Zeiss T*FL 10x42...how does it rate today (1 Viewer)

[AlphaFan]

The 56 binoculars are big and heavy, but I use them often (also Swarovski SLC 8/15x56) and can carry them over several kilometers without any problems.
Basically, I always carry binoculars over my shoulder on long journeys, I don't like it that much when something is dangling from my neck.

The outstanding optical quality of the 10x56 is the axis sharpness, I have compared it to many other binoculars and the FL is always at the top.
The next point is that it has practically no chromatic aberrations, which is what the FL series is also known for. The FL 10x56 shows itself to be extremely rich in contrast in the star sky, color differences that are hardly recognizable in other binoculars are clearly visible in the FL.
Another positive point is the very good stray light suppression, it is also at the top in this discipline.

The SLC 10x56 has slightly different advantages, it is a little better balanced in hand, the viewing behavior is more forgiving, the color balance is a little more neutral and the edge sharpness is better, with the other optical features I would give the FL a very slight preference.

Andreas

Thanks Andreas for the exceptionally informative and accurate description of the 56mm FL view and comparison to the SLC. I have both in 10x56 and you are spot on. Only thing I’ll add is - the FL is an absolute glare-crusher and is my go-to to view waders and waterfowl on sunny days; gray and gloomy days have me reaching for the SLC as in that kind of light I find its view a smidge more pleasing and colors more saturated.

My 8x32FL still brings a warm, contented smile - I use it a bit less now due to the superb handling of my SFL, but it is a timeless and incredibly useful design. In fact, just a few days ago I ran into an couple sporting 7x42 and 8x32FLs. They let me check our the 7x42FLs and I found it quite impressive - lovely image, especially considering the age of the design. This started a tickle in my mind about picking up a set.

 

[SeldomPerched]

... ... My 8x32FL still brings a warm, contented smile - I use it a bit less now due to the superb handling of my SFL, but it is a timeless and incredibly useful design. In fact, just a few days ago I ran into an couple sporting 7x42 and 8x32FLs. They let me check our the 7x42FLs and I found it quite impressive - lovely image, especially considering the age of the design. This started a tickle in my mind about picking up a set.

Another very contented FL 8x32 user here: I love the form and function and the absolute portability. The focuser and eyecups stand out for me as excellent on all the FLs I have tried, and for me a still impressive FOV despite wider being available now in Zeiss and Swaro. I use this bin more than anything else on my travels when compactness without sacrificing image quality is needed.

For reasons I can't really put into words I find the FL 7x42 even better image-wise but leaving aside their magnification difference, possibly the password to free up an explanation would be the words 'Abbe' and 'König' — a rare feature now on x42 binoculars, and a reason for occasionally wishing I'd held on to my HT 8x42 as well. (I parted with that one as the IMO sub-standard eyecups irritated me and I felt I was starting to dilute my viewing enjoyment the more bins I added, so to be honest a good decision on balance.)

 

[dan31]

The 56 mm FL are still the peak of viewing satisfaction for me. I have the 8x56 mm FL and on axis they are sharper than anything I have seen. I have a Swarovision 10x50 mm EL that is excellent, but the 8x56 mm FL are the single binocular I would choose as the best for me. Flat fields can be useful, but when I am intently viewing I look at the center and the FL is the best.

 

[Patudo]

... I find the FL 7x42 even better image-wise but leaving aside their magnification difference, possibly the password to free up an explanation would be the words 'Abbe' and 'König' ...

I wonder whether it's "7" and "42" as much as "Abbe" and "Koenig". It does seem most quality binoculars in that format are highly praised - the 7x42 Ultravid for instance, the old 7x42 SLC and Leica 7x42 Trinovid, all of which have S-P prisms. Likewise, even if A-K prisms were incorporated into an 8x32 design, it'd still have a smaller exit pupil and be more demanding in terms of eye placement, certainly more so than a 7x42.

I have on several occasions now gone back and forth between my 8x42 FL and my brother's 8.5x42 SV, really trying hard to look for differences between the two. If the A-K prisms of the FL made a difference it was too subtle to register to me, the biggest difference between the two, and one immediately apparent, being that the Swarovski had a significantly larger sweet spot due to the field flatteners, which make virtually the entire field of view the "sweet spot". The FL is very very good, don't get me wrong, but I cannot honestly say I think it's better.

 

[Thotmosis]

I wonder whether it's "7" and "42" as much as "Abbe" and "Koenig". It does seem most quality binoculars in that format are highly praised - the 7x42 Ultravid for instance, the old 7x42 SLC and Leica 7x42 Trinovid, all of which have S-P prisms. Likewise, even if A-K prisms were incorporated into an 8x32 design, it'd still have a smaller exit pupil and be more demanding in terms of eye placement, certainly more so than a 7x42.

I have on several occasions now gone back and forth between my 8x42 FL and my brother's 8.5x42 SV, really trying hard to look for differences between the two. If the A-K prisms of the FL made a difference it was too subtle to register to me, the biggest difference between the two, and one immediately apparent, being that the Swarovski had a significantly larger sweet spot due to the field flatteners, which make virtually the entire field of view the "sweet spot". The FL is very very good, don't get me wrong, but I cannot honestly say I think it's better.

Interesting observation Patudo. I’ve got a FL 7x42 on the way, now at customs for clearance 😅 . I’m very curious how it will compare to my Leica’s 7x42.

