Adding a fun touch of color and style, the Swift Ultra comes in choices of blue, grey, or green. The hard exterior rubber protects against bumps and bangs while the soft interior rubber cushions the grip area. With fully multi-coated optics and phase correction, this waterproof and fogproof binocular is guaranteed to deliver in all kinds of weather. The Swift Ultra binocular is covered by the Swift Premier 25-year warranty.
Optical Features
Fully Multi-coated Lenses
Increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Phase Correction
Enhances resolution and contrast through roof prisms.
BaK-4 Prisms
Optimize light transmission.
Construction Features
Roof Prisms
Appreciated for a streamlined shape and durability.
Rubber Armoring
Provides a secure, non-slip grip.
Adjustable Eyecups
Twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Center Focus Wheel
Adjusts both binocular barrels at the same time.
Right Eye Diopter
Adjusts for differences in a user's eyes. Located by the right eyepiece.
Tripod Adaptable
Can be mounted using standard ¼-inch threading. Adapter sold separately.
Design Features
Waterproof
Optics are sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the binocular.
Fogproof
Barrels are filled with nitrogen gas to inhibit internal fogging.
This is definitely not an "Excellent" product. I had my pair for 3 years until they recently broke for the second time.
I was originally very satisfied by the clarity, color absorption, focusing properties (i.e. close focus and quickness), and weight. HOWEVER, if a product that you're going to spend over $300 on cannot withstand the test of time, what good is it?
So why not just take Swift up on their admittedly very good warranty? Well, I can't because they were swept downstream never to be seen again. The strap attachment on this pair of binoculars is like no other I've seen; It consists of a metal pin that basically screws into the rubber armor. I'm no engineer, but this obviously results in a weak point. My pair first broke at this attachment point while on a birding trip to Peru. They were not being put through much at all. Last week, the other side popped out while doing some waterthrush surveys. Now I'll admit, I did give them a little tug as I was trying to stabilize myself. But, really? I've used other pairs of binoculars for field work and some hardcore birding and never had any problems like this at all.
I have been supplied with the Eagle Optics Ranger SRTs (8x42) for two different field assignments now, and I am totally confident that they are the best binoculars in the $200-$400 price range. They are built extremely well, have great image sharpness/clarity, and the warranty is great (not that you'll need it). I'd also add that the customer support person I spoke with after making a previous purchase through Eagle Optics was extremely helpful and courteous.
Swift Ultralite 8x42
-
07/05/2009
by
Andy from Ann Arbor, MI
For a mid-line, budget binocular, these Swifts are an excellent choice. I've used them for about 5 years, and have been extremely pleased. The glass is outstanding given the price; in daylight, nearly as bright as many $1000 bins. My parents use Nikon Monarchs, which are also great. In direct comparison, the Swifts are notably brighter, but bigger and somewhat heavier in the hands. The focus wheel is perfect; I prefer it to any that I've tried. Leica sponsored my team for the World Series of Birding, and after using $2000 bins for a weekend, I still much prefer the focus wheel of these Swifts. I've heard of customers having trouble with the detachable strap studs; the screws strip and the straps cannot be reattached. This has finally happened to mine after 5 years; I have yet to send them to Swift for repair.
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