains tight and gas purged. Nice.

[@androna1919]

Tinc la versió GA amb coverta de goma i no puc estar més content amb la construcció. Com els teus, són impermeables. Òpticament, són òptims per observació i caça big game i grans aus. Poc recomanable per aus petites a curta distància. Si no portes ulleres i pots viure sense un gran FOV, són per tu. Ho he pogut comparar amb Zeiss i Leica 10x de primera classe i en condicions de llum escassa aquests Habicht estan per sobre sense dubtes. Gran canal, tens un seguidor més.

[@davidlytle3974]

Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I needed it today. And welcome to the channel and group. Your evaluation of the modern builds of the Habicht is certainly valued by other viewers and contributors.

[@neilenglish7433]

Older Habichts are not in the same league as the contemporary models. My 8x 30 W outperforms alpha roofs.

[@davidlytle3974]

You're gonna cost me money with comments like that. 8x30 is one of my favorites. I'll be keeping my eyes open for a W like yours now.

[@InfBerBat143]

Swarovski doesnt service the old models with 7mm Bridge. 10mm is ok

[@davidlytle3974]

Please elaborate. I'm open to an education on Swarovski's service protocols.

[@InfBerBat143]

@@davidlytle3974 Swarovski Website... If the bridge between the two optical tubes is 7mm on the Habicht models (6x30, 8x30, 7x42, 10x40), the binoculars will no longer be repaired. Only the newer models with 10mm.

[@davidlytle3974]

Ok. Thanks.

[@gci99713]

​@@davidlytle3974 if you noticed, some swarovski's have two screws on the lower hinge arm. These screws/nitrogen valves are mounted only on 10mm arms. I have a 10x40 from 1990, and has a crystal interior. Also have a nikon trailblazer 8x30, nitrogen filled, also clean inside.

[@davidlytle3974]

I have never noticed such a detail. Thanks.