ZEISS 8x32 Victory SF or Swarovski 8x32 NL Pure (1 Viewer)

[mpopo123]

Hello Ladies & Gents,

I’m trying to decide on the 2 Binoculars, but are stumped. Stopped in local Cabelas to try first hand, plenty of Swaro’s but only one Zeiss(Conquest).

I’m just getting into birding and will mostly use for such and nature.

I like the Swarovski 8x32 NL Pure, as it felt really good in my hands and optics looked really crisp.

I picked up the Conquest and it was totally just the opposite. Adjustment was grainy an stiff, and optics to me looked just so-so.

I was looking to see if this is what to be expected of the SF line?

Thank You in advance as I would like to buy once, it’s a lifetime purchase.

 

[Maljunulo]

You really should try both, before spending your money.

Look with your own personal eyeballs, and your very own signal-processing brain.

See how they feel in your hands, and fit your face, because those things are also important.

Good luck.

Addendum: I have owned an 8X32 SF since December 2020, and I have never looked through an NL of any size.

 

[Ruff-Leg]

The Conquests and SFs are absolutely different beasts. The SFs focus is smooth and precise. You can't go wrong with either, but as Mal said, only you can decide.

I have had Zeiss products for 35 + years and never been disappointed, nor ever had to use their warranty service.

 

[mpopo123]

Thank You kindly,

Handled the Swaro today, loved everything about it. Will try to locate a local Zeiss dealer to look at the SF.

 

[mpopo123]

BTW Ruff-Legg, do you own the SF line of Zeiss? If so 8x32 or 10x32?

 

[Dennis Mau]

The best thing to do is try the binoculars you are interested in, be it the NL, SF or Conquest HD outside in different lighting especially against the sun, even if you have to order them online and return them. You really can't judge the optics of a binocular well inside the store because the LED lighting inside a store isn't a real world scenario. The Conquest HD has a stiffer, less smooth focuser than the NL or SF, both of which are smoother, but it handles glare better against the sun than either which I feel is more important, and it is much less expensive. Both the NL and SF are of course going to have a larger FOV and sharper edges than the Conquest HD, but it comes at the cost of more glare. The WA eyepieces that are used in the SF and NL are more prone to glare.

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[Isthatascratch?]

BTW Ruff-Legg, do you own the SF line of Zeiss? If so 8x32 or 10x32?

I had the Zeiss SF 8x32 and I enjoyed it but sold it as I sourced an NL 8x42 that is just that bit better. I haven’t tried the NL 8x32 but I feel the Pure’s are a bit more robust and have better ergonomics, however they are both excellent.

I don’t have glare issues and if you are happy with the NL after trying it outside then that is fine. Obviously, if you will always wonder then you may have to scratch that itch!

 

[mpopo123]

Yes, I was thinking the same if I could not find a SF locally to order one online. All of the bid dealers offer no hassle return policy’s.

Thank You again!

 

[Dennis Mau]

Take a look at the Zeiss SFL 8x40 and Nikon HG 8x42 also, unless you are FOV crazy. They are just as light as the SF 8x32 or NL 8x32 and pull in twice the light and have easier eye placement at a considerably lower costs. Here is a new Zeiss SFL 8x40 for $1094.36 on Greentoe and a new Nikon HG 8x42 on eBay for $769.62. A lot of times, just because a binocular like the Zeiss SF or Swarovski NL are more expensive doesn't mean they are going to work better for you than a less expensive binocular for your usages. The format can be more important because physics plays a bigger role than optics.

Also, always remember a bigger aperture like a 40mm or 42mm will always outperform a smaller aperture like a 32mm, even if the 32mm is a more expensive alpha binocular like the SF 8x32 or NL 8x32 because the 42mm will pull in twice the light and have easier eye placement making the binocular more comfortable and versatile to use. In low light or in a forest with canopy, a 8x42 or 8x40 will be much brighter than a 8x32. Say you are going birding to Costa Rica. A 8x42 works much better in the rain forest than a 8x32 and will be much brighter. A 8x32 is ok if you do all daylight birding in open areas.

