If I want to carry a smaller x32 binocular with the compromises they may have, I'll carry my Leica uv+, which fits easily in jacket pockets.
Even when weight is an issue there are still trade offs that need to be considered. Obviously the 8x20s are going to be the smallest and lightest but the view is usually too compromised. So a lightweight 8X30 is a better option. This is the beauty is the SFL.
Yea, me to. Fuzzy edges are almost dead last. That said I like em, tho...
Think it may be more complicated than this. I never put binos in pockets. Do own and use a compact for travel in backpack/carryon. I do use a scope in several places I bird, no one's talking about this, but when dragging the blasted scope and tripod around (tongue in cheek, please), I prefer a smaller, lighter than 42 bino that still, has real estate for large hands and can be held steady when locating targets for the scope. 32s are also superior for when only one hand is available, walking with scope on shoulder and something catches your eye.
Quoting Dennis, who was quoting me, veiling glare is the 8x32 EL's "Achilles' heel," and the "fatal flaw" that led me to return mine. The SFL's wouldn't have to work hard to beat it in that area. Otherwise, the 8x32 EL has excellent optics.
You can't compare a 30 mm to a 32 mm in weight or size. Weight and size are very important, and they can be the number one feature you are looking for in a binocular. It is very nice to carry and use a smaller 16 oz. binocular in the filed versus a 23 oz. binocular. That 7 oz. makes a big difference, but you are giving up maybe 10% in the optics, but 90% is good enough for a lot of people. That is why Zeiss made the SFL 8x30. They know size and weight are important to a lot of people, but they don't want the limitations of a smaller, compact binocular. I think 8x30 is about the minimum size for a serious binocular, but some people would disagree and say the Zeiss Victory 8x25 will suffice and if you realize it will not perform like an 8x32 it probably will in most situations. If I could get the view of an NL 8x32 in a binocular, the size and weight of a SFL 8x30, I would have the SFL 8x30.
Excellent observations and summary.
I think we need an 8X33 😳
An 8x32 is close enough. But if not, there is the Kowas Genesis Prominar 8x33.
That was a joke
Sir Search A. Lot,
Sorry to hear that. I also have a bone spur that needs surgery. I'm wearing wide shoes/boots in the meantime.
I find the Kowa 8x33 and 10x33 work well for me. I also find that SFL chatter is dwindling to crumbs of inanity sooner than I expected. The x30 cannot generate the same universal and sustained admiration that the x40 did. Physics.
Really? That’s surprising to me. I didn’t need the latest and greatest to get optical quality as good as E2 and SE, $500 Vipers, Terra’s, M7’s, even Oberwerks at $250 are comparable if not superior than the E2, and most $1000 roofs easily compare to the SE’s. I’m not sure where your reading this information. You should go try them then report back. 😵💫Sir Search A. Lot,
Thank you. I hate to be the break this to you, but the search for the Holy Grail is an Arthurian legend!
But a lot of us, including me, find ourselves caught up in the search for the grail, sometimes only to find that after we thought we found it, the only thing "holey" is our wallet.
I didn't realize the barrels of the SFL were squarish, but now that you mentioned it, I looked at a photo of the objectives, I can see what you mean. I guess like Huey Lewis, Zeiss thinks: It's Hip to Be Square!
I was more concerned with the location of the Smart Focuser, which seems to be where I would cross my thumbs underneath, but since I couldn't, I might have to reach above the focuser and place my thumb tips on the tiny bridge like Roger did in the photo below. Doesn't look comfortable. I'd have to handle one to be sure, but for now I've put a red question mark next to the SFL on my Quest list.
I used my SE and E2 yesterday in the backyard and realized that I would have to spend $2k on the latest and greatest roofs to get optical performance as good as these, and unlike the porros, I might have to struggle to hold them comfortably.
Today, I went down to the park after the wee people departed from the Easter egg hunt, and I took my Cabela 8x32 Guide roof prism binoculars. I looked at birds, ducks, geese and some historic buildings and statues, and the views were sharp with excellent contrast and colors. The Guide cost 1/10th the price of an alpha.
So, I figured out that I don't need to buy an alpha or a beta, I just need to buy a logo from Zeiss, Leica, or Swarovski and glue it on my Japanese bins.
Brock
