I am going to guess they are going to ask over $2,700 for the X32 (I will give Bill credit for this nick name, we all know what it describes - code name X32=Zeiss SF 8X32.
This thread is generating free advertising for Zeiss, I think some $$ should be provided to BF.
Andy W.
Retrovid is a perfect name for what the new Trinovid was/is. Eronald started this very thread with the x32 moniker. To me it had a sort of 'secret agent' vibe, hence my use of it in a frivolous way.
Regarding market price, and it is simply a studied guess, is that in 6 months it will be priced about 7% below what you can get an SF 8x42 for. So, a regular, go to internet vendor should offer an 8x32 for around $2510, or so.
I dearly hope they do not over price it like Nikon did with the Monarch HG 8x30. I still don't understand the rationalization for that price, especially compared to the 8x42.... Oddly enough, in my mind, the 8x42 mhg is competitive with the x32 Zeiss. It is close in dimensions, and weight, far below in price, plus more aperture, which confers certain advantages...
Of course the Nikon's field won't be as flat.
If one is talking 8x32 alpha glass, competing in a wider field class, Zeiss' main competition is Swarovski. All they have to do is make the Zeiss economically competitive with their 'perceived' rival...
Leica does not (unfortunately) even have a dog in this fight...
What will stop them? Coronavirus! Look how it has already disrupted their marketing plan. I expect they're looking at Plan 'B; right now. They should be looking at 'Plan C'.... I would love to see some sort of pre-order discount tendered to folks like us. On that issue: great idea Andy!
Zeiss: If you're listening, consider offering interested folks like us (ok, binocular geeks...) a great introductory price for this model. We already know you're making it. Give enough folks a generous, pre-order discount, and you'll generate a buzz for very little investment...
Furthermore send samples to Henry Link, Troubador, Typo, Bill Cook, Chuck Hill, Holger Merlitz, Roger Vine, and Tobias Mennie, to analyze and review in the manner they see fit.. If you've got any faith in your product, you'll not get better internet press for a fraction of the cost of a major publicity campaign...
-B.