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As binoculars are becoming of higher quality and packed with more features, choosing one brand over the other is progressively becoming more difficult.
This is especially true when considering decade long rivals – Leica vs Swarovski – the two of the most famous names in the industry of binoculars.
With this in mind, this is where the question of comparison between the Leica Trinovid HD 8x42 mm and Swarovski SLC 8x42 mm stands as well.
The latter is the 4th generation of binoculars with a factory of HQ's in Germany, and a part of it in Portugal, and it has been manufacturing binoculars since 1973.
The current generation of the products is made in Portugal however, there is no distinction in quality between the Leicas produced in Germany and those produced in Portugal.
Swarowski SLC 8x42 however, are produced in Austria, and they fall into the 3rd generation of SLC series of binoculars.
You might favor one over the other, but selecting the right binoculars that suit you best depends on several factors, such as:
Swarovski SLC 8x42 vs Leica Trinovid 8x42 HD
Both Swarovski and Leica produce binoculars and these precisely are suitable for hunting, as well as birdwatching.
They both fall into the mid-class, serious European quality category.
Their 8x magnification allows the best field of view, as well as the best low-light usability.
Swarovski is no stranger to making their products a bit more costly in order not to be identified as direct competitors of other companies, as this particular model is almost 40% more expensive than Leica's.
To be more precise, the price for Swarovski SLC is €1,669.00, and €1,090.00 is how much one would pay for Leica Trinovid HD.
This is a well-thought-out strategy, as in terms of
brand,
purpose,
market segment,
Swarovski and Leica are direct opponents – the price is one of the ways they stand out.
As far as the weight, Swarowski SLC is heavier, as it weighs 810 g, and Leica Trinovid HD is more lightweight, at 730 g.
The height and width do not differ much, even though Swarovski wins more points in this field. It is 63 mm tall, while Leica stands at 66 mm.
Those who wish to keep up and be in possession of the latest products might promote the Leica model, as it has been in production since 2016, in contrast to Swarovski, which is three years older.
The fact that Leica has superb build quality and self-lubricating focusing mechanism should also not be overlooked, as well as both performing amazingly at low temperatures, and both being out of magnesium.
Looks-wise, the Swarovski binoculars are green, while the Leica ones are black, and the diopter range with the latter is -4.0 / +4.0 dpt, and +4 / -4 dpt with Swarovski
Swarovski SLC 8x42 VS Leica Trinovid 8x42 HD
In terms of optical performance, Swarovski is superior, hence more expensive. Swarovski also wins regarding the filed of view with the range of 136 m / 100 m, in contrast to Leica's 12 m / 100 m field of view.
They also do not pass on their throne when it comes to eye relief – 18.5 mm, in contrast to Leica's 17 mm eye relief. There is not much difference, but it does not go unnoticed.
The diopter setting position is, with Leica, on the right-eye piece, and central with Swarovski.
What is more, if you wish to observe the birds going back to their nests, but it has become a bit too dark outside, both binoculars are also no strangers to low light usability.
When it comes to their purpose, both are the same in this retrospect. Both brands are good, and it all depends on the buyers' opinion, and what people expect from binoculars. Even though Swarovski SLC excels optically, you will not look back no matter which one you choose – only forward, through the lenses.
build quality
size
accessories
eye relief
price
field of view
no traditional bag included
optical performance
eyepieces (many positions, extremely well made)
close focus (3.2 m)
Swarovski SLC 8x42 VS Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42
Kahles Helia 8x42 VS Noblex/Docter ED 8x42
Leica Trinovid HD 8x42 VS Nikon Monarch HG 8x42
Leica Trinovid HD 8x42 VS Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42
Leica Trinovid HD 8x42 VS Meopta Meostar B1 HD 8x42
Leica Trinovid HD 8x42 VS Kahles Helia 8x42
Leica Trinovid 8x42 HD VS Noblex ED 8x42
