• Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.

    Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Victory FL 7x42 NIB (1 Viewer)

I cannot comment on the brand as i have no experience of that model.
What i do have is about 8 sets of binoculars 7x thru 10x and 25-50mm.
I use all of them a some stage during the birding year.
I use Opticron 8x42 generally as they are wide-angle but also take, again Opticron WA 10x42 when on trips 2/3 times a year abroad.
I still use Zeiss West 8x32 to carry when shopping etc or socialising when not actively birding as they are very convenient sizewise.
I even have a pair of 10x25 which all things considered are pretty good with hardly any colour-ringing and would clinch an ID if push came to shove:eek!:

But to get back to the point.

I find myself going back to the pair i bought in 1980 to go on my first Autumn trip to the Isles of Scilly - they cost me a fortune with money borrowed from a younger birding brother (so he understood the need to go into debt;)).
They cost a whopping 400 quid and are my prized Ziess West Dialyt 7x42 Bgat.
Compared to current optics they are heavy and not Nitrogen-filled but their light-gathering ability and pin-sharp image means they are the go to pair for crepuscular or low-light habitat. This means they are excellent at everything else! and the 7x means it easily exceeds the 5:1 ratio. I detect no difference with 1x magnification:t:

2 years ago they went back to Wetzlar via a contact at a Zeiss subsiduary and were flown by DHL back for a full service and 6 weeks later came back with new seals, folding lens rubber things for spectacle wearers, new rain cover and new style lanyard for better neck relief - all FOC due to the lifetime guarantee denoted by the serial number.

Good birding -

Laurie -
 
Last edited:
(In case this is of any help).
I have a 7x42 FL T* and find myself in the opposite situation. These binoculars provide the most pleasing view I've experienced (I had the 8x32 FL but it is quite simply another device altogether). The 7x42 FL is not only bright and crisp, but there's something about the view, I guess it is a mix between the attributes of 7x plus the use of AK prisms (I opened a thread about the 3D-esque view of the 7x42 FL, and I'm still amazed about this). Many times I simply look through them for the sheer pleasure of seeing, even if there's no bird on sight, just to indulge in the delights of the texture of a branch or a leave (the foliage of a tree is just a completely different story to any other binocular I've tried, maybe the 8x30W Habicht were in the same league; mind you, I have not tried neither the SF nor the HT).

If I was into full-sized binoculars, I would keep the 7x42 FL for life. However, my favourite format is 8x30-32, because most of my "quality time" birding is done while trekking, so there are situations where I'd love to have my best glass, but I carry a lighter one instead (E2 and Nikon M7 8x30 are the usual suspects). So I'm facing a similar dilemma: should I sell the 7x42 FL to fund a better 8x30-32 like the Swarovski EL? But then, if I do, I'm afraid I'll regret not being able to enjoy the lovely view of the FL (which is quite a gamble, given how scarce they are). My main issue is that, light as it is for a 7x42, I know I won't use the FL in as many situations as a lighter 8x30-32. Ahhhh, choices, choices, choices!
 
Last edited:
Are they asking only $1500 NIB? If you don’t buy them, you should give out the store name and address so that another Birdforum member can have the opportunity to grab them! IMO they are worth more than that now mint used.
 
Last edited:
Are they asking only $1500 NIB? If you don’t buy them, you should give out the store name and address so that another Birdforum member can have the opportunity to grab them! IMO they are worth more than that now mint used.

Yes, 1,499 NIB. I assume it's the last year they made them since they have Loutec.

In a surprise development, my wife green-lit the purchase this afternoon. I'm going over tomorrow to make a final decision... it's still spendy on top of my others so I have to be sure.

I'll either buy them or I'll share the store info with those interested. Been thinking on them for a couple months - it's time to decide one way or the other.
 
Are they asking only $1500 NIB? If you don’t buy them, you should give out the store name and address so that another Birdforum member can have the opportunity to grab them! IMO they are worth more than that now mint used.

I tend to agree with you. Were they something like $2000 when they were the top of the line for Zeiss?

