Why would you buy a Zeiss HT over an SF? (1 Viewer)

[[email protected]]

You are a lucky lad Dennis, NZ sounds terrific. We have friends there who send pics occasionally and it looks fantastic.

All this talk of sheep do-do could get technical of course. Which breed has poo with the greatest 3D effect, which breed has the Highest (poo) Transmission and do the sharpest sheep come from flat fields etc etc.

Lee

I don't think I want to get that deep in the "Poo". New Zealand is very nice and amazingly clean and unpolluted. The rivers on the South Island are just pristine and have excellent fishing. Lake Taupo on the North Island is great fishing especially by the inlets. Many New Zealander's "Take a Dip" in those places and I caught some HUGE trout there. The New Zealander's don't think anything of it to catch a 5# Rainbow Trout on a fly rod. A LOT of different birds also. I really liked the thermal activity around Rotorua. Not quite as many geysers as we have at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming but none the less very interesting. I had my birding binoculars at Milford Sound on the South Island and it is probably the most remote place in the world I have ever been and at night it was PITCH BLACK and the Southern constellations especially the two Magellanic Clouds were just amazing. I would imagine the Scottish Highlands where you bird is just as nice and clean.

 

[NDhunter]

I didn't say the SF or HT was sharper. I just think for birding the SF is a better choice because it's design is more targeted for birder's. The bigger FOV, sharper edges, better ergonomics, faster focus which is better positioned under your finger, lighter weight and closer focus all benefit the birder. I can't see why a birder would buy the HT unless to save money but if you are spending $2000 plus what is another $500?

Dennis:

I will respond to your post, what Swarovski are you going to replace with
a new Zeiss SF ?

Jerry

 

[[email protected]]

Dennis:

I will respond to your post, what Swarovski are you going to replace with
a new Zeiss SF ?

Jerry

If I did replace one of my Swaro's it would probably be the 8x32 SV. The 10x50 SV was a little more comfortable to use than the 10x42 SF although the 10x42 SF had a noticeably bigger FOV. The bigger exit pupil on the big SV helps on a 10x. I think the Zeiss 8x42 SF would give you a bigger FOV than the little SV, better glare control, a little better CA control, easier eye placement with the bigger exit pupil and a little smoother, faster focus. The little SV would be more compact but the Zeiss's forward weight distribution makes up for some of that weight advantage of the smaller SV. I really think the 10x50 SV is the star of the SV line. It would be hard to get rid of it. Lately I am really appreciating a 5mm exit pupil.

 

[sako]

Talking about sheep in NZ - I asked a local sheep farmer last spring whether he likes the cute little lambs that were everywhere at the time. "No, I hate the little barstools just as much as I hate their parents" he replied. I suppose like most jobs, sheep farming is just plain hard work.

........Lake Taupo on the North Island is great fishing especially by the inlets. Many New Zealander's "Take a Dip" in those places and I caught some HUGE trout there. The New Zealander's don't think anything of it to catch a 5# Rainbow Trout on a fly rod....

Lake Taupo is only forty minutes drive from me. The river mouth fly fishing this past couple of weeks has been the best I've seen for years. Landed twelve good rainbows, the best being 6.5lbs and two brown trout of 8lb the other evening at one of the stream mouths in the Western Bay. Kept two for smoking and released the rest.

 

[mfunnell]

Lake Taupo is only forty minutes drive from me. The river mouth fly fishing this past couple of weeks has been the best I've seen for years. Landed twelve good rainbows, the best being 6.5lbs and two brown trout of 8lb the other evening at one of the stream mouths in the Western Bay. Kept two for smoking and released the rest.

You have no idea how jealous I am. Many years (decades) ago I really enjoyed fly-fishing around Taupo and promised myself I'd go back. I haven't kept my promise. But I will...

...Mike

 

[[email protected]]

Talking about sheep in NZ - I asked a local sheep farmer last spring whether he likes the cute little lambs that were everywhere at the time. "No, I hate the little barstools just as much as I hate their parents" he replied. I suppose like most jobs, sheep farming is just plain hard work.



Lake Taupo is only forty minutes drive from me. The river mouth fly fishing this past couple of weeks has been the best I've seen for years. Landed twelve good rainbows, the best being 6.5lbs and two brown trout of 8lb the other evening at one of the stream mouths in the Western Bay. Kept two for smoking and released the rest.

I caught a 6# Rainbow when I was there at Lake Taupo. But what I thought was humorous was how the New Zealanders reacted to pulling in an 8# Brown Trout in like it was nothing. Just an everyday thing for them. It is so easy to fish at Taupo too. Just put your waders on and wade out a ways and start fllipping a fly. Auckland is one difficult city to navigate in with all the coves and winding streets. I got lost there but finally found my way. Great prices on Sheepskin seat covers though. Has anybody seen any really good prices on the Zeiss 8x42 SF?

 

[Vespobuteo]

Has anybody seen any really good prices on the Zeiss 8x42 SF?

yep, in Germany,
20% lower than rec. price

 

[[email protected]]

yep, in Germany,
20% lower than rec. price

I have noticed quite a few binoculars are less expensive from Germany. You can get new in the box Swarovski Habicht 8x30's for $750.00 with free expedited shipping from Germany on Ebay. Proud Papa want's $1100.00!:C That is a $350.00 dollar savings and Swarovski honors the warranty just the same and they even smell more German.

