NL Pure 10x42 broken connector (19 Viewers)

[ChrisPB]

I was just sitting in the garden doing some birding when the left connector of my binoculars came off. I see no damage or missing parts.

When I try to put the connector back in, it is not as securely tight as the right one.

I am very careful with them and never dropped them or put strain on the connector. How could this have happened and does anyone know if this can be repared? I bought it just three days short of two years ago in the Netherlands, so have full warranty.

Is this a known issue?

 

[Dennis Mau]

Yes, it is a well known and common issue. Swarovski should go back to the standard connectors that everybody else uses. The Field Pro connectors are unreliable and unnecessary. The armor disintegrates also if you don't already know. Here is a thread on the topic and other reliability problems with the binoculars.

NL reliability anecdotes / info: I hesitate to link this here, but I think it’s worthwhile

I am not trying to pour gasoline on any fire nor be provocative. There are clearly very different user groups for optics, and I and my friends tend to be in the “drag it all over the world, it better survive wrapped in a t-shirt in my backpack or bouncing on a car or boat seat every day” crowd...

www.birdforum.net

 

[ChrisPB]

Thanks for the information and links. Not very reassuring and might happen again apparently. Adding to that the armor not holding up, I think I’ll sell my NL Pure or trade it in for a Noctovid or a victory SF. Have to look into what suits me best.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Thanks for the information and links. Not very reassuring and might happen again apparently. Adding to that the armor not holding up, I think I’ll sell my NL Pure or trade it in for a Noctovid or a victory SF. Have to look into what suits me best.

Get the Victory SF 8x32. The Noctivid will disappoint with its smaller FOV if you are used to an NL. When you look through them, you will say really! I paid that much for these! On second thought if an 8.3 degree FOV is big enough, get a Nikon 8x30 E(C) for about $250 it has about 95% of the performance of the NL 8x32 or SF 8x32 for 1/10 the price.

 

[NatureLover123]

Great optics but some features like the field pro system looks like toys.

 

[GrampaTom]

Lest we throw the baby out with the bath water.

Dennis overstates the commonality of this problem. Read the whole thread carefully. In my multiple years here that was the first time I’d read of the connector separating from the Bino body. Dennis did supply a list of supposed others but it’s not clear from that list whether the issue was separation of hardware from Bino body (as in pic in post one here, or was a more common issue of people not managing to get the hardware on the strap properly inserted into the receiving hardware on the Bino body. The first is a serious failing, that was new to me at least in that thread. The second issue is more operator problems, that a bit of conversation and practice can fix. There’s no issue many here don’t like field pro but for different reasons than this OP cites.

 

[hopster]

Get the Victory SF 8x32. The Noctivid will disappoint with its smaller FOV if you are used to an NL. When you look through them, you will say really! I paid that much for these! On second thought if an 8.3 degree FOV is big enough, get a Nikon 8x30 E(C) for about $250 it has about 95% of the performance of the NL 8x32 or SF 8x32 for 1/10 the price.

...or the SF will disappoint in terms of colours (particularly reds) and contrast compared to the NV if those are more important to you than FOV, which they are for me and many others.

 

[ChrisPB]

Dennis overstates the commonality of this problem.

I count at least 10 people mentioning broken of connectors in the linked Facebook post. It might not be common, but it happens.

The connector on the other side of my NL Pure is of the same age and has been through the same things. I have no confidence in that one not breaking as well.

I‘d rather have bino’s that are optically a little behind, but where I don’t have to worry if they will break (again). I want something that just works and that I can rely on. I have no clue if the Noctovid or Victory SF can offer that. I need to look into those brands. No need to rush this decision. Need to wait a few months for my NL Pure to be repaired anyway.

...or the SF will disappoint in terms of colours (particularly reds) and contrast compared to the NV if those are more important to you than FOV, which they are for me and many others.

I tested them both (10x42) two years ago when I eventualy got the NL Pure’s. What I remember was that the Victory SF where too big to my liking, they felt huge in comparison. Optically I only remember I preferred the image of the Noctovid over the Victory SF, although seeing a little chromatic abberation in the Noctovid. Unfortunately optically the NL Pure outperforms them both. FOV was big enough on all bino’s tested, not really a big issue for me.

 

[Dennis Mau]

...or the SF will disappoint in terms of colours (particularly reds) and contrast compared to the NV if those are more important to you than FOV, which they are for me and many others.

It all depends on what your priorities and preferences are in a binocular. For me, I like a large FOV and a bright image because it helps me find and follow birds. What difference is the color of the bird if you can't find them because of a smaller FOV? Noctivids and Leica's in general are too red for me. I don't want my view of the bird to be biased towards the red spectrum, conversely, I want to see the bird as it really is. That is why I prefer more neutral colors that are more an accurate representation of reality. Some birders like that 'Wizard of Oz' overly saturated reddish technicolor view that the Leica's give, but I would rather see the world as it is, not the world through rose-colored glasses. For the same reason, I abhor the greenish bias of some of the Zeiss binoculars like the FL. The Noctivid especially the 10x42 has awful CA on the edges. I couldn't tolerate it when I tried them.

