Chill6x6, It is now November 2024, what is your favorite 7x42 binoculars? I live in Southern Illinois. In April 2025, I plan to be a birding hot spot in Alabama. Wanting some new binoculars for Spring Migration. Thank you! Please reply to: [email protected]
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What’s your favorite 7x42 binoculars (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Blue72
- Start date
Hermann
Well-known member
I'm not Chuck, however, if you want to buy a new pair, you won't have much choice left. 7x42s are almost extinct. There's still the Leica and of course the Habicht with its narrow field of view. For general birding the Leica is the better binocular IMO.
Hermann
They are kind of hard to find, but my favorite 7x42 is the Zeiss FL 7x42 because it has an 8.6 degree FOV, which is the largest of any of the few 7x42's that are left. The Leica UVHD+ 7x42 and Nikon EDG only have an 8.0 degree FOV, and the Habicht 7x42 comes in last at 6.5 degrees. To get an immersive feel from a binocular I feel you need at least a 60 degree AFOV or higher and the FL is the only 7x42 that has over 60 degrees.
The Zeiss FL 7x42 has a higher transmission than the UVHD+ 7x42 and EDG 7x42 at 93% also, which is surpassed only by the Habicht at 96%. The Zeiss FL 7x42 does have a very slight green tint, which some people don't like, but Zeiss did it to enhance low light contrast. Here is a mint condition one on eBay. I believe Chil6x6's favorite are the Leica UVHD+ 7x42, and they are very nice, although they have a smaller FOV than the Zeiss FL 7x42.
Dennis
The Zeiss FL 7x42 has a higher transmission than the UVHD+ 7x42 and EDG 7x42 at 93% also, which is surpassed only by the Habicht at 96%. The Zeiss FL 7x42 does have a very slight green tint, which some people don't like, but Zeiss did it to enhance low light contrast. Here is a mint condition one on eBay. I believe Chil6x6's favorite are the Leica UVHD+ 7x42, and they are very nice, although they have a smaller FOV than the Zeiss FL 7x42.
Zeiss Victory 7x42 T* FL Binoculars Black Case Neckstrap Lens Caps - Pristine | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zeiss Victory 7x42 T* FL Binoculars Black Case Neckstrap Lens Caps - Pristine at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
Dennis
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CharleyBird
Well-known member
That's an 'early' pre lotutec for sale on ebay so probably won't have the green tint.They are kind of hard to find, but my favorite 7x42 is the Zeiss FL 7x42 because it has an 8.6 degree FOV, which is the largest of any of the few 7x42's that are left. The Leica UVHD+ 7x42 and Nikon EDG only have an 8.0 degree FOV, and the Habicht 7x42 comes in last at 6.5 degrees. To get an immersive feel from a binocular I feel you need at least a 60 degree AFOV or higher and the FL is the only 7x42 that has over 60 degrees.
The Zeiss FL 7x42 has a higher transmission than the UVHD+ 7x42 and EDG 7x42 at 93% also, which is surpassed only by the Habicht at 96%. The Zeiss FL 7x42 does have a very slight green tint, which some people don't like, but Zeiss did it to enhance low light contrast. Here is a mint condition one on eBay. I believe Chil6x6's favorite are the Leica UVHD+ 7x42, and they are very nice, although they have a smaller FOV than the Zeiss FL 7x42.
Zeiss Victory 7x42 T* FL Binoculars Black Case Neckstrap Lens Caps - Pristine | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zeiss Victory 7x42 T* FL Binoculars Black Case Neckstrap Lens Caps - Pristine at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
Dennis
GreenKat,
Like Chill6x6, I use my Leica Ultravid hd+ more, its compact size works, it's an easy carry.
But optically I prefer the Zeiss FL and that's what I take into a forest for birding.
They are both excellent, both worth buying to try out
That's an 'early' pre lotutec for sale on ebay so probably won't have the green tint.
GreenKat,
Like Chill6x6, I use my Leica Ultravid hd+ more, its compact size works, it's an easy carry.
But optically I prefer the Zeiss FL and that's what I take into a forest for birding.
They are both excellent, both worth buying to try out
I'll join the chorus. Based on one of @chill6x6 recent posts in another thread the UV HD+ likely remains his favorite 7x42. The 7x42 is my favorite 42mm format based on what I own. It's a very close call for me but optically I slightly prefer the Zeiss FL and the Nikon EDG in a tie for first place closely followed by the Leica.
Mike
If I could BUY a NIB Zeiss FL 7X42 or one in great shape like I did, I think that is probably the best one if we are splitting hairs. Its main advantage is FOV. It's not really that much practical difference. The UVHD+ 7X42 is certainly a top binocular and could certainly be the top pick if compactness/weight/NIB purchase are priorities. There are still some Swarovski SLCs out there that would be great purchases too!
Paultricounty
Well-known member
A couple of things were left out when comparing the FL to the UV, imo. First, even though the Zeiss has a slightly larger FOV, its edges are well known to be kind of funky. The fall off on the UV edges are more subtle more gradual, thus actually giving it a wider sweet spot for a more usable FOV. The second this is light transmission, this is irrelevant from 92-96% in high end optics and can’t be distinguished by the observer. Coatings and color hue have more to do with which bino appears brighter, more than the light transmission spec.They are kind of hard to find, but my favorite 7x42 is the Zeiss FL 7x42 because it has an 8.6 degree FOV, which is the largest of any of the few 7x42's that are left. The Leica UVHD+ 7x42 and Nikon EDG only have an 8.0 degree FOV, and the Habicht 7x42 comes in last at 6.5 degrees. To get an immersive feel from a binocular I feel you need at least a 60 degree AFOV or higher and the FL is the only 7x42 that has over 60 degrees.
