Zeiss 8x30 ClassiC--Any comments?

[Jonathan B.]

Hi, All

I am interested in hearing comments from those who have owned/used Zeiss 8x30 ClassiC. I rarely see comments on this binocular, and BVD never reviewed it, as far as I can tell. I recall Leif commenting that it displays little or no CA, but other than that I know nothing about its performance and specs.

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Leif]

Hi, All

I am interested in hearing comments from those who have owned/used Zeiss 8x30 ClassiC. I rarely see comments on this binocular, and BVD never reviewed it, as far as I can tell. I recall Leif commenting that it displays little or no CA, but other than that I know nothing about its performance and specs.

Thanks,
Jonathan

Hi Jonathan: I think I did a review in the BF reviews sections. Anyway, an excellent image with very low CA, decent off axis sharpness, 3m close focus, a bit of image distortion towards the field edges but it did not bother me. Optically this binocular is roughly on a par with Leica 8x32 BN and Swaro 8x30 SLC, but with slightly but noticeably lower contrast and sharpness than the best of the recent 8x32 bins. I think it has a rather nice image. I think that early versions (pre ~1990) are not phase coated. The only criticism I have is that in low light there is a touch of glare when viewing dark fields against a dusk/dawn sky: the fields get a bit washed out and hence I would not recommend this bin for dawn/dusk. Hopefully someone else will chip in with their experiences.

Leif

[Jonathan B.]

Hi Jonathan: I think I did a review in the BF reviews sections. Anyway, an excellent image with very low CA, decent off axis sharpness, 3m close focus, a bit of image distortion towards the field edges but it did not bother me. Optically this binocular is roughly on a par with Leica 8x32 BN and Swaro 8x30 SLC, but with slightly but noticeably lower contrast and sharpness than the best of the recent 8x32 bins. I think it has a rather nice image. I think that early versions (pre ~1990) are not phase coated. The only criticism I have is that in low light there is a touch of glare when viewing dark fields against a dusk/dawn sky: the fields get a bit washed out and hence I would not recommend this bin for dawn/dusk. Hopefully someone else will chip in with their experiences.

Leif

I didn't even think to look in the reviews section because the bin is discontinued. Your review is excellent. A search of forums revealed nothing that would add to it. The lack of waterproofing is a definite minus.

Jonathan

[Leif]

I didn't even think to look in the reviews section because the bin is discontinued. Your review is excellent. A search of forums revealed nothing that would add to it. The lack of waterproofing is a definite minus.

Jonathan

Thanks for the comments. I would not trust one opinion in isolation though. You really need other input.

I talked with Zeiss about the water resistance of the 8x30 BGAT, and was told that they test them in a chamber simulating torrential rain (6" of rain in an hour or two comes to mind, or something like that). Anyway, they should survive rain, but not immersion. An email to Zeiss should get some info. I found them to be very helpful.

Leif

[solentbirder]

I tried a pair at Chew Valley Lake several years ago. My impression was 'very good but not outstanding'. My Opticron 8x42 High Resolution beat it hands down for brightness (obviously), contrast and resolving power. I still consider buying one since it really is a classic, but in the field it'll be easily out-classed by modern 8x32's such as the Nikon 8x32 HG (an exceptional glass I think).

[Tim Allwood]

fantastic bins

I could never work out why more people didn't use them
my mate had some and they were the business - very small and light... I think they were ahead of their time.

If i didn't have my 7x42s in 1990 I would have bought a pair

Tim

[chartwell99]

fantastic bins

I could never work out why more people didn't use them
my mate had some and they were the business - very small and light... I think they were ahead of their time.

If i didn't have my 7x42s in 1990 I would have bought a pair

Tim

I agree wholeheartedly - the Zeiss 8 x 30 BGAT offers a surprisingly bright and wide field view, as well being noticeably smaller and more manageable than its Leica, Swaro and (in particular) Nikon competitors. I especially like having diopter markings on the focus knob as a ready way to find distance settings, and actually prefer the hard rubber armoring to the often slippery Leica polyurethane approach. What does need help, however, are the miserable rubber turnback eyecups (the 7 x 42 Dialyt and the 10 x 40 BGAT, also great glasses, each suffered from the same difficiency), and a somewhat dated close focus capability. On balance, however, I think the bin is still competitive, is clearly an inspired landmark design, and makes a truly first rate theater glass even if it never goes birding. I was surprised (and saddened)to hear that it is discontinued as it is still appearing in current U.S. catalogs.

[Bill Atwood]

A few years ago when I was looking for my first premium bin, I thought the Zeiss was the optical equivalent of the Leica 8x32 BAs. I picked the Leicas because they were fully waterproof, the long focus knob was easier for my fingers to find, and because of the abovementioned Zeiss eyecups.

The Zeiss 8x30s would be a nice bin to pick up for $500 or less.