Like others, I have bought from B&H a few years ago but with the strength of the Australian dollar the differences in prices are not much now. I believe some companies have also adjusted their regional pricing system. I had purchased Swarovski binoculars from both Adelaide Optics and also from Bintel, but most recently I could not get a response from Bintel for a Swarovski Scope so I did what a number of birding colleagues in Townsville have been doing, asked our local photographic shop for a quote. That proved a winner all round and also, the camera store is now stocking Swarovski bins and scopes. Townsville has got a healthy population of active birders, but I suspect there must be options to go local elsewhere. In the case of Swarovski the after sales service in Australia is fantastic.
Peter Valentine
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I agree with Judy – Swarovski are wonderful. I dropped my 10 x 42s, damaging an eyepiece and knocking them out of true. Returned to Swarovski in Sydney for repair in Austria. Hannes offered and sent me a loaned pair, which arrived the day after he said they would come, and I used them with great relief and pleasure on my recent trip to Christmas and Cocos Islands. Then mine arrived back repaired with, so far, no charge, and I posted back the loaned pair. Top rate service.
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I agree that the after sales service of Swarovski is excellent.
My 7 yr old, but lovingly looked-after Swarovski bins needed repair and had to be sent by Swarovski to Austria. Mark Schleicher, from Photo Continental Brisbane, arranged with Hannes Nothdurfter of Swarovski Sydney, that I have a loan pair until they arrive back. The loan pair of Swarovski arrived soon after. They were a welcome sight and almost felt like a Christmas present.
Judy Leitch