The Zeiss FL 7x42 has a higher transmission than the UVHD+ 7x42 and EDG 7x42 at 93% also, which is surpassed only by the Habicht at 96%. The Zeiss FL 7x42 does have a very slight green tint, which some people don't like, but Zeiss did it to enhance low light contrast. Here is a mint condition one on eBay. I believe Chil6x6's favorite are the Leica UVHD+ 7x42, and they are very nice, although they have a smaller FOV than the Zeiss FL 7x42.
Zeiss Victory 7x42 T* FL Binoculars Black Case Neckstrap Lens Caps - Pristine | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zeiss Victory 7x42 T* FL Binoculars Black Case Neckstrap Lens Caps - Pristine at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
Dennis
tenex
reality-based
Someone is, as usual, trying to talk about "the best" instead of "favorite".
It would be interesting to collect the experiences of those who have had the sinking feeling: damn, I wish I were looking through some other 7x42 right now...?
P.S. There's a lovely 7x45 Night Owl in the classifieds now.
It would be interesting to collect the experiences of those who have had the sinking feeling: damn, I wish I were looking through some other 7x42 right now...?
P.S. There's a lovely 7x45 Night Owl in the classifieds now.
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I just recently acquired a pair of Habicht in GA armor. I have been really enjoying the bright white'ish / neutral view they provide. They are just so easy to throw up to the eyes and see everything immediately. In fact, the eye placement is the easiest of any binocular I have ever used. The form factor is phenomenal, as is the 3D view.I like the small and bright AFOV of the Zwarovski Habicht 7x42. Yes, I like it!
I no longer have the UVHD+ but I concur on their more gradual drop off. I have to say the UVHD+ is the best I have ever used for all around FOV, size and quality viewing ..but not my favorite. My Zeiss Dialyt are like old comfortable sweats and I have a hard time complaining about their more obvious fall off at the edges. They are 27 years old. Panning with them is so nice and comfortable.
My Habicht are my favorite oddly enough. I look forward to peering through them more than any pair I have ever owned. Its the very very simple view and the retro porro design. Though the Dialyts are bright enough, the Habicht just remind me that fewer pieces of glass and state of the art coatings do indeed create a super bright(er) image circle. I can't say enough good things about them.
tenex,
Never. EDG, FL, HD+. IMO, all have their strengths and none is "better" than the other.
Mike
I agree, the Zeiss FL 7x42 has more distortion and more fall off at the edges than the Leica UVHD+7x42. The Zeiss FL 7x42 definitely has a slight greenish hue, and the Leica UVHD+ 7x42 is more reddish, which IMO decreases brightness. Coatings and color hue do have a lot to do with brightness, and that is why the Swarovski EL or Habicht seem so bright because they are color neutral. Also, the Leica has considerably more CA than the FL, especially on the edge, and it is noticeable. The FL is one of the most CA free binoculars around, having almost no CA in the center or on the edges. It is kind of personal preference which you prefer. Good points.
Carl Zeiss Victory 10x42 T* FL - binoculars review - AllBinos.com
The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.
Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 10x42 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com
The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.
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Same here.
Harry Stottle
Unknown-Known
Zeiss Victory 7x42 T* FL for me too.
I do not have an 7x42. Am I missing a lot? I have a SLC 8x42 and like it for it's larger exit pupil and DOF (compared with my 10's and 12).
Is the 7x42 configuration really that different? 6mm EP <> 5.25mm EP. Is that noticeable?
But I don't want to spoil this party. Lots of 7x42/7x35 lovers here. Somehow I do not feel I am missing something.
Is the 7x42 configuration really that different? 6mm EP <> 5.25mm EP. Is that noticeable?
But I don't want to spoil this party. Lots of 7x42/7x35 lovers here. Somehow I do not feel I am missing something.
The greater depth of focus/field of the 7x is what draws me to this configuration over the 8x42. The exit pupil is, to me, not that much different as it relates to ease of eye placement. My formerly owned NL Pure 8x42's were excellent for eye comfort too. However, when I switched to several different 7x42's, I found them much more steady in hand which helps offset the loss of power. I didn't have to focus as much either and imagined growing old with them with fewer shake problems.
I really think the manufactures created a self fulfilling prophecy by limiting 7x42 availability. Fewer in production means fewer reviews and continued decrease in interest. If more people could test 7x42's prior to purchasing a set of glass, I think they would see the value in them.
Still, power does rightfully matter to many others. I can't disagree. It just depends on what type of view that you appreciate.
I really think the manufactures created a self fulfilling prophecy by limiting 7x42 availability. Fewer in production means fewer reviews and continued decrease in interest. If more people could test 7x42's prior to purchasing a set of glass, I think they would see the value in them.
Still, power does rightfully matter to many others. I can't disagree. It just depends on what type of view that you appreciate.
Reiner,
Not everyone likes 7x which I can understand. My preference, same as @recon493, I'd rather have a 7x42 than an 8x42. it's a combination of things for me. Greater DOF, steadier image, less focusing required and a cleaner more natural image all add up to a more enjoyable and relaxing viewing experience.
It did take me a while to fully appreciate the benefits of 7x but I'm a big fan now. Especially as you like 10 and 12x (me too) you might find the 7 a good complement.
Mike
Didn't you do a trial on 7x42 EDG and not like them? It sounds like your system works better with higher power. I gravitate toward 7x and move away from 10x
You never know till you try them.....I suspect that might have been me...but maybe not. For sure I found myself unable to bond with them, even though my 10x42 EDG are among my absolute favourite binoculars.
love 7x though. Most recent low power acquisition is a pair of 7x42 Dialyt T*P which are currently with Gary at ECBR for a clean and service.
