Zeiss Victory 10x32 T*FL (prompted by Arthur's thread) (1 Viewer)

[SeldomPerched]

Sorry to post again... inspired by last weekend's very restorative nature walk and birding and after finding how light and easy and very good the 8x32 FL was — I hardly noticed it was there while walking along, I'd like to find out a bit more about the 10x version, again FL (not SF).

Arthur Pinewood has given a good introduction to it in his 2019 thread that is still going strong. This is a new thread so as to ask some particular questions, mostly just about handling and a steady hold. I'm aware that generally 10x32 is not the most popular format, what with a relatively small exit pupil and also the fact that it is a 10x and possibly a less steady hold.

I'm not worried by the smaller exit pupil; this is for easy walking use and not what I'd choose for dusk or early night viewing. Generally it's the shake aspect I'd like some warning about. I can hold a 10x50 still enough to make out details well, but it's not steady enough that I am really happy with that or particularly enjoying the view. 10x42 is better; I have the smallish late model Swaro SLC and it is sturdy enough to give a well balanced, steady hold though it's still not in the league steadiness-wise of an 8x or even better a 7x for me. So my fear before I find a 10x32 FL to try is whether for someone with reasonably small hands (I don't find the 8x32 FL fiddly to hold and operate) the 10x32 FL will be too light — a bit skittish compared with the 8x42. Apart from that I know the dimensions work for me, and if it's true that in some ways this is even better than the 8x32 then any shake problems and the price are the only worries. I've wanted a nice small 10x for ages and this might be the one.

Please share any other experiences you have had with this glass too; I have really come to like this design, the polycarbonate body, and it sounds like the 10's performance wouldn't disappoint at all. How far do the extra ounces of weight make themselves felt when out for the day?

Thank you,

Tom

 

[Pinewood]

Hello Tom,

I have had three 10x glasses: 10x40 Dialyt, Leica 10x50 Bn and the Zeiss 10x32FL. I found the FL easiest to hold steady, although I acknowledge that this is a personal matter. It would seem that the smaller package worked well for me as the FL is the smallest of the three which I have tried. The smaller true field of view, the shorter depth of field, requiring more care in focussing all come with any 10x.
Fifteen years ago, I rejected the Leica 10x32 on the basis of eye relief, which is important for me.

You really have to try one to know if it works for you.

Stay safe,
Arthur

 

[mwhogue]

Tom,

Coincidentally I have been using the 10x32 FL quite a bit over the last 10 days, at dusk, dawn and mid-day in various lighting conditions and not inconsiderable rain. It's the lightest 10x32 of the FL, UVHD+, EDG II and SV FP. It doesn't seem heavy to me. I can hold it as steady as any of the other 10's. I have never handled an FL 8x32 so cannot comment on how much shakier you may find the view of the 10 as opposed to your 8.

I'm a fan of 10x32 generally and can hold them steadier than 10x50 for example. I do appreciate the steadier view of 7 and 8x but definitely find the view of any of my 10x32 steady enough.

Since you like the handling of the 8x32 FL, it's probably worth your while to track down a nice 10x32 FL to see whether it will work for you.

Mike

 

[SeldomPerched]

Tom,

Coincidentally I have been using the 10x32 FL quite a bit over the last 10 days, at dusk, dawn and mid-day in various lighting conditions and not inconsiderable rain. It's the lightest 10x32 of the FL, UVHD+, EDG II and SV FP. It doesn't seem heavy to me. I can hold it as steady as any of the other 10's. I have never handled an FL 8x32 so cannot comment on how much shakier you may find the view of the 10 as opposed to your 8.

I'm a fan of 10x32 generally and can hold them steadier than 10x50 for example. I do appreciate the steadier view of 7 and 8x but definitely find the view of any of my 10x32 steady enough.

Since you like the handling of the 8x32 FL, it's probably worth your while to track down a nice 10x32 FL to see whether it will work for you.

Mike

That's very encouraging, Mike. You must find it pretty steady or my guess is you would end up not using it so much recently! I may have sourced one and for the first time have decided to sell some other items along the way and got a buyer, so I'll let you know if it all works out.

Tom

Hello Tom,

I have had three 10x glasses: 10x40 Dialyt, Leica 10x50 Bn and the Zeiss 10x32FL. I found the FL easiest to hold steady, although I acknowledge that this is a personal matter. It would seem that the smaller package worked well for me as the FL is the smallest of the three which I have tried. The smaller true field of view, the shorter depth of field, requiring more care in focussing all come with any 10x.
Fifteen years ago, I rejected the Leica 10x32 on the basis of eye relief, which is important for me.

You really have to try one to know if it works for you.

Stay safe,
Arthur

Based on your and Mike's responses and the general good feedback on this 10x32 model I'm encouraged to find one, Arthur — I should know today if my lead works out. Thank you for replying so fast. It should be possible to go and try it out or otherwise send back if dissatisfied. Hoping to report back to you.

Tom

 

[HenRun]

Tom, I had the 10x32FL for many years and it is excellent in pretty much all aspects. Just make sure you get one with a proper feeling focus wheel. Most FL's I have come across have been very stiff. Mine was sent in for adjustment and came back, less stiff, but still stiff. Optically it is excellent and handling is great with glasses. I can sometimes feel it was a mistake to let it go.

 

[SeldomPerched]

HenRun, thank you for your input. The 10x32 should arrive within the next seven days and I'll post my findings. The seller has messaged me to say he used it on holiday recently and the collimation is 'spot on' and the focus smooth. I suppose it could still be stiff so we'll see. Hope it's good as I just sold my 10x50 EL SV - very great glass but I find myself reaching for something lighter and more portable.

Tom