Follow-up to my post #19 in this thread
My floppy-hinge Zeiss 8x25 Terra ED problem is now resolved thanks to excellent customer service from both REI and Zeiss. In the end, the close-out old version unit that I bought from REI for $209 was replaced with a new version unit by Zeiss under warranty. The whole process took a while, but I wasn't in a hurry, so I was happy to get everything sorted out properly and save a bit more money along the way.
REI couldn't replace the unit they shipped because the model was out of stock. They offered a full refund if I returned it but I didn't opt to do that because (1) I liked the discounted price that I got from REI, and (2) I prefer not to return defective items to vendors because I don't want them to be passed along to another customer. REI customer service apologized and sent me a $25 gift card for my trouble. As an REI member and irregular customer, I know I'll use the gift card, so it is much appreciated. I then called Zeiss customer service. They issued a UPS label to ship the bin to them without cost to me. Once they received it, they sent me a new unit.
The new unit is the slightly different newer version that has "Japan" written under the center piece in clear print rather than cryptically molded into the rubber armor of one of the barrels. It seems maybe a little different cosmetically, but I can't remember the first unit clearly enough to say how--maybe the black armor is a bit more shiny? I seem to remember being able to unscrew the eyecups on the first unit, but it doesn't seem possible with the new unit, unless they are just really stuck. Happily, the new unit differs from the first one in having acceptably tight hinges. The hinge tension is within the bounds of "normal" for a budget bin, though I prefer super-tight hinges on double-hinged pocket bins so I wish the Terra was even tighter (like my Zeiss 8x20 Victory or Leica 8x20 Ultravid BL bins), but I'll live with it. The focus wheel on the second bin is easier and smoother than the first, which was fairly stiff. Build quality and design are fine but are certainly not as refined as in top-end bins.
Based on the two units I've handled, I'd say that the Terra is optically quite nice, with a large sweet spot and excellent sharpness and image quality across the modestly wide view. It has nice eye-relief for my glasses and is easy to look through. Brightness and color are excellent. Contrast is quite good. The view doesn't seem lacking in any way by itself, though in side-by-side comparison to my Leica 8x20 Ultravid, the finest details are not as easy to see in the Zeiss. Perhaps it is just a matter of relative familiarity with the bins. Perhaps, as with my Zeiss 8x32 FL, it is a matter of requiring perfect eye placement to prevent astigmatism and other aberrations, unlike my experiences with Leica, Swarovski, and Nikon bins, which seem more tolerant of eye placement.
Overall, I'm pleased with the Zeiss 8x25 Terra. I think it will be an excellent bin for my intended purpose--to provide a good bin to an 8 year-old with small IPD. She'll also appreciate the easy reach to the focus knob and the close (under 6 foot) close focus. I don't anticipate using such a bin much myself. I prefer full-sized bins, and when I want something compact I'll use my trusty Leica 8x20 Ultravids, which are considerably smaller and more solid in the hand. The overall design and build of the Terra (and the Swarovski 8x25 CL) are not up to the level I prefer, so I'd be considering the new Zeiss 8x25 Victory if I were looking for an 8x25 for myself.
--AP