New Zeiss Victory FL binoculars (1 Viewer)

[Andy Bright]

I'm interested in a few technical aspects of the Zeiss FL.

What's the IPD range?
How much useable eye relief is available?
Last, but most important, are they as sharp and contrasty as the Nikon SE?

Thanks for any and all observations.

John

ipd range is 54-76mm, 16mm eye-relief (although not stated in literature with the binos). I only have experience of the 8X32 SE binos, so cannot give a realistic comparison.
Last night's use indicated marginally improved low-light performance vs the Swarovski 10x42EL .... but it was a very close call with just a few minutes in it.
Another point, the initially stiff focus wheel has loosened up very quickly with use (which is generally the case with most new binos anyway)

 

[hinnark]

I'm interested in a few technical aspects of the Zeiss FL.


Last, but most important, are they as sharp and contrasty as the Nikon SE?

Thanks for any and all observations.

John

Hi John,

the Zeiss FL are even as contrasty as the 10x42 Nikon SE. But you have much more brightness, noticeable more FOV and less CA. That´s it.

Steve

 

[Leif]

Hi John,

the Zeiss FL are even as contrasty as the 10x42 Nikon SE. But you have much more brightness, noticeable more FOV and less CA. That´s it.

Steve

I am curious about the resolution of the Zeiss FL. Use of a low dispersion element reduces both chromatic and spherical aberrations and so might be expected to increase resolution. That said, top notch binoculars of this kind pretty much provide all the resolution my eyes can use anyway, so this aspect might be of academic interest only.

 

[Leif]

Jonathan, you've hit on something that may help to separate the good from the wonderful. The focus of my EORPC, although smooth as I described, is, shall we say, a bit "heavy." And it is very much influenced by the ambient temperature, becoming more free in hot weather, heavier in cool weather. As a test, I intentionally put the EORPC in the fridge for a few hours, and it became very stiff and heavy. How about your Ultravid?

Looks like the EORPC is not suitable for birding in the fridge then. Did you check for CA around last nights left overs?

One thing I noticed when I borrowed a friend's Pentax 8x42 DCF WP was that the hinge was loose. I wonder if this is a characteristic of the less expensive binoculars - i.e. not as mechanically sound - or just his sample?

 

[marcus]

Thanks for the thumbnail

Ok Things are much better now I looked through the right end

Here is a pic, Please direct any questions to andy !!

Thanks a lot Steve.

 

[Jonathan B.]

Jonathan, you've hit on something that may help to separate the good from the wonderful. The focus of my EORPC, although smooth as I described, is, shall we say, a bit "heavy." And it is very much influenced by the ambient temperature, becoming more free in hot weather, heavier in cool weather. As a test, I intentionally put the EORPC in the fridge for a few hours, and it became very stiff and heavy. How about your Ultravid?

Curtis, the focus on the Ultravid is unaffected by temperature, behaving the same under all conditions that I have subjected it to. I expected to feel at least a slight difference, especially in winter when I would take them from indoors to below freezing conditions, but that is not the case.

 

[Curtis Croulet]

Curtis, the focus on the Ultravid is unaffected by temperature, behaving the same under all conditions that I have subjected it to. I expected to feel at least a slight difference, especially in winter when I would take them from indoors to below freezing conditions, but that is not the case.

This is something you'd never know from an in-store test. Score one for Leica over Eagle Optics.

 

[Curtis Croulet]

Looks like the EORPC is not suitable for birding in the fridge then. Did you check for CA around last nights left overs?

One thing I noticed when I borrowed a friend's Pentax 8x42 DCF WP was that the hinge was loose. I wonder if this is a characteristic of the less expensive binoculars - i.e. not as mechanically sound - or just his sample?

I have no complaint with my EORPC on this ground. The hinge is fine, and I've had no problems whatsoever with its mechanical construction.

 

[hinnark]

Is CA less of a problem if you bird with low magnification? I own a Zeiss 65mm and use a 23x eyepiece? Never really noticed CA, but I don't look for it either I guess.

I use 8x bino's and I am interested in the Zeiss 7x42FL.

Mike

Mike,

I´ve often noticed, that higher magnification increases CA. Examples I´ve seen are: Canon 18x50 IS shows more than 15x50, Leica 10x32 Trinovid BN more than 8x32, Swarovski 10x42 EL more than 8,5x42. I didn´t compare Zeiss Diascope 65 with 85 in this respect but see my advice here: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=183157#post183157

Steve

 

[birder]

Hi Andy - thanks for your work on the FLs so far. I'm anxious to get hold of a pair, as I'm off to Greenland and Iceland for three weeks soon. I won't be at the Birdfair - any idea when they may 'hit the shelves' - I'm in Norfolk.

