Magnification: 15X
Power Variability: Fixed
Objective Diameter: 56 mm
Close Focus Distance: 12.8 feet
Dimensions: 7.56 x 5.5 x 2.8 inches
Weight: 42.3 ounces
Field of View: 234 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 16 mm/ 3.7 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: Swarovski Glass
Prism System: Abbe-Koenig
Focus System: Center
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Eye cups: Twist up
Tripod adaptable: Yes
Rangefinder: No
Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation
Swarovski SLC 15x56 Binoculars Review
This Swarovski SLC 15X56 binocular has SwaroClean, HD optics, and a high 29 twilight factor for ultimate image quality when you need it most - dawn and dusk. The high magnification of 15X and the oversized 56 mm objective lenses are all put together on Abbe-Koenig prisms that has a frame with extended depressions for an ergonomic fit.
This roughly $2300 binocular has a good rating online. But, for some reason, there is the odd poor review out there. I guess you either love it or you hate it. Simple enough?...
With my very detailed review, we'll examine why the ratings are in this love-hate tug-of-war. I have to admit that this little curiosity is what caught my attention.
I also can't deny the fact that the 15X56 platform is attractive in its own right too.
Without further ado, let's begin our investigation of the SLC's performance and see if it's worth its steep price and the ratings it acquired in the following Q&A.
Pros:
- Low light use
- Excellent quality glass
- Excellent coating quality
- Tripod adaptable
- High power optic
Cons:
- Price
SLC 15X56 Binocular Q&A:
What is SwaroClean?
Swarovski is always upgrading and tweaking their coatings formulas, and it's always a benefit to us hunters when they do. SwaroClean is their special external formula coating that keeps your lenses non-stick and mess-free.
Some of the most common annoying lens debris are tree resin, fingerprints, water marks, insect repellents, and mud splotches.
Without any sort of coating and treatment, trying to get rid of these marks can end end up making the smudges worse.
But, with SwaroClean, it's going to be very easy to keep clean and to maintain your crystal clear image quality. Simply and gently wipe away any debris with a lens cleaning cloth and you're good to go.
Is the SLC 15X56 a good low light hunting binocular?
With 56 mm objective lenses, you'd think so. And, if you did, you'd be right. The large size allows more light in than any other smaller objective lens. That's the first factor in its low light hunting court.
The second factor is its exit pupil of 3.7 mm which isn't bad for a binocular. Although the human pupil can dilate to a full 7 mm in total darkness, around 5 mm is plenty good enough for most people.
So, with just being a little under that, it's just "okay". But, the incredibly high twilight factor of 29 is what will help give it its stellar night time strength.
Another factor in the low light field is the quality of glass. This has Swarovski's unmatched glass with HD elements that'll sharpen up the picture from edge-to-edge with all the color resolution that you need.
The specs and optics on this binocular are going to be excellent for low light hunting.
If you're currently on a 10X42 or you have a 50 mm objective lens binocular and you're the type that calls it quits at midday, it's probably not worth the extra bucks needed to shell out for the extra millimeters.
But, if you're glassing all day long and you intend on being around when deer are at their most active - during low light - you might just want to pull out the credit card right about now.
Expect to see the brightest images possible through this binocular versus any other binocular from another brand. I'd like to see it side by side with a Zeiss - that's for sure.
Does the SLC 15x56 come with any extra accessories?
Yes! While there's a little bit of a difference between what exactly gets thrown in the box between sellers, the majority of packages comes with a list of freebies.
You should be excited to receive the field bag, strap for the field bag, objective and eyepiece cap covers, comfort carrying strap, and a microfiber lens cleaning cloth. These are typically the standard extras. But....
According to some reviewers all across the board, Swarovski goes the extra mile and throws in a free tripod adapter. I couldn't verify this on their website at all, but it seems like some sellers may be feeling extra generous.
Although some hunters say this Swaro SLC is pretty easy to keep steady without a tripod, it's still nice to pull one out for those moments you need it most. And, with 15X magnification, you might just have many of those moments.
Is Swarovski's 15x56 SLC a good binocular to carry around for long periods of time?
The glass on this Swaro is definitely worth carrying around the entire day. But, the 42.3 ounces on this thing might mean another thing to your wrists, or does it?
Swarovski thought about the larger objective lens and the extra glass needed to make this low light champ.
They built the 15X56 SLC with a weight-balanced frame so that it's not top heavy. The extended depressions for your hands also help you to grip it with ease and most importantly, with the right position.
What does this mean for you? It means your binocular will out-last you in your hunt. Can I glass for hours on end? Check. Will I be fatigue free? Check.
With these advantages behind its back, why was there a 1 star rating? It ended up having nothing to do with quality but with a customer's lack of service from Swarovski.
As the only stray 1 vote out there that you'll be able to find, I'd take it with a grain of salt.
Noteworthy Features:
- Abbe-Koenig prisms made with HD image quality
- Temperature-controlled between -13 °F to +131 °F
- SwaroClean for easy maintenance and lens care
- Ergonomic build, compact, and lightweight, ideal for all-purpose hunting
- Fully waterproof and fog-proof and can survive submersion up to 13 feet
- Durable rubber armor for ultimate protection and to support a natural and ergonomic grip
- Backed by Swarovski's Limited Lifetime Warranty
Our Verdict On The Swarovski 15x56 Binoculars
To glass it up, the Swarovski SLC 15X56 binoculars are the best in its field. You can even glass the stars with this beast. While its weight might be an issue for many, its ergonomic build makes it a non-issue. If you need to check back on our review about this aspect, feel free to back-track a few paragraphs, it's worth reading again.
If the extra reach isn't for you, you can always come down in power with the Swarovski EL Swarovision 10X42 with FieldPro. It will cost you a few more hundreds, but the quality is all there so have a look at it and decide for yourself.
You could always check out the Leica Geovid HD-B 10X42 3200.com binoculars too since you're in this price range. However, for a huge price cut, just swing by the Vulture HD 15X56 or the Razor HD 12X50 Vortex binoculars. Their prices will be a relief after glassing Swaro prices.
The bottom line is, Swaro is a top-notch brand that only serious hunters with serious cash get to play around with. For the rest of us, we'll get our satisfaction from stalking others who are using their Swaros. If we do it without being creepy, we might even be allowed to play with it - with supervision of course. If it were me, no one would touch my Swaro, not even with sterile latex gloves on!
Further Reading
