Swarovski 8.5x42 EL - focus wheel noise (1 Viewer)

[k100]

I just picked up up my first pair of nicer binoculars, the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL. I noticed that the focus wheel makes a very slight, metallic clicking noise when it is turned. The clicking sound increases in speed when the wheel is turned faster, and happens in both directions. Does anyone know if this is normal, or should I contact the seller? It is not very loud, but definitely noticeable in a quiet environment. I do not have the wheel pulled out for diopter adjustment.

It’s not very clear, but here is a link to a sound clip:

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[Richard D]

I can't hear anything when I adjust the focus on either of my ELs. Might be an issue with the spring.

 

[k100]

I can't hear anything when I adjust the focus on either of my ELs. Might be an issue with the spring.

Thanks for the reply. It does actually sound like a sound that would come from a spring.

 

[Richard D]

Thanks for the reply. It does actually sound like a sound that would come from a spring.

There's a spring used to stop dioptre shift, but it shouldn't be audible. Swarovski focusers do turn very slightly faster in one direction than the other which some people don't like, but they're slop free and don't suffer the problems greased focusers often develop.

 

[Gdavis248]

Just throwing in my 2 cents that I have a relatively new pair of 8.5x42 EL's and mine do not make any audible noise. Admittedly, I have not put them up to my ear to listen for something but in normal use and operation, I don't hear any noise.

Perhaps try to return/exchange from you retailer if you're able. If not, I'm sure Swarovski themselves would take care of it.

 

[NDhunter]

Swarovski is well known for great optics. However, they are not known for very good focusers.
Jerry

 

[Richard D]

Swarovski is well known for great optics. However, they are not known for very good focusers.
Jerry

I don't think proportional to ownership there are more complaints about any manufacturers focuser, certainly none of the manufacturers seem immune from occasional problems.

 

[Ries]

Won't a spring give weaker resistance over time, like in a watch?

 

[GoldenBear]

Are you certain the focus knob is pushed down and fully seated? To me the audio almost sounds like the click one hears when the knob is pulled out to make the diopter adjustment.

 

[tenex]

Because the OP specifically said it was seated, I resisted the impulse to make the same suggestion... despite its being the obvious answer.

Pull the knob up, and push it back down firmly -- you should hear a (different!) click/pop -- to be sure it's seated. Is the sound still there when you focus? If not, problem solved. If so, pull the knob back up, note the diopter position, push it back down, and rotate the focus in one direction only for several clicks. Then check the diopter again, has it moved? If so, send in for service. If not... send in for service anyway, it could still be some internal problem.

 

[dwever]

My experience is with the EL Range TA 8X42. I asked Swarovski North America about the resistance being different depending on which way the focus is being turned. Something about the spring and that being normal. OK.

I also asked about my focuser feeling like it was gliding over fine sandpaper when it sat in a ninety-one degree cab (I knew the interior temp from the EL Range's atmospheric data read out). Swarovski said that because they had to be engineered to cover such a wide range of operating temps they weren't concerned, but if I was I could send it in. I'm fine if they're fine until it doesn't work.

 

[Gdavis248]

My experience is with the EL Range TA 8X42. I asked Swarovski North America about the resistance being different depending on which way the focus is being turned. Something about the spring and that being normal. OK.

I also asked about my focuser feeling like it was gliding over fine sandpaper when it sat in a ninety-one degree cab (I knew the interior temp from the EL Range's atmospheric data read out). Swarovski said that because they had to be engineered to cover such a wide range of operating temps they weren't concerned, but if I was I could send it in. I'm fine if they're fine until it doesn't work.

Sounds to me like you're good to go! When I first got my EL's a few weeks ago, I was also a little thrown off by the focuser. I was slightly concerned it had more resistance in one direction than the other. Had to do a little googling to figure that that was completely normal. I've gotten more used to it since and am now just enjoying the view every time I look through them. Also, I sleep pretty good at night knowing that if anything ever went wrong with these then Swaro will be able to fix it.