I currently use a very well used (and much loved) pair of 10x40 BGAT*Ps, and the FLs sound like a majpr leap forward - especially the close focussing. I was mainly a birder when I bought my BGAT*Ps, but now have 'evolved' into an insect lover as well. You can usually spot me in a crowd looking at a butterfly or dragonfly - I'm the one walking BACKWARDS to focus, while everyone else is moving FORWARDS!

Kevin

ipd range is 54-76mm, 16mm eye-relief (although not stated in literature with the binos). I only have experience of the 8X32 SE binos, so cannot give a realistic comparison.
Last night's use indicated marginally improved low-light performance vs the Swarovski 10x42EL .... but it was a very close call with just a few minutes in it.
Another point, the initially stiff focus wheel has loosened up very quickly with use (which is generally the case with most new binos anyway)

 

[Andy Bright]

Hi Andy - thanks for your work on the FLs so far. I'm anxious to get hold of a pair, as I'm off to Greenland and Iceland for three weeks soon. I won't be at the Birdfair - any idea when they may 'hit the shelves' - I'm in Norfolk.

I currently use a very well used (and much loved) pair of 10x40 BGAT*Ps, and the FLs sound like a majpr leap forward - especially the close focussing. I was mainly a birder when I bought my BGAT*Ps, but now have 'evolved' into an insect lover as well. You can usually spot me in a crowd looking at a butterfly or dragonfly - I'm the one walking BACKWARDS to focus, while everyone else is moving FORWARDS!

Kevin

Thanks Kevin,
I'm not too sure if there is a definitive release date in the U.K, I'd guess early August. I'm absolutely positive you won't be disappointed if you purchased the FL's. I can almost focus on my feet.... but i am 6ft 4
regards,
Andy

 

[John Cantelo]

A conspiracy theorist might just be worried that whilst the Zeiss website now has details of the FLs (at last!), it only has them in German and that the English version omits them (or did when I looked. Also, now I know Andy Bright is 6' 4" I will try to make sure I'm very polite to him and about his postings ......
John

 

[mak]

A conspiracy theorist might just be worried that whilst the Zeiss website now has details of the FLs (at last!), it only has them in German and that the English version omits them (or did when I looked. Also, now I know Andy Bright is 6' 4" I will try to make sure I'm very polite to him and about his postings ......
John

They are now shown on the English version. They show the name Victory FL, but apparently the UK will not be using the Victory name, simply Zeiss FL.

 

[Pileatus]

They are now shown on the English version. They show the name Victory FL, but apparently the UK will not be using the Victory name, simply Zeiss FL.

Please post the link since I cannot find them on the zeiss.com website. The opening page does, however, announce the Victory II.
http://www.zeiss.com/us/home.nsf

I am always amazed when huge companies fail to keep their websites in tune with their product lines.

John

 

[Jonathan B.]

Please post the link since I cannot find them on the zeiss.com website. The opening page does, however, announce the Victory II.
http://www.zeiss.com/us/home.nsf

I am always amazed when huge companies fail to keep their websites in tune with their product lines.

John

The information on the Zeiss site is available in English. Go to the homepage and choose "Germany," and on the next screen at top right, choose "English." On subsequent pages choose "Observing," and then "Sports Optics." On the next page you will find the FL at the bottom of the column on the left.

Perhaps they have not incorporated this into the UK and US sites because it is not readily available there/here?

 

[marcus]

Back


High performance in an easy-to-use format:
Victory 7x42 T* FL, Victory 8x42 T* FL and Victory 10x42 T* FL.

