Focus action on HDX vs SF or SFL models? (1 Viewer)

[DJinVT]

Hi Folks - I have a new pair of Conquest HDX 8x42 from B&H that I will probably purchase, but was wondering if the pair I have has an abnormal focus action. As far as total 'throw' it seems like I would expect 1.4-ish turns in total, but, the overall force to turn the wheel seems much stiffer than I was expecting. For what it's worth, Im comparing this to the spin on the focus knob of my ancient pair of Bausch & Lomb Elites that I've been using since the early 80's.

Optically, these have blown my mind and the B&Ls are now 'dead' to me! But, I'm more than just a little bugged by that focus mechanism. Maybe I have a bad set? Also there's this little nag that keeps telling me I could wait for the new SFL 50s that are about to land in the US—but then there's that tariff BS factoring in to the mix ;-(

Thanks for whatever insight you might have.

ʕ·͡ᴥ·ʔ //dj

 

[Bill Atwood]

I've had similar issues with 8x40 SFLs.

I like Zeiss bins, but man I've had issues with their focus wheels. New 8x42 FL focus just stopped working, apparently a common issue when they first came out. 10x32 FL focus wheel almost frozen stiff straight out of the box. Both FLs were sent in and repaired quickly. First 8x40 SFL had an overly stiff focus wheel, Zeiss replaced it. A second pair had a fairly stiff wheel, sent it in a few weeks ago. Zeiss sent a replacement pair that had an even stiffer focus wheel. Currently awaiting a 2nd pair of replacement 8x40 SFLs that should arrive tomorrow. Seems odd that Zeiss is sending replacements instead of tuning up the wheels. Communication with Zeiss has been positive so far, but slower than I like.

Of course the SFLs of 3 acquaintances have all been fine.

On the positive side my 8x32 SF focus wheel is smoove like buttah. The best ever.

 

[Dennis Mau]

That is the way the Conquest HDX focuser is. It is harder and less smooth than it should be. The SFL and SF have very smooth and easy focusers. That is a good reason to move up to the SFL or SF. They both have the best focusers in the industry outside of maybe the Nikon EDG which would be in the top three also.

 

[DJinVT]

That is the way the Conquest HDX focuser is. It is harder and less smooth than it should be. The SFL and SF have very smooth and easy focusers. That is a good reason to move up to the SFL or SF. They both have the best focusers in the industry outside of maybe the Nikon EDG which would be in the top three also.

That is very helpful information Dennis and Bill. I don't see myself getting used to it and I was pretty disappointed not having things seeming to 'snap' into focus like I had been hearing lots of folks describe. I will be looking upward

 

[Dennis Mau]

That is very helpful information Dennis and Bill. I don't see myself getting used to it and I was pretty disappointed not having things seeming to 'snap' into focus like I had been hearing lots of folks describe. I will be looking upward

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[Viraj]

Hi Folks - I have a new pair of Conquest HDX 8x42 from B&H that I will probably purchase, but was wondering if the pair I have has an abnormal focus action. As far as total 'throw' it seems like I would expect 1.4-ish turns in total, but, the overall force to turn the wheel seems much stiffer than I was expecting. For what it's worth, Im comparing this to the spin on the focus knob of my ancient pair of Bausch & Lomb Elites that I've been using since the early 80's.

Optically, these have blown my mind and the B&Ls are now 'dead' to me! But, I'm more than just a little bugged by that focus mechanism. Maybe I have a bad set? Also there's this little nag that keeps telling me I could wait for the new SFL 50s that are about to land in the US—but then there's that tariff BS factoring in to the mix ;-(

Thanks for whatever insight you might have.

ʕ·͡ᴥ·ʔ //dj

I tried 4 SFL binoculars to finally get one. The focus wheels of two of them were hard to turn, whereas one had a very hard focus wheel. The other one had a very loose focus wheel with play. However, the focus wheel of my recently purchased HDX 8x32 is very smooth. It is not as smooth as the focus wheel of my NL 8x42, but close. It initially had some sticky areas, but after using it for a while, it became smooth. I think these Japanese-made binoculars have more inconsistency in QC than we expect from a reputed brand. Internal dust is also an issue that I had not encountered with other brands.

 

[Bill Atwood]

I received my 2nd replacement pair of SFLs yesterday. The wheel action is not as loose as I would like, but it is acceptable.