Efficient lens caps for 8x42 Victory SF wanted (1 Viewer)

[trebron]

Hello! After not finding a suitable answer in the forum posts, here is my explicit question: Are there any practical lens caps for the Zeiss 8x42 Victory SF binoculars? The caps supplied with the bin were not suitable for practical reasons. The very efficient caps from the 10x42 Victory FL cannot be applied because the tube ends of the SF are not circular (which is nice, but otherwise pointless). So you need caps that are inserted into the lens tube opening. Similar to the caps of one of the better Swarovski models. I would really appreciate a tip, as I often use this otherwise excellent glass in environments where I need to protect its lenses. Thanks in advance!

 

[NatureLover123]

Hello! After not finding a suitable answer in the forum posts, here is my explicit question: Are there any practical lens caps for the Zeiss 8x42 Victory SF binoculars? The caps supplied with the bin were not suitable for practical reasons. The very efficient caps from the 10x42 Victory FL cannot be applied because the tube ends of the SF are not circular (which is nice, but otherwise pointless). So you need caps that are inserted into the lens tube opening. Similar to the caps of one of the better Swarovski models. I would really appreciate a tip, as I often use this otherwise excellent glass in environments where I need to protect its lenses. Thanks in advance!

Hello, I attach the objective covers as intended with the provided strap on the left side. The rain cover I also attached but via a small custom thread also on the left side. When the binocular is in use they just hang down, but thats not an issue.

I always put the raincover on the eye pieces and the objective covers on the objectives when the current viewing is done, always! For the same reason as you, to avoid dirt and dust on the glass.

I just lose 1 till 1.5 seconds to get all covers easily from the lenses when needed. (1st rain covers, next objective covers.) With a bit training, this becomes a natural motion to remove the covers and get the bino to your eye sockets in place. You don’t realize that you removed something. (While your eyes are on the target all the time, and not on the binocular.)

Putting them back in place takes a few seconds more, but it’s worth to protect the lenses. (Then you can look at the binocular to put them back, of course.)

When the objective covers are new, then they need around 2-3 months a lot of daily usage to break-in. Then they are easily detached and put back again.

My new SF 10x32‘s covers needed 2 month to break-in. I can’t remember how it was with my SF 10x42 but now (after almost 4 years of use) they are buttery smooth.

PS: When I am back at home I always, clean the bino, covers and all the lenses from dust and small particles, with a quite strong small bellows.

The lenses of my SF 42 look still like brand new.

(If the covers would get too lose over time, you could get some replacements from them for free.)

Just be patient to break all covers in.
Cheers

 

[NDhunter]

I agree it is too bad Zeiss came up with the odd and hard to use objective covers. Since the barrels
are not round a regular cover will not work well. Two plugs dangling on a cord are not effective but
rather a bad joke...............
Jerry

 

[trebron]

Thanks for your answers. I agree with NDhunter, the lens caps are a joke, I never use them. And, @NatureLover123, I expect things to function perfectly from the very beginning. The optics of the sf are perfect, but the case delivered with the bins is a joke, too. I am still looking for a good case to use in the field that protects the front lenses and is to handle quickly. No zippers, no Velcro fasteners. To protect the eyepieces of the sf, I prefer and still use the heavy rubber cover of my old Zeiss 8x30 T* (1990).

 

[mwhogue]

Thanks for your answers. I agree with NDhunter, the lens caps are a joke, I never use them. And, @NatureLover123, I expect things to function perfectly from the very beginning. The optics of the sf are perfect, but the case delivered with the bins is a joke, too. I am still looking for a good case to use in the field that protects the front lenses and is to handle quickly. No zippers, no Velcro fasteners. To protect the eyepieces of the sf, I prefer and still use the heavy rubber cover of my old Zeiss 8x30 T* (1990).

trebron,

If you haven't done so you might check the Opticron site for objective covers. They are made in various sizes and you could probably find a pair that would fit your 8x42 SF. I use them on my 32mm Zeiss Terra and they work well although I can't say which size would fit the 42 SF. The right size would likely fit around the outside of the barrels as they are not the insertion configuration / design. No affiliation.

Mike

 

[z-ben]

Thanks for your answers. I agree with NDhunter, the lens caps are a joke, I never use them. And, @NatureLover123, I expect things to function perfectly from the very beginning. The optics of the sf are perfect, but the case delivered with the bins is a joke, too. I am still looking for a good case to use in the field that protects the front lenses and is to handle quickly. No zippers, no Velcro fasteners. To protect the eyepieces of the sf, I prefer and still use the heavy rubber cover of my old Zeiss 8x30 T* (1990).

The case is a joke op-tech do a pouch it barely fits but does the job for me Amazon about £20.

 

[Harry Stottle]

I do not know if these will fit but may be worth trying:

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There are lots of similar products available.

 

[NatureLover123]

Thanks for your answers. I agree with NDhunter, the lens caps are a joke, I never use them. And, @NatureLover123, I expect things to function perfectly from the very beginning. The optics of the sf are perfect, but the case delivered with the bins is a joke, too. I am still looking for a good case to use in the field that protects the front lenses and is to handle quickly. No zippers, no Velcro fasteners. To protect the eyepieces of the sf, I prefer and still use the heavy rubber cover of my old Zeiss 8x30 T* (1990).

I understand, but for me is the provided hard case a plus, because I can carry the SFs in a backpack and don’t need to worry. But Zeiss should provide a hard AND a soft case. The Soft case can be used on the neck with a harness.