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ZEISS 7X42 FL (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter z-ben
- Start date
Pending more expert input, the green model will likely be more valuable assuming equal condition overall than black especially if the OEM accessories are in good condition and green in color. If the bag is leather and in good condition that usually adds @ $50 to the price.
Some experienced members report a preference for the older pre LOTUTEC coated models, and IIRC you can search the forum for info on when those coatings were added by serial numbers for given models.
Mike
What made them “much better”?
Conndomat
United States of Europe
The "green" thing is a tricky one!
The FL models tend to show handling marks, which is of course not a defect but can look unsightly over time.
Two people I know who had green models had Zeiss convert them to black.
Here in Germany you can get a good used 7x42 for around 1100-1300 euros, although the green models are not more expensive or sought after, at best among collectors, but they really have to be flawless.
And again, the color change on the green armour is NOT a defect, it just doesn't look as nice over time!
I wouldn't go by the year of the binocular, if you get a good model that's more important!
Andreas
In 2022, I bought a very nice pair of FL 7s for $1,300 US.
Mine are black. They really are in excellent condition. No scratches on the lenses, everything functions smoothly, the armor is secured well and is blemish free.
A Zeiss fan will have to help me out with the details, but during the time that the FLs were being manufactured they changed the coatings on the lenses, so the earlier models have a different lens coating than the later models. Zeiss calls the later model lens coating Lotutec. I am not sure if the Lotutec coatings resulted in a marked improvement or not. My pair of FLs were manufactured in 2008, which is during the Lotutec years. There is a little arch deal printed on the decal on the underside of the hinge that allows you to quickly identify if the model you are looking at is Lotutec or not.
So, there is definitely different years. Someone with more experience will have to share with us if one is preferable over the other.
Apologies if this is a little rambley and uncertain. It's been a while since I was asking these same kind of questions about the FLs.
Mine are black. They really are in excellent condition. No scratches on the lenses, everything functions smoothly, the armor is secured well and is blemish free.
A Zeiss fan will have to help me out with the details, but during the time that the FLs were being manufactured they changed the coatings on the lenses, so the earlier models have a different lens coating than the later models. Zeiss calls the later model lens coating Lotutec. I am not sure if the Lotutec coatings resulted in a marked improvement or not. My pair of FLs were manufactured in 2008, which is during the Lotutec years. There is a little arch deal printed on the decal on the underside of the hinge that allows you to quickly identify if the model you are looking at is Lotutec or not.
So, there is definitely different years. Someone with more experience will have to share with us if one is preferable over the other.
Apologies if this is a little rambley and uncertain. It's been a while since I was asking these same kind of questions about the FLs.
Conndomat
United States of Europe
"I consider the difference between early and post Lotutec FLs to be a mixed bag. I like the easy cleaning that came with Lotutec, but all the pre-Lotutec examples I've seen (including a very early 8x42 I still own) have more neutral color transmission than any post-Lotutec example I've seen. After Lotutec FLs reflected more red from the exterior surfaces while early examples reflected more blue. FL color transmission developed a green bias at about the same time Lotutec was introduced. Whether this was directly related to the introduction of Lotutec or was due to another coating change made at about the same time I can't say for sure.
If I were searching for a 7x42 FL I think I would find both pre and post Lututec examples acceptable, but I might actually prefer the early ones." @henry link
Andreas
That's right. Thanks so much for refreshing my memory. I could recall that the introduction of Lotutec was not without compromise, but was having a hard time remembering why.
garymh
Binocular Engineer
Zeiss never supplied the green FL with green OEM accessories.
The green FL was supplied with black rainguard and objective caps.
Thanks. I did not know that and wasn't sure based on the OP whether the accessories were also green. I have a green Zeiss design series 8x56 Night Owl with a green rainguard and green leather case.
Mike
Thanks for the info! That confirms what the person who sold me his green 8x32 told me.
What I wonder though, is if one can still find a new/NOS original Zeiss bag for them (the correct type ànd size). The bag of my 7x42 has some seams that appear worn out. Not putting the binoculars at risk yet, but I'm not sure how long they will last anymore. Some seams of the bag of my 8x32 are in better state,though a bit worn/used too and I use them more often,thus they might 'catch up'. (As opposed to the bags, the binoculars are in perfect state. There is only the focuser of my 8x32 that would need some love of a professional to make it smooth again.)
It doesn't happen often, but I do like the original bags of the FL's!
Thank you very much!
That is great info!
I read once that the 8x42 and 10x42 were a bit taller than the 7x42 and thus wasn’t even sure if those all had the same case.
birdnocular
Member
It looks like, after Lotutec was introduced, FLs with the old coatings, with apparently more neutral color transmission, were still produced for some time, before definitely changing for the new reddish coatings.
I've got one of those Lotutec FL with the early coatings, which, based on some other user's opinions, seems to be the best option.
I can't assure that the early coatings are better than the newer reddish ones, though, because I have not compared nor even tried any FL with the newer coatings.
Saxatilis
Well-known member
I had two Dialyts 7x42 BGAT* (the first one still made in West Germany, the second was the last ClassiC series in 2004). Both were excellent binos to me (for raptor migration counts), used with great satisfaction and in 2009 I turned to the Victory 7x42 T*FL LotuTech green model. Although a just bit tight in eyerelief for me as spectacle wearer, I continuously use this since 2009 almost exclusively for raptor migration monitoring in my region. It has retained the wide 150m/1000m FOV that interested most me and it continues to be a very relaxing piece of optic to view through like its predecessors, turning out to be always a very reliable bino. The appearance of the external plastic surfaces has become a bit glossy after years of use
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Harry Stottle
Unknown-Known
@Saxatilis I have two Zeiss 7x42 as well - 7x42 Dialyt BGA T*P* and FL T*FL (non Lotutec) green model. Both are very relaxing to view through - more than any other binocular I have used. I also value their wide FoV, great depth of field and durability.
@Thotmosis Unfortunately, I do not own a pair of Z 15x60 - I foolishly passed on an opportunity to buy a new pair at a very good price. They make an excellent pair in all respects.
@Thotmosis Unfortunately, I do not own a pair of Z 15x60 - I foolishly passed on an opportunity to buy a new pair at a very good price. They make an excellent pair in all respects.
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Thotmosis
Well-known member
I would love to have a 7x42 Dialyt BGA T*P*, i read only good things about them and i think they are a true classic that is still very usable.
Harry Stottle
Unknown-Known
Although they are not quite as good optically as the FL, they are (I find) a little more relaxing to view through. I also find them very good ergonomically and yes, still very much a useable birding bino.
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Thotmosis
Well-known member
I have the same with my Leica’s UVHD an Trinovid BN. The Ultravid is maybe a tad brighter and lighter but the BN feels (for me) ergonomically better, especially the eyecups. And also for some reason they are more relaxing to view through. I had also the same experience when comparing my old Zeiss 15x60 with a brand new NL Pure 14x52, although the Swarovski is a beautifull instrument that is extremely light, bright and sharp, the Zeiss won for me.
