Victory n x 32 SF (1 Viewer)

SeldomPerched · Mar 13, 2019

Looking back at older threads, I saw advice from two or three years ago to a prospective 32 FL buyer that it might be worth waiting for a 32 SF.

Is this something that could still be on the way? Or does the attractiveness of a small size in 32s rule out the presumably bigger barrels of an SF in that configuration?

(Then we can start discussing the neutrality or otherwise of the colour rendition... ;-)

Thank you,

Tom

dries1 · Mar 13, 2019

I think it will be a challenge to get something small as the FL 8X32 with enhanced optics, sure it can be done but at a price, and they (Zeiss) have to determine if it is financially worth it. The other premier glass in 8X32 IMHO are the SV and the EDG, both are larger than the Zeiss, (I am a Leica fan also but I was not impressed with the UV 8X32). It just goes to show how impressive the FL is as a 8X32 for its size.

Andy W.

SeldomPerched · Mar 14, 2019

dries1 said:
I think it will be a challenge to get something small as the FL 8X32 with enhanced optics, sure it can be done but at a price, and they (Zeiss) have to determine if it is financially worth it. The other premier glass in 8X32 IMHO are the SV and the EDG, both are larger than the Zeiss, (I am a Leica fan also but I was not impressed with the UV 8X32). It just goes to show how impressive the FL is as a 8X32 for its size.

Andy W.

Thanks, Andy. Interesting how popular the 8x32 FL is. Somehow - perhaps I was having a bad day - I just didn't have the chemistry for me though I love Zeiss 42 models and I preferred the even smaller 8x32 UVHDs for image and quickly got used to the handling and eye relief which goes against most people's experiences! Nought as strange as folk...

Might try an 8x32 FL again sometime but I certainly don't need one.

Back to the idea of an 8x32 SF: if Zeiss don't make one I wonder how if at all they might update the FL, considering those 32 models are the only remaining FLs. Perhaps as you say financial considerations mean they will be happy to keep them in the range for a whlle yet.

Tom

dries1 · Mar 14, 2019

I should clarify my statement and should have said - The other premier glass in 8X32 (roof prisms)...I actually use the SE and EII the most in this configuration these days.

Andy W.

chill6x6 · Mar 14, 2019

SeldomPerched said:
Thanks, Andy. Interesting how popular the 8x32 FL is. Somehow - perhaps I was having a bad day - I just didn't have the chemistry for me though I love Zeiss 42 models and I preferred the even smaller 8x32 UVHDs for image and quickly got used to the handling and eye relief which goes against most people's experiences! Nought as strange as folk...

Might try an 8x32 FL again sometime but I certainly don't need one.

Back to the idea of an 8x32 SF: if Zeiss don't make one I wonder how if at all they might update the FL, considering those 32 models are the only remaining FLs. Perhaps as you say financial considerations mean they will be happy to keep them in the range for a whlle yet.

Tom

I wouldn't worry about it! I had a FL 8X32 for about two years. I never warmed to it and enjoyed several binoculars better including a Conquest HD 8X32 and a SV 8X32. No one can say I didn't try! I ended up giving it to my brother who is elated with it...

PYRTLE · Mar 14, 2019

I have a pair of Zeiss 8 x 32 FL that not only is it my cherished go to optic, but is unique.......it was used by Sir David Attenborough when he opened a new part of NWT Cley Marshes a few years back. He mentioned how good they were compared to his beloved old 10 x 40 BGAT.

My niece ( who worships the great man ) has her eyes on them when I move up to " The Great Gig in the Sky".

P

ps Remember the Leica Trinovids , red rubber armoured, in a fish tank as demonstration of their water tightness.

paddy7 · Mar 15, 2019

One thing that has always struck me when the 32FL is discussed is the clear division between those (like me) who consider it one of the best birding bins ever made, and those who couldn't get on with it and sold it.
I think this - if nothing else - points to the physiological and ergonomic suitability of particular models - perhaps more emphatic in smaller binoculars.

Something that should be remembered in all other threads of the 'this vs that' nature!

AlbertoJ · Mar 16, 2019

I have a Zeiss 7x42 FL binocular. It's an excellent binocular, with optical quality similar to Zeiss HT, Leica Ultravid HD+, Swarovski SLC and Nikon EDG.
But one step below Zeiss SF, Swarovski EL and Leica Noctivid.

I think SF 42 is so big and I don't like 8x rolling ball effect (10x is much less noticeable).
A black SF 8x32 with a small rolling ball effect like SF 10x42, and an even bigger FOV than 42 would be an awesome binocular.
Size like Swarovski EL 8x32 if you want the best optics. Shorter you sacrifice optical quality (chromatic and spherical aberration).

dries1 · Mar 16, 2019

Albertoj,

Thanks for your perspective opinion, I own some of the glass mentioned.
I also have owned the SF 8X42. I do not think the SF is a step above (with the EL and Noctivid) the others mentioned (specifically the UVHD+, EDG, SLC, HT), but that is my perspective.
The FL 8X32 is a nice glass with all the compromises to put it in a small package, IMHO any upgrades and it will be a larger size glass, but how much better?, we will see when and if it gets built. I personally am quite satisfied with the 8X32 FL a great glass for, well anything.

Andy W.

highlake · Mar 16, 2019

PYRTLE said:
I have a pair of Zeiss 8 x 32 FL that not only is it my cherished go to optic, but is unique.......it was used by Sir David Attenborough when he opened a new part of NWT Cley Marshes a few years back. He mentioned how good they were compared to his beloved old 10 x 40 BGAT.

My niece ( who worships the great man ) has her eyes on them when I move up to " The Great Gig in the Sky".

P

ps Remember the Leica Trinovids , red rubber armoured, in a fish tank as demonstration of their water tightness.

That's a great story; I'm a huge fan of Sir David Attenborough. If I may ask - how did you end up with those binoculars?

PYRTLE · Mar 16, 2019

They were mine from new, a few years back. Sir David visited the nature reserve where I worked and was going out for a walk along the new trail. I jumped at the chance to lend him my bins for the afternoon. He thanked me afterwards and shared some of his chocolate. That's all the man requested as his rider....2 big bars of Cadburys Dairy Milk.
Treasured moment.

Regards.

F88 · Mar 16, 2019

PYRTLE said:
I have a pair of Zeiss 8 x 32 FL that not only is it my cherished go to optic, but is unique.......it was used by Sir David Attenborough when he opened a new part of NWT Cley Marshes a few years back. He mentioned how good they were compared to his beloved old 10 x 40 BGAT.

My niece ( who worships the great man ) has her eyes on them when I move up to " The Great Gig in the Sky".

P

ps Remember the Leica Trinovids , red rubber armoured, in a fish tank as demonstration of their water tightness.

Those binoculars should be laminated and kept in a glass box.

AlbertoJ · Mar 18, 2019

Nothing I would like more than a Zeiss SF 8x32 and a Leica Noctivid 8x32.

SeldomPerched · Mar 23, 2019

Thank you for all the responses & anecdotes

Thanks, everyone. Some good reads!

Tom

Victory n x 32 SF (1 Viewer)

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