The new Victory FL binoculars are marked by high performance in every category.
The optics were constructed using special lenses with abnormal partial dispersion (FL) and leave no stone unturned.
Perfect, super achromatic correction limits residual image errors to an absolute minimum and provides the user with a practically razor-sharp, color-neutral, brilliant and high-contrast image without color fringes.
High-eyepoint, wide-angle eyepieces expand the image to 150m at 1000m with the 7x42 T* FL, 135m with the 8x42 T* FL and 110m with the 10x42 T* FL and provide a complete field of view, even when wearing eyeglasses. The rotating eyecups lock in four positions for individual adjustment of the individual eye relief.
Abbe-König prisms and the world-famous Carl Zeiss T* multi-coating deliver transmission of more than 90% in the spectral range most useful to the eye.
Lightweight and easy to use: the new Victory FL models weigh in between 755g and 775g.
The housing, made of a fiber-reinforced polymer, magnesium objective lens tubes and the easy-to-grasp rubber armoring provide the necessary robustness.
Water proof – leak test per ISO 9022-8 – and nitrogen filled to withstand the elements.
The Dual Drive – only one focusing knob for the middle drive and diopter adjustment – is ideal even for small hands or when wearing gloves.
The middle drive is designed as a quick focus. Only one turn is needed for "far" to "near", enabling observers to quickly reach their "targets".
Accessories: eyepiece and objective lens protective cover, broad carrying strap and Cordura bag with belt loop and carrying strap included in delivery; stand holder in preparation.
10 year guarantee with worldwide service.
Victory FL: compact, lightweight, all-round binoculars, which meet even the highest standards – for nature-observance, hunting, birdwatching, expeditions and research trips or simply to see more of the world.

For technical details please see:

Victory 7x42 T* FL
Victory 8x42 T* FL
Victory 10x42 T* FL

The Victory FL is deliverable from July 2004 – via eye-care professionals, photo stores and specialized stores for hunting needs.

To overview

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I tried to send some of what Jonathan mentioned.
marcus

 

[Pileatus]

The information on the Zeiss site is available in English. Go to the homepage and choose "Germany," and on the next screen at top right, choose "English." On subsequent pages choose "Observing," and then "Sports Optics." On the next page you will find the FL at the bottom of the column on the left.

Perhaps they have not incorporated this into the UK and US sites because it is not readily available there/here?

Thank you.

Now, for some old news.
http://www.zeiss.de/41256AFB004A4E2...7D14941DE03636B985256D8A004CC968?OpenDocument
Stephen Ingraham, of BVD fame, works for Zeiss. So, who's going to give us the reviews BVD was famous for?

I'm glad Steve works for Zeiss for 2 reasons.
1. He turned me on to the Nikon SE and I, therefore, trust his opinion. It took a lot of guts to so strongly promote a little porro in a sea of big-named roofs.
2. I'm looking for a totally waterproof roof prism and the Zeiss FL looks like it may be the one I'm after. Hopefully, Steve had critical input in the design and finish of the FL.

Now that Steve works for Zeiss, we'll have to look elsewhere for truly unbiased opinions. What a nightmare that is!

Can anyone say, "The FL is optically better than that little porro everyone raves about...”

John

 

[Pileatus]

ipd range is 54-76mm, 16mm eye-relief (although not stated in literature with the binos). I only have experience of the 8X32 SE binos, so cannot give a realistic comparison.
Last night's use indicated marginally improved low-light performance vs the Swarovski 10x42EL .... but it was a very close call with just a few minutes in it.
Another point, the initially stiff focus wheel has loosened up very quickly with use (which is generally the case with most new binos anyway)

Andy,

First, thanks for all your efforts. An honest, in-depth evaluation of the FL will be appreiciated by many.

I own the SE 8X32 and love it. I'm seriously looking for a waterproof roof and I'd appreciate it if you could compare the eye relief on the FL to the SE. Yes, I wear eye glasses.

I really liked the Leica Ultravid view until I discovered Leica reduced its effective eye relief by recessing the eyepiece more than I thought necessary. It was easy to see the problem when I compared a Trinovid to the Ultravid...they simply changed a great design to the detriment of eyeglass wearers. Ever since, I've been very suspicious of published eye relief numbers, so a hands-on evaluation of the FL by you would be most appreciated!

BTW, what power are you evaluating?

Thanks
John

 

[oathkeeper]

Now, for some old news.
http://www.zeiss.de/41256AFB004A4E2...68?OpenDocument
Stephen Ingraham, of BVD fame, works for Zeiss...

John,

Unfortunately, the link you posted does not work. Can you please verify and post the correct link?

Thanks.

 

[Pileatus]

John,

Unfortunately, the link you posted does not work. Can you please verify and post the correct link?

Thanks.

I corrected it in the original and here it is for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.zeiss.de/41256AFB004A4E2...7D14941DE03636B985256D8A004CC968?OpenDocument

Goto Google and search on
+ingraham +zeiss
for more