THE NEW ZEISS SFL 40 HAND-HINKED ON APRIL 1, 2022. Posted on April 1, 2022 by Hkn
For me, it's almost like Christmas Eve when I've had the opportunity to test a new pair of binoculars from Zeiss. Over the last few years, Zeiss in Birkerød has allowed me to try and test their latest products (Victory SF 10 x 42 and 8 x 32 as well as Victory Harpia 95). So when they asked about a month ago if I wanted to test their new SFL 8 x 40 coming on the market on March 31, 2022, I was of course ready. When you have tested the 2 Victory models 10 x 42 and 8 x 32, you have high expectations for a new model, so I was excited about what the new SFL 8 x 40 could offer. (also comes as a 10 x 40).
The new Zeiss SFL 8 x 40. Is a very beautiful binoculars and which has some of the best optics I have experienced in a long time. True to form, I always pay close attention to the following 4 points when testing binoculars; 1. ergonomics, 2. field of view, 3. near distance and 4. weight. Unlike the top model Victory SF 8 x 42, the SFL 8 x 40 is a more compact binoculars, but with the same perfect balance as the SF, I must admit I was very enthusiastic about the ergonomics. It was also super cool that it came with the same wide focusing wheel as with the SF model, which allows you to set sharp lightning fast even if you have gloves on. On top of that, it weighs only 640 grams, which means you can carry it with you all day without getting tired in the neck or arms. In general, you get the impression of a very strong and robust binoculars.
The field of view was outstanding, in SFL 8 x 42 which I tested it was 140 m / 1000. As a spectacle wearer, I consider the field of vision a very important part when choosing new binoculars, and I am sure many will be very excited when they try this new model from Zeiss. The close range is as low as 1.5 m, which is perfect for both birds and insects.
As always, you can count on binoculars from Zeiss being incredibly sharp and here, of course, I was not disappointed. The contrast was some of the best I have experienced in binoculars, in fact my experience was that there was more contrast in SFL than in Victory SF. This contrast I greatly enjoyed when I read ringed birds in the field. It is a little more saturated and warm in color than Victory SF, but like this gives a true experience of the colors of reality. Zeiss Victory 8 x 42 and SFL 8 x 40. Both binoculars are fantastic and that, although you now have several options to choose from. If you are going out and have a new pair of binoculars, I can warmly recommend the new SFL 8 x 42, it has it all. So look to get to the nearest dealer and try this new Zeiss. The ergonomics and weight were perfect for long days in the field, I never got tired in the arms or neck.