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[Paultricounty]

You're looking at two of the best binoculars being made today. As you said, it's a once in a lifetime purchase. Don't consider any other binoculars. If you buy either one of these, you'll never look back and wonder if you should've bought a Monarch HG or Conquest. Don't listen to anybody about ergonomics or if the optics on one are better than the other. The best advice I could give you is to find a big box vendor and buy both of them. Use them both side-by-side for a week under all conditions. Keep the one you want and return the other. That way you'll know for sure. And depending on where you buy them both, you'll only pay for the shipping. I would recommend B&H photo or Adaroma in New York City to name a few. You could also buy one from each store and just return the one you don't want. But I do prefer to buy both from one dealer, so at least they get a sale.

 

[Ruff-Leg]

BTW Ruff-Legg, do you own the SF line of Zeiss? If so 8x32 or 10x32?

8x32 and 8x42.

 

[Bentley03]

You're looking at two of the best binoculars being made today. As you said, it's a once in a lifetime purchase. Don't consider any other binoculars. If you buy either one of these, you'll never look back and wonder if you should've bought a Monarch HG or Conquest. Don't listen to anybody about ergonomics or if the optics on one are better than the other. The best advice I could give you is to find a big box vendor and buy both of them. Use them both side-by-side for a week under all conditions. Keep the one you want and return the other. That way you'll know for sure. And depending on where you buy them both, you'll only pay for the shipping. I would recommend B&H photo or Adaroma in New York City to name a few. You could also buy one from each store and just return the one you don't want. But I do prefer to buy both from one dealer, so at least they get a sale.

This. 100% the very best possible advice anyone could possibly give to the OP.

Paul, that's a great post!

 

[mpopo123]

I apologize for the added inquiry. I can't find a local Zeiss dealer near me that has stock of the Zeiss SF 8x32 or 8x42. I was going to order online thru an authorized dealer.
Is there a big difference between the (2), 8x32/8x42?
Thank You

 

[Boogieshrew]

I made this decision in August last year. Ichose the Swaro NL 8x32 rather than the Zeiss SF 8x32 because I wear glasses and the Zeiss was just a bit too short on eye relief for me.

On the NL I have enough eye relief to wind out the eye cups a touch. About 1-2 mm, which doesn't sound much but makes a big difference.

With the SF I had to jam the eyecups hard against my glasses to just about see the full field of view. Uncomfortable and stressful for my glasses.

Also the extra eye relief on the NL gives me some wiggle room when I change my glasses. A new style might need that 1-2mm for the NL to still work for me.

But like others are saying, you need to try them yourself to find out how well they fit you.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Paultricounty]

I apologize for the added inquiry. I can't find a local Zeiss dealer near me that has stock of the Zeiss SF 8x32 or 8x42. I was going to order online thru an authorized dealer.
Is there a big difference between the (2), 8x32/8x42?
Thank You

No apologies necessary. That's why so many of us are here. We enjoy discussing these topics, sometimes ad nauseam 😉. I can't emphasize enough that you cannot appreciate or learn which binoculars are best for you when trying them out in a store. That being said onto your question, the answer would be yes, no and maybe😜. Especially when speaking about the 8x32/42, the amount of difference depends on multiple factors, some personal and some where weather conditions where you'll use them the most can be a factor.

This topic could go on for months and if you get a few people started it certainly will. IMHO, the 42 are the best all-around binoculars for most observing. That being said, when it comes to these high-quality options in 32, they can do everything the 42 can do 90% of the time (I hate using percentages), but you get my drift. The only time you can really tell the difference is under very low light conditions. Other than those times they’re just about the same.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I apologize for the added inquiry. I can't find a local Zeiss dealer near me that has stock of the Zeiss SF 8x32 or 8x42. I was going to order online thru an authorized dealer.
Is there a big difference between the (2), 8x32/8x42?
Thank You

Yes, without a doubt. An SF 8x42 takes in almost twice the light of the SF 8x32 and has much easier eye placement. I find even in the daytime a 8x42 is brighter than a 8x32, though according to theory it shouldn't be. A 8x42 will also give you an easier, more luxurious view than a 8x32. You can move your eyes around more with a 8x42 because of the bigger EP. Many birders think a 8x42 has better contrast than a 8x32, especially in low light, and I agree. If you do any low light birding at all or bird in heavily wooded areas like in a rain forest with a canopy, get the 8x42.

