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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Theo98" data-source="post: 3451509" data-attributes="member: 132099">After taking out a 3rd mortgage on the farm :eek!: (boss didn't want to sell :-O, hehe), it finally arrived! |<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big grin    :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" />|These "used" Victory FL 7x42's w\LotuTec coating came in at a good price point and are in great condition. Ext. glass, body armor and operating functions are all perfect. Even the eye cups were a little stiff from non-use, but are breaking in very nicely. Physically, the only issues quickly became non-issues when Zeiss Sport Optics USA sent me the OEM Victory FL bino strap, case, rain guard and objective caps...for free (thanks Jonus)!To cut to the chase, you are right Chuck! In a very parallel optic world, these FL 7x42's Wow me Almost as much as my venerable EL 10x50 SV's. Their relaxed "picture window" ease of view, excellent sharpness, natural color fidelity and great form and function make for non-strained long-term glassing! They offer lighter weight and a less shaky WIDE FOV, but ultimately the big SV's have more resolving detail\resolution and even better low light\no light performance. To date, I've not found anything yet to equal or beat the big SV's in this regard.Now, in direct comparison to the Habicht 7x42 GA, the FL's tick most of the optical boxes more positively. Although the Habicht's FOV is extremely clear almost to the very edges, the expansive and extra 108' FOV in the FL is HUGE and greatly contributes to their ease of view. Somehow, I feel the FL 7X as being a little greater power than the Habicht porro (but then, I felt the same way with the 8X and 10X Habicht porros when comparing to equal roof SP prisms powers). Overall, razor sharpness and detailed resolution are very equal, both 7x42's are Superb!Color fidelity and accuracy are both excellent in these 7x42's. I detect a "slightly" cooler hue to the FL, but the color spectrum in both visually appears equal, natural and without exaggeration. No matter the lighting conditions, both exhibit stable color renditions. However, when presented with extreme high dynamic contrast, the FL does seem to control CA better, allowing superior resolution and detail to come through. For the first time, I was also able to discover through direct comparisons, that the FL also has a "very slight" edge on CA control over both my 8x32 and 10x50 SV's. On a clear overcast day and viewing bright white 2" lettering over a flat black background at a 100yd distance, the Habichts displayed a soft yellow bloom to the white edges, somewhat decreasing the lettering edge sharpness. The EL's were much better without sharpness deterioration, but "hinted" at the challenging anomaly. The FL simply showed the white color edges in all their sharp glory...impressive!DOF between the 7x42's are excellent, but the slightly extra 3D of the Habicht porro gave an impression of a greater distance of an in-focus range, say maybe an extra 20 to 30 yards. Both exhibit a wonderful stereopsis that I find natural and pleasing. The FL has a faster focus (just 1 1\4 revolutions from close to deep infinity) causing me to overshoot the sweet spot sometimes, but is great when getting on birds at different venues with just the right amount of even, smooth tensioning. I could quickly move from a close focus of the outside HB feeders at 2-3 yds  to the M. Kite and Red-tail hawks at 150 yds! The Habicht is a little stiffer, but then again it is new, but also has even adjustment both ways and will get easier with usage. Ergonomics...The 7x42's do offer a wide 6mm of EP, making eye placement and low light capability of both excellent. The shallower ER of the Habicht is at my minimum for a comfortable full view (no glasses). The adjustable "4" position eye cups of the FL work wonderfully, giving a wide range of comfortable ER adjustments that will fit more users and seem to operate better and are more positive than the HT and SF I tried (from my challenging past recollections). In the hands, the Habicht GA's are superb quality instruments that exude confidence they can go anywhere, anytime and come back, ready for the next 2-3 generations of family! The FL's feel less robust, but as my EL's go, they are high precision optical instruments that are very well made and with a little TLC, will also be past-me-downs to future generations (Swaro and Zeiss both have instrument lifetime warranties to cover any issues)!  A well made porro or a well made AK-SP...these are both unique and handle great, offering similar views but with with different comfort levels! In some situations, I can see 7x42's coming in the field with me (primarily the FL). In others, it'll be hard for me to replace the bright, clear and immersive view of the big 10X!!Ted</blockquote>

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