 

[GrampaTom]

I count at least 10 people mentioning broken of connectors in the linked Facebook post. It might not be common, but it ….

Chris not to beat this to death, I agree as I did in the thread Dennis linked this was potentially a disturbing discovery. However in my 4.5 years here, it was news. Not a common well known thing.

I’m not discounting your report, please.

That said I’m not clear what you’re saying here. Is the “linked Facebook post” the list Dennis submitted in that attached thread? If not where did you see that?

If so, please read the copied comments from Dennis and ask yourself if those reports are referring to your experience or the much more common gripe of folks struggling to hookup the strap connector to the Bino body’s hardware.

These are two very different things.

 

[hopster]

I‘d rather have bino’s that are optically a little behind, but where I don’t have to worry if they will break (again). I want something that just works and that I can rely on. I have no clue if the Noctovid or Victory SF can offer that. I need to look into those brands. No need to rush this decision. Need to wait a few months for my NL Pure to be repaired anyway.

The Noctivid probably has the best build quality of any of them.

I tested them both (10x42) two years ago when I eventualy got the NL Pure’s. What I remember was that the Victory SF where too big to my liking, they felt huge in comparison. Optically I only remember I preferred the image of the Noctovid over the Victory SF, although seeing a little chromatic abberation in the Noctovid. Unfortunately optically the NL Pure outperforms them both. FOV was big enough on all bino’s tested, not really a big issue for me.

I tend to recommend the NV in 8x more than 10x because the latter has a bit too much CA for my liking on bright days and high contrast subjects, especially on the edge. The SFs I find lack contrast compared to the NL or (particularly) NV and with an apparent slight green bias that I don't like. The top Leica, Meopta and Nikon models represent the red end of the spectrum best in my experience, with others filtering it somewhat compared to the naked eye and therefore robbing the image of natural warmth.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I count at least 10 people mentioning broken of connectors in the linked Facebook post. It might not be common, but it happens.

The connector on the other side of my NL Pure is of the same age and has been through the same things. I have no confidence in that one not breaking as well.

I‘d rather have bino’s that are optically a little behind, but where I don’t have to worry if they will break (again). I want something that just works and that I can rely on. I have no clue if the Noctovid or Victory SF can offer that. I need to look into those brands. No need to rush this decision. Need to wait a few months for my NL Pure to be repaired anyway.



I tested them both (10x42) two years ago when I eventualy got the NL Pure’s. What I remember was that the Victory SF where too big to my liking, they felt huge in comparison. Optically I only remember I preferred the image of the Noctovid over the Victory SF, although seeing a little chromatic abberation in the Noctovid. Unfortunately optically the NL Pure outperforms them both. FOV was big enough on all bino’s tested, not really a big issue for me.

Not that many people are going to post about their Field Pro attachment breaking on Facebook, so you could probably multiply that 10 figure by at least 1000 to get a real number about how common this problem is. Try the SF 10x32. It has one of the biggest FOV at 390 feet or 7.2 degrees of any 10x binocular outside of the Nikon WX 10x50. The SF also controls glare better than the NL. The Noctivid's especially the 10x42 are awful for CA on the edge.

 

[hopster]

If you're mostly interested in a 10x42, the Meopta B1+ HD is excellent as is the Kahles (Swaro SLC clone) and the Nikon EDG. None have the huge FOV of NL and SF but that doesn't matter to me as much as the image and build quality and handling. You might also want to consider the Swaro EL if you don't mind the very flat field, sticky focuser and bluish tone.

 

[ChrisPB]

Chris not to beat this to death, I agree as I did in the thread Dennis linked this was potentially a disturbing discovery. However in my 4.5 years here, it was news. Not a common well known thing.

I’m not discounting your report, please.

That said I’m not clear what you’re saying here. Is the “linked Facebook post” the list Dennis submitted in that attached thread? If not where did you see that?

If so, please read the copied comments from Dennis and ask yourself if those reports are referring to your experience or the much more common gripe of folks struggling to hookup the strap connector to the Bino body’s hardware.

These are two very different things.

It’s this post

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10163377676549073&id=598789072

When 10 people react to that post by saying they had the same problem and had it repaired by sending it to Swarovski, I can only asume they indeed had the same problem. Again, it might not be common, but it happens.