The supply/demand thing kinda comes into play here...Not really a lot of 42mm FLs around and most of THEM are 8X/10X. Very few 7X42s. So $1500 for NIB is kind of a bargain to start with, IMO. Take good care of them and you'll still be able to get your money back in a few years. BTW, I'd NEVER buy a binocular expecting it to appreciate in value.

BTW....
Weights:
FL 7X42- 26.3oz
UVHD+ 7X42- 26.5oz
 
(In case this is of any help).
I have a 7x42 FL T* and find myself in the opposite situation. These binoculars provide the most pleasing view I've experienced (I had the 8x32 FL but it is quite simply another device altogether). The 7x42 FL is not only bright and crisp, but there's something about the view, I guess it is a mix between the attributes of 7x plus the use of AK prisms (I opened a thread about the 3D-esque view of the 7x42 FL, and I'm still amazed about this). Many times I simply look through them for the sheer pleasure of seeing, even if there's no bird on sight, just to indulge in the delights of the texture of a branch or a leave (the foliage of a tree is just a completely different story to any other binocular I've tried, maybe the 8x30W Habicht were in the same league; mind you, I have not tried neither the SF nor the HT).

If I was into full-sized binoculars, I would keep the 7x42 FL for life. However, my favourite format is 8x30-32, because most of my "quality time" birding is done while trekking, so there are situations where I'd love to have my best glass, but I carry a lighter one instead (E2 and Nikon M7 8x30 are the usual suspects). So I'm facing a similar dilemma: should I sell the 7x42 FL to fund a better 8x30-32 like the Swarovski EL? But then, if I do, I'm afraid I'll regret not being able to enjoy the lovely view of the FL (which is quite a gamble, given how scarce they are). My main issue is that, light as it is for a 7x42, I know I won't use the FL in as many situations as a lighter 8x30-32. Ahhhh, choices, choices, choices!

Yours is a common dilemma.
The view provided by a quality 7x42 is so much more comfortable than the best 8x32 alternative that we recoil at the practical considerations of weight and bulk.
It remains true that the only binocular to ever give me a 'wow' viewing experience was the Zeiss 7x42 Classic. I sold mine in favor of something higher powered, but have regretted it ever since.
 
……...
I have a 7x42 FL T* and find myself in the opposite situation. These binoculars provide the most pleasing view I've experienced (I had the 8x32 FL but it is quite simply another device altogether). The 7x42 FL is not only bright and crisp, but there's something about the view, I guess it is a mix between the attributes of 7x plus the use of AK prisms (I opened a thread about the 3D-esque view of the 7x42 FL, and I'm still amazed about this). Many times I simply look through them for the sheer pleasure of seeing, even if there's no bird on sight, just to indulge in the delights of the texture of a branch or a leaf......... mind you, I have not tried neither the SF nor the HT).
……………….

I fully subscribe to what you say, though I have a 8x42 FL, not the 7x. But the special impression you describe is there with the 8x model as well. In my case, I just bought an 8x32 FL thus replacing a 23 year old Leica 8x32 BA. Same reason, needing a lighter model for longer hikes etc. But no way I would give up the x42 FL. Since Zeiss refurbished them recently, they are like brand new again. (But they were only around 10 years old, and it nevertheless cost me 370 Swiss Francs.) So here too, it means at times taking along the second best model I own, but at home, it's definitely the x42 FL I use. And like you, I may just delight in studying the structure of some bark or leaf. :t:
 
Well I took the plunge and bought FL 7X42's. I appreciate everyone's input this week.

I compared them to the Ultravid HD+, and while the Leica has less astigmatism, the FOV seemed noticeably less. Leica was almost too small and compact for my taste (sister's Noctivd was the same way), but then the HT has the best ergo's for me of any bin - period.

Going to be interesting to see how the FL's compare after some time has passed. First impression side by side with the HT suggests the FL may be even sharper, albeit with a smaller sweet spot. Anxious to compare them in low light.
 
Well I took the plunge and bought FL 7X42's. I appreciate everyone's input this week.

I compared them to the Ultravid HD+, and while the Leica has less astigmatism, the FOV seemed noticeably less. Leica was almost too small and compact for my taste (sister's Noctivd was the same way), but then the HT has the best ergo's for me of any bin - period.