 

[[email protected]]

You have no idea how jealous I am. Many years (decades) ago I really enjoyed fly-fishing around Taupo and promised myself I'd go back. I haven't kept my promise. But I will...

...Mike

Just a short flight across the Tasman Sea. About 1300 miles or less than 3 hours and you would be fishing. Airfare is probably only $200 or so.

 

[NDhunter]

If I did replace one of my Swaro's it would probably be the 8x32 SV. The 10x50 SV was a little more comfortable to use than the 10x42 SF although the 10x42 SF had a noticeably bigger FOV. The bigger exit pupil on the big SV helps on a 10x. I think the Zeiss 8x42 SF would give you a bigger FOV than the little SV, better glare control, a little better CA control, easier eye placement with the bigger exit pupil and a little smoother, faster focus. The little SV would be more compact but the Zeiss's forward weight distribution makes up for some of that weight advantage of the smaller SV. I really think the 10x50 SV is the star of the SV line. It would be hard to get rid of it. Lately I am really appreciating a 5mm exit pupil.

Those are all very nice optics, but for easier, lighter handling a nice
combo is the Zeiss 10x42 SF, and the Swaro. SV. 8x32.

I have put a weight limit on my main use binoculars, and that is 30 oz.
You will not give up anything much with a quality 42 or smaller.

Jerry

 

[[email protected]]

Those are all very nice optics, but for easier, lighter handling a nice
combo is the Zeiss 10x42 SF, and the Swaro. SV. 8x32.

I have put a weight limit on my main use binoculars, and that is 30 oz.
You will not give up anything much with a quality 42 or smaller.

Jerry

The Zeiss 10x42 SF and the Swaro SV 8x32 would be a good combo. I agree. Have you tried the 10x50 SV though. Even though it is pretty heavy it handles really well and I am not sure exactly why but it has an easy, comfortable view that I have not seen on any other binoculars. It is hard to part with. It is better at glare control than the 8x32 SV also. The 10x42 Zeiss SF is superb though and I think it would be a good alternative to the 10x50 SV. The advantages of the SF would be a smoother focus, bigger FOV, little better at CA control and better glare control and of course it would be lighter. The SV with it's bigger exit pupil will have easier eye placement.

 

[Troubador]

Have you tried the 10x50 SV though. Even though it is pretty heavy it handles really well and I am not sure exactly why but it has an easy, comfortable view that I have not seen on any other binoculars. It is hard to part with.

Dennis
Don't part with it.
Just get an SF as well, then you have a choice of 32, 42 and 50 depending on the day and how you feel.

Lee

 

[Hermann]

The Zeiss 10x42 SF and the Swaro SV 8x32 would be a good combo. I agree.

The Zeiss 10x42 HT and the Leica 8x32 HD Plus would also be a nice combo.

Hermann

 

[Troubador]

The Zeiss 10x42 HT and the Leica 8x32 HD Plus would also be a nice combo.

Hermann

Yes it would indeed.

Lee

 

[[email protected]]

The Zeiss 10x42 HT and the Leica 8x32 HD Plus would also be a nice combo.

Hermann

I haven't had a chance to try the Leica 8x32 Ultravid Plus. I wonder where I could try one around here? I always liked the older Trinovid 8x32 BA but it wasn't as bright as my SV but I bet the new Ultravid would give the SV a run for it's money.

 

[[email protected]]

Dennis
Don't part with it.
Just get an SF as well, then you have a choice of 32, 42 and 50 depending on the day and how you feel.

Lee

I don't know if the jump from a 32mm to a 42mm would be worth it like the jump from a 32mm to a 50mm. I don't know if I would need that in between 42mm.

 

[Troubador]

I don't know if the jump from a 32mm to a 42mm would be worth it like the jump from a 32mm to a 50mm. I don't know if I would need that in between 42mm.

When did 'need' come into it?
And its not about the jump from 32 to 42 its about the little EL and the SF and big EL all bringing different packages of characteristics and qualities to the table every day.
Whats not to like?

Lee

 

[[email protected]]

When did 'need' come into it?
And its not about the jump from 32 to 42 its about the little EL and the SF and big EL all bringing different packages of characteristics and qualities to the table every day.
Whats not to like?

Lee

Your right nobody NEEDS an alpha level binocular but that doesn't make you not WANT one. I haven't tried the Zeiss 8x42 SF only the 10x42 SF but I think I would really like the 8x42 SF because of it's huge FOV. I am sucker for big FOV's.

 

[sako]

Your right nobody NEEDS an alpha level binocular.........

I need one. How else am I to spot those fat spring and summer deer coming out to feed in the twilight? I might otherwise be unsuccessful in my endeavours and forced to buy processed meat from a butcher - yuk! Or how am I to spot the beautiful native birds like the rapier like bush falcon when the background is so busy with different colours, shadows, textures and shapes?

 

[[email protected]]

I need one. How else am I to spot those fat spring and summer deer coming out to feed in the twilight? I might otherwise be unsuccessful in my endeavours and forced to buy processed meat from a butcher - yuk! Or how am I to spot the beautiful native birds like the rapier like bush falcon when the background is so busy with different colours, shadows, textures and shapes?

That IS one way of looking at it! I don't begrudge anybody buying an alpha level bin when they are not a huge investment.