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T FL 8x42 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter dries1
- Start date
james holdsworth
Consulting Biologist
The HT has ''SF optics'' [not the wide field but brighter and more neutral] and the chassis and handling are better than the FL.
Vespobuteo
Well-known member
FL:s don't feel as ice-cold in the hands in freezing weather as other magnesium bins. The low weight is another positive.
No plans on selling my 7x42 FL:s either.
james holdsworth
Consulting Biologist
I never got that - how is the diopter adjustment in the wrong spot? It never moves and is visible whenever looking down at the bin or raising them to your eyes - simple and works as intended, likely my favourite of all my bin diopters.
The hidden diopters - like those in the FL and SV are overly complicated, hard to adjust in the field and [seem] prone to more failures. And, they need to be specifically accessed to see if they have drifted - a pain in the butt.
The focus wheel, is of course very personal, but after some use the HT becomes much better in terms of hand placement and balance than a standard bino chassis, IMO.
The hidden diopters - like those in the FL and SV are overly complicated, hard to adjust in the field and [seem] prone to more failures. And, they need to be specifically accessed to see if they have drifted - a pain in the butt.
The focus wheel, is of course very personal, but after some use the HT becomes much better in terms of hand placement and balance than a standard bino chassis, IMO.
dries1
Member
Fl T
James you are correct that it is visible and one could always notice if it moved prior to placing the glass to your eyes, however in my case I prefer the diopter on the right ocular tube (locking type) or hidden like the EDG, FL etc. less vulnerable to being hit or damaged, or misaligned. Once I have a diopter set, I never have to move it.
If they made it recessed it would have been better IMO.
Great glass optically though, and as the deals come in later this year into next I will likely have one.
A.W.
James you are correct that it is visible and one could always notice if it moved prior to placing the glass to your eyes, however in my case I prefer the diopter on the right ocular tube (locking type) or hidden like the EDG, FL etc. less vulnerable to being hit or damaged, or misaligned. Once I have a diopter set, I never have to move it.
If they made it recessed it would have been better IMO.
Great glass optically though, and as the deals come in later this year into next I will likely have one.
A.W.
Last edited:
litebeam
Well-known member
Love my Zeiss Victory 10x42 FLs! Keep your FL 8x42's and enjoy them for the wonderful optic they are.
I have a set of swarovisions and also a set of Leica HDs and while my Victory FLs may be the cheapest of my bincs (I paid a scant $675 shipped for them) they are still optically the brightest!
Still relevant and world class glass IMHO, and I compare them with the others often.
I have a set of swarovisions and also a set of Leica HDs and while my Victory FLs may be the cheapest of my bincs (I paid a scant $675 shipped for them) they are still optically the brightest!
Still relevant and world class glass IMHO, and I compare them with the others often.
I am surprised by this Andy as I thought that HT was a big step forward in handling from FL and the focus wheel falls right under my first finger so naturally.
Lee
Vespobuteo
Well-known member
The HT ergonomics seems to be a bit bold for those who like a more classic and compact binocular design like the UVHD, FL:s etc. where you intuitively place your hands closer to the oculars. I don't mind the HT ergo at all, the view feels very stable IMO.
I absolutely agree, Vespo. My 7x42 FLs are my go-to, default bins. They're ideal for winter with the incredible brightness, and tubes that feel warm to the touch. The light weight also means that I don't notice carrying them any more than I do my various 8x32 bins.
One criticism of them I've never got is that of the edge sharpness. So what if they're not pin-sharp to the very edges? The field of view is too big for this to matter - just move them a bit!
Cheers
John
dries1
Member
After viewing with the T Fl 8X42 for a few days, (I have two now I will likely sell one), I have no need for the SF or the HT at present, they provide a very nice bright view with no setbacks to my eyes (perfect fit for my eye sockets), and are so simple to use. Additionally the ergonomics suit me perfectly. Both the FL 32 and 42s are keepers for life. When I get the green ones back from Zeiss I will post some pics.
A.W.
A.W.
Thanks Lee!
Are you a member of the SBSG and the RSPB local group, by any chance?
Cheers
John
No John although we are members of RSPB and Sorby Society.
We don't specialise in birds like many visitors to Bird Forum and are really nature observers in general with interests in many subjects.
Are you going to Bird Fair this year?
Lee
wachipilotes
Well-known member
I found these binoculars, secondhand, and cost about 900 euros, of course, for this price I have seen new Kowa Genesis 8.5X44 or a Vortex Razor HD 8X42, could these last two be a good alternative to the Zeiss Victory FL?
Wachi.
Wachi.
