The RYO harness is adjustable. So, you set it up for 'winter' position (i.e. allowing for extension for extra clothing) then just cut off what you don't need. There is a locking toggle at the back which can be opened up. I probably allow a little too much adjustment, but i've never found it inconvenient.
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Review of 8x25 Victory Pocket (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Troubador
- Start date
Good point but we are actually quite boring and just take a vacuum flask containing tea and a small bottle of water.
Our manservant stays at home.
Lee
michaelboustead
Well-known member
I just purchased a pair of 8x25 Zeiss Victory for travel and as a pair around the house to watch my feeders. One issue many owner seemed to have was the large case, I will try and investigate a smaller more appropriate one - any recommendations appreciated.
I have considered someday starting a post on a good thermos which I consider really useful if only they wouldn’t spill.
I have considered someday starting a post on a good thermos which I consider really useful if only they wouldn’t spill.
Michael,
Check out mbb's excellent post #301 which summarizes various recommended accessories including a number of cases.
After another year of use and experimenting with various cases I much prefer the GEM Kangaroo Grandad bag mentioned for storage and transportation. I don't use the VP 8x25 from the case in the field. For that purpose, the Vortex case for compact/28mm bins is a bit easier to use if a bit bulkier and less versatile than the GEM.
Mike
Case for Zeiss victory pocket 8x25
This is a case that works very well : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/884418-REG/Lowepro_lp36441_0ww_Dashpoint_20_Camera_Pouch.html
I have used it for some time and highly recommend it.
This is a case that works very well : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/884418-REG/Lowepro_lp36441_0ww_Dashpoint_20_Camera_Pouch.html
I have used it for some time and highly recommend it.
tenex
reality-based
Thanks! (The one I tried briefly might indeed have been XL too, I didn't ask)
Op Tech Soft Pouch-Photo/Electronics, Wide Body Medium (I removed the plastic belt clip by unpicking the stitching as it seemed pretty useless to me).
This pouch has been perfect for me. (See page 14 of this thread for pics. Neck strap can fit inside if needed, I never place it inside however).
The one accessory needed for the 8x25 is a larger more comfy but portable optic
Best I’ve seen so far is the 7x35 Retrovid
I'm unsure if this is meant to be antagonistic or just simply unproductive eronald?
The Zeiss Pocket, being a compact weigh ~300g and fold roughly in half for storage.
As far as viewing comfort goes I'm always impressed by the easy, quality views they provide.
I would assume most owners of this 8x25 likely have larger binoculars to use, I do and very nice ones at that, none the less one must compare apples with apples.
Luckily for me the little Zeiss perform admirably and particularly so for a compact.
On the topic of accessories, it would be nice if they included a more suitable case, a rain guard and perhaps a better neck strap.
If you compare them to the 8x32 SF, diameter is 1.28 times lower, i.e. glass surface 1.6 times less. Length is 1.3 times less so volume is 2 times less but price is 2.7 times less. So this is coherent.
Anyhow, price is also a matter of competition and I guess their competition being the Swaro and the Ultravid 8x20, they cannot sell them for much more.
I'm just guessing of course
My post was clear enough. The Zeiss Pocket 8x25 is the best one can hope for in that format, so the only real accessory is the next step up, better view and less portability. Which I am currently looking for.
I think a case etc is a waste of effort, the original one works well on a belt when needed, and the Pocket should be transported ready for use in a shoulderbag with eyecups pulled out to protect the ocular lenses from direct impacts. I usually need to get at vademecum optics quickly.
Edmund
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So my suspicions were correct on both counts.
It's clear enough that compacts aren't for everyone but luckily for me I have no comfort/viewing issues with this 8x25.
The original case is was not to my liking as it is large, cumbersome and requires the binoculars to be stored open hinged. As far as being at the ready, mine are always hanging around my neck at the ready with the small size and light weight making them both more comfortable and more discrete.
It has been said by many here that they find these Zeiss as comfortable and perform as well as a 32. While they may not be technically quite as good as my EDG 32's I'm inclined to agree considering the trade offs.
My usage pattern of my four most used birding binoculars from most to least is as follows.
Zeiss Pocket, EDG 8x32, Trinovid BR 8x42, Ultravid HD+ 7x42.
I don't have a problem with bulk or weight but I'm carrying the Zeiss at so many more occasions than I generally would. I'm seeing more birds and enjoying great views.
My first attempt was the Ultravid 8x20 as I was trying to go as compact as possible. These were unacceptable for me and I was really surprised at what the Zeiss offer for a bit of extra bulk.
I warmly recommend the Pocket to anyone who wants small and sharp. It lives in my bag whenever I have one, shows me stuff that is far away, and I hate every minute I use it - the problem is it’s the absolute best I have found. The opinion that it is outstanding in its class seems to be shared by almost everyone here.
So I’m now looking, hoping for something a bit more relaxed and only a bit bulkier/heavier. I’ve tried modded eyepieces, and have now been using it with the rubber pulled off a bit which gived me much needed additional ocular distance.
I’m not faulting Zeiss in any way, the Pocket is a superb design. But I’ve just about reached the limit of my tolerance for 8x25. I own an UV HD 7x42 and this is really wonderful to use, but it’s too heavy to get carried all day.
Edmund
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I guess a place to start would be the 30 and 32's which by my perception aren't in the true compact category but may be a reasonable trade off.
Edmund
If you have the opportunity to try Opticron's Traveller BGA ED 8x32 please do so. It is very light, has a minimalist elegance and good optics.
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Lee
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I find them great and love using them. I suppose why each of us own one determines our opinion too...is it the primary pair? etc
When I go in a dedicated birdwatching outing I take my SF 8x42. The 8x25 are always in by backpack or at hand at home and I use them to watch the feeders, walk in the park and I take them with me anywhere I go i.e. work (before working from home), lunchbreaks, etc.
Although they are a different beast to the 8x42, I do use them probably more than those as they spend more time with me.
In summary, when for whatever reason I don't want to carry the weight/bulk of a full size paid, I take the 8x25. And find them truly outstanding for something I don't even notice I carry.
Even more, I also own an 8x20 Compact, and I find the performance of the 8x25 is closer to the 8x42 than to the 8x20.
When I go in a dedicated birdwatching outing I take my SF 8x42. The 8x25 are always in by backpack or at hand at home and I use them to watch the feeders, walk in the park and I take them with me anywhere I go i.e. work (before working from home), lunchbreaks, etc.
Although they are a different beast to the 8x42, I do use them probably more than those as they spend more time with me.
In summary, when for whatever reason I don't want to carry the weight/bulk of a full size paid, I take the 8x25. And find them truly outstanding for something I don't even notice I carry.
Even more, I also own an 8x20 Compact, and I find the performance of the 8x25 is closer to the 8x42 than to the 8x20.
eitanaltman
Well-known member
It strikes me that you have only a few options, all of them 8x30/32:
- one of the newer ultra compact 8x30 options like the Opticron Traveler or Nikon MHG which are ~450g
- suck up a bit of extra weight (~530) and get an Ultravid 8x32
There really aren’t many other compact and super light options that are both “only a bit bulkier/heavier” than the 8x25 Zeiss, while also providing excellent optics and view + handling more like a regular sized binocular. I cannot think of ANY viable alternatives between the ~300g 8x25 class and the ~450g 8x30’s.