If you bird all the time in the daylight, and you like a big FOV, and you hike a lot, the 8x32 SF or NL 8x32 can be a good choice, but even then a Zeiss SFL 8x40 or Nikon HG 8x42 might be preferred because they are as light as most alpha 32mm, and you still have the advantage of the bigger aperture. That is why Zeiss made the SFL 8x40. If I could get an $1800 SFL 8x40 for less than $1100 I would definitely buy it over an SF 8x32 for $1800. Outside of FOV the SFL 8x40 will outperform the SF 8x32 and be more comfortable and less finicky to use.

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[Paultricounty]

Yes, without a doubt. An SF 8x42 takes in almost twice the light of the SF 8x32 and has much easier eye placement. I find even in the daytime a 8x42 is brighter than a 8x32, though according to theory it shouldn't be. A 8x42 will also give you an easier, more luxurious view than a 8x32. Many birders think a 8x42 has better contrast than a 8x32, especially in low light. If you do any low light birding at all or bird in heavily wooded areas like in a rain forest with a canopy, get the 8x42.

More misleading information and added without even considering individual physiological differences. Eye placement on any of these high-end 8x32’s (we are discussing 8 x 32) is almost distinguishable from the 42 in most lighting conditions considering the exit pupil. If eye placement is better for someone with the 42, it would have more to do with the wide FOV and the 42 being more accommodating with that specific design in the lineup, not because it’s a 42. Luxurious is a subjective statement, and might be for you, nothing to do with 32 and 42. More blsht with the contrast statement under most observing conditions.

If the majority of the observing is not in the rainforest or in a dark cave, then save the weight for 99% of the rest of the time you're carrying the binos. Isn't weight one of your main concerns most of the time, when you're not selling a heavier bino?

 

[Dennis Mau]

More misleading information and added without even considering individual physiological differences. Eye placement on any of these high-end 8x32’s (we are discussing 8 x 32) is almost distinguishable from the 42 in most lighting conditions considering the exit pupil. If eye placement is better for someone with the 42, it would have more to do with the wide FOV and the 42 being more accommodating with that specific design in the lineup, not because it’s a 42. Luxurious is a subjective statement, and might be for you, nothing to do with 32 and 42. More blsht with the contrast statement under most observing conditions.

If the majority of the observing is not in the rainforest or in a dark cave, then save the weight for 99% of the rest of the time you're carrying the binos. Isn't weight one of your main concerns most of the time, when you're not selling a heavier bino?

A 8x42 or 8x40 will almost always be more comfortable for eye placement and brighter in most situations than a 8x32, and it doesn't matter if it is an alpha or not. A 1% increase in transmission with the alpha 8x32 will never make up for the advantages of the bigger aperture 8x40. There is hardly any weight advantage with a NL 8x32 or SF 8x32 over a Nikon HG 8x42 or Zeiss SFL 8x40. When I compared my NL 8x32 to my Nikon HG 8x42, even in daylight, I was shocked how much brighter the Nikon was. Compare them yourself if you doubt it. Normally your eyes will only dilate to 4mm in BRIGHT sunlight but if it is cloudy, or you are looking into shadows your eye dilate to 5mm or more and the bigger EP of the 8x42 versus the 8x32 will be brighter.

 

[Paultricounty]

A 8x42 or 8x40 will almost always be more comfortable for eye placement and brighter in most situations than a 8x32, and it doesn't matter if it is an alpha or not. A 1% increase in transmission with the alpha 8x32 will never make up for the advantages of the bigger aperture 8x40. There is hardly any weight advantage with a NL 8x32 or SF 8x32 over a Nikon HG 8x42 or Zeiss SFL 8x40. When I compared my NL 8x32 to my Nikon HG 8x42, even in daylight, I was shocked how much brighter the Nikon was. Try them yourself if you doubt it.

You're not even referring to most of my statements in my post. You misunderstand what I said about weight. Nothing was said about light transmission. You don't seem to understand exit pupal and if you see a difference in brightness on a bright sunny day between equal quality 32 and 42, you need to have your eyes examined. Also, you might not be taking into account color hue and misunderstanding it for brightness or lack thereof. All my opinions are based on side-by-side comparisons under all conditions with new or like new bins that I own now or have owned for months and years, unlike you who go by biased memory of bins you bought and sold over time. Useless even in a subjective manner.

 

[mpopo123]

Swarovski 12x42 NL PURE BINOCULARS/GREEN

Would I have a hard time handling/holding steady a Binocular with this optic size?

Sorry to be all over the place with this thread but I don't or want to purchase several pairs of Bino's.