Sales
Q. Can I buy Swarovski Optik products directly from Canadian Outdoor Distributing?
A. No. We sell our products through our nationwide dealer network. We do however supply service parts if you cannot find them at your local dealer (ie. Lens covers, straps, cases etc.).

Service
Q.  How do I access service for my Swarovski Optik product?
A. We will handle all warranty repairs at no cost to you for products which were sold in Canada through one of our authorized dealers. If you purchased your binoculars from another source we will charge a handling charge to cover our expenses to ship your product to Swarovski’s factory. Please contact us directly for details of these charges.

Binoculars
Q.  Why are Swarovski binoculars so expensive?
A. There are many reasons why Swarovski binoculars are expensive: High quality optical design, Observance of lowest possible tolerances, Perfect workmanship, Use of the very best materials, Continuous quality control throughout entire manufacturing process. What you pay for is simple: The very best optical performance and design backed by a comprehensive 30 year binocular warranty.

Q. What is the best Swarovski binocular to buy?
A. This is difficult to answer. Every user has a different set of needs and desires. For example: A bow hunter may choose a small 8x20B pocket binocular because he cannot carry a large binocular but does not want to compromise optical quality. The serious birder will likely choose the EL8.5x42 for its fast focus from 1.5M to infinity and its wide field of view. With all the different Swarovski binoculars to choose from there will be a binocular perfectly suited for your needs.

Q. Where does Swarovski manufacture its binoculars?
A. Swarovski Optik has been making all of its binoculars in its factory in Austria since 1949. 

Q. What is the best way to care for and clean my binoculars?
A. When handled with care, your binoculars will provide years of trouble free service. Like any precision instrument your binocular should be given reasonable protection.

1. If binoculars feature rubber "twist-in" eyecups, store them with the eyecups in. This avoids excessive stress and wear placed on the rubber eyecups.
2. Avoid banging and dropping.
3. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing in your vehicle as temperature fluctuations and prolonged vibration can damage any optical instrument.
4. Never look directly at the sun with your binocular. It may be very harmful to your eyes.
5. Keep your lenses clean with the following instructions.
- Blow away any dust or debris on the lens (or use a soft lens brush).
- Remove dirt or fingerprints with a soft micro-fiber cloth by rubbing in a circular motion.
Coarse cloth(such as your shirt tail) or unnecessary rubbing may scratch the lens surface causing permanent damage. Swarovski makes a great lens cleaning kit with all you need.

Q.  Can I take pictures through my Swarovski binoculars?
A. All Swarovski EL & SLC binoculars now come with a Snapshot Adapter allowing the user to use a compact digital camera to take pictures through the binocular.

Q.  Does Swarovski still make Porro Prism binoculars?
A. Yes. Swarovski still makes the Habicht Traditional Porro Prism binoculars. Although the more compact EL & SLC Roof Prism binoculars are more popular we can order the Habicht Porro style if needed. Contact your dealer for a price quote.

Q  My twist-in eyecups are getting dirt-filled through continuous use. Do I need to replace them?
A. No. You do not need to replace them just clean them out under a stream of running water. All of our EL, SLC & Pocket binoculars are waterproof and can use a good cleaning under a stream of running water! You will only need to replace the eyecups if they are damaged.

Riflescopes & Laser Guide
Q. Why do I need an illuminated reticle?
A.  Illumination is a great feature for scopes because it allows the shooter to have a clear, bright reticle in any light condition. Standard black reticles can get lost if you are in the brush or a dark wooded area. Illumination will give contrast to the background, making it easier to identify your target.

Q. What is the 3rd turret used for on some Swarovski scopes?  
A. Some Swarovski scopes have a third adjustment turret and this is for parallax adjustment. All of our scopes are said to be “parallax free” at 100yds, and this is the factory setting. Scopes with higher magnification than 12X will need to be adjusted for shooting over 100yds. This can be done by having a focusing adjustment on the objective lens or by a 3rd parallax adjusting turret (such as the newer Z5 & Z6 12 power and higher scopes).

