Zeiss Hensoldt binoculars (1 Viewer)

[james holdsworth]

I often see lots of these for sale on e-bay and elsewhere but have yet to try one out. Considering there are many models, seemingly in widespread circulation, it's amazing just how rarely any of these Hensoldts get discussed.

Anyone here with experience with the brand? What are they like? Most models seem to have the same prism housing shape as the Oberkochen's - how similar are they in terms of view?

Also, are any still in production or have the Hensoldt name and products been pretty much retired?

 

[Binastro]

.I don't know about the later models but an as new circa 1955 Hensoldt 16×56 roof prism binocular is really impressive.
Incredible resolution, lightweight, apparent field of view 69° in old measure.

It is possible the new 15 x 56 Swarovski might equal the resolution.
One would hope so after almost 60 years development but it wouldn't surprise me if the older binocular was better even though it has single coating and not modern super multi coating.

I have not been lucky enough to try other Hensoldt binoculars.

 

[Hermann]

James

Hensoldt is basically Zeiss (and has been for a good many years ever since Zeiss bought Hensoldt). Zeiss phased out the Hensoldt brand at some stage, only to use it again for their range of military binoculars. The "modern" Hensoldt porros on that auction site are all military binoculars, usually with reticle and laser filters. There are three: 8x30 (Fero-D16), 7x50 (Fero-D17) and 10x50 (Fero-D18). The optics are very good, especially without the laser filters. My 7x50 (*really* heavy, but built like a tank) had its laser filters removed in Wetzlar, I think it's a bit better than the Zeiss 7x50BGAT. Holger Merlitz has some reviews on the 8x30 on his website, although I believe they're a bit better than he makes them out to be. My 8x30 is my backup on long trips, that bin will work no matter what happens. It still has its laser filters, so it has got some slight greenish colour cast and somewhat lower transmission (the filters cost somewhat like 5-6% in transmission), but it's still pretty good. All the Hensoldts have virtually *no* problems against the light, it's quite amazing.

The older Hensoldt porros (also green armouring, but no sloping shoulders like the modern series) are quite a bit older and not quite so bright with much simpler coatings. They're often also in pretty awful shape.

If you search for Hensoldt and my user name here, you'll find some more stuff. I wrote a bit about the Hensoldt porros over the years.

Hermann

 

[james holdsworth]

James

Hensoldt is basically Zeiss (and has been for a good many years ever since Zeiss bought Hensoldt). Zeiss phased out the Hensoldt brand at some stage, only to use it again for their range of military binoculars. The "modern" Hensoldt porros on that auction site are all military binoculars, usually with reticle and laser filters. There are three: 8x30 (Fero-D16), 7x50 (Fero-D17) and 10x50 (Fero-D18). The optics are very good, especially without the laser filters. My 7x50 (*really* heavy, but built like a tank) had its laser filters removed in Wetzlar, I think it's a bit better than the Zeiss 7x50BGAT. Holger Merlitz has some reviews on the 8x30 on his website, although I believe they're a bit better than he makes them out to be. My 8x30 is my backup on long trips, that bin will work no matter what happens. It still has its laser filters, so it has got some slight greenish colour cast and somewhat lower transmission (the filters cost somewhat like 5-6% in transmission), but it's still pretty good. All the Hensoldts have virtually *no* problems against the light, it's quite amazing.

The older Hensoldt porros (also green armouring, but no sloping shoulders like the modern series) are quite a bit older and not quite so bright with much simpler coatings. They're often also in pretty awful shape.

If you search for Hensoldt and my user name here, you'll find some more stuff. I wrote a bit about the Hensoldt porros over the years.

Hermann

Hermann,

I did a search and found some of your very thorough posts on the subject - tells me just about all I needed to know. Thanks!