Going to be interesting to see how the FL's compare after some time has passed. First impression side by side with the HT suggests the FL may be even sharper, albeit with a smaller sweet spot. Anxious to compare them in low light.

Good for you and I think that was a smart move! I don't see how your thoughts on it could do anything but improve over time.
 
GB, I think you made a wise decision to purchase the 7x42 FL’s, especially at that price. I have never regretted owning mine although they are my least used pair of full sized binoculars. I don’t consider my 15x pair “full-size”; they are a special use item I mainly mount on a monopod.
 
Still kind of amazed a NIB specimen was still out there after all this time... the FL's were discontinued around 2012 I'm not mistaken.

Considering they were sitting in serious specialty shop that caters to birders, I would have thought someone would have grabbed them before now.

Have spent most of the morning peering out the window rabbits, squirrels, and birds frolicking in the back yard... good fun.
 
Congratulations on buying it. That was the right decision for sure. It's some classy Zeiss binocular with AK-prisms. I wished they would continue building it new.
 
Still kind of amazed a NIB specimen was still out there after all this time... the FL's were discontinued around 2012 I'm not mistaken.

Considering they were sitting in serious specialty shop that caters to birders, I would have thought someone would have grabbed them before now.

Have spent most of the morning peering out the window rabbits, squirrels, and birds frolicking in the back yard... good fun.


The more you use it the more you will like it!

Bob
 
Thinking about it - specifically with mid size aperture size (~ 42 mm), my FL 8X42 and 10X42, along with the more recent HT 8 and 10X42 were/are the last premium glass made with AK prisms. I believe Maven has them in the 9X45/11X45. Vortex is now including them in some of their new glass. It appears the AK is still around and being used, albeit more common with glass with >45mm objective diameter. The FL was probably the only 7X42 with AK prisms.

Andy W.
 
Last edited:
My Zeiss West Dialyt 7x42B’s are as much of a pleasure to use today as when i bought them over 35 years ago:eek!::t:

Laurie -

The same shop has a two pair of used 7x42 Dialyts... one marked T* and the other T*P*. I looked at the phase-coated model to see what the fuss is about. A few minutes was enough to understand why someone who has one of these wouldn't feel much need to upgrade.
 
Thinking about it - specifically with mid size aperture size (~ 42 mm), my FL 8X42 and 10X42, along with the more recent HT 8 and 10X42 were/are the last premium glass made with AK prisms. I believe Maven has them in the 9X45/11X45. Vortex is now including them in some of their new glass. It appears the AK is still around and being used, albeit more common with glass with >45mm objective diameter. The FL was probably the only 7X42 with AK prisms.

Andy W.

You can get a 7x45 B2 with AK prisms from Maven but the FOV is much smaller.

https://mavenbuilt.com/b-series-binoculars/



Bob
 
Last edited:
Thanks Bob, at least there is an additional offering for a good 7X45 glass (rare these days) for someone looking for a 7X glass.

Andy W.
 
After taking the FL 7x42's out today, some early impression are a surprise to me...

Compared to the 8x42 HT's, I still think the FL's are tick sharper on axis. The colors also pop a little more and seem a touch warmer, but still very neutral. Reds, oranges, etc. do not seem subdued. They appear much more natural than the early gray Victory SF I used to have - those muddied bright colors to the point that the more I used it the less I liked it. Iridescent colors (Starling / Grackles) were almost invisible with SF. HT's are much better in this regard, and the FL's are at least as good to me eye. Overall, the HT's have an ever so slight more washed out image, which I assume is due to slightly less contrast than the FL's.

I can see very little if any difference in low light between the FL, HT, or SLC's.

Against the SLC WB 8x42's, the FL seems as sharp on axis, although the sweet spot is smaller. My SLC's have the highest degree of acutance of any bin I've ever looked through - sometimes they seem over-sharp like a digital photo with too much post processing. On very bright days they can almost overwhelm the eye. My wife has said they're "too much" or "too bright". The FL's seem equal to the SLC, yet I do not get the sense of them being over-sharp or "too much".

No doubt more time in the field will better define the characteristics of each bin, but so far I'm liking the FL's great deal.
 
Warning! This thread is more than 5 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top