Good morning everyone (from here in Central PA),
This is my first post to this forum, although I have spent the last week or so reading the various threads. There is clearly a LOT of experience and knowledge here!
I wonder if I could ask for some advice?
I have a pair of Zeiss Victory HT 10x42 binoculars that I have been very pleased with. As I get older, I am finding it more difficult to hold them steady for longer periods, so I am considering the purchase of a pair of 8x42s for more every-day use. The 10x42s don't feel heavy to me - the 10-power magnification just is becoming harder to hold steady. I think the tradeoff of a little magnification for the steadier and wider view of 8x42s would probably be worth it.
My question is this: should I purchase a pair of Victory HT 8x42s now, or wait for the 8x42 SFs to be available this fall? There are no Zeiss dealers near my home, so I won't be able to try out either model before purchasing. The difference in cost is not really a factor for me. I am just seeking to give my aging eyes the best possible view under the widest range of conditions.
Any and all advice would be very welcome!
Thanks in advance,
Steve
Welcome Steve!
Yet another member from PA! Out of all the "colonies," PA must have the most members represented on the BF bin forums.
Lost Creek carries a full line of alpha optics. If you dig through the BF archives, you will find another Steve's (mooreorless) thread "A Trip to Lost Creek," which has photos. I also wrote an article about the store for a Central PA newspaper. If you go there on an overcast day, bring a flash light, they are Amish and don't have electricity! They have a viewing area outdoors where you can compare binoculars.
The tough part will be calling them to find out when they will have the SFs since they don't have a phone! They do have a phone number listed, but it's their neighbor's. I have reached the Troyers at the number. You just have to be persistent.
I know you're a Zeissman, and I'm not looking to convert you (if I were, I'd recommend a Nikon SE or EII), but while you're at Lost Creek, try out the 8x42 SLC-HD for the Halibut. I tried the 10x42 model, and I've got shaky hands like you, but thanks to excellent balance and good heft, the views were rock solid. Excellent image that's sharp almost to the edge. Only the second roof that I'd be willing to knock over a 7-Eleven for, the other being the original 8x32 EL.
Since money is no object (the only time I'll ever be saying that is in Heaven
), I'd recommend holding off until the SF is out so you can compare it to the 8x42 HT. If the Troyers are as generous with the trade-ins as they were with Steve's 20-year-old 7x30 SLC, you will get a nice price for your HTs.
If you do compare the HT and SF, I hope you will post some comments on BF.
Brock