The FL 7x42 is smaller in size and lighter than the 8.5x42 SV i guess, so for me that would be an advantage.

 

[William Lewis]

Interesting observation Patudo. I’ve got a FL 7x42 on the way, now at customs for clearance 😅 . I’m very curious how it will compare to my Leica’s 7x42.

The FL 7x42 is smaller in size and lighter than the 8.5x42 SV i guess, so for me that would be an advantage.

Snap, I'm picking up an FL 10x42 this week as well, quite a late model with the rounded eye cups and lotutec.

I keep persevering with trying to find a 10x that I like and the FL is an itch I've wanted to have a go with for a while.

Will

 

[Thotmosis]

Snap, I'm picking up an FL 10x42 this week as well, quite a late model with the rounded eye cups and lotutec.

I keep persevering with trying to find a 10x that I like and the FL is an itch I've wanted to have a go with for a while.

Will

Congrats William! Searced for a Zeiss with AK prisms for a long time and I couldn’t resist this FL 7x42 (2007).
Didn’t thought i had to pay VAT and import duties on a used product though… let’s see what i have to pay

 

[William Lewis]

When my Eii cleared customers in the UK from Japan it came to £43 thereabouts not sure how it goes with the eu duties though.

Not the easiest things to find for sale the 10x - the 8x32 which was in production a bit longer isn't too hard to find, the 7's seem available the 10's less so. All the 10's on the bay seem to be from Japan for around £1200+ import!

Not sure if it's collectors are hanging onto them or owners just don't want to part with them. Either way it should be interesting.

 

[Thotmosis]

When my Eii cleared customers in the UK from Japan it came to £43 thereabouts not sure how it goes with the eu duties though.

They are very good in finding reasons to tax a man over here in The Netherlands….depends the value also. As you pay a percentage of the value.

Not the easiest things to find for sale the 10x - the 8x32 which was in production a bit longer isn't too hard to find, the 7's seem available the 10's less so. All the 10's on the bay seem to be from Japan for around £1200+ import!

Yes, this are “normal” prices at the moment.

Not sure if it's collectors are hanging onto them or owners just don't want to part with them. Either way it should be interesting.

If somebody is happy with his FL he will not sell. I am lucky to have a Zeiss 15x60 B GA T* made in Germany and it’s very seldom i see one for sale. And if you find one for ridiculous prices.

At the moment there is a FL 8x56 for sale here in The Netherlands for 1399,- euro.

 

[SeldomPerched]

I wonder whether it's "7" and "42" as much as "Abbe" and "Koenig". It does seem most quality binoculars in that format are highly praised - the 7x42 Ultravid for instance, the old 7x42 SLC and Leica 7x42 Trinovid, all of which have S-P prisms. Likewise, even if A-K prisms were incorporated into an 8x32 design, it'd still have a smaller exit pupil and be more demanding in terms of eye placement, certainly more so than a 7x42.

I have on several occasions now gone back and forth between my 8x42 FL and my brother's 8.5x42 SV, really trying hard to look for differences between the two. If the A-K prisms of the FL made a difference it was too subtle to register to me, the biggest difference between the two, and one immediately apparent, being that the Swarovski had a significantly larger sweet spot due to the field flatteners, which make virtually the entire field of view the "sweet spot". The FL is very very good, don't get me wrong, but I cannot honestly say I think it's better.

I have only just seen your post, Patudo, as I don't look in here so often at the moment. Yesterday I gave all my small(ish) collection a quick whirl, not having done much observation just recently. The first bin I looked through was the 8.5x42 SV, Field Pro version. I'm inclined to agree with everything you say. It is a fantastic glass. A year ago i twice tried out the NL 8x42 'replacement' at various distances and was wow'ed by it. I asked the assistant if I could then look through their secondhand example of the 8.5 SV as I didn't have my own with me for comparison. The views were so good I couldn't justify an NL purchase, leaving aside the slightly more comfortable handling of the NL.

Going back to the SV / FL comparison, you may be right about the 7x format being as much the reason as the AK feature. Luckily I find 7x and 8.5x both ideal and sufficiently different formats to keep as i often struggle to hold 10x still enough to enjoy without something to prop my arms or the binoculars against. One more thing: I found the 7x42 Swarovski disappointing compared both with the 7x Zeisses FL and BGAT*P* and 8.5 SV/FPro. But they were superbly constructed.

Tom

 

[William Lewis]

The 10X42 FL is an excellent glass even when compared to the best made today, with a high transmission and excellent on axis resolution. It could be one of the best FL models produced. It is also a fairly light glass and comfortable to use in cold temperatures. It is my choice in the winter months.

I've had a proper go with these now, not anything in depth like I'd do if I was properly assessing something, just a quick wander about with them in the field but I totally agree with you so far - very very good.

 

[Thotmosis]

I've had a proper go with these now, not anything in depth like I'd do if I was properly assessing something, just a quick wander about with them in the field but I totally agree with you so far - very very good.

Looking forward to (field use) review and pictures. Take care. T.

 

[William Lewis]

I won't be giving these a good going over, much as id like to, they were bought at a reasonable price to help finance another (much cheaper) bino I'd like to have a really good go with so it wouldn't sit well with me to get too involved with them or sing the models praises at length. Especially as they cost too much for me to afford to keep, with increasing volumes of use that does risk getting more tempting with this type of thing!