 

[hopster]

I really don't understand some of Swaro's modern design choices. They have such good optical designs in general (with the possible exception of glare control in some cases) but the new armour issues and the silly FP strap holders are just unnecessary own goals. Contrast Leica's reputation on build quality and longevity.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I really don't understand some of Swaro's modern design choices. They have such good optical designs in general (with the possible exception of glare control in some cases) but the new armour issues and the silly FP strap holders are just unnecessary own goals. Contrast Leica's reputation on build quality and longevity.

It is their new business model. "Constantly improving something that isn't broke."

 

[GrampaTom]

It’s this post

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10163377676549073&id=598789072

When 10 people react to that post by saying they had the same problem and had it repaired by sending it to Swarovski, I can only asume they indeed had the same problem. Again, it might not be common, but it happens.

Got it. Thanks. That helps

 

[tehri]

... the silly FP strap holders are just unnecessary own goals.

Just to add a little nuance here, personally I really prefer this Field Pro system, and without a doubt... Really very ergonomic and convenient !! 😉

 

[Owlbarred]

Lest we throw the baby out with the bath water.

Dennis overstates the commonality of this problem. Read the whole thread carefully. In my multiple years here that was the first time I’d read of the connector separating from the Bino body. Dennis did supply a list of supposed others but it’s not clear from that list whether the issue was separation of hardware from Bino body (as in pic in post one here, or was a more common issue of people not managing to get the hardware on the strap properly inserted into the receiving hardware on the Bino body. The first is a serious failing, that was new to me at least in that thread. The second issue is more operator problems, that a bit of conversation and practice can fix. There’s no issue many here don’t like field pro but for different reasons than this OP cites.

Well said. I could not agree more.

 

[GrampaTom]

It’s this post

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10163377676549073&id=598789072

When 10 people react to that post by saying they had the same problem and had it repaired by sending it to Swarovski, I can only asume they indeed had the same problem. Again, it might not be common, but it happens.

Wait though! Was thinking this was new. But realized I recognized that pic from Dencos old comments, so went and looked. Here's how I read it:

1. "Aaron Maizlish
I love my Swarovski's, but I’ve had four pairs and all of them have broken and needed servicing."
Does not explicitly say the FP connector fell off body... right?

2. "Carol Walton
My same model Swarovski binoculars have that exact same problem! That side latch thing comes undone all the time."
"The latch thing comes undone all the time", is that indeed the same exact problem? "undone all the time" sounds like failure to attach correctly. If the bino body hardware failed all the time it'd be back at Swaro, no?

3. "Josiah M. T. Clark
I was going to write a similar post about my lame duck Swarovski’s. Also preceded by Leica ultras that lasted for 25+ years… Basically everything you said has gone wrong on mine as well. On my first and only trip to Africa, the focusing wheel completely froze up and broke, making the binoculars unusable for most of the trip. I should’ve known then that this was not the pair for me, but because so many people had them, I thought they must be good. Definitely not buying another pair."
Focus wheel broke. OK (well not OK). Is "everything you said has gone wrong on mine" Is this to be taken as an accurate, credible description of body FP hdwe failure or merely someone piling on do to unhappiness with other stuff not explicitly named?

4. "Dave Johnson
I wholeheartedly agree with you, David. My Swarovski binos have the same issue. Also, the protective rubber lens covers came off the first time I used them. They sent me replacements, but for the price you pay the design and construction should be better."
"Same issue" ... maybe or maybe strap connector to body hdwe? Not clear. Those obj covers did fall off at the beginning...how old is this whole thing?

5. "Lisa Carol Wolf
Do they fall apart as easily? My enormous problem with Swarovski. Insane optics. Horrible physical device."
No mention of FP hdwe falling off body. Whats "horrible physical device" mean?

6. "David Bates
I have the same ones too, and I’m having similar problems…. This is not an isolated issue."
"Similar problems"? Which? rubber armor? Objective cover? FP strap to body? or this FP hardware on body separating? Can we tell?

7. "Mason Flint
Mine unclipped while standing over very deep water while guiding a group in South Africa. I caught them just before they slipped away to oblivion."
"Mine unclipped" Doesnt that sound like the FP strap connector unclipped from its attachment on the body? Sounds like user error.

8. "Lieven De Temmerman
Optically, the pure NL’s are great, but it’s been widely known that Swarovski is using its customers as testers for the infamous rubber armour. Another negative is excessive flare. Both the Leica Noctivid and Zeiss Victory SF are much better in that regard. Optically there isn’t much comparable to the pure NL 12x42 (if in the market for a 12x), and the 10x42 has the widest FOV of the top brands, so that’s something. But the victory SF had a comparable very wide FOV in 8x42 and a great balance / weight and better ergonomics IMHO. If going for 8x42, I would go for Zeiss. If going for 10x42, I would add the Noctivid to the equation."
No mention of this failure. Rubber armor and flare... Thats it.