Q. Are Swarovski rifle scopes waterproof?
A. All Z3, Z5, Z6 Swarovski scopes are completely waterproof with or without the turret caps being on.

Q. What is meant by 6X zoom factor?
A. This describes the adjustable magnification range in the scope. For example our Z6 2-12x50 has a magnification range from 2X through 12X thus having a 6X Zoom Factor.

Q. What is a Ballistic Reticle and how do I use it?
A. The Ballistic Reticle is a type of reticle that allows the user to easily compensate for bullet drop when making long range shots. Your BR scopes will come with a set of decals, simply find the one for your ammo and you are set. If your ammo is not one of the decals provided then simply go to the Swarovski website to quickly download the info for your load.

Q. What is a Ballistic Turret?
A.  The Ballistic Turret (BT) is a user changeable bullet drop compensating reticle system. The BT allows you to “stay on spot” when sighting in at different distances. You can assemble the ballistic turret yourself in a few easy steps and adjust it accurately to your firearm. You can change the distance settings selected yourself at anytime.  Download your specific ballistics data quickly from the Swarovski.com website.

Q. Does Swarovski make a laser rangefinder?
A. Swarovski makes the Laser Guide 8x30. There are many cheaper rangefinders on the market but you will not find a better rangefinder than the Swarovski Laser Guide. The Laser Guide 8x30’s optics are the best that can be found in a rangefinder. As for its electronics: It is accurate up to 1600yds (+/- 1yd)! Works easily in dim light and on low contrast subjects as well as hard or soft targets. It is waterproof and comes with a convenient clip-on belt holster. If you are a long range shooter you can’t leave distance measuring to guesswork or inferior equipment.   

Spotting Scopes
Q. What is the best Swarovski Spotting scope to buy, 65mm or 80mm?
A. This does depend on your intended use. For general viewing in good light a 65mm scope is fine, however if you need to use your scope in low light an 80mm will be far better with its larger front objective lens. Another consideration is the weight. The 65mm scopes are much lighter then the 80mm and this would be of importance to the backpacker or high-country guide.

Q. I can’t decide between Angled and Straight design. What is recommended?
A.  Generally speaking, most birders use angled scopes and hunters/guides use straight scopes. If you are pointing the scope upwards (such as looking at a nest) an angled scope is easier to uses. If you are lying prone so as not to be seen by the game and looking out over a distant meadow a straight scope is easier to use.

Q. Do I need HD (High Definition) glass?
A. HD glass does have greater sharpness (resolution) and better colour fidelity but when viewing under bright light conditions there is no discernable benefit to having HD glass. However if you intend to use your scope in poor light conditions the HD glass will perform better, in resolution and colour fidelity. This is of utmost importance to the photographer, as the extra resolution offered by HD glass can be noticed with an image enlarged as a photograph.

Q. Which ocular should I buy? 20-60X or 25-50X Wide Angle?
A. Most spotting scope buyers opt for the longest range ocular, the 20-60X. However the new 25-50X Wide Angle ocular is very popular with Digiscopers as it gives approximately 40% more viewing coverage over the 20-60.

Q. What is Digiscoping?
A.  Digiscoping is a method of obtaining photos using a digital camera through a spotting scope.

Q. How can I use my camera with my Swarovski spotting scope?
A. Swarovski offers a host of different digiscoping options. Whether you use an SLR or a compact camera we have a method to adapt your camera to your Swarovski scope.

Q. Why should I buy a Swarovski tripod for my scope?
A. Swarovski tripods utilize the quick attachment foot built-in to all of our spotting scopes. This makes for a fast on/off connection to the tripod without having to fiddle with a tripod screw attachment found on other tripods.

Q. Are Swarovski spotting scopes waterproof without an ocular on them?
A.  Yes. Swarovski spotting scopes are completely waterproof whether the ocular is on the scope or not.