9. "Lauren Morgens
Yep. Love the optics, hate the “package.” Matt’s bins are currently in for their SECOND round of re-armoring. The rubber just disintegrates.
I have a slightly newer pair, and I’ve had the strap fastener thing come apart once too, though it didn’t break—just came undone, and magically I caught all the parts! Reassembled, but also don’t trust it. I like your safety line! also have an older pair of Swarovski's which have spent too much time at sea and the focus mechanism is getting stiff due to corrosion. (This I don’t blame Swarovski for—the environment I exposed them to for 20 years is unreasonably harsh for precision equipment.) Other than that, though, there is not a single thing wrong with them. Pretty much indestructible. Also, their warranty has changed, and newer pairs are not covered for as long. So. Generally, their optics are getting flashier, but the practical elements and customer service are getting worse and worse."
More piling on complaints, general Swaro unhappiness. But the notice this, "I’ve had the strap fastener thing come apart once too, though it didn’t break—just came undone" Doesnt that sound like FP strap to bino?

10. "Mario Corvetto
My Swarovski's are also falling apart. I don't have Leica binoculars but do have their M and Q2 cameras and lenses. When I am not out doing photography, I use them as hammers for homes repairs. jajajaj They have never let me down."
"My Swaros are falling apart" OK, where's the FP body hardware falling off body comment?

11. "Steve Metz
This exact same thing (side holder came apart) happened to me with my 10x42s. I sent them in to Swarovski for repair and it took two months to get them back. Terrible design! I will not buy Swarovski again."
"Side holder came apart.. I sent in to Swaro for repair..." OK thats sounds like one.

12."Mark Hall
Hi David, I have a pair of NL 8x32 that replaced my trusty Nikon's that had served me impeccably for 20 + years. After a year, the eyepiece rubber deteriorated badly, although I haven't, so far, had any problem with the harness lugs. Swarovski replaced the eyepieces immediately without question, but I do think they are experimenting too much with materials that do not serve the wonderful optics."
"I haven't, so far, had any problem with the harness lugs." Nuff said.

13. "Alexander Alvarado
I had several issues with clients using Swarovski while leading the trips, I highly recommend Zeiss optics, I had been using Zeiss last 7 years and they are really great! Before Zeiss I had Leica Trinovids and they did great also!"
No comment relating to FP hdwe coming off bino body.

14. "Jonathan Newman
I used Swarovski's for 30 years or so but finally lost patience with the constant shedding of armoring, eyecups, forehead mount etc. I was sending my back for repairs more than once a year. Furthermore, I love them optically, but the build quality is shocking. Also, I finally had an issue with their previously impeccable custom service, which broke the camel's back. Now I have Leica."
Again no comment re FP body armor coming off.

15. "Ernesto Reyes Mouriño
Same Problem with our Swarovski My wife and me have a pair each one, we take care of them as our baby BUT!! We have sent them TWICE to be fixed! We are really disappointed and planning to change to a different brand as soon we can!"
"Same problem" Which same problem is he talking about? Is it clear?

16."Peg Abbott
I had the same plastic side part break. Bummer is time lost to send in. Love the clarity of optics. Hate those strap attachments!"
Sounds like maybe second one actually describing this failure... doesnt it?

17. "Gary Rosenberg
This reminds me of a funny Swarovski repair story - MANY years ago I had a new pair of Swarovski SLC binos that were new - I was birding at Papallacta Pass in Ecuador at 4000m+ and both oculars fogged up! When I got home, I contacted Swarovski Repair (by phone) to find out my options - I had two tours coming up and NEEDED my binoculars repaired immediately. The woman I was talking with told me that I can express mail them the bins, they would either repair them or send me a loaner pair immediately - and I would get them (either) before I left on my extended trip. I thought this sounded reasonable until she asked me how I would like to pay for it. I told her the binoculars were brand new and that I didn't think I should have to pay for the repair - her response to me was, "life isn't perfect, is it?" Long story short, but I eventually spoke with someone a little higher in the food chain, and they eventually sent me a new pair. I used Leica for several years - but now use Zeiss - and love them."
Crap story for sure. But to be fair its not the FP hardware falling off body is it?

18. "Graham Floyd
My EL 12x50’s have fallen apart. My older EL10x42s are fine."
What does "fallen apart" mean? Is it this FP hdwe thing? How do we know?

19. "Lily Douglas
Same issue, and huge hassle getting them to let me send them back for repair…which then took longer than they said it would. Very disappointed."
"Same issue" Which same issue? Could be this FP thing, not sure.

Not exactly 10 is it? Maybe 3... I have no problem with individual's reports of a new problem. We need to know about these. But as evidence this FP hardware falling off body was that, I say no, not well known, not common? This was not it. Not yet anyway. Piling on? For what reason?